Central Agricultural University Research Articles

Socio-economic upliftment of farmers through model irrigated village approach in East Champaran (Bihar), India: A case study

In India, the precious freshwater resources are becoming scarcer due to the climate change effect coupled with their inappropriate planning and management at the field level. Development of water resources and sensitization of farming community/irrigators towards effective utilization of these resources is need of the hour and it is one of the most important factors in conservation and preservation water resources for future requirements. This case study has highlighted the direct and indirect benefits derived by implementation of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) scheme in Nawada, a village of the district East Champaran in Bihar state initiated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Piprakothi, East Champaran under Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Two groups of farmers of the village was chosen to evaluate the benefits derived from this scheme. Under this scheme, tube-wells were developed to facilitate assured irrigation. This study revealed that the total savings of approximate Rs.10,000 ($140) per hectare to irrigate wheat crop three times in Rabi season was achieved over conventional irrigation system. This scheme has also resulted in other intangible benefits which included a reduction in pollution, an increase in the number of crops- rabi , kharif and zaid seasons and adequate time to carryout out other farm operations.

Impact of biochar on nutrient uptake by tomato, residual soil properties and acidity indices in acid Inceptisol of Meghalaya

Aim: To investigate the impact of biochar as component of integrated nutrient management on nutrient uptake by tomato in acid soil of Meghalaya, North East India. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at research farm of SNRM, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS), Central Agricultural University (CAU-I), Umiam during rabi 2017-18 taking tomato, cv. Megha Tomato-2 as test crop. Sixteen treatment combinations of recommended closes of fertilizers, biochar and vermicompost? were tested in RBD with three replications.? Results: The experimental results revealed that combined application of biochar, fertilizers and vermicompost increased the uptake and availableof N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu over graded doses of biochar + fertilizers, biochar alone and control. Electrical conductivity, bulk density, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable aluminium and acid saturation followed the same trend.? Interpretation: The 100% RDF + biochar 4 t ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 is the most appropriate combination for increasing tomato productivity and improving soil health of acidic soil in Meghalaya.

Influence of rice husk ash on controlling insect pests on storage of maize (Zea maize L.) Seeds under Manipur condition

An experiment was conducted in the Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in 2017-2018, to study the “Influence of rice husk ash on controlling insect pests on storage of maize (Zea maize L.) Seeds under Manipur condition”. It was observed that when we mixed the rice husk ash with maize seeds properly and stored in a polythene bags for one year at the rate of 400g rice husk ash and above per ` 10 cobs of maize, there was no loss of maize seeds from the insect pests. But in control where no rice husk ash was mixed, after one year of storage, all the cobs were affected i.e. 100 percent, by the insect pests.

Effect of chemical priming on growth characteristics of few varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under moisture stress condition

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chemical priming treatments on growth performance of rice varieties during kharif season of 2019 at poly house of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Treatment consists of three variety of rice viz. CAU-R1, keibu-chiro and Kiophou and two priming chemical viz. 2% KNO3, and 50 ppm Salicylic acid with one control (no priming). Water stress were created in each pot by maintaining soil moisture level at 32% by using soil moisture meter. The results revealed that seeds primed with 2% KNO3 had significantly higher in plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf area and leaf area index as compared to 50 ppm salicylic acid and control. Among varieties, CAU-R1 showed greater in number of leaves per plant, leaf area and leaf area index. However, plant height and leaf length was found maximum in Kiophou variety.

Effect of nitrogen and molybdenum on crop growth, yield and soil properties of pea in acid soil (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Nitrogen and Molybdenum on Crop growth, yield and soil properties of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) in acid soil” was carried out at the research field of Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba, Imphal, Manipur during the Rabi season of 2019 - 2020. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with 3 replications. There were 16 treatments combinations in the experiment consisting of 4 levels of nitrogen (N1, N2, N3, N4) viz., 0, 10, 20, 30 kg/ha and 4 levels of molybdenum (M1, M2, M3, M4) viz., 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 kg/ha. The results revealed that application of nitrogen level N3 (20 kg N/ha) and molybdenum level M3 (0.8 kg Mo/ha) significantly increased crop growth, yield parameters, nutrient content in plants and in post- harvest soil.

