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ThesisItem Open Access STABILITY ANALYSIS OF RICE GENOTYPES UNDER BORO CONDITION(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) CHHAYA, RUCHIKA; NILANJAYAThe present experiment was carried out at Pusa Rice farm of Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar during Boro season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 using 30 rice genotypes in Randomized Block Design with two replications and two dates of sowing under four environments. E1 (10th Dec 2021 sowing and transplanting on 05th Feb 2022), E2 (25th Dec 2021 sowing and transplanting on 20th Feb 2022), E3 (10th Dec 2022 sowing and transplanting on 05th Feb 2023) and E4 (25th Dec 2023 sowing and transplanting on 20th Feb 2023) were the combinations of environments. In ANOVA for all the traits, highly significant variation was obtained due to genotypes sources of variation across four environments. The pooled analysis of variance was also observed to be highly significant for all sources of variation for all the traits. By going through mean performance results we could summarize that E3 and E4 environments were found as better for majority of traits studied compared to other environments. G7, G15, G12 and G22 were good performer for almost all the traits in more than one environment (E1, E3 and E4). It became evident by analysis of sixteen traits across four environments that genotypes which performed better as compared to Gautam € were supposed to be promising one for cold tolerance. These are as follows: G21 was found superior for Length of root at seedling stage, Sterility percentage, Test weight, SPAD value, Proline content and Grain yield (g/plant) whereas G27 and G6 were stable genotypes for Length of shoot at seedling stage, Shoot/root ratio, Filled grains, Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Spikelets per panicle and Relative water content. The ANOVA for stability analysis was highly significant for genotypes (G) for all the traits. Environments €, [E+ (GxE)] and non- linear components were highly significant for majority of traits. On consideration of different stability parameters G27, G21 and G14 seemed to record predictable performance with non-significant S2 di and greater (bi>1) value for majority of traits i.e genotypes were responsive and could be recommended for specific or favourable environments whereas G16, G25 and G7 showed predictable performance with non- significant S2 di and less (bi<1) value for most of the traits i.e it can be suitable for poor or unfavourable environmental conditions. GGE biplot graphical representation inferred that single mega environment existed for Sterility percentage, Filled grains, Plant height (cm), Length of root at seedling stage and Grain yield whereas two mega environments present in case of Length of shoot at seedling stage, Shoot/root ratio, Germination percentage, Sterility percentage, Test weight, Proline content, and Relative water content. However, three mega environments were seen in case of Unfilled grains and SPAD Value. From GGE biplot G and E view suggested that G12, G27 and G22 were ideal genotypes. E1, E2 and E3 environments were most discriminating for selecting rice genotype adapted for the region. These stable genotypes could be utilised in future as parents for crop improvement program for developing cold tolerant rice genotypes at seedling stage and heat tolerant at flowering stageThesisItem Open Access Studies on Impact of Bee Pollination on Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.)(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) BISWAS, DEBANAND; KUMAR, NEERAJThe current investigation titled “Studies on Impact of Bee Pollination on Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L).” was executed at the experimental farm of TCA, Dholi (Muzaffarpur), RPCAU, Pusa during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 with Rajendra Mishrikand -1 variety of Yam bean. Findings related to bees and important insect visitors, their relative abundance and foraging behavior and impact of bee pollination on Yam bean seed yield and the results have been outlined below: A total of 6 important insect species visiting Yam bean flowers were recorded during the year 2020-21 and 2021-22 from Yam bean flowers. Collected insect species were killed and dried preserved properly labelled. Based on the number of insect visitors recorded, the most frequent and important insect visitors were in hymenoptera order and hence were counted for observations viz. Giant Honeybee (Apis dorsata Fabricius 1793), Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana Fabricius 1798), Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea Fabricius 1787), European honeybee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758), Megachile sp. Fabricius 1781 and Carpenter bee (Xylocopa fenestrata Linnaeus 1758). Pooled mean population of Giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) was highest on 43rd SMW (15.50 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (17.27 insects/m2/10min) of the day having Pooled mean population of 12.47 insects/m2/10min. Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana) population also attains peak on 43rd SMW (12.92 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (13.94 insects/m2/10min) of the day with Pooled mean population of 10.79 insects/m2/10min. Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea) population attained peak on 44th SMW (10.52 insects/m2/10min) and at 13:00hrs (12.17 insects/m2/10min) of the day with mean population of 8.57 insects/m2/10min. European Honeybee (Apis mellifera) reaches peak on 43rd SMW (13.50 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (14.30 insects/m2/10min) of the day and mean population of 11.31 insects/m2/10min. Population of Megachile sp. observed highest on 43rd SMW with mean population of 11.77 insects/m2/10min during 13:00hrs (12.67 insects/m2/10min) of the day with Pooled mean population of 9.28 insects/m2/10min. Carpenter bee (Xylocopa fenestrata) population was highest on 43rd SMW with mean population of 13.73 insects/m2/10min and during 13:00hrs (15.18 insects/m2/10min) of the with Pooled mean population 10.87 insects/m2/10min. Correlation and Regression studies of the Pooled data for all the observed bees and important insect visitors showed positive relation with average temperature and negatively related with average relative humidity. Apis dorsata showed positive and significantly correlation with average temperature and negatively non-significant with relative humidity in Pooled data (0.816* and -0.495), Apis cerana (0.894** and -0.608), Apis florea (0.817* and -0.367), Apis mellifera (0.792* and -0.434), Megachile sp. (0.837* and -0.483) and Xylocopa fenestrata (0.803* and -0.523) respectively. Regression coefficient (R2) recorded for Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, Apis mellifera, Megachile sp. and Xylocopa fenestrata for Pooled data (0.855, 0.918, 0.849, 0.895, 0.949, 0.772), respectively. Initiation time and Cessation time (Pooled mean) of Apis dorsata for both the season was 07:49hrs and 17:01hrs, respectively with duration of foraging (09:11hrs). Apis cerana (07:55hrs and 16:49hrs) with foraging duration (08:54hrs), Apis florea (07:58hrs and 16:45hrs) with duration of foraging (08:46hrs), Apis mellifera (07:51hrs and 16:49hrs), with duration of foraging (08:58hrs), Megachile sp. (08:06hrs and 16:33hrs), with foraging duration (08:26hrs). Xylocopa fenestrata (08:14hrs and 16:58hrs), with foraging duration (08:44hrs). The pollen load carried out by Apis mellifera (Pooled) was heaviest (11.68mg) at 07:00hrs and lightest (6.28mg) at 13:00hrs of the day. Also the mean pollen load by Apis mellifera during both the season was 9.20mg. Data on foraging rate (Pooled mean) reveals Apis dorsata on different dates was highest of 12.86 flowers/min with maximum during 11:00hrs (13.57flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (10.37flowers/min). Apis cerana attained peak of 10.50flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.64 flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.22 flowers/min). Apis florea was attained highest of 10.23 flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.86 flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.58flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Apis mellifera attained highest of 10.14flowers/min with maximum during 11:00hrs (12.07flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.17flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Megachile sp. attained peak of 9.66flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.57flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (7.83 flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Xylocopa fenestrata was highest of 13.18flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (15.71flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (10.27 flowers/min). The Pooled mean Foraging speed of Apis dorsata during different dates was highest of 7.82 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (5.37sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed was 6.61 sec/flower. Apis cerana Foraging speed reached highest of 7.07 sec/flower with minimum at 11:00hrs (6.44sec/flower) with mean Foraging speed of Apis cerana (5.57 sec/flower). Apis florea Foraging speed was found minimum at 13:00hrs with mean Foraging speed of 4.39 sec/flower. Apis mellifera foraging speed reached highest of 7.22 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (5.40sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of 5.65sec/flower. Megachile sp. reached highest of 7.45 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (6.49sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of Megachile sp. (5.57 sec/flower). Xylocopa fenestrata Foraging speed reached highest of 5.35 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (4.22sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of Xylocopa fenestrata was 3.41 sec/flower. Bees play a crucial role in seed production over the pollinator exclusion condition. Yield parameters of open pollination conditions are found to be superior over other pollination conditions. Pooled values showed that there is no relation between number of inflorescence/plant and number of flower/inflorescence and different pollination methods. Number of pod/inflorescence showed significant differences among the treatments i.e. open to all pollinators (8.45), pollinator exclusion (6.98) and bee pollination (7.45). Number of seeds/pod showed significant differences among the treatments i.e. open to all pollinators (8.02), pollinator exclusion (6.26) and bee pollination (6.94). Seed yield/plant observed maximum in open to all treatment (79.05kg/ha), followed by bee pollination treatment with 66.37kg/ha and pollinator exclusion treatment with 50.31kg/ha. All the treatments were significantly different and seed yield of Yam bean is highly influenced by different pollination methods. 