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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 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 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 AN ASSESSMENT OF FOOD SECURITY CONDITION AMONG SELECTED TRIBALS OF BODOLAND TERRITORIAL REGION OF ASSAM(2023) Rabha, Lohita; Barman, UtpalFood and nutrition security remain the world's biggest issues for human welfare and economic development. In the 21st century, many lack nutritious meals despite food security in many countries. India produces food, but food insecurity slows progress. The "triple effect of malnutrition" hurts India, which grows the most food grains. Despite many welfare programmes, Scheduled Tribe groups are the most disadvantaged. Most go hungry. Many ethnic tribes live in Assam. Assam faces food security issues due to poverty, food grain shortages, and nutritional ignorance. This study examined tribal food security in Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Food security of tribal’s of BTR has been compared. Food security in selected BTR tribes was examined. Food insecurity was also assessed by gender. Finally, government food security programmes for BTR tribal communities were evaluated. This study randomly sampled respondents. BTR randomly selected Udalguri and Baksa. Each section randomly selected two blocks. Ten villages per district were randomly selected from five tribe-dominated villages per block. Tribal respondents numbered 400. 204 Bodo and 196 Rabha responded. However, in case of objective 3, to evaluate the impact of food insecurity on gender, wives of the respondents were also selected as respondent. In this case, data related to female members were needed and for only that purpose wives of respondents (400 in numbers) were considered. As a result total number of respondents for objective 3 was increased to 800. Interviews with the researcher's interview guide collected data. The analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, class interval, food security index, shortfall/surplus index, head count index, Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, multiple linear regression, and z-test. The analysis of profile characteristics revealed that, average age of Bodo and Rabha respondents was 46.46 years and 45.54 years respectively. Majority of respondent belonging to Bodo (35.78%) and Rabha (32.14%) tribes were illiterate. The average family size of Bodo respondents was five persons and 5.12 persons for Rabha respondents. Most Bodo (87.75%) and Rabha respondents (78.06%) had nuclear families. About (46.56%) of Bodo and (50.51%) of Rabha respondents depended on farming and labour as primary occupation. For (88.23%) of Bodo and (86.22%) of Rabha respondents, none of the family members were employed. The average land holding of Bodo and Rabha respondents was 1.18 ha and 0.98 ha respectively. For Bodo respondents, average annual income was ` 1,85,616.51 and crops provided their larger share of income (` 61,820.1). In case of Rabha respondent, average annual income was ` 1,86,526.63 and the highest portion of their income (` 49,662.47) was contributed by off-farm income. For both Bodo and Rabha respondent maximum expenditure was spent on farm operation (59.14% for Bodo and 53.16% for Rabha). Perceived food availability revealed that (77.45%) of Bodo and (72.96%) of Rabha respondents had food available in the household. The majority (57.84%) of Bodo and (65.30%) of Rabha respondents held debt. About (38.73%) of Bodo and (32.65%) of Rabha respondents were accessed to credit. Most Bodo (88.73%) and Rabha (95.92%) respondents had drinking water facilities within their households. For (50.49%) of Bodo and (50.00%) of Rabha respondent, government hand pump/well was the source of drinking water. Most of the Bodo (80.88%) and Rabha respondent (81.63%) were access to PDS, about (57.35%) of Bodo and (54.08%) of Rabha respondents lost their cultivable land. Majority (58.82%) of the Bodo and (58.16%) of Rabha respondents used food grain to prepare alcoholic beverages. In case of both Bodo and Rabha respondents, (100.00%) of them consumed cereal daily as a staple food but its consumption was only (57.69%) and (58.35%) of the recommendation by Bodo and Rabha tribe respectively. Total calorie obtained by Bodo and Rabha respondents from the consumption of different food items was 994.64 kcal/AE/day and (985.50 kcal/AE/day) respectively. Overall Bodo and Rabha respondents were food insecure, with respective index values of 0.415 and 0.411. The z test result revealed no significant difference between overall Bodo and Rabha respondents in food security condition. In contrast, analysis of the food security situation from among the respondents revealed that (19.60%) of Bodo and (19.88%) of Rabha respondents were food secure. Majority (80.39%) of Bodo respondents were food insecure, with an index value of 0.27. The average per capita calorie intake of food-insecure households was 653.89 kcal and fell short by (72.75%) of the calorie