Dhemaji District Research Articles

Assessing Farmers’ Perception on Disaster Risk Mitigation Practices of Flood Prone areas of Dhemaji district, Assam

Floods, droughts, storms, earthquakes, fi res and severe weather conditions have signifi cant, widespread and long-lasting impacts on the agricultural sector. The study was conducted in fl ood prone areas of Dhemaji district of Assam to assess the farmers’ perception on disaster risk mitigation practices and study selected personal, socio-economic, psychological and communication attributes of farmer respondents as well as to fi nd out the relationship between perception of farmers on disaster risk mitigation practices with the selected personal, socio-economic, psychological and communication attributes of the respondents. A multi-stage, purposive cum random sampling design was used in the study for selecting 100 sample respondents. The study revealed that most of the respondents were young to middle aged, marginal farmers and had medium level of formal education. Majority of them belonged to the low and medium level of annual income categories and had medium level of economic motivation, scientifi c orientation, extension contact and mass media exposure. The perception Index indicates that high majority of the farmers showed favourable perception on disaster risk mitigation practices. Correlation analysis of the independent variables of the study with perception of farmers on disaster risk mitigation practices revealed that six independent variables, viz., size of land holding, extension contact, mass media exposure, age, education and risk bearing ability were positively and signifi cantly correlated with mitigation practices. Appropriate agricultural technology interventions suited for hazards aff ected areas may be planned keeping in mind farmers’ favourable perception on technologies and their socio-economic attributes

Epidemiologic Risk Factors for Variation in Age at Natural Menopause: Shreds of Evidence from a Tribal Community in North-East India

In the coming decades, the proportion of Indian women aged 45 years and above is anticipated to rise dramatically and, women could expect to spend nearly 30 years in the post-menopausal years. There is scanty menopausal research to identify the risk factors of early and late menopause in North-East India. This research was conducted in the rural parts of the flood-prone area of Dhemaji district of Assam in North-East India in 2017. Five hundred sixteen women aged 43–61 years were found eligible to participate in the study (response rate 93.48%). Women were categorized into four groups based on menopausal age: early menopausal (40–44 years), relatively early menopausal (45–49 years), 50–51 years (reference category), and 52 years and above as late menopausal. 15.12% women reported being early menopausal. In univariate analysis, statistically significant association was found between age at menopause and occupational status, age at sexual union, age at first and last childbirth, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) used, nulliparity, regular consumption of traditional rice beer, mother’s age at menopause, and high levels of chronic and routine stress. Multiple regression analysis revealed occupation, mother’s natural menopausal age, age at first sexual entry, regular consumption of traditional rice beer, moderate to high levels of routine and chronic stress, age at last birth, acceptance of OCPs for at least 5 years, and parity as potential epidemiologic risk factors of early and late menopause.

Effectiveness and Suitability of Traditional Folk Media for Agriculture among different Ethnic Groups in Dhemaji District of Assam

Traditional Folk media holds a true position in the fi eld of media communications because of its uniqueness and practical existence. The present study was undertaken with an aim to assess the eff ectiveness and suitability of the existed folk media for agriculture among four diff erent ethnic groups in Dhemaji district of Assam. A descriptive research design was followed for the study taking 100 respondents belonging to the ethnic groups of Ahoms, Mising, Deoris and Sonowal kacharis. The data was collected by personal interview technique following an interview schedule that included both structured and open-ended questions. The fi ndings of the study reveal that majority of the respondents found folk songs, folk dances, proverbs, festivals, traditional fairs eff ective and suitable for agricultural communication. The fi ndings of the study will be a great potential in the fi eld of communication research as well as for planning and dissemination of need-based information among rural families for agricultural and rural development.

Effect of job satisfaction and teacher’s morale on happiness of secondary school teachers of dhemaji district, assam

Happiness is the degree of the quality of an individual’s life. In the present study, happiness consists of 5 ingredients according to Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (i.e. Positive emotion, Engagement, Meaning, Accomplishment and Positive Relationship). Studies suggested that happy teachers will be able to perform their work more productively. Teacher's happiness is depended on many factors including job satisfaction and morale in their profession. In the present study the researcher used a correlational and prediction analysis design to predict the effects of the job satisfaction and morale on happiness of Secondary school teachers. The present study revealed that the job satisfaction and teacher’s morale of secondary school teachers of Dhemaji district have a moderate but significant effect on their level of happiness.

