Cuddalore District Research Articles

Monitoring experience of World Health Organization external monitor for Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 vaccine drive in rural Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

The Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) aimed to extend routine immunization services across India, with a focus on children up to 5 years old. Key objectives included boosting measles and rubella vaccination coverage. By September 30, 2023, over 34.6 million children and 6.5 million pregnant women had received vaccine doses nationally. The Surveillance Medical Officer (SMO) from WHO designated external monitors to oversee session sites and perform house-to-house monitoring. Monitoring took place from October 12-14, 2023, in three health blocks of Cuddalore District. Activities included observing two session sites per day (six total) and surveying 40 households per day (120 total). Separate checklists were provided for session site monitoring and house-to-house monitoring, as per WHO guidelines. All session sites adhered to the scheduled times and locations, with proper logistics. However, some lacked IEC materials for public awareness. House-to-house monitoring confirmed full vaccination coverage for under-five children, with no missed vaccinations identified. Recommendations were made to ANMs to have IEC material to enhance community participation. Monitoring of IMI 5.0 in Cuddalore District demonstrated strong adherence to guidelines and effective vaccination session implementation. House-to-house monitoring confirmed appropriate vaccination of under-five children, indicating successful outreach. Overall, this experience provided valuable insights into operational challenges and opportunities for improvement in future immunization campaigns.

Effect of chemical weed management on growth, yield and economics of drum seeded rice (Oryza sativa)

Field experiment was conducted at Periyanarkunam, Bhuvanagiri Taluk, Cuddalore District during Kuruvai 2021 and 2022 to study the effect of different herbicidal weed management on growth, yield and economics of drum seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety ‘ASD 16’. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with four replications. The treatments comprised of six weed management practices and are made up of a combination of herbicides (pre-emergence, early-post and post-emergence herbicides) with hand weeding, which was com- pared with unweeded control and twice hand weeding on 25 and 45 DAS. Application of bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + pretilachlor 6% GR @ 660 g a.i./ha PE fb metsulfuron methyl 10% + chlorimuron ethyl 10% WP @ 4 g a.i./ha PoE on 25 DAS fb hand weeding on 45 DAS recorded the highest weed control efficiency of 77.55 and 74.23% during Kuruvai 2021 and 2022 respectively, growth attributes at 60 DAS viz., plant height (96.82 and 91.79 cm), tillers/m2 (367 and 343) and dry matter production (8.01 and 7.78 t/ha), yield attributes like productive tillers/m2 (319 and 312), filled grains/panicle (100.64 and 98.42), grain yield (6.19 and 6.11 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.78 and 2.49) during Kuruvai 2021 and 2022, respectively over bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g a.i./ha PoE on 20 DAS fb hand weeding on 45 DAS (farmers practice). Hence, it is an efficient weed management practice and an economically feasible method for achieving the maximum growth, yield and economics of drum seeded rice.

Evaluating the effect of organic NPK granules on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil fertility and soil microbial population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is the most important and staple food crop for more than two third of population of India. India is the second largest rice producing country in the world after China. Although, rice planted area in India is 40 per cent higher than in China, Indian rice production is 30 percent below Chinese production because of lower yields. Among several constraints of production, nutrient management plays a key role in realizing sustainable yield from any given cultivation practices. Integrated nutrient management system plays a vital role in balancing the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level through the judicious and efficient use of chemical fertilizers, green manure, FYM and biofertilizers leading to an eco-friendly approach and economically viable solution for this problem. Continuous integrated use of organic manures with chemical fertilizers would be quite promising in assessing the sustainability of a cropping system vis-à-vis monitoring the soil properties. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 with a key objective of evaluating the effect of combined application of graded levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments comprised of different levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules. Among the nutrient management evaluated, all the yield attributes of lowland rice viz., grain yield, straw yield, uptake of nutrients and post-harvest soil available nutrients were significantly influenced by the application of 70% NPK through synthetic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Combining conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules improved nitrogen use efficiency via metabolite production, enzyme activity stimulation, and microbial rhizosphere interactions significantly enhancing the yield attributes and yield.