100- Seed weight was observed maximum in open to all treatment (27.27g) and followed by bee pollination treatment with 26.71g and pollination exclusion treatment with 24.13g. Percent increase in seed yield was highest recorded in open to all treatment with 56.93%, and increase of 31.89% was observed in seed yield of bee pollination treatment over the pollinator exclusion treatment.ThesisItem Open Access APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR ASSESSMENT ON SOIL EROSION AND FERTILITY STATUS OF MUZAFFARPUR DISTRICT OF BIHAR(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) Tagung, Techi; Singh, Sanjay KumarThe research work on “Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for Assessment on Soil Erosion and Fertility Status of Muzaffarpur District of Bihar” was carried out during 2019 to 2021 at Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, India. The research area spans 3122.56 km2 geographical area and positioned on Survey of India 72 B, 72 C, 72 F, and 72 G degree sheets. It is located between 84.8836 and 85.7502 East Longitude and Latitude of 25.9002 to 26.3836 North. The region experiences 1187 mm of annual rainfall on average, with the monsoon season accounting for 85% of that total. For assessing the annual soil erosion loss from the study area, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was used in RS and GIS framework with analysis of five major parameters viz., R (Rainfall Erosivity), K (Soil Erodibility), LS (Slope Length and Steepness), C (Cover and Management) and P (Support Practice) Factor. For assessing the soil fertility status of the study area, 280 surface soil (0-15 cm) samples were collected and subjected for analysis of various soil physico-chemical properties following standard methodology viz. soil pH, EC, OC and available nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn). The results obtained from soil sample analysis were then used for thematic soil fertility map generation using GIS. Land suitability was examined by employing weighted overlay analysis tool using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in the ArcGIS software. Slope, rainfall, soil pH, Soil Organic Carbon, LULC and NDVI factor maps obtained from objective 1 and 2 were used as input factors for land suitability analysis. During 2019, Sahebganj tehsil recorded highest R-factor value of 503.61 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1 while Gaighat tehsil recorded the lowest annual mean R-factor of 341.08 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1. During 2020, the R-factor was recorded highest in Motipur tehsil (715.93 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1) while, lowest R-factor was recorded in Bandra tehsil (492.02 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1). Similarly, during the year 2021, highest R-factor recorded was identified in Musahari tehsil (695.15 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1) while the lowest was found in Katra tehsil (505.28 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1). Highest mean annual R-factor of Muzaffarpur district was obtained during the year 2021(610.25 MJ mm ha-1h-1yr-1) followed by the year 2020 (518.56) and 2019 (368.91). Lowest value of K- factor 0.212652 t h ha-1MJ-1mm-1 was noticed in Baruna soil series (mapping unit 37), whereas highest K-factor value of 0.560351 t h ha-1MJ-1mm-1 was recorded in Dhankaul soil series (Mapping unit 38). The value of K factor in the study area ranged from 0.210139 t h ha-1MJ-1mm-1 to 0.499983 t h ha-1MJ-1mm-1. The LS-factor ranging from 0 to 39.11 was noticed in river banks as well as steep slopes of high topograhy. The higher values of LS factors may attribute to the deterioration of river bank and absence of vegetative cover. The variability in elevation in the study area was measured from -116 to 46 (m), while slope (o) has been found from 0 to 89.99. The annual mean C-factors for the year 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 0.4618, 0.3495 and 0.3261 respectively. The minimum P factor reveals the more effective conservation practice to reduce soil erosion. Highest annual soil loss of 23.65 t ha-1yr-1 was occurred during the year 2020 followed by 15.76 t ha-1yr-1 during the year 2019 and 11.15 t ha-1yr-1 during the year and 2021. Among the tehsils, the lowest annual soil erosion was observed in Aurai tehsil in all the year while Paroo and Musahari tehsil recorded higher amount of soil loss as compared to other tehsils of Muzaffarpur district. The pH value of study area ranged between 7.4 and 9.6 with 7.8 as mean value. Around 91% and 9% soil samples were found neutral and alkaline in nature. The EC value ranged between 0.11 and 1.67 dS m-1 with 0.27 dS m-1 as mean value. Around 95.7% and 4.3% soil samples respectively were normal and slightly saline in nature. The OC content varied from 0.15 to 1.54% with 0.53% as mean value. It was found that 46.4, 39.6 and 14 % samples of OC respectively were low, medium and high. The available N content varied between 119.7 and 318.7 kg ha-1 with 230.9 as mean value. Around 7.5 and 92.5 % samples of available N respectively were in low and medium category. The available P content varied between 3.20 and 40.3 kg ha-1 with 13.06 as mean value. Around 81.4, 12.9 and 5.7 % soil samples were in low, medium and high range respectively. Around 31.4, 49.3 and 19.3 % of total samples of available K were in low, medium and high category respectively. Available K content varied between 68.54 and 805.06 kg ha-1 with 199.6 kg ha-1 as mean value. The content of available S categorised under low, medium and high was 32.9, 62.5 and 4.6 % of the total soil samples while its value varied between 6.15 and 25.73 kg ha-1 with 12.05 kg ha-1 as mean value. The available Zn content categorised under low and medium category was 78.9 and 21.9 % of the total soil samples while its value varied between 0.11 and 1.11 mg kg-1. Around 53.6, 45.0 and 1.4 % of total soil samples of available Fe was low, medium and high while value varied between 1.16 and 13.14 mg kg-1 with 6.62 mg kg-1 as mean value. The available Cu content categorised under low, medium and high category was 47.1, 51.8 and 1.1 % of the total soil samples while its value varied between 0.19 and 2.28 mgkg-1 with 0.66 mean value. The available Mn content categorised under low, medium and high category was 46.4, 46.8 and 6.8 % of the total soil samples while its value varied between 1.04 and 6.56 mgkg-1 with 3.14 mg kg-1 as average value. Study also outlined 69.3% area under suitable (S) and 30.7% under non-suitable (N) category. Largest area (68%) found under highly suitability class (S1) accompanied by 30% as permanently unsuitable (N2), 0.1% under moderately suitable (S2), 0.7% under currently unsuitability (N1) and 1.2% under marginally suitable (S3) class. All the thematic maps were prepared in ArcGIS software.