Loading...
Theses
Browse
147 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN YELLOW SARSON - GREENGRAM CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER RAINFED CONDITION(2016) Gogoi, Bebi; Ojha, N. J.A field experiment entitled “Integrated nutrient management in yellow sarson - greengram cropping system under rainfed condition” was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during two consecutive rabi (Oct-Feb) followed by summer (Feb-May) seasons of the year 2017- 2018 and 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design for first crop and split plot design for second crop with three replications. The eight INM practices viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O) (Y1), 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (Y2), 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost (Y3), 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4), 50% RDF + 50% N through vermicompost (Y5), 50% RDF + 50% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y6), 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost (Y7) and 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8) were applied to yellow sarson crop. In greengram crop the residual effect of the treatments applied to yellow sarson were allotted in main plots and two different integrated nutrient management practices viz., 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) and 50% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G2) in the sub plots. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, acidic in reaction (pH 5.40 and 5.56), medium in organic carbon (0.69 and 0.72%), available N (274.86 and 290.75 kg/ha), available K2O (138.16 and 140.89 kg/ha) and low in available P2O5 (17.90 and 20.30 kg/ha) in the year 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Experimental findings revealed that application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4) resulted in significantly higher growth as well as yield attributing characters like plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, number of siliquae per plant, length of siliqua, number of seeds per siliqua in both the years. The highest seed yield of 998.34, 1026.22 and 1012.28 kg/ha, stover yield of 2393.97, 2420.65 and 2407.31 kg/ha during 2017-18, 2018-19 and in pooled analysis, respectively, were recorded with treatment having 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4). The seed oil content of 36.40 and 36.97% and seed protein content of 13.27 and 13.44% were also recorded in Y4 in 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Similar effects of this treatment were also observed in respect of N, P and K content and uptake by both seed and stover. However, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein di-acetate hydrolase activity after harvest of yellow sarson were significantly higher in treatment having 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8). The crop recorded the highest gross return (` 56105 in 2017-18 and ` 57652 in 2018-19), net return (` 35407 during 2017-18 and ` 36954 during 2018-19) and benefit-cost ratio (2.71 during 2017-18 and 2.79 during 2018-19) with the treatment containing 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4). 7 In case of greengram, residual effect of 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8) resulted in significantly higher growth as well as yield attributing characters like plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod in both the years. The effect of these was reflected in higher seed yield (849.56, 806.56 and 828.06 kg/ha in the year 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) and stover yield (2012.68, 1935.58 and 1974.13 kg/ha in 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) under the same integrated nutrient management practices. The maximum values of N, P and K uptake by seed and stover, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein di-acetate hydrolase activity after harvest of greengram were also observed under this treatment (Y8). However,direct application of 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) brought about higher values in growth parameters, yield attributes, yield of seed (804.21, 724.68 and 764.45 kg/ha during 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) and stover yield (1830.89, 1763.80 and 1797.35 kg/ha during 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively), protein content in seed (22.39 and 22.26% in 2018 and 2019 respectively), content and uptake of N, P and K by both seed and stover, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity after harvest of greengram over 50% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G2). The highest gross return (` 50726 in 2018 and ` 48922 in 2019), net return (` 33611 during 2018 and ` 31807 during 2019) and benefit-cost ratio (2.96 during 2018 and 2.86 during 2019) were observed under treatment Y8G1 containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y8 (25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). In regards to yellow