requirement. The remaining (19.60%) of respondents had adequate food supplies. Food secure household consumed average 2401.23 kcal per day and had a food security index of 1. They exceeded the calorie requirement by (0.05%). In case of Rabha respondents, (19.88%) were food secure with an index value of 1, while the majority (82.14%) was food insecure with an index value of 0.28. The average daily calorie intake per person in the food-secure Rabha respondent was 2,401.01 kcal and exceeded the calorie requirement by (0.04%). Average daily calorie intake per capita for food insecure Rabha respondents was 679.99 kcal and was fell short by (71.66%) of calorie requirement. Education of household head, employed members in the respondent’s household, annual income, operational landholding, food expenditure, access to credit, perceived food availability, drinking water facility at home were positively and significantly correlated with food security status among Bodo respondents, as determined by correlation analysis. However, the variables like age of household head, family size, family type, loss of cultivable land, indebtedness, foodgrain used for liquor preparation were negatively and significantly correlated with food security status. In case of Rabha respondent, education of household head, employed members in the respondent’s household, annual income, operational landholding, food expenditure, access to credit, perceived food availability were positively and significantly correlated with food security status. But, variables like age of household head, family size, loss of cultivable land, foodgrain used for liquor preparation were negatively and significantly correlated with food security status. A Multiple Linear Regression analysis showed that Co-efficient of determination (R2) for Bodo respondent was 0.737 and 0.806 for Rabha respondents depicting about model's explanatory variables explained (73.70%) and (80.60%) of variation in the food security status of Bodo and Rabha respondent respectively. Variables such as age of household head, family size, employed members in the respondent’s household, annual income, access to credit, loss of cultivable land, indebtedness and access to Public Distribution System were significant in explaining the variation in food security status among Bodo respondents. In the case of Rabha respondents, however, age of household head, family size, employed members in the respondent’s household, annual income and operational landholding were significant indicators of food security. In case of Bodo respondent, among the different impact of food insecurity significant difference was observed between male and female concerning migration (z value=15.64**), chronic energy deficiency (z value= -12.10**) and thinness (z value= -1.81***). Similarly, Rabha respondents showed significant differences between males and females in migration (z value= 15.50**) and chronic energy deficiency (z value= -12.36**). Concerning the different government initiatives considered under study, the respondents received benefits less than their entitlements in case of Antodaya Anna Yojana, Priority household, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, etc. Moreover, in case of MGNREGA, the highest proportion (99.06%) of the respondent received an average of 22 days of employment per year instead of 100 days of employment in a year as was guaranteed in the scheme. Therefore, the study suggested that people should be educated on the importance of consuming various foods to meet their calorie requirements. To ensure that food is available and accessible to all, the government must take both immediate and long-term measures. Policies in multiple sectors (agricultural, credit, and labour markets) must acknowledge women as equal workers and contributors to household food security and the overall household economy by ensuring equal access to resources, services, and labour returns. Implementation issues with various schemes can be resolved by employing interventions that are scheme specific. Key areas that require attention are identifying target homes, modernization of the delivery system, and efficient monitoring of the food security programme.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Management Orientation and Productivity of the Members of Farmers Producer Company with reference to Potato Production in Assam(2023) Hussain, Irshad; Das, P. K.The present study entitled “A Study on Management Orientation and Productivity of the Members of Farmers Producer Company with reference to Potato Production in Assam” was carried out with the following objectives: 1) To study the personal, socio-economic, psychological and communication characteristics of the members of Farmer Producer Company 2) To assess the level of management orientation of the members of Farmer Producer Company 3) To assess the level of productivity of potato by the members of Farmer Producer Company 4) To identify the factors which influence management orientation and productivity of the members of Farmer Producer Company 