Factors influencing design thinking ability in modelling climate smart agricultural practices by under-graduate agriculture students of central agricultural university Imphal: a binary logistic regression modeling

Design thinking a modern human centered problem-solving concept that can be used in the face of complex problems is expected to create meaningful innovations after internalizing the problems of farmers and associating them with Climate Smart Agricultural Practices which is offering array of solutions to enable farmers mitigate the problems of Climate Change. The study aims to identify factors influencing Design Thinking ability among undergraduate students of agriculture in modelling Climate Smart Agricultural Practices. This inquiry was conducted at three Colleges of Agriculture under Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in which B.Sc. (Agriculture) degree is provided. Total of 28 final year students have been randomly selected as respondents for the study. Nine independent variable viz., Age, Gender; OGPA; Competency on ICT; Creative Problem Solving; Ability to Visualize Abstract Ideas; Memory Retention, Aptitude & Reading Behavior; and one dependent variable viz. Operationalization of Design Thinking were considered in the scientific inquiry. The binary logistic regression model was significant at p = 0.037 with AIC & BIC values of 40.86 & 54.18, respectively indicating moderate acceptable explanations of independent variables on outcome of dependent variable. With the subsequent Cox & Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2 values of 0.471 and 0.629, revealed that the independent variables interacted and explained the significant outcome of the dependent variable in the range of 47.10 to 62.90%. The model identified; Age; Gender; OGPA and Creative Problem Solving had significant effect on Design Thinking. The study suggested that strategies need to be focused on development of students’ Aptitude; Competency on ICT, Memory Retention; Ability to Visualize Abstract Ideas and Reading Behavior.

Morpho-agronomic characterization and evaluation of a gene based marker in three aromatic pigmented Chakhao rice accessions of Manipur

Chakhao Poireiton, Chakhao Sempak and Chakhao Amubi are the three most popular traditional non-Basmati-type black scented rice of the state of Manipur in India. These varieties have long statured (135-145 cm height) plants which have high anthocyanin pigment on sheaths, leaf blades, nodes and internodes. They are characterized by late heading (115-120 days) and late maturity duration (145-150 days). The lemma and palea of grains are of purple colour with strong fragrance. The agro-morphological characterization of Chakhao Poireiton, Chakhao Sempak and Chakhao Amubi was done at College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India during the wet (Kharif) seasons of 2017 and 2018 following the DUS test guidelines for the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV & FRA). DNA extractions were done using SDS method and a CAPS marker for the OSB1 gene was used to discriminate rice seeds governing white and black colour. We validated the usefulness of this marker in three varieties of black scented rice and in a white local landrace as well as their crosses with the white local landrace.

Standardizing the Hydrogel Application Rates and Foliar Nutrition for Enhancing Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is an important winter season annual legume crop known for its highly valued seed in human and animal nutrition owing to its high lysine and tryptophan content. Shortage of water during the crop growth period has become the major impediment for cultivation of pulses in rice fallow in particular. Under such conditions, the application of hydrogel can be a potential alternative to improve photosynthetic efficiency, assimilate partitioning, and increase growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted from November to February during 2015–16 to 2017–18 on clay loam soil that was medium in fertility and acidic in reaction (pH 5.4) at Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were three hydrogel levels in total in the main plot and foliar nutrition with five different nutrient sprays in sub-plots, together comprising 15 treatment combinations. The data pooled over three years, 2015–2018, revealed that application of hydrogel at 5 kg/ha before sowing recorded a significantly greater number of pods per plant (38.0) and seed yield (1032.1 kg/ha) over the control. Foliar application of nutrients over flower initiation and pod development had a positive effect on increasing the number of pods per plant eventually enhanced the seed yield of lentil. Foliar application of either 0.5% NPK or salicylic acid 75 ppm spray at flower initiation and pod development stages recorded significantly more pods per plant over other nutrient treatments. Further, the yield attributed improved because of elevated growth in plant. Significantly maximum seed yield (956 kg/ha) recorded in the NPK spray of 0.5% remained on par with salicylic acid 75 ppm (939 kg/ha) over the rest of the treatments.

Effect of Chinese neem (Melia azedarach L.) on the storage of pea seeds

The Chinese neem, Melia azedarach L. in Meliaceae family is a native tree of Asia and Southern Australia which possess important insecticidal properties. It is also found abundantly in the state of Manipur too and known as ‘‘Seijrak’’ in Manipuri. So an experiment was conducted in the experimental laboratory of Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, Central Agricultural University, Imphal in 2017-2019, to study the “Effect of Melia azedarach L. on controlling insect pests on storage of pea seeds (Pisum sativum var Makhyatmubi) in Manipur condition”. It was found that when we mixed the Melia azedarach L. with pea seeds in the ratio 1Kg pea seeds:150g Melia azedarach L. and above, there were no damage of the pea seeds by insect pests but in control where there was no Melia azedarach L., all the seeds were damaged by insect pests.