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices in Rice (Oryza sativa) Under SRI

An experimental study was conducted at the Annamalai University Experimental Farm in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, between February and May 2023. The objective of this work is to chemically manage the developing weeds in rice during vegetative development using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology. Additionally, the study aims to identify the weed flora in the experimental field. In this study, a Randomised Block Design with three replications was employed. The experimental treatments comprised optimal combinations of chemical and mechanical techniques for weed management. The experiment was structured in a randomised block design, consisting of seven treatments, and subsequently reproduced three times. Among the several treatments, the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT) for rice, and the use of Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT (rice), effectively decreased weed density and thus reduced weed biomass. This led to an improvement in crop development and production. The greater plant height, drying matter potential (DMP), and grain yield seen with the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT), and Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT, may be attributed to the effective management of a weed-free environment, especially during critical growth phases of the crop. Suppression of agricultural weed competition facilitated increased growth and development of rice crop, resulting in elevated grain and straw yield.

An Analysis of Farmer’s Perception Towards WhatsApp as a Farm Technology Dissemination Tools

Quick dissemination of technological information from agricultural research systems to the farmers and reporting of farmers’ feedback to the research system has always been one of the critical inputs in transfer of agricultural technologies leading to increased production. At present the ratio of farmers to extension workers is very less. The cost factor in face to face information dissemination at the right time and the difficulties in reaching the target audience have also created the urgency to introduce Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Agricultural news and communication be spread using social media platforms popular in the farming communities [1]. Social media is essential for closing the communication gap and instantly disseminating information to anyone anywhere in the world. Social media networks are used to share and discuss user-generated content such as opinions, videos, audio and multimedia. These networks are widely accessible, even in remote areas of the country. Among the many social media platforms, WhatsApp is especially useful for forming groups of people with similar interests, enabling the sharing of information. For farmers, WhatsApp has not only become a tool for information dissemination but also created a kind of support system. Hence, the present study was taken to assess the farmer’s perception towards WhatsApp as a farm technology dissemination tools. In this study was conducted in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu with the sample size of 100 respondents. The results indicated that more than two-third (68.00 %) of the respondents had high level of perception towards WhatsApp.

Health Care Problems of Unmarried Women in Rural Areas: A Study in Chidambaram Area, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu

Rural women are among the most marginalized groups in Indian society. Many welfare policies are being launched and executed in favour of rural women, who have historically been marginalized. Despite these efforts, rural women continue to be affected by various issues, particularly poor health, which is linked to their productivity and human capital. In this regard, the WHO states that "better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as a healthy population lives longer, is more productive, and saves more." Rural women have limited access to and opportunities to utilize health care policies. Through our study, we intended to assess the perceptions of unmarried women regarding health-care-seeking behaviour related to problems during menstruation. In this study, 300 unmarried women aged 15–35 were selected as the sample. Although the schedules were administered to all 300 women selected in the sample villages for this study, the data were collected from the respondents using a well-structured interview schedule. The association between the health problems at various levels reported by the women in the study area and their socio-economic and demographic variables was analysed using the chi-square test. The major health problems reported by respondents in the study area were analysed with regard to the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the women. Abdominal pain, profuse bleeding, irregular periods, breast tenderness, painful menstruation, leg pain/backache, headache/vomiting sensation, and white discharge were the major problems reported by the women in the study area. To assess the health problems of women during menstruation, unmarried women were considered for further analysis.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF PERUMAL ERI

Tamilnadu is deficit in Water Resources. It is a major fresh water lake in the cuddalore district of tamilnadu. It is located almost 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) from Alapakkam,The rainfall is seasonal and often erratic in timing and geographical distribution, resulting in frequent droughts and occasional floods. To mitigate the adverse effects, serious attention is required to rehabilitate the existing irrigation structures, canal systems, anicuts and tanks to make them functionally more effective, conserve and utilize the water for optimum use.This paper deals with an assessment of water quality parameters of Perumal eri(lake) situated at Alapakkam in Cuddalore district.Samples have collected at five different locations in Perumal eri during pre-monsoon period.Then laboratory analysis has done and the results are compared with BIS and WHO drinking water standards.Then by using “Inverse Distance Weighting”(IDW) method geostatistical analysis has done.Based on the results obtained mapping contaminants in lake has done by using ArcGIS software.According to the results suitable solution will be given to treat the water in the lake.

