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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access Self-Directed Blended Learning and Students’ Academic Achievement(2023) Karmakar, Kritika; Bhattacharjee, RupjyotiCovid-19 pandemic had a marked impact on the educational system all over the world. The pandemic has exposed the students to remote learning environment and has accelerated the adoption and prominence of online education among them. It was seen that in the post-pandemic situation students started to incorporate online learning in their daily routine after the returning back from schools, which is termed as self-directed blended learning. Self-directed blended learning is an educational approach where learners take an active role in their learning process by combination of the offline and online mode. In this approach, learners have the flexibility to engage with educational content online from the comfort of their home in addition to conventional classroom learning. But this approach may have both benefits and challenges. By using stratified sampling method four Kendriya Vidyalaya schools were chosen from Balipara block of Sonitpur district, Assam. After identifying the prevalence of self-directed blended learning among students with the help of a self-constructed checklist, a sample of 224 students were selected from the highly prevalent group by the Cochran’s formula. A self-constructed questionnaire was distributed to those selected students in order to elicit information regarding their demographic characteristics, the factors influencing them to adopt the self-directed blended learning approach and the challenges of this approach. Academic records of the selected students were obtained from respective school authorities in order to assess the impact of self-directed blended learning on students’ academic achievement. The collected data were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS software. With the help of a multiple regression analysis, it was found that factors of physical, social and intellectual dimension had a significant influence on students’ adoption of self-directed blended learning approach, with intellectual dimension being the strongest influencing factor. By calculation of composite mean it was found that among all the four chosen dimensions of challenges, physical challenge holds the highest position and with the help of correlation analysis, it was identified that self-directed blended learning has a positive impact on students’ academic achievementThesisItem Open Access A Study on Prevalence of Social Anxiety among Students(2023) Laldinpuii, B.; Bhattacharjee, RupjyotiAnxiety is a mental health condition in which the person anticipates a future worry and reacts to specific items and situations with dread and fright. Social anxiety is a persistent mental health issue characterized by unreasonable anxiety during social interactions. Everyday social encounters for those with social anxiety can result in unreasonable worry, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. Symptoms can include an extreme fear of being judged, feeling embarrassed or ashamed, or worry about upsetting someone. The college time is critical for college students’ rapid maturity of cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Interpersonal communication is becoming increasingly vital in college students’ studies, lives, and employment. It is one of the most significant psychological issues influencing college students’ studies and lifestyles, and interpersonal communication issues are prevalent among today's college students. (Luan Y. et al, 2022). The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of social anxiety among students, to assess gender difference in the prevalence of social anxiety and to find out the impact of social anxiety on life style of the students. The study was conducted on 198 numbers of college going students who falls under the age group of 19-21 years. Two questionnaires were used for data collection. The responses were coded and analysed. The findings revealed that social anxiety was prevalent among students as about a quarter of the students (24.8%) were found to have a high level of social anxiety and 56.6 percent of the students were found to have a moderate level of social anxiety. Social anxiety has the potential to negatively impact all aspects of life, including social relationships, academic performance, emotional well-being, and future work opportunities — particularly if left unaddressed. With proper planning and understanding of its unique effects on students, educators can create an inviting environment for all students to learn and grow.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF MISING TRIBE IN ASSAM(2023) NONGRUM, YASHMIN; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of Nutritional status of Mising tribe in Assam” was carried out to examine the socio-demographic profile of the Mising tribe, assess their nutritional status through various anthropometric measurements, dietary patterns, biochemical markers and clinical parameters, and implement a targeted nutrition education intervention. To achieve these objectives, a cross-sectional study design was employed and 384 households were selected for the study. Sociodemographic data was collected through structured questionnaires, while anthropometric measurements, including Height, Weight, MUAC and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded. Dietary assessments were conducted to evaluate the consumption patterns, assess the food and nutrient intake of the target groups. Biochemical marker, such as hemoglobin levels were measured to identify any nutritional deficiencies . Clinical examinations were performed to identify any signs of malnutrition , anemia or related health issues. The Mising tribe's socio-demographic profile reveals a majority of individuals belong to small families (65.10%) who reside in traditional Chang ghar houses (66.41%). They heavily rely on agriculture as their main income source (90.40%) and face challenges such as high illiteracy rates and lack of proper toilet facilities.The dietary assessment among the Mising tribe revealed various consumption patterns and nutritional deficiencies. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) showed that the mean score was 6.5 out of 12, with 59.7% of households having inadequate dietary diversity. In terms of food and nutrient intake, deficits were observed in the consumption of eggs, fruits, milk and milk products, fats and oils, as well as micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Additionally, there was a high intake of energy derived from carbohydrates whereas poor intake from fat indicating an imbalance in macronutrient distribution as per the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). The anthropometric assessment of the Mising tribe's when compared to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, in the case of height, both ICMR and NCHS standards were not met, indicating a significant deficit at P< 0.05 in all target age groups . Moreover, the WHO Z-scores of height-for-age classified a significant proportion of preschool boys and girls as stunted, and the mean weight of preschool boys and girls, as well as adolescent girls, were consistently lower than the ICMR and NCHS standardsfurther emphasizing the nutritional challenges faced by this population. The deficits ranged from 7.3% to 30.2% compared to the ICMR standard and from 4.8% to 43.1% compared to the NCHS standard. This suggests an overall underweight status among the Mising tribe, particularly among adolescent girls. The prevalence of undernutrition based on BMI-for-age was also notable, with percentages ranging from 14.7% to 26.08% for preschool children and from 6.5% to 40% for adolescent girls. However, overweight and obesity were not prevalent among this population. The MUAC classification indicated that the majority of preschool boys and girls were well-nourished, with only a small prevalence of acute and moderate malnutrition ranging from 6.05% to 15.15%.Various clinical manifestations associated with nutrient deficiencies.In preschool children, adolescent girls and pregnant women , clinical signs and symptoms such as dull and dry hair, pale and dry conjunctiva, cheilosis, dental caries, and dry and flaky skin were observed due to deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and iron. Anemia was also prevalent among both adolescent girls and pregnant women. The mean hemoglobin level (g/dl) of adolescent girls (13-18 years) and pregnant women of Mising tribe reported to be 10.9 g /dl and 9.3 g /dl with prevailing symptoms including pale skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Statistical analysis revealed a strong significant positive correlation between height and micronutrient intake, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A (p < 0.05). This suggests that the intake of these micronutrients may have an impact on the height of the target population. Additionally, a strong significant positive correlation was found between weight and fat intake among the target age groups. Significant positive correlation was also obtained between hemoglobin level, iron intake and vitamin C. These statistical findings underscore the significant nutritional challenges faced by the Mising tribe, encompassing inadequate dietary diversity, micronutrientdeficiencies and macronutrient imbalance impact leading to stunting, underweight status, and prevalent anemia.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE BODO TRIBES OF ASSAM(2023) BARUAH, URMIMALA; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of the Bodo tribes of Assam with the objectives to assess the socio-demographic profile and the nutritional status of the study population in terms of anthropometric indices, food consumption pattern, clinical and biochemical parameters along with the traditional/etnic food processing and preservation practices of the target population. Three hundred eighty eight households were selected by multistage proportionate probability sampling from four districts of Assam, namely- Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri. Food consumption pattern of the population revealed that four meals a day was practiced which mainly comprises of the traditional food items prepared from rice, meat, dry fish, pulses. The frequency of consumption of food groups by the Bodo households revealed that cent per cent of the respondents consumed cereals, other vegetables, fats and oils and sugar and jaggery on a daily basis. The mean value for household dietary diversity is 6 which indicate on an average the Bodo households consumed ≤7 food groups out of 12 food groups over the preceeding 24-hour. This indicates inadequate dietary diversity of the Bodo households. The percentage distribution revealed that 56 per cent of the Bodo households had inadequate household dietary diversity and 44 per cent of the Bodo households had adequate household dietary diversity. The household food security status of the Bodo households revealed that 62.27% were food secure, 27.73% were