Central Dry Zone Research Articles

Rainfall-related opportunities, risks and constraints to rainfed cropping in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar as defined by soil water balance modelling

The Central Dry Zone in Myanmar is a major production area of rainfed pulses and sesame, grown in double-crop systems or intercropped with pigeon pea. Yields are generally low and variable. Water balance modelling in the Magway Region was used to identify opportunities for improvement. Annual rainfall from 1951 to 2016 was 754 mm (CV = 0.22), with 668 mm (CV = 0.26) in the growing season of 180 days (CV = 0.15). Variable rainfall and low soil water holding capacity lead to wide inter- and intra-annual fluctuation between water deficit and excess, with nutrient leaching expected from substantial deep percolation (61 mm yr−1). Despite variable rainfall, monsoon crops of 80–90 days duration had relatively stable ET (CV = 0.09) suggesting reliable potential yields, estimated to average 2.9 t ha−1 for groundnut. Reliable yields should also be achievable when this crop is intercropped with long duration (180 days) pigeon pea, a system that ensures income from the intercrop whilst having the capacity to adapt to variable post-monsoon conditions. The challenge with monsoon crops and pigeon pea is to effectively provide soluble nutrients (N, S) in a leaching environment, and P when surface soil is frequently dry. The post-monsoon crop in a double-crop system is risky, with variable ET (CV = 0.37) and yield potential. An option here is to vary inputs according to the potential, which is high with early sowing on a wet soil profile. Rainfall has declined since the 1950's, notably in June-July, but with no discernible effect on planting date or growing season length. There are now fewer but larger rainfall events, with implications for hydrology, agronomy and soil conservation.

Streptocephalus diversity in Myanmar, with description of a new species (Branchiopoda, Anostraca).

The diversity of anostracans in Myanmar is poorly known. A series of biodiversity surveys had been conducted in Myanmar, and two species of Streptocephalus were collected in the central dry zone. Streptocephalus sirindhornae Sanoamuang et al., 2000 is reported in Myanmar for the first time, and Streptocephalus shinsawbuae sp. n. is described as new. Streptocephalus shinsawbuae sp. n. belongs to the S. dichotomus group and is similar to S. simplex Bond, 1934 and S. sahyadriensis Rogers & Padhye, 2014, but can be distinguished by the form of the male antennal posterior primary ramus and anterior primary ramus apex and egg ornamentation. Streptocephalus dichotomus has been reported from Myanmar in the past but was not found in this survey.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, herb yield and quality of alfalfa duringRabi season under central dry zone of Karnataka

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, herb yield and quality of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) at the farm field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Konehalli, Tiptur, Tumkuru district under Central dry zone (Zone-4) of Karnataka state during Rabi seasons. The results revealed that the maximum plant height at 30 DAS (43.12 cm), first (85.63 cm), second (86.00 cm), third (92.10 cm), fourth (95.45 cm), fifth (92.30 cm), sixth (88.90 cm) and seventh harvest (86.79 cm) during Rabi season was recorded, when plants were supplied with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. The least plant height was recorded with the application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM at 30 DAS and all the harvests. The similar results were recorded the maximum number of branches and leaves per plant with application of the 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. The maximum fresh and dry herb yield per hectarewas recorded at first (178.70 q and 26.30 q), second (213.89 q and 31.44 q), third (217.13 q and 31.94 q), fourth (218.98 q and 33.08 q), fifth (216.20 q and 31.81 q), sixth (208.33 q and 30.65 q) and seventh harvest (200.00 q and 29.40 q), respectively during Rabi season with the application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM. Whereas, the lowest fresh and dry herb yield per hectare was recorded, when plants supplied with 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM at all the harvests. The pants received with 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM has resulted maximum nitrogen content of plant at first (1.15 %), second (1.14 %), third (1.15 %), fourth (1.12 %), fifth (1.09 %), sixth (1.06 %) and seventh harvest (1.05 %) during Rabi season, which was at par with the application of 50 % RDF + 25 % N through poultry manure + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM at first and third harvests. The application of 10 t/ha FYM + 100 % N through FYM recorded lowest nitrogen content of plant in at all the harvests. Therefore, 50 % RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB + VAM may be recommended for commercial cultivation of alfalfa during Rabi season under central dry zone of Karnataka.