Influence of nutrient management and establishment methods on yield and economics of rice in calcareous soils of Bihar

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Pusa, Bihar during kharif 2018 on calcareous sandy loam soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design (SPD). The main-plot treatments included three crop establishment methods, viz. puddled transplanted rice (M1-TPR), wet direct-seeded rice (M2-DSR-wet) and dry direct-seeded rice (M3-DSR-dry). In sub-plots, five different nutrient management methods were T1 (100% STCR Based Dose of Fertilizer + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1), T2 (75% DF + 25% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost), T3 (100% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost), T4 (100% DF + 50% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) and T5 (50% DF + 25% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) were replicated thrice under each method. The results found that the plant height, yield attributing characters(number of tillers per meter square, number of panicles per meter square, filled grains per panicles and test weight) and yield recorded significantly higher values under transplanted rice with T4 (100% DF + 50% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) recording significantly higher values among different nutrient management systems. The economics of all the cultivation practices recorded higher B:C ratio (0.73) and net returns (₹ 34684 ha-1) under DSR-wet with T1 (100% STCR Based Dose of Fertilizer + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1) giving farmers an alternative method for rice production.

Effect of zinc levels and moisture regimes on growth and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2017 in Split Plot Design with three replications at Crop Research Centre of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, and Bihar. The treatments consisted of four moisture regimes in main plots and four zinc levels in sub plots. The result showed that maximum dry matter production (966.27 g/m2), crop growth rate (13.05 g/m2/day), straw yield (47.07 kg/ha), total uptake of N (63.71 kg/ha), P (17.48 kg/ha)K (76.59 kg/ha)& Zn (214.61 g/ha)by crop were found to be maximum with I1 moisture regime which were significantly superior overI3and I4 but was statistically at par with I2 except total uptake of N which was significantly superior over I4 but was statistically at par with I2 and I3 but maximum WUE (33.29 kg/ha-cm)was obtained with I2 which was significantly superior over I1 and I4 but was statistically par with I3.. In context of sub plot treatments maximum dry matter production (955.32 g/m2), crop growth rate (12.91 g/m2/day), straw yield (46.42 kg/ha), WUE 33.80 kg/ha-cm), total N (65.06 kg/ha), K (75.80 kg/ha) and Zn (212.95 g/ha) uptake by crop found maximum with Z3 which were significantly superior over Z1but were statistically at par with Z2 and Z4, except total N uptake by crop which was significantly superior over Z1andZ4 but statistically at par with Z2, while maximum total P (16.11 kg/ha) uptake by crop were recorded with control plot which was significantly superior over Z3 but was statistically at par with Z2and Z4.

Quantitative assessment of roof top solar photovoltaic power: A case study from university hostel of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa

University hostels are the places where dreams of students cherish and blossom. In academic as well as extracurricular activity, there is a need of undisturbed electric supply in hostels. But, due to certain constraint, the civilian electricity supply doesn't meet the demand. In such case, alternative source, such as rooftop solar power supply plays a vital role. A case study has been done at University Boys’ Hostel of Dr. RPCAU, Pusa. In this paper, assessment of rooftop solar power availability has been done to achieve the power requirement of university boy’s hostel. Further, a layout of solar power plant has also been proposed. In this study, after designing the layout plan, a financial assessment of the project has also been done, considering recent market price. The entire planning has been carried by considering the actual space available at the roof top for installation of the solar panels. The results from this study suggest that total total power requirement in university boy’s hostel to meet the load was about 43 kWp/day. And also total cost of installation was about Rs 52 lakhs.

Paediria foetida-a miracle plant for safe storage of pea seeds under Manipur condition

Storage of pea seeds is one of the important tasks for the farmers with low cost and environmentally friendly now-a-days. So, an experiment was conducted in the experimental laboratory of Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, Central Agricultural University, Imphal in 2017-2019, to study the “Effect of Paediria foetida on controlling insect pests on storage of pea seeds (Pissum sativum var Makhyatmubi) under Manipur condition”. It was found that when we mixed the P. foetida with pea seeds and stored in the ratio, pea seeds: P. foetida, 1Kg:150g and above, there were no damage of the pea seeds by insect pests but in control where there was no P. foetida, all the seeds were damaged by insect pests.

Implication of tribal sub plan (TSP) on empowering the farmers of Meghalaya

Empowerment is a measure intended to increase self-determination, and the degree of autonomy in people and in communities so as to empower them to represent their interests in an accountable, and self- determined way through their own authority. The present study assesses the Empowerment Index of tribal farmers under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) project undertaken by Central Agricultural University, Imphal in Ri bhoi and West Garo Hill districts of Meghalaya. A total of 390 beneficiary farmers have interviewed such that 270 farmers from Ri bhoi district and 120 farmers from West Garo Hill district. Paired t-test for the test of significance of two dependent samples was applied to test the significance of mean difference before and after the intervention TSP. A significant difference was found in all the components of empowerment index. Therefore, considerable change was observed due to TSPproject in the empowering the farmers.