5) To determine the direct and indirect effects of selected factors on the level of management orientation and potato productivity of the members of Farmer Producer Company 6) To identify the constraints as perceived by the members of Farmer Producer Company in production and marketing of potato The study was undertaken in Sonitpur and Nagaon districts of Assam which were selected purposively, as two Farmer Producer Companies dealing with commercial potato production were operating in these two districts. Two FPCs namely, Satbhani Potato Producer Company limited of Sonitpur district and Sankar Azan Agro Producer Company limited of Nagaon district were selected purposively for the study. Six villages were selected from each of the FPCs therefore all together twelve villages were selected for the study randomly by using the equal allocation method to get a sample size of 300 farmer members. The primary data for the study were collected by the personal interview method with the help of a structured research schedule. The primary data for the study were collected during the month of February, March and April of 2022. Management orientation and productivity of potato were the dependent variables in the study. A standard scale was developed in the present study to assess the level of management orientation of the members of Farmer Producer Company following the procedure followed by Sharma et al. (2012). A total of 21 independent variables were selected for the study. The independent variable included in the study were Age, Education level, Family size, Family type, Potato farming experience, Occupational status, Size of operational land holding, Area under potato cultivation, Net annual income from potato, Social participation, Farm Mechanization, Scientific orientation, Leadership ability, Decision making ability, Risk orientation, Achievement motivation, Economic motivation, Degree of information exposure, Exposure to training on potato cultivation, Adoption of improved potato production technology and Knowledge on potato production practices. The statistical techniques and tests used in the study for analysis and interpretation of the data were frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, co-efficient of variation, multiple correlations, multiple regression, t-test for testing the significance of the coefficients for correlation and regression analysis and path analysis. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (56.34%) were belonged to middle aged category and middle school level of education (46.34%). Majority of the respondents (61.33%) belonged to the nuclear family with small family size (51.57%) upto 5 members. Majority of the respondents (59.33%) had medium term potato farming experience with (70.00%) of respondents used to follow cultivation as their occupation. Most of the respondents (38.66%) belonged to the marginal farmer category and (56.33%) of the respondents were having a land area up to 0.8 ha under potato cultivation. Majority of the respondents (52.00%) had high net annual income from potato above Rs. 173543. In case of social participation majority of the respondents (85.33%) were member of one organization. Majority of the respondents had medium level of farm mechanization (71.66%), medium level of scientific orientation (69.66%) and medium level of leadership ability (63.66%). Majority of the respondents had medium level of decision making ability (60.34%), medium level of risk orientation (67.66%), medium level of achievement motivation (65.33%) and medium level of economic motivation (64.33%). Among the personal cosmopolite sources of information, majority (54.33%) respondents used to get the information by Input dealers in regular basis. And through personal localite sources of information, friends/ relatives/ neighbors or fellow farmers majority (41.66%) of the respondents used to get the information regularly. Among the mass-media sources, farm publications were used regularly by majority (24.00%) of the respondents and overall majority of the respondents (55.00%) had medium level of information exposure. It was found that majority of the respondents (51.67%) had no exposure to training. Majority of the respondents (64.00%) were found in the medium level of adoption in case of adoption of improved potato production technology and majority of the respondents (71.34%) had medium level of knowledge on potato production technology. Majority of the respondents (64.34%) belongs to medium management orientation of the members of the farmers producer company, whereas 19.33 per cent of the respondents belongs to the category of low management orientation. The remaining 16.33 per cent of the respondents had high management orientation. It was observed that the majority of the respondents (71.34%) had medium level of productivity followed by 15.33 per cent respondents with low productivity and 13.33 per cent respondents were found with high level of productivity. The mean value 27.61 indicated that on average respondents had medium level of