Dhemaji District Research Articles

Study on the Problems of Primary Education in Aradhal Area Under Dhemaji District of Assam

Study on the Problems of Primary Education in Aradhal Area Under Dhemaji District of Assam

Impact of Muga Silkworm Culture in Augmenting Rural Income of Assam, India

Mugaculture is traditionally practiced by the rural population of Assam. Rearing of Muga silk worm is done by most of the villagers belonging to various districts of Assam as an additional source of income. Envisaging the prospects of Muga industry in Assam, the present work tries to study the role of Mugaculture to alleviate rural poverty. The present study was carried out in Dhemaji district of Assam during 2020 to 2022. The study focuses to examine the different aspects of Muga culture and its significance for the livelihood of local people. The parameters identified for analysis included the nature of Mugaculture practices in the study area, the contribution of Mugaculture to rural households and the economic prospects of Mugaculture. The present study finds that income from Mugaculture practices contributes significantly to the total income of the people. The Mugaculture practice in the study area is found to be an avocation that people engage in between other farming activities and people use traditional methods of Mugaculture. Income is generated through selling of cocoon, pupae and muga silk threads. Moreover, a cost-benefit ratio analysis conducted indicates that Mugaculture is a profitable venture of the people.

A GIS-based study on the changing course of the River Jiadhal in the Dhemaji district, India

River bank-erosion, deposition and channel-shifting are considered most dynamic and significant geomorphological processes formed by complex geological, hydrological, and anthropogenic factors. In the present study, river Jiadhal is one of the main sub-tributary of the River Brahmaputra in the Dhemaji district of Assam that changes its channel course frequently due to bank-erosion and sediment-deposition in the intermediate part and lower course of the channel. A study on the changing course of the river Jiadhal was carried out using satellite imageries for the years 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017. The study found that the changes in the river vary from time to time and the bank-erosion and sediment-deposition fluctuate from place to place. The total area of bank-erosion is 13.34 km2 from 1987 to 2017 and the total area of sediment-deposition is 14.59 km2 from 1987 to 2017. This paper evaluates how the shape, size and position of the Jiadhal River have changed from the years 1987 to 2017 using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The study is also necessary for effective management along the side of the river Jiadhal to control bank erosion and to mitigate the adverse impact of erosion and channel-shifting.

Farmer’s participatory varietal evaluation for growth and yield attributing traits of sali paddy varieties in Dhemaji district of Assam

Farmer’s participatory varietal evaluation for growth and yield attributing traits of sali paddy varieties in Dhemaji district of Assam

Development and displacement: People’s narratives in Dhemaji district of Assam, India

Development and displacement: People’s narratives in Dhemaji district of Assam, India

Evaluation of morphological traits, biochemical parameters and seeding availability pattern among Citrus limon ‘Assam lemon’ accessions across Assam

The Assam lemon is a highly valued Citrus cultivar known for its unique aroma, flavor, and appearance. This study aimed to investigate the morphological, seeding pattern and biochemical variations within 132 populations of Assam lemon from across 22 districts of Assam along with the control samples, with the objective to offer comprehensive understanding that could facilitate the improvement of breeding programs and further improvement of this important cultivar. Clustering based on UPGMA algorithm for morphological and seeding pattern data were analysed at population level, revealed two major clusters, where all the populations of Upper Assam districts were in the same cluster with the original stock (control population). The populations from Tinsukia and Dhemaji districts displayed more close similarities with the control population in comparison to populations of Upper Assam districts. Another interesting observation was regarding flowering patterns, while populations from Upper Assam districts excluding Golaghat district displayed both bisexual and unisexual flowers with less concentration of unisexual flowers, other remaining districts had bisexual and unisexual flowers of almost equal concentration. Unisexual flowers contained only the male reproductive organs with 40 anthers, while bisexual flowers had 36 anthers. Seeding patterns were examined across the districts, and it was found that populations from Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and the control population exhibited seedless characteristic while populations from other selected districts displayed a combination of seedless and seeded traits. Interestingly, Golaghat district appears as the linking district and showed availability of both seeded and seedless Assam lemon fruit, connecting the regions of Barak valley, Central, Lower, North and Upper Assam. Biochemical analysis showed significant variations across districts, however, the populations from Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat districts displayed similarity with the control population. The study also investigated variability in soil nutrient content revealing substantial variation among the populations studied. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the morphological, seeding pattern, and biochemical diversity within the Assam lemon cultivar. These findings can be instrumental in breeding programs to enhance the cultivar, particularly in producing high-quality seedless fruits to meet consumer demands.