sarson-greengram cropping system the highest yellow sarson equivalent yield (1678.57 and 1614.02 kg/ha in 2018 and 2019, respectively) were obtained by treatment Y4G1 containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y4 (75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). The highest gross return (` 93518 in 2017-18 and ` 89981 in 2018-19), net return (` 55705 during 2017-18 and ` 52168 during 2018-19) and benefit-cost ratio (2.47 during 2017-18 and 2.37 during 2018-19) of yellow sarsongreengram cropping system were observed under treatment Y4G1, containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y4 (75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). The performance of yellow sarsongreengram cropping system was assessed on the basis of yellow sarson equivalent yield, net monetary returns and B-C ratio. The application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium to yellow sarson and 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium to greengram was the most beneficial combination compared to rest of the treatments.ThesisItem Open Access ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF HERBAL PLANTS ON COTTON FABRICS(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Choudhury, Swapna; Phukan, Ava RaniThe study comprises of an investigation on antimicrobial effect of herbal plants on cotton fabric. Antimicrobial finish on textiles is a large research focus in the textiles industry. The population explosion and the environmental pollution in the recent years forced the researchers to find new health and hygiene related products for the well being of mankind. The nuisance caused by microbes is numerous and the problem is still aggravated in tropical and subtropical regions. Pathogenic microorganisms transfer infectious diseases and develop lung related disorders. Mold and fungi cause staining, discolouration and degradation of textile substrates. The Antimicrobial textiles are becoming important to avoid cross infection by pathogenic microorganisms, especially bacteria to control the infestation by microbes and to arrest metabolism in microbes in order to reduce the formation of odor. Textiles for medical and hygienic use have become important areas in the textile industry. Therefore, to reduce/prevent infections, various antibacterial compounds have been used for all types of textiles. The solutions of disinfectant used are generally active in vitro, but, it is also necessary to know the effectiveness of disinfected cloths while in use. In the current study, eco-friendly natural antimicrobial finishes have been prepared from the plant extracts for textile application. Out of 35 plants having antimicrobial properties ten (10) nos. of plants have been selected on the basis of availability as well as knowing its antimicrobial function. The different parts of the plants such as root and leaf were extracted using different solvents like ethanol, methanol, acetone and aqueous solution. These extracts were tested by diffusion method against three isolated bacteria associated with cotton fabrics to confirm the antimicrobial activity. The durability of the fresh and aged extract up to 6 month with their effectiveness against all isolated bacteria were also examined. Finally five herbal extracts from Achyranthes aspera, Adhatoca vasica, Ageratum conyzoides, Bambusa tulda and Chromolaena odorata with methanol have been applied on cotton fabrics by direct application method. Different concentrations of herbal extracts (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25% and 3.125%) were applied to 100% cotton material for developing antimicrobial finish on the material. All tests done on organisms showed results up to 25% concentration except Adhatoca vasica, which showed results up to 3.125% concentration (Isolate II) and Ageratum conyzoides showed results only at 100% concentration in case of isolate I. All the treatments with methanol extracts showed good antimicrobial properties. The wash durability of the fabrics up to 10(ten) wash cycles against bacteria were done to evaluate the durability of the finished fabrics. The results of the present study showed that the most susceptible bacteria were Bacillus clausii bacteria in all standard test methods. It has been observed that there is a decreasing trend on the antibacterial activity of the finish material with every wash cycle. The treated fabrics were then analyzed for physical properties such as stiffness, crease recovery angle, tensile strength, elongation, wicking height etc. Decrease in tensile strength was observed in both warp and weft direction which could be due to the various treatment given to the material. Results showed that the effect of Adhatoca vasica extract was stronger than other herbal extract used in the study. It was also observed from the research findings carried out by other research workers that the antimicrobial effect of plant extract varies from one plant to another and also from place to place. This may be due to many factors such as the effect of climate, soil composition, age