Delivery and Transaction Costs of Agricultural Credit in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

A broad vision for dryland agriculture would involve reducing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for everyone. This vision can be achieved through a multi-pronged strategy to accelerate the pace of development of dryland agriculture, which requires synergies among innovative policies, appropriate institutional arrangements, market-driven technologies, input supplies and credit to benefit the dryland poor farmer. Multistage random sampling procedure was adopted to evaluate the objectives of the study. The Central dry zone (CDZ) of Karnataka was purposively selected for the study. From the zone, five taluks were chosen randomly. From each taluk, two villages were selected randomly. From each village, 10 farm households were chosen randomly. Descriptive statistics tools such as average, percent, ratio etc. were used to process the data for drawing meaningful conclusion. The study has revealed that borrowed amount, outstanding amount, interest rate and other transaction cost were highest in the case of long-term loans. Commercial banks were the leading institution with respect to all types credit disbursement in the study area, but share of cooperatives to the total crop or short-term loan disbursed in overall study area was highest (40percent) followed by regional rural banks and commercial banks (27.5 and 22.5percent, respectively). Further, about 85.94 percent of farmer-borrowers opined that the loan availed by them was adequate for the purpose, 89.06 percent expressed timely availability and easy accessibility of the loans, whereas 82.81 percent of them opined that the loan was availed at reasonable transaction cost. Necessary steps have to be taken by credit institutions in the form of special lending programmes for extending financial support to resource-poor dryland farmers in adopting improved technologies and thereby achieving better livelihood.

FOOD VULNERABILITY AND ALLUVIAL FARMING FOR FOOD SECURITY IN CENTRAL DRY ZONE AREA OF MYANMAR

Abstract. The central dry zone area of Myanmar is the most water stressed and also one of the most food insecure regions in the country. In the Dry Zone area, the total population is 10.1 million people in 54 townships, in which approximately 43 % live in below poverty line and 40–50 % of the rural population is landless. Agriculture is the most important economic sector in Myanmar as it is essential for national food security and a major source of livelihood for its people. In this region the adverse effects of climate change such as late or early onset of monsoon season, longer dry spells, erratic rainfall, increasing temperature, heavy rains, stronger typhoons, extreme spatial-temporal variability of rainfall, high intensities, limited rainfall events in the growing season, heat stress, drought, flooding, sea water intrusion, land degradation, desertification, deforestation and other natural disasters are believed to be a major constraint to food insecurity. For food vulnerability, we use following indicators: slope, precipitation, vegetation, soil, erosion, land degradation and harvest failure in ArcGIS software. The erosion is influenced by rainfall and slope, while land degradation is directly related to vegetation, drainage and soil. While harvest failure can be generate by rainfall and flood potential zones. Results show that around 45 % study area comes under very high erosion danger level, 70 % under average harvest failure, 59 % intermediate land degradation area and the overall around 45 % study area comes under insecure food vulnerability zone. Our analysis shows an increase in alluvial farming by 1745.33 km2 since 1988 to reduce the insecure food vulnerability. Food vulnerability map is also relevant to increased population and low income areas. The extreme climatic events are likely increase in frequency and magnitude of serious drought periods and extreme floods. Food insecurity is an important thing that must be reviewed because it relates to the lives of many people. This paper is helpful for identifying the areas of food needs in central dry zone area of Myanmar.

Environmental Dynamics for Central Dry Zone Area of Myanmar

The main aim of this research work is to create environmental profile in central dry zone area of Myanmar due to harsh climatic conditions. In the study region the adverse effects of climate change are believed to be a major constraint to uncertain ecosystem. Theses extreme climatic events are likely to increase in frequency and magnitude of serious drought periods and extreme floods. For environmental dynamics, we did vulnerability assessment in ArcGIS software by following indicators: discharge change, climate moisture, drained area, flood risk, irrigation, evapotranspiration, precipitation, surface runoff, nitrogen load and population distribution. The analysis provides some interesting methodological insights about the potential of public macro-scale datasets for environmental assessment. Results show that northeast part and Ayeyarwaddy basin of the study area are the most intensive land use and have high population density. Results were further discussed for land cover classes with their elevation information that experience relatively most pressure in terms of examined indicators in the study area. They are also home to important ecosystems and are sensitive to changes in upstream areas. This research work presents a concise and spatially distributed view of the environmental dynamics of central dry zone of Myanmar with Ayeyarwaddy basin. The spatial approach allowed the analysis of different indicators, providing a platform for data integration as well as a visually powerful overview of the study area.