Dependency on wild plants for treating Jaundice by the people of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam, India

Dependency on wild plants for treating Jaundice by the people of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam, India

An Analysis of the Challenges Faced by Small Scale Backyard Chicken Farmers of Dhemaji District of Assam

Aims: The present study was conducted to know the challenges faced by the small scale backyard chicken farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam.
 Study Design: The data obtained on various challenges faced by the farmers under the study were tabulated and analyzed statistically by using Garrett’s Ranking Technique.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji, Assam Agricultural University, Simen Chapori, Dhemaji, Assam during the year, 2020-21.
 Methodology: For the purpose, a questionnaire was prepared for surveying and data were collected about various challenges in backyard chicken rearing faced by the farmers of the district. The farmers were asked to identify the challenges he or she and the fellow farmers of their villages faced with respect to rearing of local chickens in their locality and to rank the challenges from 1 to 20 according to the seriousness of the challenges faced by them.
 Results: Lack of suitable germplasm was found to be the major challenge of poultry farmers with mean score of 74.89 and ranked first among the constraints in backyard chicken rearing. Higher incidence of diseases (68.95), unavailability of feed and feed ingredients (66.55) and mortality of young chicks (63.00) were ranked second, third and fourth major challenges, respectively. On the other hand, non availability of vaccine, higher cost of feeds and feed ingredients, lack of extension training or service, high cost of farm equipments were ranked fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, as challenges in backyard chicken rearing. Lack of organized marketing facilities, lack of knowledge on scientific poultry farming, high cost of chicks, presence of middle man, higher mortality during brooding period, inability to diagnose sick birds, inadequate veterinary facilities, seasonal price fluctuations, high cost of medicaments, lack of credit facilities, social problems like damaging of the standing crops by the birds and complaint by neighbours, loss of birds due to predators or thieves were some other constraints of lower importance as indicated by the respondents for the backyard chicken farmers surveyed during the study.
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale backyard poultry farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam have a lot many challenges in chicken rearing in village conditions, the major being the lack of suitable germplasm and higher incidence of diseases. To address such problems there should be proper initiatives from government level as well as in farmers’ collaborative approach to introduce some newly developed improved chicken breeds and awareness about proper disease prevention and bio-security measures and creation of other facilities.

Assam Flood and Financial Loss in Agricultural Production: A Study on Mitigation Strategy Adopted by the Farmers of Dhemaji District

Background: Assam is considered as a flood prone state, as this natural disaster creates devastating situation almost every year. The study was conducted in Dhemaji district of Assam which is in the list of highly flood hazard index. The district was selected to know the impact of flood on financial loss for agricultural production and to study the mitigation strategy adopted by the flood affected farmers in the district. Methods: For that a multistage random sampling technique was adopted to select flood affected farmers from the district. Financial loss for agricultural production due to flood was estimated by calculating financial loss for crop loss, agricultural asset loss and livestock loss for the study area. Flood situation and Non flood situation was compared while going for calculation of financial loss for crop due to flood. Henry Garret ranking technique was adopted to rank the problems face by the farmers. Result: The result reflected that net return from crop production was recorded to be less (Group I 1032.44Rs/ha and Group II 3830.99 Rs/ha) in flood situation than the non-flood situation (Group I 7051.30 Rs/ha and Group II 8330.08 Rs/ha).Total financial loss due to crop loss, asset loss and livestock loss was found to be high for size group II farmers (Rs 39094.33) then the size group I (Rs 36643.40). Majority of the respondents (79.17 per cent) preferred migration as the best coping mechanism to protect them from flood loss.