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ORGANIC BASED NITROGEN MANAGEMENT ON YIELD, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND SOIL HEALTH UNDER RICE-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM IN CALCAREOUS SOIL OF BIHAR(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) DUDWAL, SURESH KUMAR; Chaudhary, S.K.A field investigation was carried out at University Research Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar in randomized block design comprising of twelve treatments T1 (75% RDN), T2 (100% RDN), T3 (125% RDN), T4 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + BM), T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer), T6 (100% RDN + Myco Straw @ 1 t/ha + BM + Biofertilizer), T7 (75% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + BM), T8 (75% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM), T9 (75% RDN + Myco Straw @ 1 t/ha + BM + Bio Fertilizer), T10 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha), T11 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM + Bio fertilizer), T12 (Control) and were replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture having slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 8.43), low in organic carbon (0.42%), low in available nitrogen (242 kg/ha), available phosphorus (9.61 kg/ha) and potassium (76.43 kg/ha). Recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (120:60:40 kg/ha) were applied through urea, DAP and MOP, respectively, phosphorous and potassium were applied as basal during both the experimental years. Nitrogen was applied 50% as basal and remaining in two equal splits. Rajendra Kasturi and HD 2967 variety of rice and wheat, respectively were used. Among the organic based nitrogen management practices treatment, 100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer (T5) recorded significantly higher value of all the crop growth parameters during both the years which was statistically at par with all the treatments except T12 (Control) of rice. In case of wheat, significantly higher value of growth characters were recorded with application of Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM + Bio fertilizer (T11) which was statistically at par with T10 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha) and T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer) while remaining significantly superior over rest of the treatments during both the experimental years. Yield attributes and yield of wheat showed superiority with application of (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM +Bio fertilizer (T11) which was statistically at par with T10 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha) and T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer) while remaining significantly superior over rest of the treatments during both the experimental years. Organics resulted in pronounced impact on yield and yield attributes of rice-wheat cropping system. Application of 100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer (T5) produced higher value of yield attributes and yield during both the experimental years which was statistically at par with T8 (75% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM) and T4 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + BM) but significantly higher over rest of the treatments. Among the treatments, application of T3 (125% RDN) recorded significantly higher nutrient content in rice grain and straw which was statistically at par with all the treatment except for T1 (75% RDN) and T12 (Control) during both the years. Application of T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer) recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by grain, straw as well as total, which was statistically at par with almost all the treatments except for T1, T2 and T12, during both the experimental years. In case of wheat, significantly higher nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by grain, straw as well as total uptake were significantly higher under application of Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM +Bio fertilizer (T11) which was statistically at par with T10 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha) and T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer) while remaining higher over rest of the treatments during both the experimental years. Application of T2 (100% RDN) reported higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio of rice. In case of wheat, significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were calculated under application of T11 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM +Bio fertilizer) which was statistically at par with T10 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha) and T5 (100% RDN + Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + BM + Biofertilizer) but it was statistically superior over rest of the treatments during both the experimental years. Among the treatments application of T11 (Wheat Straw (WS) @ 3 t/ha + VC (25% N) + Myco Straw @ 1.5 t/ha + BM + Bio fertilizer) significantly improved physico-chemical properties of soil after completion of rice-wheat cropping system.ThesisItem Open Access ESTIMATION OF OUTPUT SUPPLY AND FACTOR DEMAND ELASTICITIES FOR MILK PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN INDIA(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) LAKSHMIPRIYA, PATIBANDLA; Sinha, D. K.Milk is extremely important because it is the second largest contribution of world agricultural