Vulnerability Evaluation from 1995 to 2016 in Central Dry Zone Area of Myanmar

The central dry zone area of Myanmar is characterized as vulnerable area due to water stressed and one of the most food insecure regions in the country. In this region, the adverse effects of climate change are believed to be a major constraint to vulnerability. Theses extreme climatic events are likely increase in frequency and magnitude of serious drought periods and extreme floods. For vulnerability assessment we used remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) technology and develop a numerical model, using spatial principle component analysis (SPCA) in ArcGIS software and evaluate two decade (1995, 2005 & 2016) vulnerability evaluation. The model contains following indicators: discharge change, climate moisture, drained area, flood risk, irrigation, evapotranspiration, precipitation, surface runoff, nitrogen load and population distribution. According to the numerical results, the vulnerability is classified into five levels: slight, light, medial, heavy and very heavy level by means of the cluster principle. The results show that vulnerability in the study area from 1995 to 2016 is at medial (25%) and heavy (25%) level and presents from south-west to north east direction. The vulnerability change trend show worst situation in 1995 (29.80) and best one in 2005 (17.45) but again vulnerability was increase in 2016 (21.58). In the study area the main driving forces for dynamic change in vulnerability is the intensive land use and high population density. This spatial approach allowed the analysis of different indicators, providing a platform for data integration as well as a visually powerful overview of the study area.

Comparisons on the nutritive values of local and introduced forages and feed mixture for ruminant feed in central dry zone of Myanmar

This study aimed to compare nutritive values of local (Sorghum) and introduced (Mombasa) forages and their feed mixtures for ruminant feed in central dry zone of Myanmar. Sorghum based feed mixtures (FeedMix-1, 2 and 3) were the commonly used feed mixtures for cattle in dry zone of Myanmar and other feed mixtures (FeedMix-4, 5 and 6) were based on Mombasa. The lower CP and higher fibre contents (P<0.05) were observed in sorghum and its feed mixtures. The highest gas volumes (P<0.05) were observed in the FeedMix-4 and 6, and then the lowest gas volume (P<0.05) was observed in FeedMix-3. The gas production from quickly soluble fraction (a) of sorghum was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of Mombasa, inversely the gas production from insoluble fraction (b) of sorghum was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of Mombasa. Moreover, potential gas production (a+b), ME, OMD and SCFA of sorghum were also significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of Mombasa. The value of “a” was lowest (P<0.05) in FeedMix-1, whereas the highest value was found in FeedMix-6. The lowest values (P<0.05) of “b”, “a+b”, ME, OMD and SCFA were observed in FeedMix-3 and the highest values (P<0.05) of those parameters were found in FeedMix-4. Thus, the higher nutritive values observed in the introduced forage, Mombasa and its feed mixtures were indicating that Mombasa should be used instead of sorghum for the feed of cattle in dry zone of Myanmar.

Comparisons on nutritive values of local and introduce forages and feed mixture for ruminant feed in central dry zone of Myanmar

This study aimed to compare nutritive values of local (Sorghum) and introduced (Mombasa) forages and their feed mixtures for ruminant feed in central dry zone of Myanmar. Sorghum based feed mixtures (FeedMix-1, 2 and 3) were the commonly used feed mixtures for cattle in dry zone of Myanmar and other feed mixtures (FeedMix-4, 5 and 6) were based on Mombasa. The lower CP and higher fibre contents (P<0.05) were observed in sorghum and its feed mixtures. The highest gas volumes (P<0.05) were observed in the FeedMix-4 and 6, and then the lowest gas volume (P<0.05) was observed in FeedMix-3. The gas production from quickly soluble fraction (a) of sorghum was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of Mombasa, inversely the gas production from insoluble fraction (b) of sorghum was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of Mombasa. Moreover, potential gas production (a+b), ME, OMD and SCFA of sorghum were also significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of Mombasa. The value of “a” was lowest (P<0.05) in FeedMix-1, whereas the highest value was found in FeedMix-6. The lowest values (P<0.05) of “b”, “a+b”, ME, OMD and SCFA were observed in FeedMix-3 and the highest values (P<0.05) of those parameters were found in FeedMix-4. Thus, the higher nutritive values observed in the introduced forage, Mombasa and its feed mixtures were indicating that Mombasa should be used instead of sorghum for the feed of cattle in dry zone of Myanmar.