Ethnozoological survey of Non conventional food items and their therapeutic use by the traditional healers of Dhemaji district of Assam, North-East India

Assam one of the North Eastern states of India is gifted with diverse natural resources and inhabited by varied ethnic communities. Dhemaji district of Assam is also not exceptional in this regard. A survey was conducted on zootherapeutics among the traditional healers of Dhemaji district through personal interview from 2016 January to 2017 January in fifteen non tribal inhabited villages among 75 respondents of the age group 50-70years. It was documented that the ethnic people of Dhemaji used a total of 26 species of non conventional food items for their therapeutic value against various ailments including itching, burning, asthma, paralysis, weakness etc. These species include varieties of vertebrate and invertebrate species such as arthropods, molluscs, amphibians, aves, reptiles, pisces and mammals depending on their seasonal availability. The highest no of animal species used for the traditional therapeutics is mammals (29%) followed by pisces (19%), arthropoda and reptiles(15%), aves (13%) and the least are amphibia and mollusca (each comprises only 4% species). The study reveals that the ethnic people of Dhemaji are rich in traditional therapeutics and proper documentation and scientific analysis may lead to new drug discovery and conservation of these valuable faunal species.

Importance of Red Rice (Deep Water Rice) Production and Its Potential of Export from Dhemaji District of Assam

Red kernelled rice is gaining importance in recent years due to its higher nutritive content as well as health advantages. It is rich in fibre, iron, Vitamin B1 & B2, zinc and calcium. Because of its importance and a good potential for export the present study was undertaken in Dhemaji district of Assam with the objective to find out the economics of production and scope of marketing of red kernelled rice. From the investigation it was found that red kernelled rice is cultivated in deep water areas of the district and 40% of the total rice area is under red kernelled rice. The production very low with an average production of 21q/ha. The benefit cost ratio was found to be 1.29 and only two marketing channels existed in the district. A company viz. Nature Bio Foods Ltd. (NBFL) was the main company which procured all the production of red kernelled rice from the producers in Dhemaji district which has its Office at Gogamukh. About 10000tons of red rice is being exported outside the district every year to other states and even other countries like USA, UK and European countries. The price spread was found to be high though there are few intermediaries in the marketing channel. From the investigation it can be concluded that there is much scope of increasing the area, production and productivity of red kernelled rice in the district provided processing centers are set up in the district so that the farmers can get a better price for their produce.

Indigenous Knowledge Associated with Maternal Health and Process of Child Birthamong the Hajongs of Dhemaji District

Despite the amazing advancement in modern allopathic treatment in pregnancy, traditional health care practices have always been used by indigenous ethnics of the world, including the tribal people of India.Their knowledge for the traditional treatment of reproductive health especially pregnancy can be attributed to the abundance and rich diversity of medicinal plants in their habitat.Their wide knowledge of surrounding diverse ecology brings to work for their benefit in a very best way,among which ethno medicine is one .noticeable and valuable knowledge which need special attention. Generally it is believed that childbirth is a normal component of life such as sexual maturation and pregnancy surrounded by cultural,social,ethical and religious considerations.The status of reproductive health is widely varied depending on the prevailing practices of the individual and community at large.The environmental factors and usage of traditional knowledge, beliefs and taboos are also responsible for determining the reproductive health status of any society. The knowledge of the intimate relationship between man and plants in his immediate surrounding has been passed mainly through tradition(Jain,2004).Health is considered as one of the most important parameters in peoples’ life.Social and sexual stratification within societies act as important determinants of health of people in general and that of women in particular.Physiological differences along with gender inequality in societies play a major role in determining the health outcome of a population more particularly that of women.

Comparative Performances of Improved Poultry Varieties under Backyard Rearing System in Dhemaji District of Assam

Productive and reproductive performances in terms of body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight, fertility, hatchability and mortality of Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster, Kamruapa and Desi chicken of Assam were studied under traditional backyard system of rearing. The Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster and Kamruapa birds were given to rear under the frontline demonstration programmes of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji to the women farmers of the district during 2020-21. The data on bird weights at different ages, egg weights, fertility, hatchability as well as mortality were collected and recorded and compared among the varieties. The data recorded from the study were analyzed as per standard statistical methods. The overall mean body weights were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all the improved varieties than Desi chicken at different ages. There is also significant (P < 0.05) difference of age at first egg among Vanaraja (182.05±5.52 days), Rainbow Rooster (175.08±6.13 days), Kamruapa (163.06±5.52 days) and Desi chicken (203.31±3.31 days). The mean egg production values up to 32, 40, 52 and 72 weeks of age in the demonstrated varieties were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the corresponding values of Desi birds. The mean egg weights of Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster, Kamruapa at 32, 40 and 52 weeks of age were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Desi birds. However, no significant difference was observed in mortality rates among the four groups at different ages. There was also no significant (P < 0.05) difference in fertility and hatchability percent among the four genetic groups. It is concluded that Vanaraja, Rainbow Rooster and Kamruapa birds are adapted well under traditional backyard rearing system in agro-climatic conditions of Dhemaji district of Assam with adequate economic advantages over the Indigenous birds.

