Amritsar District Of Punjab Research Articles

Metarhabditis amsactae: A potential biopesticide isolated from Punjab (India) with potent insecticidal activity and immunomodulatory effects against Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A survey was undertaken to isolate entomopathogenic nematodes from Amritsar district of Punjab, India. Out of 20 soil samples collected, two were found positive for the presence of nematodes. 18S and ITS rDNA gene sequencing revealed their identity as Metarhabditis amsactae. To assess its biocontrol potential, Galleria mellonella larvae were treated with concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 IJs/L (infective juveniles/larva) and mortality was recorded from 24 h up to 96 h of nematode exposure. Distilled water without nematodes was used as an untreated control. M. amsactae showed potent larvicidal activity against G. mellonella that was found to be concentration and time dependent. Nematode infection caused 93.33 % larval mortality at 80 IJs/L after 72 h of treatment. 100 % mortality was observed after 96 h. No mortality was observed in control. To evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae, G. mellonella larvae were infected with 100 IJs/L and activities of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), phenol oxidase (PO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) were appraised after 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of nematode exposure. Malondialdehyde content was also determined. The results obtained demonstrated a significant elevation in all the enzyme activities at all time intervals in treated larvae when compared with untreated control. MDA levels were also enhanced in response to nematode infection. Thus, the present study revealed high insecticidal potential and immunomodulatory effects of M. amsactae on G. mellonella that should be further explored on other insect pests as well.

Status of Vocationally Trained Women in Amritsar District of Punjab, India

The present study was conducted in the Amritsar District of Punjab. Purposive cum random sampling technique was followed for the selection of vocationally trained women. Amritsar district was selected purposively as there was no such study conducted previously on vocational training program for women. A list of vocational trained women was procured from KVK, Nagkalan which is the only KVK functional in Amritsar district and from the procured list 100 vocationally trained women were selected randomly for the present study. Results of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were educated up to the higher secondary level. Neighbors were the main source of information about the vocational training at KVK for the majority of women respondents. Moreover, there were little less than half percent of women respondents who got support from their family to start their own enterprises after getting training. Regression model was used and form the data, it is concluded that among all independent variables, age and education had a significant effect on respondent’s decision to start their own enterprises.

A study to assess socioeconomic status, climate change perception and mental health of farmers in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

A study to assess socioeconomic status, climate change perception and mental health of farmers in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Seroprevalence in Children from the Amritsar District of Punjab

Amandeep Kaur, Narinder Singh, Kanwardeep Singh, Shailpreet Kaur Sidhu, Harleen Kaur, Poonam Jain, Manmeet Kaur, Mohan Jairath. Korean J Clin Lab Sci. 2022;54:173-8. https://doi.org/10.15324/kjcls.2022.54.3.173

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Marigold in Amritsar District of Punjab, India: An Economic Analysis

The present study entitled “Production and marketing of marigold in Amritsar District of Punjab: An economic analysis” was carried out in Amritsar district of Punjab. The study was conducted to analyze the returns of marigold growers. For this study, total sample of 25 different sized category farmers from 6 blocks were selected in the year 2020-21. The data was analyzed using multi-variate Regression model. The study brought out that majority of the marigold growers were middle aged (41-50 years) and educated. The result of the study indicates that the overall total variable cost incurred on growing marigold was Rs. 49,519.03 per acre and was the maximum under medium farms and minimum under small farms. The maximum expenses incurred were on human labour. The data revealed that irrespective to the farms size, the net income earned by farmers was Rs. 48,934.30 per acre and were highest on small marigold growers. The overall returns of small farmers were higher as compared to medium and larger farmers. It was observed in the study that at overall the major cost was the transportation charges followed by packing charges. The regression coefficients for the factors like farm size, planting material, age and variety sown were found to be having positive and significant effect on the returns of the marigold growers.

Role of frontline demonstrations for reducing the technology gap and extension gap in Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.) in Amritsar district of Punjab

Front Line Demonstration is one of the most powerful tools for transfer of technology. The present study was undertaken to find out the yield gap through FLDs on mustard crop. ECF centre Amritsar conducted 42 demonstrations on mustard since 2013-2014 to 2016-2017 in six adopted villages of Amritsar district. Prevailing farmer’s practices were treated as control for comparison with recommended practices. On the basis of average data, the average yield (13.97 q/ha) was obtained with improved practice over farmer’s practice (11.92 q/ha) with an additional yield of 2.05 q/ha and the increase in yield was17.07 per cent. The average technology gap and index were found to be 7.22 and 34.08 per cent, respectively. The extension gap ranged between 1.5 q/ha (2013-2014) to 2.5 q/ha (2016-2017) indicates the need to educate the farmers through various extension approaches for the adoption of improved technologies. The lower value of technology index indicated the feasibility of the demonstrated Mustard crop technology.