Comparison of Cost And Returns of Major Food Crops Under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

Comparison of Cost And Returns of Major Food Crops Under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka

Productivity and economic benefits of coconut based vegetable cropping systems under central dry zone of Karnataka

<p>Coconut based cropping systems with vegetables i.e., okra-fallow (2012-13) and tomato-fallow (2013-14), green manure-cucumber,<br />baby corn-gherkin and coconut monocropping as control with four integrated nutrient management (INM) practices viz., inorganic<br />fertilizer alone (100%), 5 ton farm yard mannure (FYM)+75% NPK+25% N by vermicompost (VC), 5 ton FYM+50% NPK+25%<br />N by vermicompost+25% N by composted coir pith (CCP)+ Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) micronutrient spray<br />and 5 ton FYM+50% N by vermicompost+50% N by CCP+vermiwash spray+Azatobacter were evaluated at HRS, Arsikere,<br />Karnataka during the year 2012 to 2014 by adopting factorial RBD with five replications. All the vegetable crops gave the highest<br />yield under integration of organic and inorganic manure treatments, viz., 5 tonne FYM+74% NPK +25% N by VC and 5 ton<br />FYM+50% NPK+25% N by vermicompost+25% N by CCP+IIHR micronutrient spray, whereas the lowest vegetables yield was<br />noticed with 5 ton FYM+50% N by vermicompost+50% N by CCP + vermiwash spray + Azatobacter. Cropping sequence, baby<br />corn-gherkin resulted in the highest coconut equivalent yield of intercrops and cropping system (33,548 nuts ha-1 and 44,414 nuts<br />ha-1, respectively). Pooled economic analysis indicated that, okra-fallow and tomato-fallow sequence resulted in significantly<br />higher net income (` 4,03,551 ha-1) compared to other sequences and it was on par with baby corn-gherkin sequence<br />(` 3,60,365 ha-1).</p>

Livelihood of Local Communities and Their Dependence on Dry Forests in The Central Dry Zone, Myanmar

Livelihood of Local Communities and Their Dependence on Dry Forests in The Central Dry Zone, Myanmar

Spatial and temporal rainfall patterns in Central Dry Zone, Myanmar - A hydrological cross-scale analysis

Spatial and temporal rainfall patterns in Central Dry Zone, Myanmar - A hydrological cross-scale analysis

Prevalence, incidence and molecular characterization of Phomopsis vexans (Diaporthe vexans) causing leaf blight and fruit rot disease of brinjal in Karnataka (India)

The distribution, prevalence and incidence of Phomopsis vexans in six major brinjal growing agro-climatic zones of southwest India is reported. P. vexans was isolated from diseased leaf and fruit samples from six zones and was studied for its morpho-cultural and molecular characteristics. Eighteen isolates were tested for their pathogenicity on 30-days old brinjal seedlings. The ITS regions of these fungal isolates were used for the molecular identification followed by phylogenetic analysis. The incidence of leaf blight and fruit rot disease was high in northern transition zone (NTZ: 10.625.3% and 2133.3%) followed by southern dry zone (SDZ: 8.318% and 22.362%) and central dry zone (CDZ: 1017% and 2939%). All the isolates exhibited similarities in colony morphology. Variation was observed with regard to number of pycnidia, colony growth and type. Among the 24 isolates, 18 belonged to G-type and the rest could not be ascertained to either colony type. The 18 G-type isolates produced leaf blight and fruit rot symptoms 2528 and 4555 days post inoculation, respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, all the 24 isolates formed a single clade, thus confirming their close genetic relatedness, though they were isolated from different agro-climatic zones of southwest India. Phylogenetic analysis of complete ITS2 sequence showed the presence of two distinct groups based on substitutions and indels observed among the populations where six isolates from NDZ and CDZ formed a distinct group from the rest of the isolates.

A review of food security and flood risk dynamics in central dry zone area of Myanmar

The Central Dry Zone area of Myanmar is the most water stressed and one of the most food insecure regions in the country. Agriculture is the most important economic sector in Myanmar as it is essential for national food security and a major source of livelihood. The adverse effects of climate change are believed to be a major constraint to food insecurity and flood risk. This paper gives a structured overview of the current scientific knowledge available and reveals the relevance of this information with regard to food security and flood risk dynamics in central dry zone area of Myanmar.