Therapeutic Potential of Alstonia scholaris Latex in the Management of Inflammatory Diseases: An in vitro Approach

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,3,478-483.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.3.049Published:June 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Bapan Banik, and Malay Kumar Das Author(s) affiliations:Bapan Banik, Malay Kumar Das* Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery Research Laboratory, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, INDIA. Abstract:Background: The different parts of Alstonia scholaris (AS) viz. leaf, bark root, and latex are used traditionally to treat pain, swelling, stiffness, immune deficiency, malaria, ulcer, and arthritis. The traditional healers in Dhemaji district of Assam prescribe raw AS latex for topical treatment of inflammatory diseases. The unique feature of this study is that the AS latex has been evaluated scientifically for the first time for its anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The present investigation evaluates the anti-inflammatory potential of the AS latex in arthritis using in vitro assays. Materials and Methods: Anti-arthritic potential of AS latex was evaluated using in vitro assays of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation, egg albumin denaturation, and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization. Results: It was observed that the standard diclofenac sodium and the AS latex showed good anti-arthritic potential. In BSA denaturation method, the latex, and diclofenac sodium showed 71.59% and 85.23% inhibition of proteinase enzyme at 250 μg/mL, respectively. In the egg albumin denaturation method, the latex, and standard showed the maximum percentage of inhibition of protein denaturation of 70.42% and 81.32%, respectively, at 250 μg/mL. In the HRBC membrane stabilization model, the latex produced considerable anti-arthritic potential in a concentration–dependent manner. At 250 μg/ mL in hypotonic solution, latex, and diclofenac sodium showed 68.77% and 72.12% membrane stabilization, respectively. Conclusion: The present investigation proved the antiarthritic activity of AS latex. It may also be used in the management of other inflammatory diseases. Keywords:Alstonia scholaris, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory, in vitro., LatexView:PDF (226.19 KB)

A Comparative Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practices of Homemakers on Food Hygiene at Dhemaji District of Assam, India

A comparative study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices among homemakers on food hygiene at Dhemaji District of Assam. The objectives of the study were to find out correlation between knowledge and practices of food hygiene among homemakers and to compare knowledge and practices of food hygiene practices among homemakers. In this research study descriptive research design was used. The sample selected for the present study was homemakers who have at least one refrigerator in her household. The sample size for the study was 120, out of which 60 from rural area, and 60 were from urban area were selected by simple sampling technique. The data was collected by using structured interview schedule developed by the researcher. The data was tabulated, analyzed and interpreted by both descriptive statistics on the basis of the objectives and hypothesis of the study. The study findings suggest that the knowledge is better in urban respondents than rural respondents & urban respondents are better in practices than rural respondents regarding food hygiene practices. The study was concluded that the there was highly positive significant relationship the knowledge of urban respondents and their practice on food hygiene.

Flood Frequency Analysis of Jiadhal River Basin, India using Log Pearson Type III Distribution Method

Flood is considered as the most widespread and disastrous natural calamity in the world which adversely affects the socio-economic condition and lives of the people living within the floodplain areas of the world. The Jiadhal River basin of Dhemaji district, Assam experiences a high magnitude of flood almost every year, leaving the people of that area in jeopardy. In this regard, flood frequency analysis is considered an important step for proper planning and managing the region in terms of floods. Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is one of the utmost important and necessary measures taken to develop any floodplain region. In this present study, a FFA of the Jiadhal River Basin is carried out using the Log Pearson Type III (LP3) probability distribution method which is used to predict future flood events based on historical records. The data used in the study was for a period of 46 years. The method was used to predict the flood discharge estimations at 2, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years recurrence period. The result says that after 10 years the return period will surpass the water-carrying capacity of the Jiadhal River.

