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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Candidate gene markers based molecular profiling for grain zinc accumulation in rice(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumari, Kumkum; Sharma, V.K.A study was conducted to determine the genetic variation and divergence in relation to grain zinc accumulation amongst rice varieties using candidate gene based panel of reported primers and to examine the genetic importance of zinc transporter candidate gene based panel of designed primers in discrimination for differential zinc accumulation amongst rice varieties. Twenty-eight locally adapted varieties and advanced breeding lines of rice were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications and the seeds collected after harvesting of the crop were utilized for determination of zinc content in unpolished grains. Eighteen entries selected from the two extremes of grain zinc distribution range constituted the final experimental material and utilized during molecular characterization. Genomic DNA was extracted from two to three weeks old seedlings of purposefully selected set of 18 varieties and then targeted amplification of the genomic DNA was achieved by using a panel of 14 candidate gene specific 14 reported primers and 14 designed primers. Exploitable extent of variability was observed with respect to grain zinc accumulation amongst the set of 28 rice varieties initially evaluated as experimental materials. Zinc content, which varied from 8.18 ppm to 21.53 ppm, was found to be considerably higher in unpolished grains of RAU 3036, Sanwal Basmati, Rajendra Nilam and Rajendra Bha gwati. Using a panel of 14 candidate genes specific 14 reported primer pairs, reproducible amplification was successfully achieved with 12 primer pairs amongst which only eight primer pairs generated polymorphic amplified products. Successful amplification with two candidate genes specific reported primers, namely, OsNAC and OsNRAMP6a was notachieved. Contrarily, each of the 14 designed primer pairs exhibited reproducible amplification, but polymorphic amplified products were generated with only eight primer pairs. Appearance of amplified products in the form of bands at different positions on the gel revealed differential migration due to differences in overall size of the products generated from targeted amplification of specific region of genome. Molecular level genetic polymorphism among the entries was recognized on the basis of variation in respect of position of bands. Ample genetic differentiation and divergence was revealed at the molecular level amongst the rice varieties subjected to molecular characterization using the candidate genes specific and polymorphic panels of reported as well as designed primer pairs. Results from reported primers and designed primers based analysis were in well agreement with each other. Furthermore, hierarchical classification pattern of rice varieties was almost completely corroborated by principal coordinate analysis based spatial distribution pattern of genetic profiles of rice varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis as well as principal coordinate analysis based on a combination of polymorphic and informative eight reported and eight designed primer pairs provided better expression of differentiation and divergence amongst the rice varieties subjected to molecular characterization. Thus, the use of 14 candidate genes specific 16 polymorphic markers in the genetic analysis exhibited a remarkably higher level of genetic polymorphism, which allowed unique genotyping of eighteen entries included in the analysis. Hence, these markers can be effectively and efficiently utilized for grain zinc accumulation related discrimination of rice genotypes and selection of parental genotypes for genetic improvement in relation to grain zinc biofortification. Microsatellites were detected within the candidate genes and within the amplicons, thereby providing a basis to deduce that the variation present in candidate genes, as observed in terms of differences in the molecular size of the genomic regions spanned by the primer pairs, may be a role player in the differential grain zinc accumulation in rice varieties. Single marker analysis established the association of four markers, namely, OsNACK, OsZIP1-1, OsNRAMP7 and OsNRAMP7K with grain zinc accumulation. These four markers can be effectively used in marker-assisted selection program for grain zinc biofortification in rice. Inter-crossing diverse genotypes from different clusters can lead to successful pyramiding of desirable alleles through molecular breeding program. Parental genetic diversity will undoubtedly increase the probability of identifying desirable recombinants during screening for improvement in relation to grain zinc biofortification.ThesisItem Open Access Activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Samastipur district of Bihar: an evaluative study(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kumar, Bipul; Shekhar, DibyanshuThe ICAR has established KVKs all over the country by making provision for multidisciplinary team of scientists. The institution is playing strategic role in technology back stopping, knowledge management and advisory to the stake holders like farmers, farm women, rural youths and extension personnel. The number of KVKs has risen to 645 and 106.more KVKs are to be established in the newly created districts and some larger districts. The KVK scheme is 100% financed by Govt. of India. The KVK, Samastipur was established in 2004 in 50 Acres of land at Birauli. which is 8 km away from the University headquarters and 15 km from the Samastipur district town. The KVK, Samastipur has under taken many interventions like training, OFT, FLD and other capacity building programmes to enhance the well being of farmers through enhancing production, productivity and profitability. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli Samastipur has been bestowed with the award of “Best KVK (Zone-II)” by Hon‟ble Agriculture & Food Processing Industry Minister, Sri Sharad Pawar at the 8th National Conference on KVK organized at University of Agriculture Science, Bangaluru from 23rd-25th October, 2013.In view of the same, effort was made to undertake a study entitled. “Activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Samastipur District of Bihar: An Evaluative Study” with the following specific objectives: To determine the coverage area through activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samastipur. To find out the socio-economic characteristic of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. To explore the knowledge level and Extent of adoption of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries farmers related with prime activities undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. To assess the effect of different activities on the socio-economic development of beneficiaries. To examine the association between the selected independent variables and dependent variables. During 2016-17, all together 2842 farmers were trained by KVK, Birauli where as 759 farmers had benefited through different FLDs. More than Rs.8.0 lakh was earned by KVK through selling of planting materials, vermicmpost and publication where as 5000 farmers were benefited from other extension activities like Kisan Mela, Gosthi, diagnostic or field visit, advisories etc. more than 10 on farm trail were conducted for assessment and refinement. Majority of the respondents (88.89 per cent) belonged to middle to old age group having agriculture along with dairy and business as their major occupation. Further it was found that the annual income of majority of the respondents was in between 1 to 2 lakh per annum and most of the selected respondents had an educational attainment of intermediate and above. The majority (84.44 per cent) of the respondents belonged to small to marginal land holding category with a family size of more than 5 family members. In terms of farm mechanization, contact with extension agency, economic motivation the EDP beneficiaries‟ ranked top among others (i.e. FLD and non beneficiaries). In case of use of available source of information only 50% of total selected respondents used available source of information, out of them EDP beneficiaries again possess the major proportion. However, the EDP beneficiaries were the most frequently in contact with extension agency. It was also revealed during the study that EDP beneficiaries were found more aware related with knowledge of the activity of KVK undertaken in this study i.e., Mushroom production technology and vermicompost technology. While in case of knowledge level of FLD beneficiaries was having more knowledge about seed variety, package and practices of crop production than non-beneficiaries. Further in terms of adoption the vermicompost technology was most adopted by the beneficiaries and the impact of vermicompost training activities on the socio-economic development of beneficiaries possess high. During the study, it was found that age, land and source of income of the respondents were significantly associated with the knowledge level of the farmers. also, social participation improved technology.ThesisItem Open Access Cause effect relationship and genetic divergence study in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.](Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Gupta, Ramesh Kumar; PramilaThe present investigation was carried out with twenty-seven genotypes of cowpea entitled "CAUSE-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP AND GENETIC DIVERGENCE STUDY IN COWPEA [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]” at Vegetable Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar in Randomised Block Design with three replications during Zaid-2017. The quantitative traits under study were seed germination percentage, plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, first flowering node, number of nodes on main stem, peduncle length, number of pods per cluster, days to first picking, pod length, pod diameter, average pod weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod borer infestation percentage and pod yield per plant. Statistical analysis were carried out to study Analysis of variance, Genotypic and Phenotypic coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance, Correlation coefficient analysis, Path analysis and Genetic diversity. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied characters and also showed the presence of an ample amount of genetic variability among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation in magnitude. Indicating the role of genotype in the manifestation of these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for all the traits except seed germination percentage and days to first flowering, indicating the preponderance of additive gene action suggesting that selection in an early generation will be effective. Plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodes on main stem, number of pods per cluster, pod length, average pod weight and number of pods per plant had given positive and significant correlation comprising their positive and direct effect with pod yield per plant. Suggesting that during the course of selection these traits may be considered as prime traits for enhancing the yield in cowpea. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster II and V so, to have the heterotic recombinant for the seed germination percentage, days to first flowering, pod length, average pod weight, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per cluster, peduncle length, and pod diameter, for all these traits, genotypes present in these clusters may be used in crossing.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological response of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes to salinity stress and its mitigation through microbial inoculation(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Rani, Ediga Usha; KavitaLentil is an important legume crop which is highly sensitive to salinity and is adversely affected by salt stress in terms of growth and yield. Inoculation of plants with microbes such as Trichoderma viride, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas can enhance plant growth during salt stress, which is an eco-friendly approach to sustainable agriculture. The present investigation entitled “Physiological response of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes to salinity stress and its mitigation through microbial inoculation” was conducted with two objectives viz., to identify contrasting sets of lentil genotypes against salinity stress on the basis of physiological traits, and to study physiological response of microbes application in contrasting genotypes under salinity stress. For the identification of contrasting sets of lentil genotypes to salinity stress, experiment was performed in Petri dishes with seventeen genotypes. All genotypes were subjected to control and salinity stress (4.0 and 8.0 dSm-1) for 7 days and physiological parameters viz. germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, germination relative index, vigour index-І and vigour index-II were observed. Results showed a significant decrease in values of these parameters under salinity stress compared to control condition. Among genotypes, the least reduction in germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, germination relative index, vigour index-І and vigour index-II value were observed in genotypes RLG-234 and RLG-254 while the maximum percent reduction was observed in LL-931 and SJL 7-2. For the second objective, contrasting set of genotypes i.e., tolerant (RLG-234 and RLG-254) and susceptible genotypes (LL-931 and SJL 7-2) were sown in CRD with three replications in plastic pot filled with soil having EC 4.0 dSm-1. The contrasting genotypes were primed with different commercial formulation of microbes (Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescence, Trichoderma viride + Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescence + Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescence + Bacillus subtilis) and morpho-physiological and biochemical response under salinity stress was studied. Results showed that morphological (root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight) , physiological (relative water content, membrane stability index, total chlorophyll content) biochemical (proline, soluble protein, total free amino acids) and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) were significantly increased in all the treatments over control (without microbial inoculation), whereas lipid peroxidation and protease activity was significantly decreased in all the treatments. Sodium content was decreased while potassium content was significantly increased in both root and shoot. Potassium- sodium ratio was higher in shoot than in root. On the basis of present study it was concluded that, salinity stress adversely affected morpho-physiological, biochemical attributes and nutritional content (Na and K) in lentil genotypes. These parameters were improved under salinity stress with the combined application of Pseudomonas fluorescence, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma viride showing synergistic response in ameliorating salinity stress.ThesisItem Open Access Physiology of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) genotypes under salinity and high temperature stress at seedling stage(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Prasad, Satya Narayan; KavitaRapeseed-mustard is considered to be the second largest edible oilseed crop in the world after soybean. However, this is sensitive to salinity stress that adversely affects growth and yield. The crop also faces high temperature at seedling stage when sown late. The present investigation was carried out to screen mustard genotypes against salinity and high temperature stress conditions and to study physio-biochemical response in two contrasting genotypes under salinity and high temperature stress condition at seedling stage. The salt solution was prepared by using NaCl: CaCl2 in the ratio of 7:2 (w/v) and its electrical conductivity of different salinity levels (4.0 dSm-1 and 6.0 dSm-1) were maintained by direct reading conductivity meter. Twenty one genotypes