output. In addition, it is an essential part of the vegetarian diet in countries like India. However, dairy producers are not compensated fairly for their milk production. Farmers that want to improve milk output need financial incentives, which can only be provided by a system that rewards them for doing so. One needs a solid empirical understanding of how sensitive factor demand and product supply are to changes in relative prices and technological developments in order to develop an effective pricing strategy. With these factors in mind, the current study was conducted in Southern India to analyze the costs and returns from milk production, to determine the profit efficiency of dairy farms and the factors affecting it, estimate the output supply and factor demand elasticities for milk production, find the cost elasticities and net income elasticities, and assess the constraints faced by dairy farmers in milk production. An interview schedule was used to obtain primary data from 240 respondents of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu to achieve the objectives of the study. For the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, secondary data on milk production and livestock population from a wide variety of sources, including websites, research journals, government publications, the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and milk unions like BAMUL (KN) and Aavin (TN), etc. Selected respondents were post stratified into three herd-size categories using the Cumulative Square Root Frequency Method: Small (1-3 milch animals), Medium (4-6 milch animals), and Large (7 or more milch animals). The statistical tools included the use of tabular analysis, the Capital Recovery Cost (CRC) approach, the normalized translog profit function, cost and price determination models, the Stochastic Cobb-Douglas profit function, and the Garrets Ranking Technique. According to the results, daily average gross maintenance cost for milk production was highest for crossbred cows (₹ 234.12), followed by buffalo (₹ 163.82), and finally local cows (₹ 143.54). Crossbred cows had the highest net cost of ₹ 227.94 per milch animal per day, followed by buffalo at ₹ 159.67, and local cows at ₹ 139.93. Local cows had the highest cost per litre of milk produced (₹ 33.13), followed by buffalo (₹ 31.84) and crossbred cows (₹ 20.99). While the net return per litre of milk was positive for crossbred cows (₹ 5.67) and buffalo (₹ 3.30) across all herd size categories but it was negative for local cows (₹ -3.93) due to the high cost of feed and fodder and the poor milk yield. Perhaps the rejection of the test of symmetry can be rationalised by the farmers' goal to maximise the utility of agricultural by-products rather than profit maximisation. The magnitude of own price elasticities was negative for all the variable inputs. That milk farmers are more concerned with their own prices than the price of other inputs was made very evident. Overall, a majority of the estimated cross-price elasticity values had a negative sign, showing that the variable inputs are complementary to one another, with the exception of the values for dry fodder and concentrate to veterinarian services, which showed a positive sign and are substitutes for one another. There was a positive relationship between milk price and demand of all the variable inputs for milk production and a negative relationship between milk supply and the variable input prices. It was determined that the cost elasticities were positive in relation to the prices of variable inputs, whereas the net income elasticities were found to be negative. Milk prices would need to increase by 10.77 per cent for small herds, 11.24 per cent for medium herds, 11.82 per cent for large herds, and 11.02 per cent for the overall herd to maintain a constant net income (i=0), according to the growth of cost of production and net income models. To maintain consistent returns to the production cost, the milk price would need to be adjusted by 9.73, 10.32, 10.75, and 10.25 per cent for small, medium, large, and overall herd size categories, respectively. For the year 2029-30, small herd size categories were assessed to have an estimated cost of production per litre of milk of ₹ 67.51, while the medium, large and overall herd size categories have ₹ 69.09, ₹ 71.92, and ₹ 68.98, respectively. Comparatively, in the year 2029-30, the predicted price for milk at constant monetary net income and at constant return to production cost was observed to be ₹ 75.25 and ₹ 69.13 for small herd size categories; ₹ 79.61 and ₹ 73.93 for medium; ₹ 84.28 and ₹ 77.27 for large; and ₹ 77.65 and ₹ 72.97 for overall herd size categories, respectively. Using maximum likelihood estimates, it was found that overall, prices of green fodder (0.1873), prices of concentrate (0.1072), veterinary service rate (0.0569) and herd size (0.7545) all have a positive and statistically significant effect on normalized profits, while the prices of dry fodder (-0.0277) and labour wages (-0.1652) both have a negative and statistically significant effect. A total of 41.35 per cent of profit efficiency was lost due to technical and allocative inefficiencies in milk production, with the overall milk producers' mean profit efficiency of 58.65 per cent that ranging from 32.50 to 89.61 per cent, respectively. Overall, the profit inefficiency model found that a farmer's level of education, herd size, herd composition, and their level of dairy farming experience had a negative and statistically significant effect on profit inefficiency. Therefore, increasing the number of crossbred cows, enhancing dairy farm experience through educating farmers towards balanced feeding techniques, and adopting new technologies would assist in overcoming the inefficiency and subsequently raising the profit efficiency. Major constraints faced