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2018 - 201942020 - 20223
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Author: Gagandeep Kaur × Start date: 1998 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemRestricted
    Development of carotenoid rich jaggery based products from pumpkin (PAU Magaz Kadoo-1)
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Gagandeep Kaur; Sukhpreet Kaur
    The present study aimed at optimizing the processing techniques for preparation of nutritionally rich jaggery based products (toffee and bar) from pumpkin and to study physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of the prepared products. Although pumpkin pulp contained bioactive compounds, liquid jaggery too was found to contain appreciable amount of phytochemicals and minerals. Five different formulations of toffee and bar were prepared by replacing sugar with liquid jaggery at different levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). Compared to control (with refined sugar), addition of liquid jaggery considerably enhanced the minerals and phytochemical content of the formulated toffee and bars. Based on sensory analysis, pumpkin toffee and bar with 50% liquid jaggery was selected for shelf-life evaluation. Pumpkin toffee was wrapped in 3 different packaging material (laminated foil, butter paper and plain paper) under room temperature conditions (25±2ºC). While, bar was packed in laminated foil and butter paper and stored under room (25±2ºC) and refrigerated (4±1°C) conditions. During storage of toffee, a significant (p<0.05) effect on quality parameters (physico-chemical, phytochemical, color, textural and microbial attributes) were noticed. It was observed that shelf stability of pumpkin toffee wrapped in laminated foil and butter paper was up to 6 months. However, plain paper toffee was shelf stable for 4 months. Irrespective of packaging material, a significant effect was observed in physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of pumpkin bars stored at room and refrigerated conditions. Whereas, quality of bar was more affected at room temperature conditions. Among the packaging materials, quality characteristics of the products were more retained in laminated foil.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on dry root rot of chickpea
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Gagandeep Kaur; Buttar, Daljeet Singh
    Maximum colonization and the spore population of Glomus spp. was observed in the Faridkot district, while minimum in the Bathinda district. Out of the three Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus bagyarajii showed maximum colonization along with spore population and thus was selected for further experimental purpose. There was low mycorrhizal colonization in the root samples collected from 30 days old chickpea crop as compared to 60, 90 and 120-days crop. 80 mg ‗P‘/kg soil level didn‘t restrict the AMF colonization. G. bagyarajii inoculation significantly increased root and shoot length along with number of leaves, branches and pods in all four observations. The effect of dry root rot causing pathogen i.e., Macrophomina phaseolina on mycorrhizal colonization was observed in the presence of G. bagyarajii. The colonization of Glomus bagyarajii was found to be reduced in the presence of the M. phaseolina. The ‗P‘ level also affected significantly the AMF colonization along with abundancy of mycelium, arbuscules, vesicles and spore population in presence of pathogen. The overall effect of G. bagyarajii on dry root rot of chickpea was observed during the crop season at three levels of ‗P‘ viz., 0, 40 and 80 mg ‗P‘/kg soil at Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur. The significantly higher i.e., 100.0 and 0.0; 93.3 and 6.6; and 100.0 and 0.0; 90.0 and 10.0 per cent plants were found healthy and yellowed after 30 days of sowing at Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur districts respectively, at 40 mg ‗P‘/kg soil in the presence of both AM fungi and dry root rot pathogen. The 100 per cent infected plants in only pathogen and 100 per cent healthy one in only AMF treatment were recorded at all ‗P‘ levels. Same trend was recorded in other observations at both districts. The development of dry root rot in chickpea was reduced significantly in the presence of AMF and pathogen. The infected plants showing yellowness survived during complete crop season in the presence of G. bagyarajii. The plant growth parameters were observed significantly higher at 40 mg ‗P‘/kg soil in all the four observations at both districts. Based on the findings, it was suggested that the AM fungus namely Glomus bagyarajii managed the dry root rot of chickpea effectively and enhanced crop yield.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of natural insecticides in casing mixtures for the cultivation of button mushroom
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Gagandeep Kaur; Joshi, Neelam
    Agariсus bisporus, commonly known as white button mushroom, is a favourable mushroom across the world having nutritional and medicinal properties. In the present study, different natural insecticides viz., neem (Azadirachta indica), castor (Ricinus communis), natural vinegar, Bacillus thuringiensis commercial formulation Dipel 8L and Beauveria bassiana commercial formulation Biojaal 1.15% SC were evaluated in vitro to record the antagonistic effect of these natural insecticides on mycelial growth of Agaricus bisporus. The maximum radial growth and downward linear growth was recorded in neem @0.5% on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and in compost filled tubes respectively. Further, field studies were conducted to evaluate different concentrations ranging from @0.5% to @4.5% of these natural insecticides on quality and yield of Agaricus bisporus. Maximum yield (19.91 kg/100 kg of compost was obtained in 1.5% neem powder treatment followed by Bacillus thuringiensis @3.5% (17.94 kg/100 kg of compost) which was at par with vinegar treatment @3.5% (17.76 kg/100 kg of compost). Maximum percent increase in yield over control (41.9%) was recorded in neem powder @1.5% treatment, followed by Bacillus thuringiensis @3.5% (27.9%) and vinegar @3.5% (26.6%) which were at par with each other. The supplementation of neem powder @1.5% concentration exhibited best mycelial growth, number of fruit bodies and yield. These results indicated that incorporation of neem @1.5% in casing soil improves the yield of Agaricus bisporus and may be preferred as it is ecofriendly and reduces environmental pollution.