mildly food insecure, 7% were moderately food insecure and 3% were severely food insecure. Food intake pattern as analyzed in terms of Balanced Diet recommended, it was found that the mean daily intake of cereals among 4-6 years was (93.36-95.44%) of the BDR. The average daily intake of pulses was 71.93%-74.40% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of meat, fish and poultry 84.32%-86.96% of the BDR. It was noteworthy to mention that the mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables by 4-6 years boys and girls was 30.85%-36.52%, 39.22%-42.20% and 60.32%-64.12% respectively which was much lower than the BDR. The mean daily intake of cereals was 115.43% of the BDR among 13-15 year adolescent girls. The mean daily intake of pulses among 13-15 adolescent girls was 73.70% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of meat, fish and poultry among 13-15 years adolescent girls was 85.52% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables was 33.05%, 43.06%, 60.66% respectively among 13-15 years adolescent girls. Mean daily intake of cereals by the 16-18 year adolescent girls was 131.61% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables among 16-18 year adolescent girls was 18.02%, 38.46%, 66.16% of the BDR respectively. The mean daily intake of meat fish and poultry among 16-18 year adolescent girls was 88.96% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of cereals among the pregnant women and lactating women was 167.48% and 125.05% of the BDR respectively. It was found that the mean daily intake of milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits among the pregnant women was 17.74%, 65.68% and 35.13% of the BDR respectively. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits among the lactating women was 20.28%, 39.66% and 64.34% of the BDR respectively. While analyzing the mean daily nutrient intake of 4-6 years boys and girls, it was found that the mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 87.51%, 91.40%, 178.53% and 87.36% of the EAR respectively among 4-6 years boys. The average daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 73.25%, 76.88%, 62.16% and 70.48 % of the EAR respectively by 4-6 year boys. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 83.83%, 93.35%, 183.42%, 87.36% of the EAR respectively among the 4-6 year girls. The average daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 77.62%, 75.40%, 75.26% and 74.14% of the EAR among the 4-6 years girls. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 88.81%, 92.93%, 199.7%, 80.42% of the EAR respectively among 13-15 year girls. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 70.11%, 77.07%, 74.33% and 69.30% of the EAR respectively among 13-15 year girls. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 84.42%, 91.74%,195.36%and 86.20% of the EAR respectively among 16-18 year girls. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 62.88%, 73.20%, 77.03%,74.58% of the EAR respectively among 16-18 year girls. The average daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 105.54%, 91.68%, 239.37%, 87.33% of the EAR among pregnant women. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C 69.21%, 71.51%,76.88% and 74.23% of the EAR respectively among pregnant women. The average daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 100.47%, 104.25%, 284.03% and 85.43% of the EAR respectively among lactating women. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 79.06%, 75.20%, 73.36% and 76.04% of the EAR respectively among lactating women. Comparison of calculated macronutrient with Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for 4-6 years revealed that the distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 60%, 8% and 15.16% respectively. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat for 13-15 year girls was 60.10%, 7.00% and 12.00% respectively. While comparing with AMDR, it was found that the distribution of energy from carbohydrate was 75%, protein was 9% and fat was 13% among 16-18 year adolescent girls. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 79.30%, 9.10% and 11.12% respectively among pregnant women. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 78%, 10%, 10.20% respectively among lactating women. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 72.13%, 8% and 9.10% respectively among non pregnant non lactating women. The anthropometric assessment of the 4-6 year boys and girls in terms of height revealed that the height measurements were significantly lower than the 95th centile values of height (ICMR) (p<0.05). The weight measurements revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the 95th centile values of weight (ICMR) (p<0.05). Per cent distribution of 4-6 years boys and girls according to WHO (2007) Z-scores of height-for-age revealed that (70-83%) of the respondents were normal while (17-30%) were stunted. According to WHO (2007) Z-scores weight-forage, showed that (70-80.48%) of the 4-6 years boys and girls were in the normal range of nutritional status while (19.52-30%) were underweight. The mid upper arm circumference measurements among the 4-6 years children revealed that the mean MUAC measurements were significantly lower than the ICMR standards(p<0.05).The height measurements of the 13-15 years adolescent girls revealed that the mean height of the target population was significantly lower than the 95th centil values of height (ICMR).The weight measurents of 13-15 year adolescent girls, according to 95th centile values of