productivity. The coefficients of correlation were worked out to examine the relationship of 21 independent variables with the management orientation of the members of FPC. Almost all the 17 variables viz., education level (0.149), potato farming experience (0.175), size of operational land holding (0.550), area under potato cultivation (0.583), net annual income from potato (0.744), social participation (0.268), farm mechanization (0.824), scientific orientation (0.865), leadership ability (0.812), decision making ability (0.873), risk orientation (0.822), achievement motivation (0.877), economic motivation (0.782), degree of information exposure (0.888) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (0.178), adoption of improved potato production technology (0.340) and knowledge on potato production practices (0.744) showed significant and positive relationship with the management orientation of the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. The correlation analysis of productivity of potato with the independent variable indicated that out of the 21 selected independent variables, 17 independent variables were significantly correlated with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. Among the 21 independent variables, 16 variables viz, potato farming experience (0.152), size of operational land holding (0.377), area under potato cultivation (0.384), net annual income from potato (0.552), social participation (0.195), farm mechanization (0.636), scientific orientation (0.747), leadership ability (0.724), decision making ability (0.711), risk orientation (0.884), achievement motivation (0.849), economic motivation (0.864), degree of information exposure (0.769) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (0.150), adoption of improved potato production technology (0.288) and knowledge on potato production practices (0.631) showed significant and positive relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC at 0.01 level of probability. Only independent variable family size (0.132) showed significant relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of FPC at 0.05 level of probability. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the contributory effects of selected independent variables with the management orientation. Results of regression analysis revealed that 8 variables, viz., net annual income from potato (b=0.288), farm mechanization (b=0.132), scientific orientation (b=0.118), decision making ability (b=0.182), achievement motivation (b=0.261), economic motivation (b=0.159), degree of information exposure (b=0.224) and knowledge on potato production practices (b=0.090) had positive and significant relationship with the management orientation of the members of farmers producer company at 0.01 level of probability and 3 variables viz., area under potato cultivation (b=0.108), Risk orientation (b=0.150) and exposure to training on potato cultivation (b=0.039) showed significant and positive relationship with the management orientation of the members farmers producer company of at 0.05 level of probability. The value of coefficient of multiple determination (R2) being 0.923 indicated that the eleven independent variables jointly could predict 92.30 percent of the variation in the level of management orientation. Results of regression analysis of selected independent variables with the productivity of potato revealed that among the 17 independent variable, 4 variables viz., net annual income from potato (b=0.202), risk orientation (b=0.361), achievement motivation (b=0.199) and economic motivation (b=0.306) had positive and significant relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of farmers producer company at 0.01 level of probability and 2 variables viz., potato farming experience (b=0.053) and area under potato cultivation (b=0.167) showed significant and positive relationship with the productivity of potato by the members of farmers producer company of at 0.05 level of probability. The value of R2 (0.837) indicated that 6 independent variables selected for the study were efficient in predicting the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. The 6 independent variables fitted in the linear regression analysis could predict 83.70 per cent of the variation in the productivity of potato by the members of FPC. Path analysis was done to get a clear picture of how the chosen independent variables affected both directly and indirectly the level of management orientation and productivity of potato by the members of the Farmer Producer Company. The results of path analysis in management orientation revealed that the highest direct effect on the management orientation was exhibited by net annual income from potato (0.274) which was followed by achievement motivation (0.263) and degree of information exposure (0.209). The maximum indirect effect was exhibited by the degree of information exposure (1.315), which was followed by scientific orientation (1.218). The highest total effect on the management orientation by the members