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    ThesisItemRestricted
    Incidence of poverty amongst agricultural labour, marginal and small farmers in central Punjab
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Gagandeep Kaur; Arjinder Kaur
    The present study was undertaken to examine the extent of poverty and identify the determinants causing it amongst agricultural labour, marginal and small farmers in central Punjab. For this study, data were collected from 120 households of two districts in central Punjab. The study revealed thatincidence of poverty was more in agricultural labour category followed by marginal farm category. None of the small farmer was found living below the poverty line. The proportion of deficit households was more in agricultural labour category due to their low incomes. In small farm category the proportion of deficit households was more as compared to marginal farm category on account of higher expenditure on non-food items and social ceremonies. The regression coefficient of number of earners was found to be positive and significant determinant of poverty amongst the sampled categories in central Punjab. Family size and expenditure on social ceremonies were found to be negatively significant determinants of poverty. So, there is a need to create more employment opportunities as well as awareness programs to control the family size. Farmers need to rationalize their household expenditure especially on non-food items and social ceremonies which can enhance the surpluses of farming families.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Adoption status of food preservation practices disseminated through vocational training courses of Krishi Vigyan Kendras
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Gagandeep Kaur; Kanwaljit Kaur
    The study was conducted to assess the adoption status of food preservation practices disseminated through vocational training courses of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Punjab. Nine Krishi Vigyan Kendras i.e. Amritsar, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mukatsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Moga and Ludhiana were selected to conduct the study. These Krishi Vigyan Kendras had organized twenty three short duration courses from year 2011 to 2013. Out of 582 women trainees who had attended the vocational training courses of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 179 trainees constituted the sample of study. Data were collected through self structured interview schedule. Majority of trainees were belonged to schedule caste category. Large majority of trainees had low level of mass media exposure. Vocational training was assessed in terms of adoption status, extent of adoption and level of use of training. Training on pappad and vadian, chawanparash and preserves/Murabha had achieved the highest adoption status. Lowest adoption status was observed in sun drying of vegetable, pickle making and preparation of squashes. Adoption status of majority of practices in terms of its use at household level was high. But practices related to recommended quantity of food preservator were either not adopted or discontinued. Extent of adoption of different practices on food preservation training course was also observed high. Only one percent of trainees had established an enterprise after receiving training and two percent were using training for income generation purpose. Major constraint for non-establishment of an enterprise was weak financial position. It can be concluded that awareness regarding financial assistance provided by the government to start an enterprise should be created to trainees. The trainees also suggested that transport facility should be provided to them for attending on-campus training course.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Diversification of rural economy: A village study
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Gagandeep Kaur; Raj Kumar
    The present study has been carried out in village Lohara of District Sri Muktsar Sahib (Punjab) to study the changing faces of rural economy through crop and occupational diversification of. A sample of 225 households was selected by using multistage random sampling technique.The sample consists of 104 households from farm sector and 121 households from non-farm sector. The farm households were further categorized as small (16), semi-medium (28), medium (48) and large (12) farmers according to the standard classification. The information regarding overtime changes in cropping pattern, employment and income pattern, investment pattern on farm and livestock, standard of living and factors influencing diversification was collected for the two periods of time viz. 2000-01 and 2016-17. Herfindahl-Hirschman Diversification Index (DI) was computed for both the periods under study to capture and compare the level of crop diversification. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare any significant difference between DI for two time periods. The crop diversification index for Kharif season was found to be increased significantly in 2016-17 over 2000-01. It was due to the shift of area towards non-basmati and basmati paddy, the strongest alternatives of cotton crop. It happened because of the failure of cotton crop due to adverse biotic and abiotic conditions such as insect pest attacks, untimely rains, etc. which resulted in poor returns from the crop. Besides, the government policies and marketing facilities in favour of paddy also attracted farmers for its cultivation. The farm investment in machinery, implements and farm buildings is found to be increased over the period of time. The analysis of occupational diversification showed that the proportion of persons in employed in agriculture and its allied activities has reduced overtime. On the other hand the employment in non-farm sector has increased. In the non-farm sector, highest proportion of persons was observed as wage earners followed by the self employees in 2016-17. The major constraints to agricultural diversification especially for not shifting from paddy-wheat cropping pattern to other crops are lack of market infrastructure, price volatility, productivity risk, marketing risk, weak resource base and high input costs. Barriers to growth leading occupational diversification reported were educational level, caste hierarchy, lack of skills, lack of opportunities and requirement of high investment in self-employment. To promote crop diversification in the state there is need to implement price difference payment scheme, development of value addition and food processing sector. Farmer Producer Organizations need to be encouraged through favourable government policies. Upliftment of educational status and skill base is suggested for growth leading occupational diversification.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Changing bird community due to modernization of houses and environmental contamination in rural areas
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Gagandeep Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep Kaur
    The present work was planned to investigate the impact of modernization of houses and environmental contamination on bird community in two villages falling in two districts of Punjab. The study was carried out in village Rampur Channa (location I) district Sangrur and village Dargapur (location II) district Patiala. Bird data had shown the presence of 43 and 39 bird species at location I and II respectively. The architectural variations of houses seemed to effect the species diversity and abundance. A total of 35 and 32 bird species were observed in different types of houses at location I and II respectively. Traditional houses supported cavity/hole nesters while modern houses provided more roosting, perching and feeding sites having diverse vegetation to different bird species. Common Myna, Blue Rock Pigeon and House Crow were most abundant species observed common to different types of houses at both the locations. Overall 15 nesting bird species were noted at both studied areas. Different nesting sites were preferred by different bird species. These nesting site preferences seemed to be related to housing structures, tress/shrubs /ornamental plants and nest predation at both the said locations. The detailed observations on breeding activities of seven bird species were noted. The results of heavy metal analysis showed varying levels of heavy metals in the excreta of Blue Rock Pigeon and Indian Peafowl. More level of heavy metals was noted at location I than at location II. No pesticide residue was estimated in the excreta of Blue Rock Pigeon and Indian Peafowl. The diverse vegetation preferred by most of the birds must popularized among the villagers to conserve avian diversity.