Effect of rice husk ash on controlling insects pests on storage of soybean seeds under Manipur condition

An experiment was conducted in the experimental laboratory of Agronomy Department, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in 2013 to 2016, to study the “Effect of rice husk ash on controlling insects pests on storage of soybean seeds” (Glycine max L. Merril) in Manipur condition. It was found that when we mixed the rice husk ash with soybean seeds and stored in the ratio soybean: rice husk 1: 0.25 and above and there was no loss from the insect pests. In control i.e. T1(grains without rice husk ash) was found 100% damage in one year.

Integrated nutrient management practices on dry matter production, yield and NPK content of transplanted rice

A field investigation was carried out during kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 at research farm of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, to study the influence of integrated nutrient management on dry matter production, yield and NPK content of transplanted rice. The treatments were laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice using the rice variety (CAU-R1). Among the different treatments, higher dry matter production and N content in rice were found significantly in T8 (100% RDN from urea + 10 tonnes Azolla ha-1) on 30th, 60th and 90th DAT. At harvest, significantly higher content of N in grain was observed in T10 (75% RDN from urea + 25% RDN from FYM + 10 tonnes Azolla ha-1) while treatments T8 and T10 showed the similar effect in straw N content. However, statistically higher P concentration was recorded in T11 (50% RDN from urea + 50% RDN from FYM + 10 tonnes Azolla ha-1) throughout the growing period and also in grain and straw at harvest time. T12 (25% RDN from urea + 75% RDN from FYM + 10 tonnes Azolla ha-1) noted the highest K concentration in grain followed by T11 while K content in straw was highest in both the treatments T11 andT12. In contrary to P content, the K content recorded in grain was low under different treatments. Critical analysis of the pooled data showed that soil treated with 75% RDN from urea + 25% RDN from FYM + 10 tonnes Azolla ha-1(T10) yielded significantly higher grain and straw yield of rice.

Ran VulhtuteThian: The Smart Extension Services through Smart Phone in Picturesque Hills of Mizoram

Agriculture is the prime source of livelihood for the majority (85%) of rural population in North-Eastern Region (NER). Apart from agriculture, livestock plays a crucial role in the lives of NER-citizens and are an important component of integrated farming system. Livestock are alternative source of income. Livestock especially pigs and poultry are important in rural economy as crops cultivation is difficult in steep hilly terrain of the state of Mizoram. They need information about farming practices, policy initiatives, best practices of other farmers, and information on market intelligence. There is a need for specific extension strategy at village level to improve the economy and living standards of farming community. The Project entitled Mobile Based Agro-Advisory System in Mizoram was taken up with the help of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meit-Y),Government of India, and implemented in collaboration with Digital India Corporation (DIC) , New Delhi and College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for a period of three years (2019-22) to empower the farmers by providing ‘right information at right time. The project was given a local name “Ran VulhtuteThian” The paper reports the process and achievements of the initiative.

Evaluation of cow urine + plant extracts against the cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae

Field experiments were conducted during rabi 2017 and 2018 at the Vegetable Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal to evaluate the efficacy of cow-urine + indigenous plant extracts against cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. The results revealed that three sprays of Neemazal T/S (azadirachtin 1500 ppm) @ 1500 ml/ha was the most effective with minimum aphid counts of 28.92 aphids/plant (2017) and 28.94/plant (2018), respectively. The yield (21.88 t/ha and 22.50 t/ha) was also maximum with this treatment.

Weed management effect in blackgram under acidic soils of Manipur

A field experiment on effect of different weed management practices in blackgram under acidic soils of Manipur was conducted at C.A.U. research farm, Andro, Imphal East of Central Agricultural University, Manipur during Kharif season 2013, 2014 and 2015. It was laid out in randomized block design with nine different weed management treatments, viz. pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + quizalofop-ethyl 75 g as post-emergence application, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + quizalofop-ethyl 75 g as postemergence application, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 55 g/ha, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding at 30 DAS, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding at 30 DAS and twice hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Pendimethalin1.0 kg/ha with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significant reduction in weed density, weed biomass and weed control efficiency followed by pre-emergence application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha, + hand weeding at 25 DAS. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, seed and stover yield and growth attributes like plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded under twice hand weeding followed by integrated treatment of pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding.

Effect of foliar application of nutrients on yield and economics of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season, 2018 at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar) to study the “Effect of foliar application of nutrients on yield and economics of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Under rainfed condition”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. Among the different foliar application of nutrients, NPK (18:18:18) @2% spray at flower initiation (T2) recorded significantly higher gross returns (Rs 76959/ha) and net returns (Rs 47014/ha), grain yield (12.89q/ha), and straw yield (23.87 q/ha) as compared to rest of the treatments. The highest benefit: cost ratio (1.57) was recorded under foliar application of NPK (18:18:18) @2% spray at flower initiation (T2) which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments but it was found at par with Neem coated urea @2% spray at flower initiation (T3) and boron @0.25ppm spray at flower initiation followed by Neem coated urea @2% spray after 7 days of first spray (T8).