weight(ICMR) revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the standards(p<0.05).The height measurements of 16-18 year adolescent girls according to 95th centile values of height (ICMR) showed that the mean height was significantly lower than the ICMR standards(p<0.05). The comparison of mean weight of 16-18 year adolescent girls with 95th centile values of weight revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the ICMR standards. Per cent distribution of 13-18 year girls according to WHO (2007) Z-scores of height-for-age revealed that (74.32-82.61%) were in the normal range of nutritional status while (17.39-26.58%) were stunted. The correlation between macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements of 4-6 year boys revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between fat intake and weight (p<0.05). A positive significant correlation was observed between fat intake and MUAC (p<0.05). The correlation between macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements of 4-6 year girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between protein intake and height (p<0.05). The clinical assessment carried out among 4- 6 years children revealed that 24.09% of the children had dull and dry hair followed by 13.85% had thin hair. 15.66% had of the respondents had pale conjunctiva. Further it has been noted that 21.68% of the respondents had gums swelling and bleeding. 23.49% of the target children had dental caries followed by 6.02% had stained teeth. 25.30% of the target children had dry flaky skin. The observed clinical signs and symptoms among 13- 15 years adolescent girls revealed that 17.64% of the 13-15 year girls had dull and dry hair followed by 10.58% had thin hair.22.35 per cent of the respondents had pale conjunctiva and 12.94% had pale conjunctiva. It was also observed that 24.70% had chielosis and 11.76% had swelling and bleeding gums.18.82% had dental caries and 21.17% had dry flaky skin. The observed clinical signs and symptoms among 16-18 year adolescent girls showed that 11.47% of the 16-17 year girls had dull and dry hair and 19.67 had thin hair. Among the target population, 16.39% had pale conjunctiva and 26.22 had dry conjunctiva. 22.95% of the respondents had gums swelling and bleeding. 31.14% had dental caries. 21.31% had dry flaky skin and 18.03% had depigmentation. The mean haemoglobin level of 13-18 year adolescent girls was 9.86gm/dl and the mean hoys haemoglobin level of pregnant women was 10.25gm/dl. Per cent distribution of 13-18 year adolescent girls according to ICMR classification of aenemia showed that 74.22% of the tribal adolescent girls had moderate anaemia followed by 23.72% had mild anaemia and 2.06% had severe anaemia. The per cent distribution of pregnant women according to ICMR classification of anemia revealed that 68.37% of the tribal pregnant women had moderate anaemia followed by 27.63% had mild anaemia and 4.0% had severe anaemia. The correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of 13-18 year girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake (p<0.05). Correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of 13-18 year adolescent girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of the 13-18 years adolescent girls(p<0.05). The correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of the pregnant women revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of the pregnant women (p<0.05). Correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of pregnant women revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin c intake of the pregnant women(p<0.05). Per cent distribution of adolescents (13-18 years) according to ICMR classification of anemia revealed that 74.22% of the tribal adolescent girls had moderate anemia followed by 23.72% had mild anemia and 2.06% had severe anemia. The per cent distribution of pregnant women according to ICMR classification of anemia showed that 68.37% of the tribal pregnant women had moderate anemia followed by 27.63% had mild anemia and 4.0% had severe anemia. The food processing and preservation practices traditionally followed by Bodo household revealed that fermentation, sun drying, methods were adopted for preserving food products like Zwu/rice beer, Narzi/dry jute leaves, Nga gwarn/dry fish and Napham/dry fish chutney and used either in daily meal as adjunct or accessory item or main dish during lean season or for festival which was entwined in their food history and culinary practices from time immemorial.ThesisItem Open Access OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESSING METHOD AND VALUE ADDITION OF CHUNGA CHAWL AND CHUNGA PITHA(2023) Tiwari, Mansi; Barooah, Mridula SaikiaThe present investigation entitled “Optimization of processing method and value addition of Chunga chawl and Chunga pitha” aims to optimize the traditional processing techniques involved in preparation of Chunga chawl and Chunga pitha which is a traditional rice-based products prepared mainly after harvesting during Magh Bihu. The study also included value addition of the optimized products followed by their physico-chemical and shelf-life evaluation using standard protocols. Prior to optimization, the traditional practices prevailing at local level was identified and information regarding preparation of chunga chawl and Chunga pitha was gathered using an open-ended pre-set interview schedule, pertaining to the ingredients used, preparation techniques, associated beliefs, mode of consumption etc. Based on the information sought, Aghuni bora rice was used for preparation of