by milk producers were a shortage of green fodder round the year, poor conception rate through AI, high cost of medicines, high cost of construction of shed, lack of insurance facility, low price of crossbred cow milk and non-remunerative price for milk. For dairy farming to be profitable, extension institutions need to focus on services to include mobile veterinary clinics and training for farmers in areas like as feeding, breeding, disease control, heat detection, and marketing strategies. The study revealed that the majority of respondents in the study region are not happy with the procurement price offered by the milk collection centres. Therefore, rather than providing price incentives, farmers would benefit more from a rise in the price they are paid for milk that is at least proportionate to the cost of the feed fed to animals which helps farmers to improve productivity of animals and subsequently increasing the profits.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of nitrogen management on crop productivity and soil health under rice-wheat cropping system in calcareous soil of Bihar(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) KISHOR, KAUSHAL; Chaudhary, S.K.A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa to study the effect of nitrogen management on crop productivity and soil health under rice-wheat cropping system in calcareous soil of Bihar. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, calcareous in nature having pH 8.36, electrical conductivity (0.39 dS/m), bulk density (1.41 g/cc) with low in organic carbon (0.38%), available nitrogen (205.81 kg/ha) and potassium (112.47 kg/ha) and medium in available phosphorous (20.78 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatments used in the experimental field included two factors, organic and chemical sources of nitrogen. A total of eight organic nitrogen sources were used viz., M1 - Control, M2 - Mycostraw @ 50% RDN, M3 - Mycostraw @ 75% RDN, M4 - Mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost, M5 - Mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure, M6 - Mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure, M7 - Mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure and M8 - Mycostraw @ 75% RDN + microbial consortium (Azospirillum + PSB) while three chemical nitrogen sources were used as N1 - 50% RDN, N2 - 75% RDN and N3 - 100% RDN. Dhaincha was used for green manure. 75% RDF was used in the wheat crop. Application of mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure treatment recorded significantly higher plant height, number of tillers/m2, leaf area index (5.37) and SPAD value (39.60) of rice which was statistically at par with treatment mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure and mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure. Among chemical fertilizer treatments, 100% RDN recorded significantly higher plant height, number of tillers/m2, leaf area index (4.87) and SPAD value (39.89) at all growth stages of rice. Dry matter accumulation, length of panicle (24.34 cm), number of grains/panicle (101.05), grain yield (54.35 q/ha) and straw yield (68.75 q/ha) in rice were recorded significantly higher value in treatment receiving mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure over rest of the treatments but was statistically at par with mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure and mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure. Among chemical fertilizer, 100% RDN showed significantly higher length of panicle (24.00 cm), number of grains/panicle (99.58), grain yield (47.04 q/ha) and straw yield (59.67 q/ha) of rice over 50% RDN but was statistically at par with 75% RDN. Significantly higher plant height, number of tillers/m2, dry matter production at different growth stages and number of spikes/m2 (320.57), length of spike (10.92 cm), number of spikelets/spike (24.88), grain yield (36.06 q/ha) and straw yield (43.53 q/ha) were recorded in treatment with mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure in wheat but was statistically at par with treatment mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure, mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure, mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost and mycostraw @ 75% RDN + microbial consortium with Azospirillum and PSB. Chemical fertilizer treatments did not produce any significant effect on all these growth, yield attributes and yield at different growth stages of wheat. Maximum rice equivalent yield (103.23 q/ha) and gross returns (₹ 1,86,347/ha) were recorded in treatment with mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure which was significantly surpassed all other treatments. But it was statistically equivalent with mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure and mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure. Under chemical fertilizer treatments, maximum rice equivalent yield (92.93 q/ha) and gross returns (₹ 1,63,024/ha) were found in 75% RDN treatment and was statistically at par with 50% RDN. Net return was significantly maximum in mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure (₹ 1,13,424/ha) over rest of the treatments. Among chemical fertilizer, 75% RDN recorded significantly higher net returns (₹ 94,978/ha) over other treatments. Among the various organic manure treatments, mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure recorded significantly higher N, P & K uptake by rice as compared to other treatment but was statistically equivalent with mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure, mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure. In case of wheat, mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure recorded significantly higher N, P & K uptake by wheat and was statistically at par with mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure and mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure. Under chemical fertilizer treatments, N, P & K uptake by rice was significantly higher in the treatment receiving 100% RDN but was statistically at par with 75% RDN. In case of wheat, N, P & K uptake was not significantly influenced. Soil pH, electrical conductivity and micronutrients could not reach the level of significance due to both the factors (organic manure and chemical fertilizer). Mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure plots recorded significantly higher value of water holding capacity (31.39%), water stable aggregates (50.94%) but recorded lower bulk density (1.365 g/cc) as compared to other organic treatments but was statistically at par with treatment mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure and mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure. Water holding capacity, water stable aggregates and bulk density were not significantly influenced by chemical fertilizer treatment. Available N, P2O5 and K2O in post-harvest soil were significantly higher in mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure as compared to other organic manure treatments while in chemical treatments, it did not show any significant effect on available N, P2O5 and K2O. The soil of mycostraw @ 75% RDN + green manure plots recorded significantly higher value of soil microbial biomass carbon (289.55 mg/kg soil), bacterial population (5.06 x107 CFU/g soil), fungal population (4.16 x 104 CFU/g soil) and actinomycetes population (2.57 x 107 CFU/g soil) as compared to other organic treatments but was statistically at par with treatment mycostraw @ 50% RDN + green manure and mycostraw @ 50% RDN + 25% RDN through vermicompost + green manure. Microbial population and soil microbial biomass carbon were not significantly affected with application of chemical fertilizers.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON EXPORT OF MAJOR MARINE PRODUCTS FROM INDIA(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) JEEVITHA, G N; Singh, K. M.Indian fisheries sector contributed immensely to the country’s economic development as it is a promising contributor to foreign exchange earnings. Developing countries have inevitably acquired a superior position as international fish exporters. India occupies 3rd position as an international producer and 5th position as an international exporter in 2020. The growth of marine products exports benefits the country’s economy as it supports nutritional security and provides livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. The marine product exports contribution to India's total agricultural exports and its status as a consistent net exporter underscore its importance in international trade dynamics. The present study focuses on the international trade aspect of the India’s marine products to understand trends, export dynamics and market shifts over the period. The study revealed that the Crustacean exports primarily drove India’s total marine exports. Although Crustacean exports grew substantially over the second period (2011-2021), both in terms of quantity (11%) and value (10.45%), the unit value realization was not up to the mark. They were highly concentrated towards importers like UAS and China and highly competitive in the international market concerning both agricultural exports (average RSCA value of 0.69) and total merchandise exports (average RSCA value of 0.76) over the study period. The USA was the stable destination for India’s Crustaceans export. India’s Molluscs exports, though increased both in terms of quantity and value, their share in total exports remained more or less constant around 13 to 19 per cent. The Molluscs exported from India were competitive with average RSCA value of 0.51 concerning total merchandise exports and 0.38 with respect to agricultural exports over the study period and moderately concentrated in European countries and China. On the other hand, Frozen Fish exports were highly unstable both in terms of quantity (33.37) and value (35.95) during overall period. Their exports declined in recent years in both quantity and value terms, and their competitiveness exhibited a declining trend over the period. Their exports were highly concentrated towards China and Thailand. In recent years, China occupied the second position as a key importer of India’s marine products with a market share of 18.20 per cent and was also found to be the stable market for Molluscs export with retention probability of 0.83. Thailand has become one among India’s top five destinations, while Japan’s share declined over the study period. The study suggested emphasizing value addition and product development to improve the per-unit value of the exports. It is high time that India needs to diversify its exports in terms of both geographic destinations and export product basket to avoid risk and enhance its exports. India needs to improve its quality standards further to enhance its exports by gaining more comprehensive market access. It is also suggested to engage itself in trade negotiations to reduce market risks which can be very promising to sustain its exports in the long run.ThesisItem Open Access Integrative Approaches for Fusarium Wilt Disease Management in Lentil(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) Chaurasiya, Dilip Kumar; Sahni, SangitaIn summary, the study aimed to identify sources of host resistance against the wilt pathogen in lentil genotypes. Out of 114 genotypes tested, only 4 were found to be resistant, 33 were moderately resistant, 30 were moderately susceptible, and 30 were susceptible to the disease. The study used 12 SSR primers to analyze 10 genotypes and found that 11 of the primers were polymorphic. The SSR113 primer pair was the most polymorphic and showed the highest