Profile characteristics of women SHG members through TNCDW in Cuddalore district

Profile characteristics of women SHG members through TNCDW in Cuddalore district

Evaluation of CO 52 Rice Variety for Enhanced Productivity in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, India

Selection of high yielding variety is an important factor in rice cultivation for a particular location/ environment. Cultivation of newly released rice variety has potential to increase the productivity and needs to be promoted and popularized. In this regard, the present investigation was carried out at farmer’s field to improve the rice productivity in Cuddalore district by introducing newrice variety CO 52. The CO 52 blast resistant medium duration high yielding rice variety was released by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) during 2018. A total of seventeen demonstrations with blast resistant newly released high yielding rice variety Co 52 were conducted at farmer’s field organized by Vegetable Research Station (TNAU), Palur, Cuddalore District during samba season of 2019-20. An average yield of 6,501 kg ha-1 was recorded in Co 52 demonstration trials with 10.51 per cent increased from the farmers cultivating variety BPT 5204 (5,886.75 kgsha-1). The farmers additional revenue of Rs. 9000- Rs. 10,400/ha was obtained from Co 52 demonstration plots. In this regard one field day and training on improved production technologies were organized at farmer’s field to increase the productivity of rice through demonstrations of new rice variety Co 52 with improved production technologies.

Influence of Abiotic Factors on the Incidence of Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Brinjal in Coastal Areas of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Influence of Abiotic Factors on the Incidence of Two Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Brinjal in Coastal Areas of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Effect of Organic NPK Granules and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rice

Modern intensive agriculture, which sparked the "Green Revolution" in the early 1970s, degraded the environment, which decreased productivity and had other negative impacts on the environment and public health. In order to improve the health of the agricultural environment, organic farming, which primarily forgoes the use of chemicals in agriculture, depends on a comprehensive production and management system. The multitude of microorganisms in the soil under this holistic management method ensures that the soil is alive, active, and productive by keeping it biologically active. It is a reality that plants can and do absorb huge amounts of big organic molecules, such as vitamins, chelated minerals, hormones, and other substances that are advantageous to them, refuting the claim that plants only ever take up nutrients in inorganic form. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 to study the effect of combined application of graded levels of inorganic fertilizers along with organic NPK granules on growth, yield and economics of rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments, comprised of different levels of inorganic fertilizers and organic NPK granules. Among the treatments evaluated, application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic NPK granules registered higher growth, yield attributes and yield of rice. However the net income and benefit cost ratio was observed under application of 100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers which was comparable with application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Therefore it can be concluded that combined application of 70% NPK through inorganic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules is an environmental safe and economically viable nutrient management practice for getting higher yield and income from rice and it can be recommended to the rice growers.

Political Socialisation and Capacity Building through Decentralisation Rural Local Leadership

After attaining Independence in 1947, a committee headed by Balvantrai Mehta studied the problems of local government, like the absence of people’s participation, and suggested ways and means for improving the execution of ‘Community Development Programme’ (CDP) and ‘National Extension Service’ (NES) scheme, launched on 1952 and 1953 respectively, in a phased manner. The partial success of both CDP and NES led to the formation of a three-tier arrangement, which is the process of democratic decentralization. The political socialization process is through every human being learning the essentials of socio-political life science he or she comes into the world. The behavioral movement has sensitized scholars in comparative politics to shift their research area from the static aspects of structural, legal, and historical analysis of the rural local governments to the dynamic aspect of the functions of these institutions. This area has received impetus, especially from scholars who have been oriented toward the methodology of functionalists. India is acknowledged for its local administration through the ages. The present local government structure has its roots in Lord Mayo’s strategy of decentralization of 1870, followed by Lord Ripon’s enunciation of local government in 1884, which had heralded a new trend of bringing people to the centre-stage in managing their own affairs. Mahatma Gandhi said that “the centre of power is not in Delhi or Calcutta or Bombay or in big cities; it should be distributed among the seven hundred thousand villages of India.” The significance of local government in India has considerably increased in the post-independent India. There is a paucity of research work on political socialization aspects of the rural local body leaders at the national and international levels. This research work would add to the multidisciplinary research literature relevant to Politics and Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Rural Development, Economics, etc. The present research paper examines the political socialization aspects of the rural local body leaders from Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Road mortality rate of the butterflies at National Highway in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Road mortality rate of the butterflies at National Highway in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