was exhibited by degree of information exposure (1.524) and followed by scientific orientation (1.312). In case of productivity of potato the results of path analysis revealed that the highest direct effect on the productivity of potato was exhibited by risk orientation (0.363) which was followed by economic motivation (0.315) and area under potato cultivation (0.231). The maximum indirect effect was exhibited by the achievement motivation (0.832), which was followed by economic motivation (0.769). And the highest total effect on the productivity of potato by the members was exhibited by risk orientation (1.108) followed by economic motivation (1.084). The most important constraints faced by the majority of the respondents (82.66%) is the ‘Blight problem’ in production faced by the members of FPCs. The other constraints faced by the members in order of importance were ‘Lack of availability of good quality seeds’ (75.33%), ‘Unavailability of fertilizers in planting time’ (68.00%), ‘High cost of good quality inputs’ (62.66%) and ‘Labour shortage problem during the planting and harvesting time’ (59.00). Regarding marketing constrains majority of the respondents (86.33%) perceived that ‘Lack of proper market place’ was the most important constraint faced by the members of FPCs. The other constraints faced by the members in marketing of potato were ‘Lower market price due to import from other states’ (78.66%), ‘Involvement of middleman in the marketing system’(64.33%), ‘Low price given by the brokers’(59.00%), ‘Inadequate storage facility’ (49.66%) and ‘Increasing charge of cold storage’ (35.33%).ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL PROFILING OF SOME EDIBLE SERICIGENOUS INSECTS OF MANIPUR(2023) Singha, Th. Aruna; Bhattacharyya, BadalLaboratory experiments were carried out to assess the nutritive value of four edible sericigenous insect species viz., Bombyx mori L., Anthrerea proylei J., Antherea frithi M. and Cricula trifenestrata H. based on their proximate & elemental content, amino & fatty acid profiles, antioxidant & anti-nutritional properties as well as their microbial aspects in the Soil Arthropod Pests Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Post Graduate Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Agricultural Chemistry, Department of Plant Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2019-2022. Edible sericigenous insect species cocoons were collected from various locations covering five districts of Manipur. The powdered samples of the pupae were considered for biochemical and microbial analysis. The proximate analysis of four edible sericigenous insect species had significant variation. The moisture content ranged from 2.038-6.075 per cent and the highest moisture content was observed in A. proylei (6.075%) and A. frithi registered the least moisture content (2.038%) indicating that suitability of sericigenous pupal powder for preservation for a reasonable period of time without any probable risk of any microbial deterioration. The carbohydrate content of the studied species was found maximum (12.130%) in C. trifenestrata and the lowest (2.250%) was recorded in A. proylei. Appreciable amounts of crude protein content were estimated in all the studied species which ranged from 59.315- 69.418 per cent. The highest (69.418%) crude protein was registered in A. frithi and it was found to be significantly superior over the rest of the species. The estimated crude protein content of A. proylei, C. trifenestrata and B. mori were 65.383, 61.463 and 59.315 per cent, respectively. Crude fat content registered in the studied species varied significantly and ranged from 19.213-30.725 per cent. The highest (30.725%) crude fat content was recorded in B. mori followed by A. proylei (29.750%) and C. trifenestrata (28.738%), whereas A. frithi recorded the lowest (19.213%) amount of crude fat content. The crude fibre content varied from 2.213-8.450 per cent and C. trifenestrata registered a significantly high amount of crude fibre (8.450%), whereas the lowest was found in B. mori (2.213%). The highest (5.275%) ash content was observed in A. proylei, whereas the lowest (4.175%) was registered in C. trifenestrata. The ash content of mulberry silkworm B. mori (5.150%) was statistically at par with the A. frithi (5.150%). While analyzing the energy content (kcal/100 g) of all the four species, the maximum energy content (560.205) was estimated in A. proylei followed by C. trifenestrata (556.035) and B. mori (534.885), whereas A. frithi detected the lowest energy content of 465.453 kcal/100 g. Altogether 9 minerals as elemental composition were estimated in all the studied species. The mineral analysis indicated that the concentration of macro elements viz., potassium, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in A. frithi (70.295, 13.993 & 25.889 mg/100 g), whereas the lowest amount (65.663, 8.790 & 23.526 mg/100 g) potassium, calcium and magnesium were observed in C. trifenestrata. However, the highest sodium and phosphorus content (36.026 & 22.429 