Food vulnerability analysis in the central dry zone of Myanmar

The central dry zone of Myanmar is the most water stressed and also one of the most food insecure regions in the country. In the Dry Zone, the total population is 10.1 million people in 54 townships, in which approximately 43 % of people live below the poverty line and 40 – 50 % of the rural population is landless. Agriculture is the most important economic sector in Myanmar as it is essential for the national food security and a major source of livelihood of the people. In this region the adverse effects of climate change such as a late or early onset of the monsoon season, longer dry spells, erratic rainfall, increasing temperatures, heavy rains, stronger typhoons, extreme spatial-temporal variability of rainfall, high intensities, limited rainfall events in the growing season, heat stress, drought, flooding, sea water intrusion, land degradation, desertification, deforestation, and other natural disasters are believed to be major constraints to food security. Theses extreme climatic events are likely to increase in frequency and magnitude, leading to serious drought periods and extreme floods. Food insecurity is an important thing that must be reviewed because it affects the lives of many people. For food vulnerability, we use the following indicators: slope, precipitation, vegetation, soil, erosion, land degradation and harvest failure in ArcGIS software. The erosion is influenced by rainfall and slope, while land degradation is directly related to vegetation, drainage and soil. In the meantime, the harvest failure can be generated by rainfall and flood potential zones. The results show that around 45 % of the area studied comes under a very high erosion danger level, 70 % are in the average harvest failure zone, 59 % are in the intermediate land degradation area, and overall around 45 % of the studied area comes under the insecure food vulnerability zone. Our analysis shows that an increase in the alluvial farming by 1745.33 km2 since 1988 has helped reduce the insecure food vulnerability. The food vulnerability map is also relevant to increased population and low income areas. This paper is helpful for identifying the areas of food needs in central dry zone of Myanmar.

Resource use efficiency in cultivation of Major food crops under rainfed conditions in central dry Zone of karnataka

Resource use efficiency in cultivation of Major food crops under rainfed conditions in central dry Zone of karnataka

Food vulnerability analysis in the central dry zone of Myanmar

The central dry zone of Myanmar is the most water stressed and also one of the most food insecure regions in the country. In the Dry Zone, the total population is 10.1 million people in 54 townships, in which approximately 43 % of people live below the poverty line and 40 – 50 % of the rural population is landless. Agriculture is the most important economic sector in Myanmar as it is essential for the national food security and a major source of livelihood of the people. In this region the adverse effects of climate change such as a late or early onset of the monsoon season, longer dry spells, erratic rainfall, increasing temperatures, heavy rains, stronger typhoons, extreme spatial-temporal variability of rainfall, high intensities, limited rainfall events in the growing season, heat stress, drought, flooding, sea water intrusion, land degradation, desertification, deforestation, and other natural disasters are believed to be major constraints to food security. Theses extreme climatic events are likely to increase in frequency and magnitude, leading to serious drought periods and extreme floods. Food insecurity is an important thing that must be reviewed because it affects the lives of many people. For food vulnerability, we use the following indicators: slope, precipitation, vegetation, soil, erosion, land degradation and harvest failure in ArcGIS software. The erosion is influenced by rainfall and slope, while land degradation is directly related to vegetation, drainage and soil. In the meantime, the harvest failure can be generated by rainfall and flood potential zones. The results show that around 45 % of the area studied comes under a very high erosion danger level, 70 % are in the average harvest failure zone, 59 % are in the intermediate land degradation area, and overall around 45 % of the studied area comes under the insecure food vulnerability zone. Our analysis shows that an increase in the alluvial farming by 1745.33 km2 since 1988 has helped reduce the insecure food vulnerability. The food vulnerability map is also relevant to increased population and low income areas. This paper is helpful for identifying the areas of food needs in central dry zone of Myanmar.

An Economic Analysis of Net Returns from Major Crops in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka under Different Valuation Approaches

An Economic Analysis of Net Returns from Major Crops in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka under Different Valuation Approaches

Growth, yield attributes and seed yield of pre-release genotypes of castor (Ricinus communis L.) as influenced by fertilizer levels under rainfed conditions of central dry zone of Karnataka

An experiment was conducted to assess the response of castor genotypes in relation to fertilizer input. Three genotypes of castor (SHB-872, RHC-277 and JC-12) were tried under four fertilizer levels i.e., control (no fertilizer), 50%, 100% and 150% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) under rainfed conditions during kharif season 2011 on black soils at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka. The study revealed that there was a linear response to graded levels of fertilizer. Significantly higher seed yield of castor (2302 kg/ha) was registered at 150% RDF. Among castor genotypes, JC-12 recorded the significantly higher seed yield (2103 kg/ha), however, it was comparable with that of SHB-872 (1981 kg/ha) and RHC-277 (1967 kg/ha). Economic analysis revealed that genotype JC-12 gave higher gross returns (` 75718/ha), net returns (` 57407/ha) and B:C ratio (4.12). Among fertilizer doses, application of 150% RDF accrued higher gross returns (` 82898/ha), net returns (`63962/ha) and BC ratio (4.63).