Chunga chawl and Kajoli chakua variety was used for preparing Chunga pitha. The paddy varieties obtained were evaluated in terms of their milling, physical and nutritional characteristics. Three processing variables-soaking time (6-12 h), cooking time (10-25 min) and water quantity (10-40 ml/100g) were selected which varies generally during preparation of the products. The range of these variables were fitted into an RSM model to obtain an experimentation design with 20 different combinations against response variables colour, overall sensory acceptability, degree of gelatinization (%) and swelling index. The best predicted solution for Chunga chawl was obtained with 0.80 desirability at soaking time 10.81 h, cooking time-16.51 min and water quantity of 34.10 ml/100g. In the similar manner the best predicted solution for Chunga pitha was obtained with 0.99 desirability at soaking time 11h, cooking time 19.19 min and water quantity of 27.39 ml/100g. The optimized products when compared with the native ones, a higher sensory acceptability of the optimized products in terms of colour, texture and appearance was obtained. The optimized products were then value added to improve their nutrient contribution. The value addition of Chunga chawl was done by partially replaced polished rice with germinated brown rice (GBR) at different proportions (C1: 25%, C2: 50%, C3: 75% and C4: 100%). When exposed to the sensory test by semi-trained panelist using 9-point hedonic scale, C1 bagged highest acceptability and was at par with the control (CC: 100% polished rice). The value-addition of Chunga pitha was done by replacing with finger millet flour at varied proportion (P1:10%, P2:20%, P3:30% and P4:40%). The highest acceptability was obtained by the Chunga pitha prepared with 10.00 per cent incorporation of finger millet flour and was at par with the control (CP: 0% millet flour). With the partial replacement with germinated brown rice, an increase in nutrient composition was seen. The protein content increased from 12.54±0.36 to 14.09±0.30%, fat content from 1.11±0.04 to 1.43±0.05%, ash content increased from 0.27±0.05 to 1.03±0.08% and fibre content from 0.84±0.02 to 1.24±0.03%. A reduction in amylose content was seen from 2.40±0.03 to 1.92±0.03% was recorded. The mineral content also increased with increasing the level of GBR to Chunga chawl. The calcium content increased from 24.76±0.08 to 26.98±0.04 mg/100g, iron content from 0.55±0.04 to 1.16±0.03 mg/100g, phosphorus from 84.58±1.13 to 202.19±0.39 mg/100g and zinc from 0.47±0.02 to 0.73±0.03 mg/100g on value addition. Likewise, an increasing trend of nutrient content was also observed in case of Chunga pitha prepared by value addition of finger millet flour. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the nutrient compositions was evident with incorporation of finger millet flour. The fat content increased from 10.20±0.06 to 10.54±0.05 per cent and fiber content from 2.27±0.16 to 7.08±0.11 per cent with increase in the level of incorporation of finger millet flour. The calcium content ranged from 37.67±1.54 to 193.04±5.83 mg/100g, phosphorus content varied from 140.79±1.81 to 171.61±6.91 mg/100g, iron from 3.42±0.07 to 4.17±0.13 mg/100g and zinc content was between 2.27±0.02 and 2.17±0.01 mg/100g. The value-added product were also subjected to shelf-life evaluation in terms of their sensory attributes and biochemical parameters such as free fatty acid (FFA) content, peroxide value (PV) and total plate count (TPC) across storage of 15 days under room temperature (28-30°C), refrigerated temperature (5-7°C) and freeze temperature (0°C) in vacuum and multi-layered packaging. An increase in FFA content, PV, TPC and a reduction in sensory scores was observed in both control and value-added products irrespective of temperature and packaging materials with increase in storage days. The increment was more pronounced in products stored at room temperature in multi-layered packaging. An increase in TPC of the developed products were seen beyond permissible limit on the 5th day of storage in multi-layered packaging and on 7th day of storage in vacuum packaging under room temperature both in case of Chunga chawl and Chunga pitha. However, when stored refrigerated condition and freeze condition the prepared Chunga chawl and Chunga pitha were within the permissible limit up to 15 days of storage, indicating a shelf life of 15 days on storage at low temperature. From the findings it can be concluded that, a uniform product with extended shelf life can be prepared and commercialized to meet the growing customer demand for indigenous food products. Further the traditional practices involved in preparation of these products can be preserved across generations. The products also showed a potential scope for nutrification, thus ameliorating their quality further in terms of nutritional contents.