Economic Development of Rural India Through Establishment of Agri-Tech Park

India has always been on the top spot in terms of tourism and has attracted domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year. India is the land of farmers, has a rich and diverse culture and is best known for its hospitality. Tourism has become a source of income for many people, therefore it’s time to connect tourism along with agriculture to enhance the income of Indian farmers. Indian farmers generally face a lot of issues related to their income; hence numerous suicide cases have been registered in the past. The objective of this research paper is to provide a solution for the farmers by introducing Agri- tourism Technology Park. Agri-tourism offers the domestic and foreign tourists an opportunity to connect with the heritage, providing a hands-on-experience, showcasing the rich biodiversity, local food products, handicrafts and culture. On the other hand, the amalgamation of technology can provide smooth and secure tourism experience for the visitors. This Park includes an agricultural patch of about 5 acres, earmarked to cater the needs of Rabi and Kharif crops. Latest agricultural crop growing techniques like vertical farming using 70% less water than traditional farming. Hydroponic system for demonstrating these techniques to Agri- tech park visitors to acquaint them with futuristic farming operations. Aquaponic solar greenhouse will be established for growing vegetables and medicinal plants. A space of about 1 acre shall be delineated for a cattle farm that would be used to rear different breeds of cows like Sahiwal and Hariana and buffalo breeds like Murrah and Nili Ravi. Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence techniques will be employed for monitoring cattle feed, nutrition and milk processing and general well-being of animals. Re – circulatory Aqua culture system will be used for high density stocking of fish in a smaller space. Interactive virtual field trips and activities will be offered in a variety of themes that would give information on the importance of plants, various cropping techniques, role of insects and the feeding and living pattern of animals, fish bees etc. The establishment of an Agri-tourism technology park at Amritsar district of Punjab has been planned with a focus on the sustainable development of human environment in and around the region.

Economic Development of Rural India Through Establishment of Agri-Tech Park

India has always been on the top spot in terms of tourism and has attracted domestic and foreign tourists throughout the year. India is the land of farmers, has a rich and diverse culture and is best known for its hospitality. Tourism has become a source of income for many people, therefore it’s time to connect tourism along with agriculture to enhance the income of Indian farmers. Indian farmers generally face a lot of issues related to their income; hence numerous suicide cases have been registered in the past. The objective of this research paper is to provide a solution for the farmers by introducing Agri- tourism Technology Park. Agri-tourism offers the domestic and foreign tourists an opportunity to connect with the heritage, providing a hands-on-experience, showcasing the rich biodiversity, local food products, handicrafts and culture. On the other hand, the amalgamation of technology can provide smooth and secure tourism experience for the visitors. This Park includes an agricultural patch of about 5 acres, earmarked to cater the needs of Rabi and Kharif crops. Latest agricultural crop growing techniques like vertical farming using 70% less water than traditional farming. Hydroponic system for demonstrating these techniques to Agri- tech park visitors to acquaint them with futuristic farming operations. Aquaponic solar greenhouse will be established for growing vegetables and medicinal plants. A space of about 1 acre shall be delineated for a cattle farm that would be used to rear different breeds of cows like Sahiwal and Hariana and buffalo breeds like Murrah and Nili Ravi. Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence techniques will be employed for monitoring cattle feed, nutrition and milk processing and general well-being of animals. Re – circulatory Aqua culture system will be used for high density stocking of fish in a smaller space. Interactive virtual field trips and activities will be offered in a variety of themes that would give information on the importance of plants, various cropping techniques, role of insects and the feeding and living pattern of animals, fish bees etc. The establishment of an Agri-tourism technology park at Amritsar district of Punjab has been planned with a focus on the sustainable development of human environment in and around the region.