Geospatial variability of soil physico-chemical properties of Moridhal watershed in Dhemaji district of Assam, India using Remote sensing and GIS

Remote sensing and GIS have opened new vistas towards understanding spatial variability of properties of the soil and ensuring resource use in a sustainable manner. The current study was conducted to assess the variability of physical and chemical properties of the flood-prone soils of the Moridhal watershed under Dhemaji district of Assam. The watershed was delineated using toposheets (1:50,000) and geocoded FCC (False Colour Composite) of Resourcesat-2, LISS-4. Four physiographic units of the Moridhal watershed were delineated which included upper piedmont plain, lower piedmont plain, alluvial plain and flood plain. A total of 170 geo-tagged soil samples collected from different physiographic units were analyzed for various physico-chemical properties. The assessed physico-chemical properties of the watershed showed wide spatial variability. The results showed an increasing trend in the amount of very fine sand and silt from the upper piedmont plain to the floodplain. Bulk density, particle density and porosity of the studied area varied from 1.10 to 1.67 g/cm3, 2.16 to 2.74 g/cm3 and 24.99 to 54.68 %. The pH was extremely acidic to slightly acidic and the soils were found to be moderate to high in organic carbon. The CEC of the soils ranged from 3.88 to 19.40 cmol(p+)/kg and the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium varied from low to high. The spatial distribution showed that about 20,408 ha soils of the study area contained more than 40-60 per cent sand, 24,833 ha soils had 20 to 40 per cent silt and 13,915 ha of soils exhibited 20 to 30 per cent clay. Nearly 97.85 % of the watershed area had medium status of available nitrogen as well as available P2O5 content, while 79.96 % of soils had low K2O content.

Study on a Few Traditional Fermented Food Practices of Mising Community of Dhemaji District, Upper Assam, India

Among different ethnic tribes in the Himalayan region of India indigenous fermented foods is a significant part of the diet. For the development of various flavours, aromas and textures fermentation is considered one of the oldest and most economical methods. Through this method, different microbial populations are manipulated to produce biologically enriched food.[1] One of the oldest methods for processing and preserving food is fermentation has been known worldwide from ancient civilizations. Fermentation of food materials is used as a way for enhancement of flavour, and preservation of food by the ethnic and indigenous people of this region from time immemorial.[2] Microbes are the major ingredient in the production of different fermented food and beverages. By using different substrates and non-pathogenic micro-organisms as starters fermented foods are prepared, and these are then sold in the local market for consumption.[3] All non-Aryan ethnic tribes of Northeast India had a tradition of having their brand of homemade traditional fermented food. Indigenous fermented food of this region is closely connected to practically all aspects of their socio-cultural, and religious ceremonies and ritual events.[4] The different ethnic tribe from various region of India especially people from North-East India has very distinct and region-specific procedure for fermenting food and utilizing various specific substrate.[5–7] The Mising tribes belong to the Indo-Mongoloid group of the Indian population. Read more . . .

Diversity of the Genus Dendrobium schwartz in Dhemaji District, Assam, India

Diversity of the Genus Dendrobium schwartz in Dhemaji District, Assam, India

A Study on Constraints of Ericulture in Dhemaji District of Assam

Sericulture might be considered as an important area for uplifting the economy of rural masses of Assam as the nature has endowed with favorable climatic and environmental conditions for various silk producing worms and their food plants. The research study was undertaken in the purposively selected Dhemaji districts of Assam during the year 2022 with the objectives to study profile characteristics of Eri rearers and to explore the problems faced by them. A total of 120 farmers were selected as respondents and data were collected by following simple random sampling technique by the personal interview method using standardized structured interview schedule. Constraints faced by the Eri silkworm rearers were majorly categorized into five broad categories, viz., personal problem, non-availability of resources, problems during rearing of silkworm, marketing problems and problems related to post cocoon sector of sericulture Appropriate statistical tools viz. frequency, percentage, mean was employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents termed “lack of capital” (2.86), “unavailability of rearing equipment” (2.66), “could not get seed in time” (2.88), “involvement of middle men” (2.75) and “lack of availability of spinning machine” (2.73) as the most serious problem under each category.