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SEEDS FROM MORINGA OLEIFERA AVAILABLE IN ASSAM(2023) HOQUE, FARHANAZ SULTANA; Baruah, Luna DuttaThe present study entitled “Evaluation of functional properties of seeds from Moringa Oleifera available in Assam” was undertaken with an aim to evaluate the functional properties of the Moringa oleiufera seeds.The objectives of the study were ,analysis of phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera seeds, formulation of Moringa oleifera seeds flour incorporated product, nutritional evaluation of the developed product and analysis of hypoglycemic efficacy of the developed product. In the present study, a total no. of 45 different formulations of product (chapatti) were developed with incorporation of raw and debittered Moringa oleifera seeds flour. The debittering treatments were boiling, roasting as well as soaking ( for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hrs.) and boiling, and soaking (for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hrs.) and roasting. Results obtained from the analysis of phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the raw and treated Moringa oleifera seeds available in Assam in terms of total phenolic contents (mg/100g) of Moringa oleifera seeds for T0, TB, TSBa, TSBb, TSBc, TSBd, TR, TSRa, TSRb, TSRc, TSRd were found to be 29.55±0.01 mg/100g, 23.87±0.01 mg/100 g, 19.28±0.007 mg/100g, 18.96±0.02 mg/100g, 17.87±0.02 mg/100g, 16.26±0.02 mg/10g, 24.57±0.01 mg/100g, 19.55±0.04 mg/100g, 19.95±0.58 mg/100g, 19.99±0.017 mg/100g, 20.00±0.02 mg/100 g respectively. Total flavanoid contents (mg/100g) of Moringa oleifera seeds for T0, TB, TSBa, TSBb, TSBc, TSBd, TR, TSRa, TSRb, TSRc, TSRd, were found to be 5.82±0.04 mg/100g, 9.07±0.01 mg/100g, 6.03±0.02 mg/100g, 5.76±0.02 mg/100g, 5.73±0.01 mg/100g, 5.66±0.02 mg/100g, 5.74±0.01 mg/100g, 5.65±0.04 mg/100g, 5.62±0.03 mg/100g, 5.60±0.02 mg/100g respectively whereas tannin content (mg/100g) of the raw and treated Moringa oleifera seeds for T0, TB, TSBa, TSBb, TSBc, TSBd, TR, TSRa, TSRb, TSRc, TSRd; were 6.11±0.08 mg/100g, 3.24±0.01 mg/100g, 2.52±0.02 mg/100 g, 2.82±0.01 mg/ 100 g, 2.77±0.04 mg/100g, 2.92±0.01 mg/100 g, 3.02±0.02 mg/ 100 g, 2.89±0.05 mg/ 100g, 2.82±0.01 mg/ 100 g, 2.80±0.01 mg/100g, 2.69±0.01 mg/ 100g, respectively. The phytic acid contents of the raw and treated Moringa oleifera seeds ranged from 7.51±0.02 mg/ 100 to 9.82±0.03 mg/100g. The phytate contents (mg/100g) of the raw and treated Moringa oleifera seeds were observed as 8.05±0.03 mg/100g, 7.75±0.03 mg/100g, 7.51±0.02 mg/100 g, 7.54±0.01 mg/ 100 g, 7.57±0.01 mg/100g, 7.62±0.03 mg/100 g, 9.82±0.03 mg/ 100 g, 7.74±0.03 mg/ 100g, 7.77±0.01 mg/ 100 g, 7.84±0.02 mg/100g, 7.90±0.02 mg/ 100g, in T0, TB, TSBa, TSBb, TSBc; TSBd, TR, TSRa, TSRb, TSRc, TSRd; respectively. Antioxidant activity was ovserved highest in boiled Moringa oleifera seeds which showed 71.18±0.06%. All the formulations of raw and treated Moringa oleifera seeds flour incorporated chapatti with the level of 5 to 20 per cent were subjected to sensory evaluation by 10 semi trained panelists using 9 point hedonic scale. From the sensory evaluation chapatti incorporated with 20 per cent soaked (12 hrs) and boiled Moringa oleifera seeds flour i.e. CSBa4 and chapatti incorporated with 15 percent soaked (12 hrs) and roasted Moringa oleifera seeds flour i.e. CSRa3 were highly accepted in terms of all the sensory attributes and selected for further analysis. Results revealed in terms of moisture, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein, total carbohydrate, total energy content and total mineral content for CSBa4 and CSRa3 were : 32.82±0.68 g/100g and 24.21±0.38 g/100g; 3.25±0.03 g/100g and 3.75±0.04 g/100g; 3.58±0.02 g/100g and 4.25±0.03 g/100g; 8.57±0.02 g/100g and 7.23±0.04 g/100g; 30.00±0.02 and 35.00±0.01; 214.09±0.04 kcal/100g and 220.43±0.03 kcal/100g; 1.80±0.03 g/100g and 1.89±0.01 g/100g respectively. Mineral contents of the developed product in terms of iron, calcium, potassium and zinc were found to be 4.07±0.04 mg/100g and 6.73±0.10 mg/100g; 40.16±0.42 mg/100g and 38.42±0.52 mg/100g; 158.6±1.00 mg/100g and 117.4±0.01 mg/100g; 1.10±0.02 mg/100g and 1.11±0.03 mg/100g respectively. In vivo studies were performed to study the impact of supplementation of the developed product in Wister rats. The product obtained score of 45.65 in the glycemic index scale and it can be considered as low glycemic index food. It also significantly reduced the blood glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic rats in 21 days supplementation period with @100 mg/kg b.w, @300 mg/kg. b.w. and @900 mg/ b.w. in dose dependent manner. The mean decrease in blood glucose levels were found to be 25 mg/dl followed by 21 mg/dl and 19 mg/dl in group D3, group D2 and group D1 respectively. From the findings of the study it can concluded that Moringa oleifera seeds possesed a decent nutritional composition and it can be incorporated in value added product development after subjecting to debittering treatments. The developed product can also be commercialized and popularized among different populations as a source of nutri dense food as this has low glycemic index property (45.65) and antihyperglycemic effect. It can be recommended to patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus with some modifications, as well as for people with other non communicable diseases.ThesisItem Open Access Ergonomic Evaluation of Task Performed by Workers in Manual Brick Kiln(2023) Baruah, Nikhil; Baruah, MoontyThe present study was conducted in Jorhat district of Assam. The study intended to find out the work-related health problems prevalent among the workers engaged in brick kiln activities. The ergonomic risk factors causing health problems were also examined in the study. The measures to minimize work related health problems among the brick kiln workers were also discussed. Three subdivisions of Jorhat namely Jorhat, Mariani and Titabor were selected performing for the study based upon the brick kiln industry. A total of 306 workers from the selected brick processing industries were selected from the total population of the brick industry on the 95% level of confidence. Findings revealed that among the surveyed workers, 59 