​Seed Replacement Rate and Management of Wheat Seed in Amritsar District of Punjab

Background: Seed is the starting point of agriculture and dictates ultimate productivity of other inputs. Quality seed of improved varieties is an important basic unit for enhancing productivity of any crop species. As the quality deteriorates during subsequent generations, the old must be replaced with fresh lots of quality seeds. The present study was an attempt to analyze the source, SRR and management of wheat seed in Amritsar district of Punjab. Methods: The current study was conducted on primary data collected from 120 farmers during the agricultural year 2019-20. The data was analyzed using simple tabular analysis and other suitable statistical techniques. Result: The study found that the most preferred source of seed was institutional sources from which 45.83 per cent of the seed was procured from these agencies. The second most preferred source was self-retained by the farmers as 43.70 per cent farmer’s preferred self-retained seeds. Only small farmers and medium farmers procured wheat seed from fellow farmers, relatives and friends. This source was preferred by small and medium farmers as seed is available free of cost and no immediate cash payment was charged by fellow farmers or relatives. Seed replacement rate was found to be 49.94 per cent for wheat crop in Amritsar district of Punjab. The study found that minimum attention was paid at post storage of wheat seed (2.50 per cent) whereas maximum attention was paid in the field (48.83 per cent) during wheat seed production. The main determinants of purity and quality of wheat seed were past experience of the farmer, repute of the institution, tag of certification agency and advice of known person. Seed replacement rate (SSR) for wheat was less for small farmers in the study area which can be increased by giving incentives to farmers for using certified seeds. These incentives can be in the form of higher price of produce to the small farmers. Maximum farmers used self-retained seed foe the next season and they paid minimum attention to the storage of seed which lead to deterioration in the quality of seed. Farmers should be educated to use scientific methods in the storage of seeds.

Status of Rural Women in Dairy Farming in Amritsar District of Punjab

The present study examines the status of rural women in dairy farming in Amritsar district of Punjab. The study was based on the primary data collected for 2019-20 year from female dairy farmers selected through multistage purposive sampling technique. The data was analysed by using simple tabular analysis and other statistical tools. All the activities related to dairy farming was performed by female dairy farmers. Small size female dairy farmers performed all the activities related to dairy farming ranging from disposal of cow dung to care of sick and new born animals. Large size female dairy farmers hired labour for dairy activities due to higher income of the households and large number of animals. The role of rural women in decision making is paradoxical to their contribution in dairy farming. For various dairy related decisions like feeding of milch animals, management of milch animals, sale of milk and utilization of amount obtained from dairy farming rural women either only consulted or had no role in decision making. Independent decision making by rural women in dairy related activities was negligible in the study area.
 The major factors affecting the income of female dairy farmers was education, operated area and herd size. The main problems faced by female dairy farmers were negligible role of dairy farm women in decision making, non availability of adequate veterinary services, illiteracy of dairy farm women, lack of staff at government hospitals and lack of capital. The study suggested that to increase the income of rural women from dairy rural women should be more educated and empowered through extension facilities by government. Due to stagnation in growth of agriculture, dairy can be used as an alternative for marginal and small farmers for increasing their income. Marginal and small female dairy farmers should be give more subsidies, loan and training for dairy business. Strict rules should be made regarding working of veterinary hospitals as the doctors were not available in the government veterinary hospitals in the study area.

RAISING EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF PARAMPHISTOMOSIS IN SHEEP UNDER LABORATORY CONDITION

Snails, the intermediate host are the transmitter of trematode infection in ruminants in the endemic areas of Punjab. Under DST-SERC-FAST-Track project(DST, GOI, New Delhi), the survey was conducted mainly in ponds, bank of the River Satluj and Beas its surrounding temporary water bodies, ditches, impoundments, near by tube well sand paddy fields in Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur Kapurthala and Amritsar district of Punjab. A total of 701 snails were collected, and seven species were identified as Indoplanorbis exustus, Gyraulus convexiusculus, Lymnaealuteola, L. auricularia, Bellamya (Vivipara) bengalensis, Corbicula striatella, and Thiara tuberculata. Out of the total collected snails, 365, 4, 165, 127, 16 and 24 were contributed by I. exustus, G. convexiusculus, Lymnaeasp., B. bengalensis, C. striatella and T. tuberculata respectively. Snails like I. exustus, G. convexiusculus and Lymnaeasp were found to be most prominent in ditches, impoundments, nearby tube wells and paddy fields which play a very important role in the transmission of most pathogenic diseases like paramphistomosis and schistosomosis in ruminants respectively. The other snails were recorded to be common in bank of the River Satluj and its surrounding temporary water bodies. I. exustusan intermediate host of Paramphistomum spp. were kept in different batches individually in glass tubes as per Leiper's glass tube technique. Snails in bulk were also kept in beaker, surgical tray, earthenpots and petridishes with coloured poly then estrips to harvest metacercariae. Polythene strips of different colour, green, yellow and pink were used for the encystment of cercariae. These strips were stuck to the inner surface of the petridishes, beakers and surgical tray. Various encystment materials like water plants; lettuce and itsit (Trienthemagovinda) leaves were used. It was observed that maximum attraction of cercariae was towards itsit leaves followed by green and yellow polythene strips. Very few cercariae were also encysted onthe wall of the containers. 185 individuals of I. exustuswere found to be shedding cercariae with the prevalence rate of 55.89%. The cercariae were identified ascerearia of Paramphistomum epiclitum. The collected metacercariae were used for raising the infection in sheep. A total of 12,040 metacercariae was collected from185 infected snails (I. exustus) and kept in polyvinyl tubes (stored at 4°C). These metacercariae were given orally to two sheep for raising paramphistome infection under experimental condition. The animals were subjected with 4000 metacercariae to each sheep. The grass with encysted metacercariae was also collected from thefields for feeding to sheep. Faecal samples examined microscopically and found positive for paramphistome eggs after 135 days post infection. The experiments confirm the transmission of paramphistome infection in sheep. This disease is highly pathogenic and there is a need to formulate control and preventive measures for the betterment of livestock industry