viz., CS-52, CS-56, CS2002-61, CS2002-189, CS2002-195, CS2004-105, CS2004-106, CS2004-114, CS2004-191, CS2005-124, CS2005-125, CS2009-105, CS2009-145, CS2009-256, CS2009-261, CS2009-332, CS2009-347, CS2013-10, CS2013-19, CS2013-27 and CS1013-41 were subjected to primary screening at different stresses sown in seedling trays filled with soil. The treatments comprised of (a) Control (1.2 dSm-1) (b) 1.2 dSm-1 + High temperature (40℃) (c) Salinity of EC = 4.0 dSm-1 (d) Salinity of EC = 6.0 dSm-1 (e) Salinity (EC = 4.0 dSm-1) + high temperature (40℃) (f) Salinity (EC = 6.0 dSm-1) + high temperature (40℃) that were compared with control (1.2 dSm-1). The contrasting set of genotypes identified were used to study the physio-biochemical changes in 15-day old seedlings. On the basis of physiological parameters viz., survival percent, seedling length, dry weight of seedlings, vigour index-I and vigour index-II of contrasting set of genotypes were identified. Survival percent, seedling length, dry weight of seedlings, vigour index-I and vigour index-II declined in all the genotypes in different treatments over control, however, the decline was less in genotypes CS2009-347 and CS-52 whereas it was more in CS2009-256 and CS2009-145. The genotypes CS2009-347 and CS-52 were identified as relatively tolerant, whereas CS2009-256 and CS2009-145 were found to be susceptible genotypes. Stress application resulted in decline in membrane stability index, relative water content, chlorophyll content and soluble protein content; however, the decline was less in tolerant genotypes. Contrary to this, carotenoids content, proline content, catalase activity, peroxidase activity were found to increase, the increase being more pronounced in tolerant genotypes. Total free amino acids and protease activity also enhanced with the percent enhancement being more in susceptible genotypes. Results of this study will be helpful for finding salinity and high temperature tolerant genotypes for mustard improvement programme.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological response of Mung bean [Vigna radiata L. (Wilczek)] genotypes to application of salicylic acid and trichoderma under salinity stress(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Kumar, Suresh; KavitaThesisItem Open Access Production and marketing of Cauliflower in Samastipur district: an economic analysis(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Kumari, Renu; Mishra, R.R.The present study aims at analyzing economic aspects with respect to Production and marketing of cauliflower in Samastipur district of Bihar, both primary data and secondary data from the base of the study. Primary data were collected from 100 cauliflower growers, located in five randomly selected villages of purposively selected Pusa block and Kalyanpur block of Samastipur district. The respondents were grouped into four farm size categories viz. marginal, small, medium and large farmers based on their size of holding. The results of the investigation indicated that average age of sample cauliflower growers was around 48 years. The number of family members in two-thirds of the sample households, varied between 5 and 7. About one-half of the respondents were secondary educated and one-third of them were educated up to primary level, while 8 per cent of them were illiterate. Majority of respondents were from OBC caste group. Average size of land holding was estimated at 1.56 hectares. It was found that proportion of cows and she-buffaloes increased with increasing size of farm. In contrast proportion of bullocks declined with increase in farm size. Indicating higher dependence of larger farm size households on machinery for agricultural operations. A positive correlation was noticed between the size of farms, value of implements and machinery. The gross- cropped area per sample households increased with increasing size of farm. Vegetables were grown in around one-fourth of the gross-cropped area. Out of the total area under vegetable major chunk was under cauliflowers. Agriculture, dairying, business and service were identified as important source of income to the sample households. Crop production emerged as the most important source of income, while contribution from total vegetables was 46.99 per cent of the total income. Cauliflower alone contributed 87.66 per cent of the total income from vegetables. Significant positive growth in area, production and productivity of cauliflower in Bihar was observed during the period 2001-02 to 2015-16, the area under cauliflower increased at the rate of 0.47 per cent per annum and 0.36 per cent per annum in period II and III, but in period I, it decreased at the rate of 0.04 per cent during period I. Growth in productivity of cauliflower registered an increasing trend during period I and II but it decreased at the rate of 2.14 per cent during period III. Production of cauliflower witnessed all most similar trend, during all the periods under consideration. The growth in area, production and productivity of cauliflower exhibited almost similar trend in case of Samastipur district. The cost of cultivation of cauliflower was estimated at Rs. 46257.71 per hectare, out of which variable cost accounted for 67.73 per cent and fixed cost made up remaining 32.27 per cent. In terms of cost concepts cost C3 was estimated at Rs.50883.49. About 99.00 per cent of the produced was found to be marketed surplus in cauliflower. Three marketing channels were identified for marketing of cauliflower in the study area. The channels were, channel-I (Producer-consumer), channel-II (Producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer), and channel-III (Producer-commission agent (bazaar samiti)-wholesaler-retailer (distant market)-consumer). Out of the three channels channel-III was observed to be the most important channel as more than 50.00 per cent of produce was marketed through this channel alone. Producer‟s share in consumer‟s rupees was noticed to be higher (95.82 per cent) in channel-I, than that in channel-II (73.82 per cent) and channel-III (56.67 per cent). The marketing efficiency of channel-I, channel-II and channel-III was observed to be 22.91, 2.82 and 1.31, respectively. It indicated that marketing channel-I operated more efficiently in comparison with channel-II and channel-III. The mean level of TE, AE and CE suggested that there is considerable for decreasing inputs and thereby reducing the cost of cauliflower cultivation. Provision of liberal credit to the cauliflower growers installation of market information system. Development of infrastructural facilities (cold storage, pool-chain, refrigerated van) etc. Re-enactment of APMC act etcetera will go a long way in improving the marketing of cauliflower in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access Study on economics of Makhana production: a village level approach(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Sharma, Amardeep; Mishra, R.R.The present study entitled with “A Study on Economics of Makhana Production, A village level approach” was undertaken in Manigachhi block of Darbhanga district and Andhrathari block of Madhubani district of Bihar. The study is based on both primary data and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 30 Makhana growers spread over ten randomly selected villages of two purposively selected blocks with larger area under Makhana using interview method. The respondents were classified into marginal, small, medium and large Makhana growers on the basis of pond area. The study revealed that overall area under Makhana cultivation in Darbhanga and Madhubani districts decreased by 1.59 per cent and 1.15 per cent respectively in 2017 over that in 2012. Production of Makhana in Darbhanga and Madhubani districts remained almost stagnant during the same period. However, the productivity of Makhana increased at the rate of 2.24 per cent in case of Darbhanga district and 1.42 per cent in case of Madhubani district during the same period mainly on account of improvement in technology. It was observed that majority of the respondents (70.00 per cent) belonged to middle age group (i.e. 30 to 50 years).More than one-half of the sample Makhana growers had medium size families with 5 to 7 members. Two-thirds of the sample respondents were found to be illiterate. All the Makhana growers came from a single caste called „Mallah‟. Members of this particular caste had in-born skill in fishing and Makhana growing. The average land holding of sample respondents in the study area was 1.59 hectares. In the study area, larger proportions of respondents (46.67 per cent) were mainly dependent on Makhana cultivation, fishing along with agriculture for their living. More than 60.00 per cent of respondents had annual income less than Rs.2.5 lakh. Makhana growing, farming, fishing and dairying were found to be important sources of income to the respondent households. Out of these growing Makhana was the most important activity giving more than 50.00 per cent of total income to the Makhana grower household. It was found that more than one-half of the marginal Makhana growers raised cows as raising cows was a low cost affair and gave handsome returns to the concerned households. Thus raising cows was a cheap source of additional income to these households and the income from raising cows helped meet day-to-day expenditure of these households. The study further revealed that cost of cultivation of Makhana was found to be Rs.57370.50 Gross return, per hectare of Makhana pond was observed Rs.171630.00. Net returns over Cost A was worked to beRs.117344.80, over Cost B it was Rs.105739.70 and over Cost C it was Rs.103617.24. Benefit- Cost ratio came out to be 2.16, 1.60 and 1.52 over Cost A, Cost B and Cost C respectively. On an average, per hectare of pond, family labour income and farm business income amounted to Rs.116381.96 and Rs.105379.57 respectively. While turn-over rate, percentage return over working capital and percentage return over fixed capital per hectare of pond worked out to be 299.16 per cent, 201.93 per cent and 200.36 per cent. Producer‟s share in consumer‟s rupee was higher in channel I (61.80 per cent) than that in channel II (50.86 per cent) and channel III (41.64 per cent). Total marketing cost was higher in channel III (Rs. 274.87) as compared to that in channel II (Rs. 177.00) and channel I (Rs. 114.34) while marketing margin was higher Rs. 75.82 in channel III than that in channel II and channel I. Marketing efficiency of channel I was estimated as 1.61 which was more than that for channel II and in I i.e. 1.03 and 0.71 respectively. No ownership of pond, lack of skilled labour and lack of recommended package of practices of Makhana were identified as major constraints in production of Makhana in the study area. Two main constraints i.e. lack of skilled labour and lack of processing machine in processing and lack of storage facility, high price fluctuation, non-fixation of MSP of Makhana were found major problems in marketing faced by Makhana