mg/100 g) were recorded in B. mori and the least amount of sodium (26.489 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (16.062 mg/100 g) were found in C. trifenestrata. Considerable amounts of micro elements like iron was recorded the highest (26.639 mg/100 g) in B. mori. The lowest iron content was observed in A. proylei (8.315 mg/100 g). Zinc, manganese and copper content (mg/100 g) was estimated to be the highest (21.709, 5.445 and 3.123) in A. frithi which showed statistical superiority over other species whereas C. trifenestrata registered with the lowest zinc (15.381 mg/100 g), manganese (1.209 mg/100 g) and copper (0.997 mg/100 g) content. Among all the amino acids 19 common amino acids, 8 were found essential. Glutamic acid was found to be the most abundant (8.88-7.25%) in all the four species followed by aspartic acid (7.83-5.95%). Among the species, the concentration of glutamic and aspartic content was found to be highest in the A. frithi (8.88 & 7.83%). The range of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) viz., leucine (3.95-5.76%), valine (3.11-4.22%), isoleucine (2.29-3.29%), lysine (3.65-4.40%), threonine (2.63-3.71%) and phenylalanine (2.90-4.40%) are found in significant amounts. Both the sulphur containing amino acids (methionine and cysteine) were found in relatively low amounts and varied from 1.27-1.95 and 0.35-0.48 per cent. Glycine, alanine and serine were also available in appreciable amounts with values ranging from 3.09-5.87, 3.87-5.48 and 4.52-4.99 per cent, respectively. In case of sweet amino acids (i.e., alanine & glycine), the highest amount was recorded in B. mori (5.48 & 5.87%) but lowest (3.87 & 3.09%) in A. frithi. Most of the amino acid concentration was found to be the highest in A. frithi followed by A. proylei, C. trifenetrata and B. mori, respectively. Total fatty acid analysis revealed that the highest amount of Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) were recorded in C. trifenestrata (6.69 & 5.26%) followed by A. proylei (4.43 & 4.28%), B. mori (2.38 & 2.70%) while the lowest SFA and MUFA was registered in A. frithi (0.80 & 0.35%). On the contrary, the highest (8.36%) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) was evaluated in A. proylei followed by C. trifenestrata (7.90%), B. mori (4.36%) and the least amount (0.39%) was recorded in A. frithi. Altogether, 18 fatty acids were registered in A. frithi which was followed by A. proylei and C. trifenestrata (9 nos.) and B. mori (6 nos.). Linoleic and alpha linolenic acid content (2.48 & 5.88%) were found maximum in the A. proylei followed by C. trifenestrata (2.07 & 5.83%) and B. mori (0.78 & 3.58%) while the least linoleic and alpha linoleic acid (0.25 & 0.14%) was observed in A. frithi. In regards of antioxidant properties, phenol (mg catechol equivalent/g), flavonoid (mg quercetin equivalent/100 g) and antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition) were found in all the species and varied from 37.261-92.400, 27.223-35.489 and 35.914-74.587, respectively. Cricula trifenestrata showed the highest phenol and flavonoid content (92.400 mg catechol equivalent/g & 35.489 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g) and which was found to be significantly superior over rest of the species. Antioxidant activity was observed to be the highest in A. frithi (74.587% DPPH inhibition) and least in the C. trifenestrata (35.914% DPPH inhibition). The variability in the concentration of tannin, phytic acid and oxalic acid were ranged from 3.280-6.201 mg tannic acid equivalent/100 g, 2.780-5.238 mg/100 g, 1.762-4.138 mg/100 g, respectively. As regards to anti-nutritional compounds, the highest tannin (mg tannic acid equivalent/100 g), phytic acid (mg/100 g) and oxalic acid (mg/100 g) were observed in B. mori (6.201, 5.238 & 4.138) followed by A. proylei (5.702, 4.510 & 3.572), C. trifenestrata (5.468, 3.304 & 2.819) and A. frithi (3.280, 2.780 & 1.762), respectively. However, the presence of anti-nutritional properties in all four edible insect species were detected much more below the recommended range of 250-500 mg/100 g. Microbial enumeration revealed that total viable counts of B. mori, A. proylei and A. frithi silkworm pupal powders stored under ambient temperature (28 to 32°C) had higher bacterial population (3.331, 3.073 & 3.095 log cfu/g), whereas the least bacterial counts (2.639, 2.520 and 2.564 log cfu/g) of B. mori, A. proylei and A. frithi silkworm were observed when they stored under temperature (-16 to -21°C). Cricula trifenestrata recorded the highest population of bacteria (2.870 log cfu/g) under the temperature (15 to 20°C) and least (2.075 log cfu/g) under the temperature (-16 to -21°C). The highest yeast and mould population (3.102, 3.069, 2.855 & 2.714 log cfu/g) was observed when B. mori, A. proylei A. frithi and C. trifenestrata pupal powder were stored at -16 to -21°C. Microbial enumeration showed that B. mori pupal powder had the highest microbial contamination among the other studied sample. Total viable counts were