A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Contraception in Reproductive Age Group in Amritsar District of Punjab

A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Contraception in Reproductive Age Group in Amritsar District of Punjab

Effect of Esthetic Defects in Anterior Teeth on the Emotional and Social Well-being of Children: A Survey.

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether imperfections in the anterior dentition affect the emotional and/or social well being of school going children in Amritsar district of Punjab, India.MethodsA total of 2582 children between the ages 10 and 15 years of both genders were examined. Of these, 528 children with esthetic imperfections were asked a series of questions to assess their emotional and social disposition, with respect to children with no esthetic defects.ResultsFemales were more shy if they did not have a perfect anterior dentition (p = 0.000). Low socioeconomic status corresponded with gender (females) in determining emotional insecurity. Malocclusion was the most common cause of aesthetic defects (291/528 children), followed by causes such as, hypoplasisa/hypocalcification, stains, peg shaped, microdontia, congenitally missing (46.4%), trauma (30.5%) and caries (1.2%). Irrespective of cause of defect, 53.8% of children were emotionally affected, in that, were fearful of being teased by other children (77.1%).How to cite this articleGupta T, Sadana G, et al. Effect of Esthetic Defects in Anterior Teeth on the Emotional and Social Well-being of Children: A Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):229–232.

Assessment of knowledge of AWWs regarding growth monitoring and impact of training on their knowledge in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

Background: Present study was planned to assess the existing knowledge and awareness among AWWs about growth monitoring and nutritional status of children and also to evaluate the impact of training on their knowledge.Methods: The study was carried out in the department of community medicine, SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. A sample of 405 AWWs was selected by using simple random sampling technique. The data was collected by administering a predesigned and pretested Performa to the AWWs before and after each training session. Pre-test and post-test assessment was done to assess the existing knowledge of AWWs and also to evaluate impact of training on their knowledge regarding growth monitoring and nutritional status of children. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 version.Results: The study revealed that majority (72.1%) of the workers fell into the category of poor knowledge and only 4.2% had good knowledge regarding growth monitoring and nutritional status of children before the training session. Age, educational status and work experience of AWWs were found to be significantly associated with their pre-test knowledge. There was statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of AWWs after training. Also, association between education level and post-test knowledge of AWWs was found to be significant.Conclusions: Regular in-service training or refresher training programmes should be organized for AWWs to enhance their knowledge regarding different aspects of ICDS especially growth monitoring and nutritional status.

Aquifer Characterization A Scientific Imperative in Analysis of Water Level Trend – A Case Study from Northern Punjab, India

Groundwater balance helps assessment of groundwater sustainability at the current rate of its use. The estimate is specific to the area and time reference of its estimation. Dynamic groundwater head which relates to the change in storage is an important parameter in the resource estimation. In case, the observation boreholes tap aquifers different from the getting abstracted, the estimated results may deviate drastically from its true value. Multiple aquifer system exists in the northern part of district Amritsar, Punjab, India for which the water level trends of representative well hydrographs in the region for the period January 2006 to December 2013, show moderate sustainability. Taking the case of Amritsar district of Punjab, it has been shown in the present study that if the aquifer details are not considered appropriately, the moderately sustainable groundwater system can get assessed as over-exploited aquifers. In the study, groundwater quality for irrigation needs is also been examined.