and vegetation cycle of plant, quality, quantity and composition of extracted product and different bacterial strains.ThesisItem Open Access PHYSICO-BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND VALUE ADDITION TO SELECTED MINOR FRUITS OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Firdusi, Syeda Nishat; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation entitled “Physico-Biochemical Characterisation and Value Addition to selected Minor Fruits of Assam” was carried out in order to study the physico-chemical properties of the selected minor fruits namely Rhus semialata (Local name- Nagatenga), Baccaurea sapida (Local name- Leteku), Flacourtia gangomos (Local name - Poniol) and Garcinia cowa (Local name – Kujithekera) and products were developed from these selected fruits. The qualities of the developed products were also evaluated. The entire study was sectioned in four well defined separate parts i.e. 1) Evaluation of the physico-chemical composition of the selected minor fruits. 2) Development of products from the selected fruits and their quality evaluation, 3) Quality evaluation of the developed products across storage, 4) Microbial load of the developed products was studied to determine the shelf life of the products. The physical parameter of the minor fruits was studied and found that all the fruits possess good amount of edible portion except Leteku. The shelf-life of Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa ) was recorded as 1.83±0.28, 6.00±1.00, 4.00±1.00 and 2.33±0.57 days respectively under ambient temperature. The shelf life of fruits can be extended by processing it to different food products like jam, jelly and squash. In case of value addition to Leteku (Baccaurea sapida) only those products should be considered which required juice of fruits such as beverages as the pulp content (26.16±1.25 g/100g) of the fruit is very low with high juice content (40.00±2.64 ml/100g). The acid content of Nagatenga (Rhus semialata) (3.46±0.25%) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) (4.87±0.19%) are high with good amount of pulp content and so can be consider for pickle, chutney and sauce making. The juice content of Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) was found to be low (20.33±4.04 ml/100g) but the TSS content of the fruit was highest (21.33±3.21°Brix) and thus can be preferred to develop beverages products from the fruit. A considerable amount of pectin was present 0.94±0.10%, 0.64±0.07%, 1.55±0.05% and 0.43±0.07% in the selected minor fruits - Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) respectively which are enough to develop jelly but due to pH below 3.0, fruits other than Poniol (pH -3.28±0.15) do not produce good jelly. The selected minor fruits are lauded for their pleasing flavor and colour as well as therapeutic properties and encompassed with most of the nutritional qualities. All the selected minor fruits Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) can be considered as good source of fibers (3.51±0.21 g/100g, 2.37±0.31 g/100g, 8.40±0.33 g/100g and 10.34±0.44 g/100g respectively), minerals (iron -26.33±1.15 mg, 7.16±1.44 mg, 29.83±1.44 mg and 15.16±2.25 mg per 100g respectively, calcium - 250.44±5.05 mg/100g, 143.24±4.00 mg/100g, 65.83±3.52 mg/100g and 192.81±2.44 mg/100g respectively and potassium - 111.0±7.0 mg/100g, 59.00±4.00 mg/100g, 44.00±3.00 mg/100g and 33.33±4.04 mg/100g, respectively), vitamins (ascorbic acid -216.66±14.40 mg, 24.16±7.21 mg, 43.33±7.21 mg and 67.78±3.40 mg per 100g of fruits respectively and carotenoids - 126.60±0.06 μg/100g, 50.76±0.99 μg/100g, 190.16±0.33 μg/100g and 890.33±0.94 μg/100g respectively) and phytochemicals (the total phenolic content-538.83±5.01 mg, 149.5±2.17 mg, 261.16±1.04 mg and 347.00±3.04 mg per 100g respectively, flavonoid - 246.45±21.55 mg, 44.64±5.61 mg, 87.17±2.70 mg and 98.03±2.01 mg respectively and total alkaloid - 104.00±13.52 mg, 170.33±5.77 mg, 143.33±7.09 mg and 156.33±1.52 mg respectively) as well as low in fat (1.02±0.05 g/100g, 0.66±0.09 g/100g, 0.88±0.10 g/100g and 0.25±0.02 g/100g, respectively). Based on the quality characteristics of the selected minor fruits, following products were developed namely – squash, spicy squash and sauce from Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), squash and RTS from Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), squash and jelly from Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and squash, candy and pickle from Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa). The acceptability of the products was determined through organoleptic evaluation using 9 point Hedonic scale by 10 panel judges and found highly acceptable, except the colour and appearancee of Nagatenga sauce was scored low (7 point). The chemical parameters namely TSS, acidity and pH of the products was evaluated and was within the range of FSSAI specification (squash TSS- ≥40 and acidity - ≤3.5, sauce TSS- ≥15 and acidity – ≥1, RTS TSS- ≥10 and acidity - ≥0.3, jelly TSS- ≥65 and acidity - 0.5-0.75 