heterozygosity among all the genotypes tested. The study also examined the genetic similarity among varieties and found that the highest genetic similarity was 84.2% between SL 20-Q and IPL-606, and the least genetic similarity was 13.8% between VL-507 and BL-18. The study also evaluated the antagonistic activity of 30 Pseudomonas isolates against the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis and found that PGPR 18 exhibited the highest percent mycelial growth inhibition at 85.19%. The study further characterized the potential Pseudomonas isolates based on their biochemical characters such as P-solubilization, K-solubilization, IAA production, NH3 production, siderophore production, HCN production, amylase activity, catalase, and citrate utilization. Out of the 6 isolates tested, 5 were found to have P-solubilization ability, 3 had K-solubilization ability, 2 were positive for citrate utilization, and 5 were positive for indole production. Two isolates (PGPR-18 and PGPR-16) were found to have the highest cellulase activity. Substituting soil with vermicompost (VC) at 5%, 10%, and 15% levels improved growth parameters of lentil plants such as emergence, height, number of branches, pods, seeds, and fresh and dry weights. The highest growth was observed at 15% VC substitution (T5) followed by 10% and 5% VC substitution. Seed bacterization with PGPR18 alone also improved growth parameters, but the best results were obtained when it was combined with VC substitution. Among all eight treatments, the combination of 15% VC substitution and seed bacterization (T8) resulted in the best growth and seed yield, followed by T7 and T6. The use of Salicylic acid as a pre-inoculation foliar spray greatly reduced wilt incidence in lentil plants, resulting in a 52.71% wilt incidence compared to 72.36% with ZnSO4. The combination of Salicylic acid with seed bacterization with PGPR18 and vermicompost amendments resulted in the least wilt incidence of 3.75%. Treatment T9, a combination of 15% vermicompost amendment and seed bacterization with PGPR18 without non-conventional chemicals, also showed significant results with 21.69% wilt incidence recorded 30 days after. Overall, all treatments showed high suppression of wilt disease when applied 24 hours before pathogen inoculation and Salicylic acid was found to be more effective than ZnSO4.ThesisItem Open Access FIELD EFFICACY, PERSISTENCE AND METABOLISM OF THIAMETHOXAM IN MUSTARD AGAINST APHID(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) SUJATHA, B.; Sahoo, S. K.Field assessment was done to evaluate the bioefficacy of thiamethoxam 25% WG at different doses at 12.5 (T1), 16.67 (T2), 25 (T3), 37.5 (T4), 50 (T5) g a.i. per ha, standard check of dimethoate 30% EC at 200 (T6) g a.i. per ha and untreated control (water spray) (T7) over Lipaphis erysimi sprayed twice with an interval of 10 days. In 2020-21 and 2021-22, T5, T4 and T3 gave lowest aphid population and were statistically at par in terms of their effectiveness followed by T6, T2, T1 and T7. The plots treated with thiamethoxam at 50 g a.i. per ha gave highest seed yield and benefits over the cost incurred and it was in line with the results of thiamethoxam 37.5 and 25 g a.i. per ha. The persistence and metabolism of thiamethoxam in mustard leaves, flowers and soil was studied following thiamethoxam application at 12.5, 16.67, 25, 37.5, 50 g a.i. per ha. Mustard leaves, flowers and soil samples were analyzed by Reverse phase-Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. During 2020-21, the initial deposits of thiamethoxam and its metabolites were found to be 2.20, 2.63, 4.43, 6.86 and 9.40 mg kg-1 in leaves collected at 0 (1 hr after application), however, during 2021-22, the residues were 2.17, 2.76, 4.32, 6.71 and 8.42 mg kg-1, respectively. During 2020-21, the initial deposits of thiamethoxam and its metabolites were found to be 1.43, 1.85, 2.63, 4.37 and 5.73 mg kg-1 in flowers collected at 0 (1 hr after application), however, during 2021-22, the residues were 1.36, 1.73, 2.54, 4.24 and 5.46 mg kg-1, respectively. The residue in mustard leaves and flowers reached below LOQ (0.05 mg kg-1) after 30 days of application of thiamethoxam during both the years. But in soils, residues of thiamethoxam reached LOQ after 30 days of treatment except when applied at 12.5 and 16.67 g a.i. per ha where it took 15 days to reach below LOQ. The samples of oil and seed cake did not reveal the presence of thiamethoxam residues at harvest during both the years. Samples of clay loam, silt loam and sandy loam soil were collected from different geographical locations of Bihar. Each soil samples were fortified at three levels of thiamethoxam i.e. 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1. The whole experiment was conducted at 25 ± 2°C under laboratory conditions. The limit of quantification of thiamethoxam and its metabolites was worked out to be 0.05 mg kg-1. The total residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in clay loam, silt loam and sandy loam soil after 7 days of its application @ 400 mg kg-1 were found to be 212.94, 191.01, 184.55 mg kg-1, respectively. The persistence of thiamethoxam was found to be more in clay loam followed by silt loam and sandy loam soil. Thiamethoxam after degradation resulted in the formation of clothianidin (main metabolite) followed by 1- methyl-3 nitroguanidine. Out of the various microbial isolates that were isolated from the soil and tested for thiamethoxam degradation, Bacillus cereus and Acinetobacter rudis were found to be prominent in degrading thiamethoxam as compared to control. Soil amended with B. cereus, A. rudis and consortium, the residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites reached LOQ after 42 days of treatment when fortified at 50 mg kg-1 of soil whereas it took 56 days to reach LOQ when unamended.