Socio economic status and wife battering: A sociological study on married women in Amritsar district of Punjab

The present paper examined the association between husband’s socio economic status and wives’ exposure to physical beating in Amritsar district of Punjab. The data was collected from 292 married women through interview method. In the statistical analysis of the primary data, socio economic features like husband’s education, occupation and income are taken as independent variables and wife battering is the dependent variable. The findings of the present study showed significant relationship between husbands’ socio economic status and infliction of wife battering. More the husband’s education and income, lesser would be the battering against wives. The highest numbers of men showing physical aggression towards their women are engaged in casual work having employment instability in other words. It has also been found that women of all the strata suffer physical violence at the hands of their husbands though there is class wise variation in terms of education and income. It is found to be lowest among the highest educational and income categories.

Convergence of Assets under MGNREGS: Case from Amritsar District of Punjab

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a historic rural development Act aims to guarantee the 'right to work' through passing an Act in the Parliament. The Act while in implementation is known as Scheme so it is known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). MGNREGA/MGNREGS is a powerful instrument for ensuring inclusive growth in rural India through its impact on social protection, livelihood security and democratic empowerment. In this note, a case where convergence of assets was initiated is presented from Dalam panchayat, Harshe Chinna block of Amritsar district. The study was carried out during first week of August 2017 by visiting the area.

Comparison for Yield Potential of Chickpea in Front Line Demonstrations and Farmer’s Practices in the Amritsar District of Punjab

Chickpea (gram) is one of the most important legumes largely utilized in India and plays a vital role in improving the soil fertility with addition of nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. In Punjab, Gram accounts for only 0.02 per cent of area and 0.03 per cent of production of the country. However, the average yield in Amritsar district is 12.61 qha-1, which is substantially lower. There is great scope for increasing the productivity of chickpea, especially in Amritsar region. Keeping in view this fact, seventy one front line demonstrations were planned by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Amritsar on the improved cultural practices of gram for 5 consecutive years from 2009-10 to 2013-14. The present investigation was carried out across 38 villages in Amritsar (Punjab). Prevailing farmer’s practices were considered as control for comparison with recommended cultural practices for gram. An about of Rs. 16503 was received as net profit under improved practices as compared to Rs. 11645 in farmer’s practice. B: C ratio was 1.27 to 2.02 in demonstrations and in control was 1.11 to 1.77. The conducting the front line demonstrations with improved technologies, yield and net profit from gram crop can be improved to a considerable extent of the farming community.

A study into the marketing efficiency of eggs through different channels in Amritsar district of Punjab

The study examines the marketing efficiency of eggs in Amritsar district of Punjab. The eggs were primarily sold through three marketing channels. The maximum proportion of the total eggs produced was being sold through wholesalers i.e. 52, 64, and 80 percent of market surplus in the case of small, medium and large poultry farms. The proportion of eggs sold through retailers was less as comparative to wholesalers. The large farms preferred this channel relatively less because high risk of spoilage was associated as the produce was to be sold in lesser quantities. Further results revealed that the marketing efficiency of Channel-III was 16.73 which were higher than Channel-I and II by 13.02 and 11.77. So, the channel III for marketing of eggs was more efficent with higher producer share in consumer's rupee due to the removal of all intermediaries as compared to Channel-I and II. The problems faced by the poultry farmers were the lack of availability of raw materials, improved technology, health coverage, extension and training facilities, export facilities, transport and storage facilities and high feed cost and low egg prices. For improving the marketing of eggs, it was suggested that the number of intermediaries should be less, market infrastructure should be improved, storage and transportation facilities should be strengthened, more retail outlets, mass gathering and create awareness about the nutrient value of eggs to remove the inefficiencies in the marketing system.

A study of knowledge of Anganwadi workers regarding minor ailments among children in Amritsar district of Punjab, India

Background: Anganwadi workers (AWW) are India’s primary tool against the menace of child malnourishment, infant mortality, and lack of child education, community health. The anganwadi workers should have basic knowledge of treatment of minor ailment. So with this aim this study was planned to assess the existing knowledge regarding minor ailments of children among anganwadi workers problems and in curbing preventable diseases. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. By adopting stratified random sampling technique, 5 AWW were selected per each training session. A pre- designed and pre-tested questionnaire prepared was used to collect information from AWW. Pre-test and post-test assessment to determine the knowledge of minor ailments among AWW was done. The data collected was statistically analysed using SPSS 20.0 version. Results: The study revealed that out of 135 AWW, 40% were in the age group of 25-45 years. Only 8.9% AWW were aware that a neonate should be referred in case he suffers from any of these conditions i.e. hypothermia, jaundice, fever. Awareness about newborn care practices was observed to increase with increase in education level. There was statistically significant improvement in the knowledge regarding minor ailments in post-test scores of AWWs. Conclusions: Anganwadi workers are India’s primary tool against the scourges of child malnourishment, infant mortality and curbing preventive diseases such as most minor ailments.