and candy TSS- ≥70). The nutrient content of the products was evaluated and found good amount of nutrients, that help to improve nutritional status of the people. The present investigation reveals that the RTS is more susceptible to spoilage due to high moisture content (89.04±1.13%) and low sugar content (11.93±0.28%) followed by the squashes. Whereas sugar based products jelly and candy have low moisture content (40.26±1.37% and 37.59±0.36% respectively) and good amount of sugar (75.01±3.06% and 90.47±5.69% respectively) may be considered to have long shelf life. Again pickle contain good amount of oil (17.56±1.86%) and salt which enhance quality retention thus increasing shelf life. The results as per physico-chemical parameters, sensory evaluation and microbial assay across storage reveals that in case of Nagatenga squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are safe for consumption upto 180 days, 150 days and 60 days respectively. The Nagatenga spicy squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch showed a shelf life of 180 days, 150 days and 60 days respectively. The shelf life of Nagatenga sauce was 180 days in all the packaging materials. The shelf life of Leteku squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are 180, 180 and 150 days respectively. The Leteku RTS can be consume safely upto 30 days when stored in glass bottle and get spoiled in other two packaging material on the 30 days of storage. The shelf life of Poniol squash stored in glass bottle and plastic bottle are upto 180 days and when stored in standing pouch the shelf life is till 150 days. The Poniol jelly stored in all the three packaging material showed acceptable shelf life across the entire storage period. The Kujithekera squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are at safe and consumable state upto 180, 180 and 90 days of storage respectively in terms of physic-chemical evaluation. The Kujithekera candy was safe and within acceptable quality during all the storage period (0-180 days) stored in the all the three packaging material. The results depicts that in terms of sensory, physico-chemical (Significant at P < 0.05) and microbial evaluation of the developed products in different packing material across storage it can be concluded that glass bottle packaging is the best packaging materials for storing both liquid and solid products due to its highly inert, durable and chemical resistant properties. Plastic bottle can be considered next to glass bottle in terms of light weight and easy to handle properties and this packaging material also showed less prominent spoilage characters compared to standing pouch.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON Dirofilaria immitis IN DOGS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH Wolbachia SPECIES(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2013-06) Borthakur, Sonjoy Kumar; Deka, Dilip Kr.Dirofilaira immitis is an important canine filarial nematode. An epidemiological study was carried out to record the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs in two different geographical locations viz., Guwahati, Assam and Aizawl, Mizoram of North Eastern Region in India, from February, 2011 to July, 2012. The study also included to evaluate the persistence of Wolbachia endosymbiont with D. immitis. In the present study, dogs were grouped into three categories, i.e., stray, pet and working dogs, their respective numbers being 413, 266 and 103 irrespective of the study regions. Three different methods were used for the study, i.e., microscopy (wet film and KCT), immunological (Ag ELISA by SNAP®4Dx kit) and molecular techniques (PCR). The study revealed overall heartworm prevalence in Guwahati to be higher (18.23%) than in Aizawl (17.68%) irrespective of categories of dogs. Sex-wise, the infection was higher in male (18.12%) than in female (17.90%), though the difference was statistically non-significant. The overall efficacy percentage for detection of heartworm by wet film, KCT, Ag ELISA and PCR test revealed 6.26, 11.38, 18.03 and 13.93 percent, respectively. Ag ELISA test was found to be the best amongst the three types of tests compared. Using molecular tools, prevalence of D. immitis in dogs was 13.52 percent in Guwahati and in Aizawl was 14.62 percent. With PCR, 4 cases of D. repens could be diagnosed in stray dogs from Guwahati. The study revealed overall 22.69 percent occult infection, of which, highest cases were recorded in working dogs (60%). Occult infection was calculated by finding the difference between heartworm prevalence based on Ag ELISA and PCR test. Dot ELISA test using monoclonal antibody of D. immitis for detection of heartworm antigen in dog blood samples was standardized. The test revealed 72% specificity against known positive D. immitis blood samples at SNAP®4Dx commercial kit. Molecular technique using PCR was standardized to detect D. immitis using published primers with slight modification of thermal condition. Two different primers were used viz., specific primers for D. immitis