per cent were male and 41 per cent were female workers and mostly 81 per cent were married. Most of the workers were under the age group of 41-50 years. Most (53) of the workers in the age group of 51-60 years were involved in the brick industry from 4 to 6 years followed by 46 numbers in the age group of 61-70. Only 11 of the workers were engaged from 7 to 9 years in the age group of 61-70. Loading of bricks to bake was found to be highly involved activity (Rank I). This was followed by arranging brick to dry (Rank II) and stacking brick (Rank III). The workers engaged in brick kiln industry worked for 10 to 12 hours daily. On an average of 2 hours of the break was found to be taken by the respondents for their lunch and rest period in all the brick processing units as surveyed. In the present study of ergonomic risk factors in brick kiln industries was studied in terms of postural analyses, types of muscular efforts, perceived exertion, REBA score etc. Findings of the study revealed that highest RPE score (Rating of Perceived Exertion) i.e., 4.25 was observed while performing molding brick which was followed by loading brick to fire with the mean RPE score of 4.23. While performing these activities the workers sit and stand in a continuous awkward posture. Arranging bricks to dry recorded the lowest RPE score of 2.47. From the data it was observed that during performance of all the activities the workers felt highest discomfort in thighs, lower back in standing type of activity followed by neck, wrist and shoulder in sitting and squatting postures. Majority 97.71% reported knee pain followed by 94.12% suffered low back pain and shoulder pain 93.79%. Around 66 per cent of the workers felt the pain always whereas, 28 percent of the workers had the pain sometimes, followed by 6 per cent of workers who never had pain during activities. It was observed that 38 percent of the workers suffered from less acute incidences of body pains whereas 45 percent of the workers had negligible incidences which was followed by acute incidences i.e., 17 percent. From the analysis of collected data, it was observed that as age, years of involvement increase prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder among the worker was higher. To improve the musculoskeletal health of kiln workers, workers should be trained in occupational safety and ergonomic principles. They should be encouraged to use personal protection aids like the lumbar belt to reduce lower back issues, the duration of rest should be split into short breaks, workers should be motivated to change their postures periodically with various stretching practices to relieve excessive muscular stress, tasks should be rotated between males and females, among age groups and BMI categories periodically as these factors are associated with musculoskeletal issues. Trolleys should be used not only in brick carrying but also in mould carrying. Moulding box and other hand tools should be redesigned ergonomically, and the use of already redesigned hand tools (i.e., spade, trowel, etc.) must be promoted.ThesisItem Open Access STATUS OF AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURS OF ASSAM WITH REFERENCE TO DAIRY FARMING(2023) Mudoi, Dhruba Jyoti; Borah, SayanikaResearch studies in dairy farming in Assam can lead to improved practices and policies, increased productivity, better animal health and welfare, and enhanced food safety for consumers. This will contribute to the overall wellbeing of the farmers, the local economy, and the wider community. Therefore, it was decided to undertake a research study on “Status of Agricultural Entrepreneurs of Assam with reference to Dairy Farming” with the objectives a) To develop the complete understanding of the entrepreneurs with reference to dairy farming. b) To find out the influencing factors for the selecting dairy farming as an enterprise. c) To assess the knowledge of the respondents regarding dairy farming as an enterprise. d) To identify the problems faced by the respondents in operating the enterprise. e)To elicit the suggestions from the respondents regarding improving the enterprise. The present study was carried out in purposively selected 5 districts of Assam where the highest number of registered dairy cooperative societies were found under Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of Assam. Districts were Jorhat, Nagaon, Lakhimpur, Golaghat and Morigaon. One (1) block from each district was selected purposively having the highest number of registered cooperative societies under D.D.D, Government of Assam. Four (4) Dairy Cooperative Societies (D.C.S) from each block were selected using simple random sampling. The selection of respondents (dairy farmers) was done using equal allocation technique under stratified sampling from each Dairy Cooperative Societies. From each Dairy Cooperative Society, 10 dairy farmers were selected randomly. Thus a total number of two hundred (200) respondents were selected. The findings shows that majority of the farmers (40.00 %) belonged to the middle aged (31 – 45 years) with majority of the farmers belonged to the male category (54.50 %) with educational qualification up to higher secondary (29.50 %), 39.50 per cent belonged to the ST/SC category and nuclear family with medium family size (45.00 %). Majority of the farmers had medium level of experience in dairy farming and a mixed of all cattle in livestock possession along with mixed type of animal shed with local soil as their flooring in the animal shed. A large number of the farmers (32.50 %) obtained