under the advised limit of fresh minced meat (< 6 log cfu/g, TAC). Through microbial test kits, it was further confirmed the absence of two most common food borne pathogens i.e., Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. in all the studied sericigenous insect samples.ThesisItem Open Access DIVERSITY, POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF TEA(2023) Rabha, Himadri; Dutta, B. C.Diversity study of insect pest complex of tea was carried out at three agroclimatic zones of Assam viz.,Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone (Jorhat) North Bank Plain Zone (Udalguri) and Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone (Kokrajhar) during 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Laboratory experiments were carried out at Biocontrol laboratory, Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University and at laboratory of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Udalguri. The field experiment was conducted in the tea garden of Udalguri district during 2021-22. Survey results revealed that a total of 4 mites and 22 different insect species belonging to 7 orders and 19 families were found to be associated with tea as recorded from different locations of Assam. In addition, 7 species of insects were found to be as visitors of the tea ecosystem in different period of time. Moreover, 11 different types of natural enemies were also observed. Among the sucking insect pests, per cent infestation of tea mosquito bug was recorded maximum (43.22 per cent) in Jorhat district. Among defoliator pests, per cent infestation of looper caterpillar was recorded maximum (34.23 per cent) in Udalguri district. Among all the insect and mite pests, tea mosquito bug showed highest degree of infestation in Jorhat i.e., 46.21 per cent whereas in case of red spider mite and looper caterpillar, highest degree of infestation was recorded 54.80 and 46.32 per cent in Udalguri district, respectively. Among all the insect and mite pests recorded during the study, tea mosquito bug, red spider mite and looper caterpillar showed moderate (34-66 per cent) degree of infestation, so they are considered as major pests. During 2019-20, the species richness in Jorhat showed maximum value of 1.50 in defoliator pests. The variation of species richness indices indicated a highest value of 1.54 and 1.50 in Udalguri during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in defoliator pests, respectively. Whereas, in Kokrajhar, the highest value was 1.55 in sucking pests (2020-21) and 1.59 in defoliator pests (2021-22). Shannon- Wiener index revealed that the highest value of 2.21 in defoliator pests in Jorhat (2019-20). During 2020-21, in Udalguri, it was found to be highest in sucking pests with value 2.10 and 2.21 in Kokrajhar, respectively. During 2021-22, Shannon- Wiener index showed highest value of 2.10 in Udalguri district and 2.12 in Kokrajhar district in defoliator insect pests. In terms of Simpson’s diversity index, highest value of 0.87 was recorded in defoliator insect pests in Jorhat district (2019-20). Likewise, during 2020-21, in Udalguri and Kokrajhar district, the highest diversity value of 0.82 and 0.87 were recorded in sucking pests, respectively. During 2021-22, the highest diversity values of 0.86 and 0.87 were recorded in defoliator pests in Udalguri and Kokrajhar, respectively. In Jorhat (2019-20), the maximum number of tea mosquito bug was observed to be 5.9 per bush during the first week of September. The highest population indices record of 20.27 mites per leaf was recorded during third week of November. The maximum number of looper caterpillar was observed to be 4.26 per bush during fourth week of February. Correlation studies between weather parameters and population indices of tea mosquito bug showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and rainfall whereas, red spider mite showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and negative correlation with morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. The population indices of looper showed significant positive correlation with morning relative humidity. In Udalguri (2020-21), the maximum population indices of tea mosquito bug, red spider mite and looper caterpillar were recorded as 5.12 per bush during the last week of August, 14.78 per leaf during March to April and 5.02 per bush during second week of March, respectively. Correlation studies between weather parameters and population indices of tea mosquito bug showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and evening relative humidity. The population indices of red spider mite showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, whereas, it showed negative correlation with morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. The looper caterpillar population showed negative correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. During 2021-22, the maximum population indices of tea mosquito bug, red spider mite and looper caterpillar were recorded to be 5.79 per bush, 28.12 per