only and another, pan filarial primers for detecting six different canine filariids. Both the primers resulted desired amplification product size against different filarial parasites. Molecular cloning and characterization of D. immitis for ITS-2 region of Guwahati isolates were conducted. The results showed the Guwahati isolates had a close relationship with that of South Asian isolates of D. immitis. Pair-wise homology analysis revealed 98.6 - 98.9% similarity with a few sequences available at NCBI GenBank. Similarly, phylogenetic analysis of D. repens encountered in Guwahati isolate was also done. Endosymbiont Wolbachia association with D. immitis worm as well as in heartworm infected blood was revalidated by PCR method. The findings were substantiated with the presence of the organisms in the worm’s lateral cord by fine structural studies conducted through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Molecular evidence followed by sequence analysis of Wolbachia revealed 99.4 to 99.8% similarities with other sequences available in NCBI GenBank for Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis. Finding of the present studies establish the endemicity of D. immitis in North East India and validates the association of Wolbachia endosymbiont in D. immitis. Record of D. repens warrants further detail studies owing to its zoonotic significance.ThesisItem Open Access FORECASTING MODELS FOR CHARACTERIZING PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY OF COCONUT AND RUBBER IN KERALA(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Prasad, Arun; Phukan, S. N.India is the third largest country in terms of global area and production of coconut after Philippines and Indonesia. Kerala was traditionally a coconut growing area along with the coastal states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. During 1974-75 Kerala had accounted for about 62 per cent of the coconut production in India and by 2003-04 Kerala’s share had declined to about 49 per cent. Natural Rubber cultivation in India has been traditionally concentrated in Kerala and to some extent in the adjoining states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The agro-climatic conditions in the state were very favourable for rubber cultivation. Kerala accounts for 83 per cent of the area under rubber in the country. The present study has analyzed the production and productivity of coconut and rubber in India with special reference to Kerala. In the case of Kerala, all the fourteen districts have been selected for making a detailed study. The scope of the study is limited to only two places – Coconut Development Board, Kochi for coconut and Rubber Development Board, Kottayam for rubber. For forecasting the production and productivity of coconut and rubber, the study is restricted to fourteen districts in Kerala. In the present investigation of production and productivity behavior for coconut and rubber was analyzed by different forecasting models and their statistical evaluation would provide insight into the reasons for variation with the following objectives: 1. To study the trend for production and productivity of coconut and rubber in Kerala and forecast using time series models. 2. To study the effect of error in forecasting models for coconut and rubber. 3. To validate accuracy of model and suggest suitable forecasting model using time series for production and productivity of coconut and rubber. The major purpose of studies on forecast accuracy is to help the forecasters in selecting best forecasting method. In the present investigation different forecasting models like Trend analysis, ANN model, ARIMA model and Exponential smoothing models are considered to produce forecast and to measure the forecast accuracy among selected different models. In the present study, forecasting excise was conducted to produce yearly production and productivity forecasts for future five years using selected methods for years 2012-2016 in case of rubber and 2015-2019 for coconut. It is hoped that the identification of the best forecasting model would help the producers as well as consumers in taking appropriate decisions. The production and productivity obtained in coconut and rubber found to be increasing for various reasons, notably due to the fluctuations in climate, extent of area, prices etc. The change in life style has also resulted in the increased demand which yields its significant influence on production and productivity of coconut and rubber in Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access AN ANALYSIS OF WORK EDUCATION PROGRAMME UNDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Saikia, Bisnupriya; Hazarika, DaisyWork Education is the pedagogic medium which integrates different need based productive cum economic activities and community service programmes in school curriculum from preschool to senior secondary stage. The goal of education is to bring all-round development of human being which is best possible by inclusion of work education programme in school curriculum. But work