information from TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of TV / Radio Internet Media and most of them them them them them kept vaccination records of their cattles and prepared packed milk and used bike for milk transportation. Dairy farmers are mostly influenced by social factors, followed by psychological, economic and technical and lastly by market related factors for selecting dairy farming as their enterprise. Overall majority of the farmers (74.00 %) had medium level of knowledge and the highest level of knowledge was seen in reproductive management (Mean score 13.86). Majority farmers faced problems with scientific breeding practices (Mean score 7.43). Almost cent per cent of the farmers (99.00 %) suggested that there should be improvement in the farmer’s access to institutional credit or loan through simplification of procedures and reduction in interest rates and financial agencies should also increase the quantum of loan amount to enable the farmers to purchase quality and high yielding milch animals.ThesisItem Open Access A study on entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers in upper Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam(2023) Trishnamoni Hazarika; Deka, ChittaranjanAgriculture is the backbone of economy because of its high share in employment and livelihood generation. Agricultural inputs are the inputs like, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, equipments, animal feeds, machineries etc.that are used in farm production. The person who provides agricultural inputs along with some agro advisory services to the farmers are the Agri Input Dealer. The agri-input dealers play an important role in ensuring that farmers access their necessary inputs for improving productivity in their respective farms. While purchasing the inputs, farmers seek for information from agri input dealers about the usage of inputs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The study was undertaken in two districts of Assam namely, Jorhat and Golaghat. A descriptive research design, following an ex-post facto approach was utilized for the study through a simple, purposive, and random sampling design. A total of 130 respondents were selected for the study. 40% respondents from each district were selected. With respect to profile characteristics of the respondents, the study revealed that majority of the respondents (63.846 %) belonged to the middle-age category. Near about half of the respondents (46.93%) had completed graduation and PG level of education. Majority (60%) of the respondents belonged to small sized family. Most of the respondents (40.77%) had 6-10 years of experience as an agri-input dealer. Around half (54.62%) of the respondents received 1-2 nos. of training programmes. Majority (80.76 %) of the agri-input dealers have received training on pest and disease control in agriculture. Around half (50.769%) of the respondents had marginal land holding and one third (33.85%) of the respondents had 2-4 lakhs of annual income from dealership. With regards to entrepreneurial behaviour of the respondents, the study revealed that majority (64.62%) of the respondents had medium level of innovativeness, medium level of achievement motivation ( 53.85% ), medium decision making ability ( 72.3% ), medium level of risk orientation (63.845%), medium level of co-ordinating ability (56.93%), medium level of planning ability (50.00%), medium level of information seeking behaviour (69.23%), medium level of cosmopoliteness (63.07%) and medium level of self-confidence(63.85%). With the help of Entrepreneurial Behaviour Index (EBI), entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers was calculated and came into the conclusion that majority (64.62%) of the respondents had medium entrepreneurial behaviour followed by high entrepreneurial behaviour (16.93%) and low entrepreneurial behaviour (18.46%). To determine the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviour and some selected independent variables, correlation and multiple regression analysis was used. Among 7 independent variables, 5 variables viz. age, education, years of experience as an agri-input dealer, nos. of training received, annual income received from dealership showed significant relationship with the entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealers at 0.01 level of probability. In multiple regression analysis, it was found that among 7 independent variables, 5 variables viz. age, education, years of experience as an agri-input dealer, nos. of training received, annual income from agri-input business contribute significantly towards variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour of agri-input dealer at 0.01 level of probability. With regards to problem, the study showed that86.92% of respondents were facing problem due to complex procedure for procurement of inputs for the farmers. To combat this problem, any other procedure of maintaining log record other than Aadhar linking must be initiated by the government or must fix the glitches in the current system.83.07% were facing problem due to less demand of agri-inputs which is because of erratic rainfall which disturbs the cultivation practices of farmers in their fields. Proper irrigation facilities should be provided to the farmers to deal with this problem. Other problems faced by the input dealers are- “loss incurred by them due to lack of getting quick information about banning of pesticides”, “unscrupulous sale of agri inputs by the non licensees to the farmers”, “more market competition” etc. CONTENT