growers in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of Kisan Credit Card Scheme in Bihar with special reference to Madhubani district(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2018) Gautam, Krishna Kumar; Mishra, R.R.The present study is assessing aimed at Performance of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme in Ghoghardhia block and Phulparas block of Madhubani district in Bihar. The study is based on primary data collected from 50 KCC and 50 non-KCC holder farmers from four villages namely, Ratoli, Sudai, Murli and Navtol. The study revealed that average age of KCC and non- KCC holder respondents was estimated as 48.76 years and 45.33 years respectively. The ages of majority of KCC and non-KCC holders were in the middle age group (41 to 55 years). Majority of KCC holders (27 out of 50 i.e 54.00 per cent) belonged to medium size families with 5 to 10 members. Majority of non-KCC holders also belonged to medium size families. Larger proportion of KCC holders were secondary educated followed by those educated upto primary level. Larger proportion of non-KCC holders were educated upto primary level followed by secondary educated respondents. Dominance of respondents belonging to Other Backward Castes was observed among KCC holder and non-KCC holder farmers. The average owned land holding of KCC and non-KCC holders in the study area was 1.16 ha and 1.14 ha, respectively. Majority of the KCC and non-KCC holders were having mixed type of houses. The overall annual income of KCC and non-KCC Rs 232600 and Rs 204040 respectively. It was observed that annual income of KCC holder and non-KCC holders increased with increasing size of farm. Agriculture and business and agriculture and dairy were the two most important occupation mixes adopted by the KCC holders. Agriculture, business and goatry and agriculture and dairy emerged as the two important occupation mixes for non-KCC holders. The cost of cultivation of paddy in the study area was found to be Rs 14856.45 and Rs 13621.22 per acre, out of that Rs 12534.18 (84.37 per cent) and Rs 11342.92 (83.27 per cent) was operational cost and remaining Rs 2322.27 (15.63 per cent) and Rs 2278.30 (16.73 per cent) was share of overhead cost for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The gross return per acre was Rs 20323.64 and Rs 18287.94 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively and net income was Rs 5467.19 and Rs 4666.72 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The output input ratio was calculated to be 1.37 and 1.34 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The cost of production was Rs 821.95 and Rs 802.84 for main product and Rs 214.07 and Rs 214.04 for by-product for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The cost of cultivation of wheat in the study area was estimated to be Rs 15409.40 and Rs 14268.93 per acre, out of that Rs 13087.13 (84.93 per cent) and Rs 11990.63 (84.03 per cent) was operational cost and remaining Rs 2322.27(15.07 per cent) and Rs 2278.30 (15.97 per cent) was share of overhead cost for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The gross return per acre was Rs 18156.18 and Rs 16498.40 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively and net income was Rs 2746.78 and Rs 2229.47 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The output input ratio was calculated to be 1.18 and 1.16 for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. The cost of production was Rs 1122.28 and Rs 1089.70 for main product and Rs 330.29 and Rs 328.88 for by-product for KCC and non-KCC holders, respectively. KCC cards were issued to the farmers of Bihar by three financial institutions namely Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative Banks. The share of these institutions in total KCCs issued was 47.24 per cent, 39.69 per cent and 13.06 per cent respectively. The number KCCs issued increased at the rate of 9 per cent per annum in case of Commercial Banks, 15 per cent in case of Regional Rural Banks and declined at the rate of 3 per cent in case of Co-operative Banks. These three institutions accounted for 50.27 per cent, 7016 per cent and 64.59 per cent respectively in the total credit advanced to the KCC holders of the state. The credit given by these institutions grew at the rate of 4 per cent, 1 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. The share of Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative Banks in total KCCs issued to the farmers of Madhubani district was 18 per cent, 59 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The number of KCCs changed at the rate of 9 per cent, 5 per cent and -2 per cent per annum in case of these three institutions respectively. Similarly, the share of these institutions in disbursement of KCC credit was 36.15 per cent, 50.68 per cent and 13.17 per cent per annum respectively which increased at the rate of 13 per cent, 86 per cent and -7 per cent respectively. Logit Model was used to identify the socio-economic characteristics affecting adoption of KCC Scheme. The effect of education and occupation of household heads was found positive and significant. Important constraints reported by KCC holders in adoption f KCC Scheme faced by them were high interest rate charged by the financial institutions, non-availability of loan on time, lengthy paper work etc. Important constraints reported by non-KCC holders were difficulty in opening bank account, easy access to non-institutional credit etc.