education is considered as extracurricular and being neglected in majority of the schools in Assam. Hence the present study was undertaken to explore systematically the existing status of implementation of work education curriculum and various factors affecting proper functioning of work education programme in elementary schools of Assam and also planned to develop a model for effective implementation of work education programme in elementary schools. The present study was carried out in three district of Assam namely: Dibrugarh, Jorhat and Marigaon. Three blocks from each district were selected randomly and from three educational block of each district, fifty (50) upper primary schools were selected. Two respondents (the head master and the teacher concerned) from each fifty selected schools from each district comprised of 100 respondents and finally the total of 300 respondents from the three districts of Assam constitute the sampled respondents of the study. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the schools (99.30%) were fulfilled the minimum norms of ‘Right to children for free and compulsory education Act’ 2009 (RTE, 2009) in terms of numbers of teachers (one teacher for each class i.e. 3) and teacher pupil ratio (1:35) for upper primary school (96.00%).The percentage of professionally trained teachers in the sampled schools were only 36.78 percent . The study highlighted that the highest percentage (44.15%) of students were from the family having daily wage earning as a means of livelihood and 54.97 per cent students in the sampled schools were girls. About 83.30 per cent schools have pucca building, and on the other hand, permanent boundary wall was found in 26.00 percent only. It is revealed from the study that the schools did not posses any equipment necessary for productive activities other than cleaning equipment (jharu, barhoni kor, Pasi) and cooking utensils for mid day meal. It is noted that a large majority of the teachers (73.30%) used to collect different products at the time of examination for work education which violets the principles of work education. A large majority of the schools (86.00%) had separate periods for work education in their class routine and the rest (14.00%) did not have the provision of work education period in their class routine. Another important aspects observed in the responses of the teachers that all the activities (Total=73) under different areas of work education covered by the study were found to be important for the student of upper primary classes with programme important score (PIS ≥1). But the percentage of implementation was found very low. Lack of fund, lack of proper guide book on work education, lack of necessary equipment, lack of boundary wall, lack of laboratory, lack of awareness among parents were the major problems as expressed by the teacher for which the work education was not being implemented in the schools. While considering the knowledge and attitude of teachers it was found that high level of knowledge was found only in 9.70 per cent and a large percentage (59.00%) of the teachers were found to have unfavourable attitude towards work education programme. The study revealed that the training of teacher and level of importance showed highly significant relationship (r=0.202), which indicate that the teachers with professional training found to have high level of importance in comparison to untrained teachers. Teaching experience and problems of teachers was found to have a negative and highly significant correlation with (r= ─0.142), which means that teachers with longer period of teaching experience have faced less problems in implementing work education programme in their school. Again, teachers’ knowledge and implementation of work education programme have shown positive and highly significant correlation (r=0.206). This relationship indicates that teachers’ knowledge has a pronounced influence on implementation of work education programme. The model of Work Education showed effective and proved that special training and exposure is essential for developing knowledge, skill and attitude of teachers which builds confidence to carry out any innovative programme in schools.ThesisItem Open Access IMPROVED FARMING SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY INCLUSION INTO EXISTING FARMING SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-01) SUTRADHAR, PRANJIT; Baishya, AjitA study was conducted during 2012–13 to 2014–15 in Silikha Sanatan village of Titabor Sub-division of Jorhat District of Assam to find out the productivity and profitability of the inclusion of improved farming systems in their existing farming systems especially effective for small and marginal farmers. Benchmark survey was carried out in the village and accordingly different types of existing farming systems were identified and their constraints were analyzed. Mono-cropping of rice was predominant practice in that area and small earthen aperture were treated as water reservoir which failed to meet the demand during Rabi period. In