English Learning Challenges Faced by High School Students in Cuddalore District

English Learning Challenges Faced by High School Students in Cuddalore District

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Offered by Women Self Help Group Members in Cuddalore District, India

Women's empowerment is essential to ensuring equal access to opportunities and their rights are properly respected. This is accomplished by enhancing and expanding women's social, economic, political, and legal existence. The present study was conducted in Cuddalore Block of Cuddalore District. A proportionate random sampling procedure was applied to select 120 respondents. They were members of Mahalir's Women Self-Help Group. Thittam project under, the organizational efforts taken by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW) to define the constraints faced and suggestions offered by the members of SHGs. The study found that lack of awareness about credit sources, followed by a lack of adequate communication skills and more dependence on leaders are the major personal constraints faced by women SHG members. Also, insufficient credit facilities, followed by a lack of periodical training and a lack of marketing channels for selling their produce, are the major organisational constraints women SHG members face. Among the suggestions, the majority of the members offered to increase the loan amount, enhance the subsidy amount to the women members and create employment opportunities for women members.

Secondary metabolite profiling using HR-LCMS, antioxidant and anticancer activity of Bacillus cereus PSMS6 methanolic extract: In silico and in vitro study

Novel anticancer drugs of natural origin have increased tremendously due to the resistance of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs in breast cancer therapy and their high toxicity with undesirable side effects. The study investigates the bioactivity of secondary metabolites derived from Bacillus cereus PSMS6 isolated from marine soil sediment in the Velar estuary, Parangepattai, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, and India. Strains were isolated and antagonistic activity was screened using the agar well diffusion method. B. cereus PSMS6 exhibited potency, and its crude extract was tested for antioxidant, anticancer, and cytotoxic MTT assay potential. The methanolic extract of B. cereus PSMS6 was analyzed by mass spectrometry HRLC-MS and FT-IR to determine the bioactive compounds. A drug interaction study with the anti-breast cancer protein HER2 was performed by molecular docking analysis. Antioxidant activities were determined using total antioxidant scavenging assay, ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The total antioxidant scavenging assay of the crude extract of B. cereus methanol had an IC50 value of 28.33±1.01, in ABTS IC50 value of the extract was 29.00±0.28 and in DPPH the IC50 of the extract was 34.91±0.09. The negative ion compound Palmitoylglycerone phosphate had a LibDock score of 149.487 and the positive ion compound N5-(4-Methoxybenzyl) glutamine had 120.116. These compounds show promising anticancer activity. The current study reported that the bioactive secondary metabolite of B. cereus PSMS6 retains anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. This is the first report to show the production of the Palmitoylglycerone phosphate metabolite from B. cereus PSMS6.

Acceptance, Adherence, and Side Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction In India, one of the world's most populous and swiftly growing countries, it is crucial to prioritize the utilization of safe and effective contraception, as contraceptive strategies play a pivotal role in bolstering community health. It is widely acknowledged that ensuring appropriate timing and spacing of pregnancies is crucial for the well-being of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health. Adoption of reversible or spacing contraceptive methods can significantly enhance women's health outcomes by reducing the occurrence of undesired, closely timed, and mistimed pregnancies. Consequently, in response to the pressing need for dependable contraception in India, this study seeks to assess the acceptance, adherence, and side effects of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) among its users. Methods This prospective observational study was done at the State Government Taluk Hospital in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu from July 2022 to October 2022. A total of 40 women of reproductive age who opted for DMPA as their contraceptive method and met the inclusion criteria were recruited through a purposive sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results The majority of the participants were women aged 21-25 years (n=14; 35%). The participants were predominantly Hindu(n=39; 97.5%), and 35 (87.5%) had completed higher secondary education. All participants (n=40; 100%) resided in rural areas and the majority were homemakers. A significant proportion of the participants had two children (n=21; 52.5%), and all of them received information on DMPA primarilyfrom health personnel. At the initial point of data collection, three-fourths of them took the first dose(n=13; 32.5%)and only a few took more than three doses (n=3; 7.5%).In the third month, the results showed a drop in DMPA use, which indicates a lower adherenceparticularly linked to side effects like irregular bleeding (n=15; 37.5%) and amenorrhea (n=9; 22.5%). Furthermore, 35 (87.5%) of the women chose DMPA for birth spacing due to its efficacy and convenience, with few initiating it during postpartum (n=4; 10%) and post-abortal (n=1; 2.5%) periods.The reasons for continuing DMPA use included efficacy (n=20; 50%), discreet usage (n=15; 37.5%), and curiosity (n=13; 32.5%). Half of the participants reported no side effects.The study identified associations between DMPA users and the number of living children and occupational statusinferring that DMPA contraception is used forspacing births. Conclusion The results of this study imply that the use and adherence to injectable contraceptive DMPA need to be strengthened among rural women. Thus, the study suggests incorporating information, education, and communication strategies, to enhance awareness among rural women about injectable contraceptives.