leaf, 5.23 per bush, respectively. Correlation studies between weather parameters and population indices of tea mosquito bug showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. Red spider mite showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and negative correlation with total rainfall whereas, looper caterpillar showed significant negative correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and total rainfall. In Kokrajhar (2020-2021), the maximum population indices of tea mosquito bug, red spider mite and looper caterpillar were recorded to be 4.12 per bush, 27.23 per leaf, 4.12 per bush respectively. Correlation studies between weather parameters and population indices of tea mosquito bug showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and rainfall, whereas red spider mite showed non-significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and looper showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and total rainfall. During 2021-22, the maximum population indices of tea mosquito bug, red spider mite and looper caterpillar were recorded to be 5.30 per bush, 14.52 per leaf and 10.22 per bush, respectively. Correlation studies between weather parameters and population indices of tea mosquito bug showed a negative correlation with morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. Red spider mite showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and negative correlation with morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and total rainfall whereas looper caterpillar showed significant negative correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and total rainfall. Laboratory study on efficacy of different plant extracts against tea mosquito bug showed the highest mortality of 80.00 per cent in case of Pongamia pinata in 120 hours after treatment. The results on efficacy of different plant extracts against adult red spider mite showed that the highest mortality was recorded 93.33 per cent in case of both the treatments of Vitex negundo and Azadirachta indica at 120 HAT. Similarly, bio efficacy of different plant extracts against looper caterpillar showed that the larval mortality was highest with value 86.67 per cent at 120 HAT in case of A. indica. The results on efficacy of plant extracts at field condition reveals that at seven days after spraying, P. pinata recorded the least number of populations of tea mosquito bug with 0.67 number per bush. Again, at seven days after spraying, least number of mites was recorded in case of V. negundo with 7.19 mites per leaf. Moreover, the results showed that the maximum reduction of larval population was found in A. indica with 1.72 looper caterpillar population per bush at seven days after spraying.ThesisItem Open Access PHYSIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF RAPESEED (Brassica rapa var. Toria) GENOTYPES UNDER RAINFED CONDITION OF ASSAM(2023) CHINTEY, RAJESH; Goswami, Ratna KinkorThe present research work entitled “Physiological performance of rapeseed (Brassica rapa, var. Toria) genotypes under rainfed condition of Assam” was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam during rabi seasons of the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. The main objectives of the study were to find out the suitable superior genotypes based on the physiological efficiency and to identify the parameters which contribute significantly towards yield improvement in rapeseed. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications comprising of 22 different genotypes of rapeseed including TS-38 (Check), TS-46, TS-67, TS-36, TS-29, TS-75-1, TS-75-1TL, TS-75-2ME, TS-75-2-MM, TS-76-1, TS-76-2, JT-90-1, Panchali, Bhawani, CG Toria-4, TKM-20-1, TKM-20-2, JT-14-5, PT-2018-09, CG Toria-3, Tapeshwari and PT-303. The crops were grown following the recommended package of practice. All the morpho-physiological, biochemical, quality parameters, yield attributes and yield of the crops were taken following the standard methodologies. The results of the study indicated a significant variation of all the morpho-physiological, phenological, quality parameters, yield attributes and yield among the genotypes. The genotypes, TS-75-2ME, TS-38, PT-303 and TS-36 exhibited morpho-physiological superiority with regard to more number of branches, stem diameter, accumulation of more photosynthates, more AGR, CGR and leaf chlorophyll. The same genotypes also recorded significantly higher yield attributes and seed yield. The correlation studies also showed a significant positive correlation of these parameters with seed yield in the set of the genotypes, indicating clearly that these parameters may be regarded as morpho-physiological indices for improving crop productivity in rapeseed. From the results, the genotypes, TS-75-2ME, TS-38, PT-303 and TS-36 may be regarded as superior genotypes suitable for growing under rainfed condition during rabi season in Assam and North-Eastern states of India and may be used as genetic sources in further yield improvement programme of rapeseed.