total, there were 54 (fifty four) numbers of farmers selected out of which most of them belong to the tribal community. According to their farm holding size and income, they were categorized into two groups- Resource constraint and Resource available. There were in total 12 (Twelve) existing farming systems identified and accordingly scientific interventions were made in their existing farming systems such as nutrient management on the basis of soil test value, multiple cropping and balanced feeding to live-stocks etc. In the year 2015, impacts were analyzed. Out of 12 farming systems among both the group of farmers, Module-V (Crop + Fishery + Duckery) was found to be very profitable with B:C ratio 2.80 followed by Module-II (Crop + Cattle + Poultry) with B:C ratio 2.64 which were practiced by resource constraint farmers. Besides, the final soil properties such as pH, organic carbon and nutrient status were improved over initial more particularly in case of the farmers growing greengram and blackgram in their cropping sequence. It can be concluded that, existing farming systems can be improved through scientific interventions and Module-V and Module-II can be suggested for resource available and resource constraint farmers which were found to be economically profitable and socially acceptable farming systems for the marginal farmers of the Silikha Sanatan Village of Titabar sub-division of Jorhat District.ThesisItem Open Access FARM LEVEL PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES, POST HARVEST LOSSES AND MARKETING EFFICIENCY OF MAJOR VEGETABLES: A STUDY IN THE DARRANG DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2015-07) Dutta, Sumi; Barman, R. N.Vegetables are important supplements to the human diet. India ranks 2nd after China in the world with total production of 162.19 million tones. In Assam area under vegetable is about 2.73 lakh hectares with annual production of 49.79 lakh MT.Vegetables are highly perishable food products in nature and in the process of supply from the farm level to the market level. The seasonal gluts and lack of infrastructure and marketing facilities in the developing countries have significant effect on the extent of post harvest losses of vegetables. In Assam not much information is available regarding the farm level adoption of production technologies and quantum of post harvest loss of vegetables at various stages of marketing and its impact on marketing efficiency. The present study was conducted in the Darrang district of Assam and was designed to collect information regarding the level of production technologies, assessment of productivity, technology gaps of some major vegetables, physical and value loss at farm level and at various stages of marketing and to examine the impact of post harvest loss on farmer’s net price, marketing costs, margins and efficiency of major vegetables. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. Bechimari and Kharupetia two major vegetable growing areas were identified.Both tabular and functional analysis was done in analyzing data. Cost concepts used in farm management studies were applied to calculate costs in the present study and results indicated that cost of production increased with increase in size of the farm and regardingknowledge on different parameters of vegetable production it was observed that almost all farmers (99.33%) had the knowledge about the ploughing and application of organic manures (99.00%).The extent of adoption gaps for selected vegetables is estimated and 7 technology components were found. More than 30 percent of technology adoption gaps were observed in terms of technology components T4, T5 and T6 i.e. Manuring and fertilization, Number of irrigations applied & Intercultural and weed control.As vegetables are perishable in nature so during the process of distribution and marketing substantial losses are incurred. The post harvest loss was estimated first at farm level and then at market level and in case of market level it can be clearly observed that the physical loss was highest in itinerant level followed by wholesaler and retailer level. 4 major marketing channels of vegetables were identified namely Channel I:Producer–Consumer,Channel II:Producer–Retailer–Consumer,ChannelIII:Producer–Wholesaler–Retailer-Consumer,ChannelIV:Producer–Itineranttraders–Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer. Marketing efficiency was estimated in different marketing channels and it was found that Channel II was the most efficient channel and Channel IV was the least efficient channel.ButChannel IV was considered as the most effective one because farmers sold majority of their marketed surplus through Channel IV.ThesisItem Open Access TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY IN ASSAM AGRICULTURE(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Buragohain, Rinumoni; Deka, N.Technical change in agriculture increases production at the same level of input-use and enables it to avoid trapping into Ricardo’s law of diminishing returns to which the sector is more prone. Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is often seen as the real driver of growth within an economy. Many studies showed that, different factors of TFP like Policy support, production strategies, public investment in infrastructure, research and extension for crop, livestock and fisheries etc., have significantly helped in increasing the agricultural productivity, food production and its availability. Assam’s economy is predominantly agrarian. Agriculture and its allied activities play an important role in the socio- economic development of the State of Assam as this sector is the major contributor to the State economy as well as providing livelihood to a significant proportion of the population of the State. Assam accounts for a fairly significant share of the country’s acreage and output of many crops. In spite of having high inherent potentiality, Assam’s agriculture is yet to experience modernization in real sense. Agriculture in Assam exhibits most of the characteristics of underdeveloped/backward agriculture. During last few decades, Assam Government has made lots of investments in agricultural sector for the development of the sector. But, whether these investments have been contributing significantly towards the agricultural growth in the real scenes or not, it is very much important to know. Considering this, the present study was conducted with the three objectives to estimate the TFP growth and its contribution to Assam agriculture, to examine the determinants of TFP in Assam agriculture and to suggest policy measures for improving TFP in Assam agriculture. The study was conducted for three crops rice, jute and rapeseed and mustard both individually and collectively termed as total crops for the time period of two decades from 1991-92 to 2010-11. Further, for more convenience, the entire study period was divided into two sub periods viz., 1st period (191-92 to 2000-01) and 2nd period (2001-02 to 2010-11). The study was based on secondary data collected from different reputed published sources. Tornqvist Theil index was used for computing TFP indices of the three selected crops. The input, output and TFP indices were calculated both in current price and constant price (at price of 1991-92) of the inputs and outputs to find out whether there any nominal price effect was existed or not. Again, the indices were also computed for per hectare area and total area under the selected crops in Assam to know how efficiently inputs were used under both situations. In order to evaluate the determinants of TFP in Assam, the TFP index was regressed against the variables viz., rice area under flood, no. of villages electrified, rainfall, share of irrigated area to total cropped area, expenditure in Agricultural research and education, investment in Agriculture and allied activities, share of HYV area to total rice area, rural literacy and cropping intensity by using Cobb Douglas production function. The results of the study revealed that, all the three crops rice, jute and rapeseed and mustard of the state had experienced negative TFP growth at current price, but at constant price, it was estimated to be positive in both per hectare area and total area for the study period. It revealed the presence of the nominal effect of increased input costs resulted in a lower (negative) TFP at current price pointing out the occurrence of gap between the farm harvest prices of the farm outputs and costs of inputs incurred in production of those three major crops in the state. Again, except rice, for other two crops, jute and rapeseed and mustard, TFP index were estimated to be higher in per hectare area rather than their total area. It implied that, in jute and rapeseed and mustard both, inputs were more efficiently allocated and utilized per hectare area rather than total area in the state. Only rice was found to have highly significant TFP growth (at constant price). Other two crops were reported to have positive TFP with very lower growth rate, but not significantly in Assam. Expenditure in Agricultural research and education, rural literacy, irrigation and cropping intensity were found to have positive impact on TFP of all three crops both individually and collectively. However, none of the selected variables was found to have significant impact on TFP of jute as well as rapeseed and mustard. Investment in agriculture and allied activities also was an important source of TFP for all selected crops except jute. In rice, HYV area also contributed positively in TFP. Villages electrified and rainfall exhibited no any effect towards TFP growth of all selected crops individually as well as collectively also. The findings of the study have important policy implications for construction of proper price structure, improving input-use efficiency in total area under these crops, allocating scarce public resources to agricultural research, education, irrigation etc. and increasing HYV area and cropping intensity for enhancing the TFP in the state for better sustainable growth in agriculture.