A Study on Yield and Value Sustainability in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea) Through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations Approach in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu

Background: Groundnut is a prominent oilseed crop in India but its productivity is far below the potential yield due to lack of knowledge and adoption of improved varieties and technologies. Technology gap is a major problem in groundnut production in North Eastern zone of Tamil Nadu State in which Cuddalore district falls. A scientific and systematic effort was made to study the impact on yield by assessing technological gap existing in various components of groundnut cultivation through cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLDs) with scientific technologies. Methods: Cluster Frontline Demonstrations was implemented in groundnut to improve the production potential of improved varieties and new technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The study with one of its objective to assess yield and technology gap in groundnut was conducted with 175 demonstrations during the period from 2020-21 to 2022-23 covering seven blocks in an area of 70 hectares in Cuddalore district following cluster random sampling method. Two main varieties VRI 8 and VRI 10 along with improved technologies were demonstrated in farmer’s field by providing necessary critical inputs seed pods, bio control agents along with seed drill sowing, Result: There resulted 62.13 per cent increase in yield as observed in demonstration plots over farmers’ practices in groundnut. The study revealed that in groundnut, the average extension gap (difference of demo and farmer plot yield) is 16.26 q/ha, average technology gap (difference of potential and demo plot yield) is 12.21 q/ha and average technology index of demonstrations is 22.21 per cent. The higher average net returns (Rs. 149758/ha) were recorded in demonstration plot (BCR 2.3) compared to farmers’ plot. The Sustainability Yield Index (SYI) and Sustainability Value Index (SVI) in demo plot are higher consistently than farmers plot mainly due to the effect of cluster frontline demonstrations with proper application of inputs/technologies viz., VRI 8 and VRI 10 varieties, seed treatment with bio fertilizers, bio control agents, soil test based nutrient management, application of TNAU crop booster groundnut rich and gypsum application.

Maladies and Remedies for KVK trained Paddy Growers in Cuddalore District of Tamilnadu, India

KVK organizes a number of trainings related to paddy cultivation for improving the productivity and income of the paddy growers. To understand the maladies/constraints while attending the training and while adopting the KVK recommended technologies, the study was conducted in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu in the year 2023. A list of trainees from the three bocks namely Srimushnam, Bhuvanagiri, & Vridhachalam of Cuddalore district were compiled with the assistance of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Using a simple random sampling technique, 150 respondents were selected from the three blocks. A well-structured interview schedule was utilized to gather data, tabulate the findings, and analyze the results. It was found that inadequate training duration (77.33%) followed by inadequate demonstrations (67.33%) while attending the KVK paddy related trainings. High input costs (85.33%), the non-availability of improved varieties (73.33%), were felt as major constraints while adoption of KVK recommended Paddy technologies. Providing low-cost inputs (88.67%), and timely distribution of inputs after training (80.00%) as suggestions given by the KVK-trained farmers. The constraints and suggestions expressed by the KVK Paddy farmers should be considered while organizing any paddy related training by the KVK system for further improving the adoption level of paddy growers.

Spectral classification of AVIRIS NG hyperspectral data for discriminating coastal foredunes based on vegetation species: a case study from Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, South India

Spectral classification of AVIRIS NG hyperspectral data for discriminating coastal foredunes based on vegetation species: a case study from Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, South India