Pretreatment of hydroethanolic extract of Dillenia indica L. attenuates oleic acid induced NAFLD in HepG2 cells via modulating SIRT-1/p-LKB-1/AMPK, HMGCR & PPAR-α signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDillenia indica L. is an edible plant from the Dilleniaceae family present in the forest of India and other Asian countries. Different parts of this plant are being used in the traditional system of medicines for various diseases like diabetes, indigestion, asthma, jaundice, and rheumatic pain by various rural communities. This plant is very common among Khamptis traditional healers, the rural community of the Dhemaji district of Assam, ethnic communities of Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve of Northeast, India for various medicinal uses. It is observed as a ‘vat’ suppressant and ‘pitta’ boosting medicine in Ayurveda. Aim of the studyThe aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of Dillenia indica leaf (DI-HET) against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as it is reported effective against jaundice in traditional medicine. We are also planning to see the various molecular mechanisms responsible for its effect if it is efficacious. Study design/methodAn in vitro model for NAFLD was employed in this study. For this HepG2 cells were incubated with 100 μM of oleic acid (OA) for 24 h. For evaluation of the effect of DI-HET, the extracts (5 or 10 μg/mL) were pretreated to the OA group. Fenofibrate was the positive control. Various parameters relevant to lipogenesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids like intracellular lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial stress, and key proteins were studied. ResultsDI-HET significantly reduced the intracellular lipid accumulation in OA treated cells. And also substantially decreased the expression of lipogenic proteins and increased β-oxidation in the OA group. OA induced ROS generation was found to reduce with DI-HET treatment. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of LXR-α, SREBP-1C, SREBP-2, HMGCR, FAS, CD-36, and ACOX-1 were downregulated while that of SIRT-1, p-LKB-, p-AMPK, p-ACC, CPT-1, and PPAR-α upregulated in DI-HET treatment. LCMS/MS analysis showed the presence of polyphenols like naringenin, catechin, epicatechin, shikimic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, and kaempferol. ConclusionThese results suggest that DI-HET is effective against NAFLD by activation of the SIRT-1/p-LKB-1/AMPK signaling pathway via polyphenols present in the extract.

Productivity, Potentiality and Soil-site Suitability Evaluation for Rice Crop in the Moridhal Watershed of Dhemaji District of Assam

A study was undertaken to carry out the productivity and suitability evaluation of the soils of the Moridhal watershed in Dhemaji district of Assam. Satellite image interpretation led to the recognition of four different physiographic units in the studied area which included: upper piedmont plain, lower piedmont plain, alluvial plain, and flood plain. One hundred seventy surface soil samples representing different physiographic units were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for various soil parameters. The productivity and suitability of the soils were computed and assessed by following standard procedures. The productivity index of studied soils varied from 12.13 to 62.14 could be ranked as: alluvial plain>flood plain>lower piedmont plain>upper piedmont plain. However, through adoption of proper improvement measures the soils could be improved to land index values of 41.04 to 90.25.The land index value for Sali rice, Ahu rice and Bororice could categorize into permanently unsuitable (N2) to moderately suitable (S2). The studied soils in terms of their suitability for Sali rice, Ahu rice and Boro rice could be arranged in the sequence: flood plain> alluvial plain> lower piedmont plain> upper piedmontplain. The productivity and soil suitability maps as generated under GIS environment will serve as ready reckoner to farmers, planners and administrators in identifying the potential are assuitable for the major crops grown in that area.

Study of Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Mishing People for Diarrhea Disease

The main aim of the present study is to collect information and identify the specimens of ethnobotanical plants used for the treatment of diarrhoeal disease by the Mishing people of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, Assam. From the Dhemaji district, we have selected Jonai, Silapathar, Sissikalghar, Dhakuakhana, and Boginodi, which are selected under the Lakhimpur district purposefully. Information was collected from randomly selected households, both male and female respondents, and different age groups between 45-85 years of age. An investigation of a total of 66 plant species and 39 families was enumerated, and Rutaceae, Apiaceae, Zingiberaceae, Clusiaceae, Moraceae, and Combretaceae were the dominant families.

Use of social media for marketing of lis products and services in five provincialised college libraries in Dhemaji district in Assam: A study

Use of social media for marketing of lis products and services in five provincialised college libraries in Dhemaji district in Assam: A study

Economic Analysis of Kamrupa Compared to Local Chicken Production in Assam under Backyard System of Rearing

Aims: The programme was undertaken to study the economic analysis of Kamrupa and local chicken in Dhemaji district of Assam under backyard system of rearing.
 Study Design: The data on various expenses and returns thus collected were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis as per the methods described by [1]. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji and Jonai development blocks of Dhemaji district during the period January, 2018 to July, 2019 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji.
 Methodology: For the purpose thirty numbers of farmwomen from three different development blocks, thus a total of ninety numbers of farmwomen, of Dhemaji district were selected on the basis of their early experience in keeping local poultry along with Kamrupa chicken at backyard system. Items of cost included fixed cost e.g. land and building, equipments and variable costs e.g. cost of day-old chick, cost of feed, vaccine, medicine, labour, depreciation in poultry shed and miscellaneous cost. Return items included eggs, cocks and spent hens.
 Results: The cost of labour accounted for 72.44 percent of the total cost of production of Kamrupa chicken followed by feed cost (9.79%), chick cost (7.21%) and depreciation of poultry house (6.44%) up to 18 months of age. The total cost of production up to 72 weeks of age was found to be higher in Kamrupa (Rs. 3,882.48) than its local counterpart (Rs. 3,512.48). The maximum amount of income was contributed by selling of eggs (46.60%) followed by sale of cocks (26.76%) and sale of spent hens (26.64) in case of local chicken. The benefit-cost (B:C) ratio in Kamrupa and local chicken were recorded as 2.64 and 2.14, respectively, in the present study.
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale Kamrupa rearing is a profitable venture for farmwomen in the state of Assam.

​Ethno-veterinary Treatment of Livestock and Poultry by Ethnic Community of Dhemaji District, Assam, India

Background: Livestock and poultry are considered as one of the source of income for the rural household which need proper care for their livelihood. To safeguard the livestock and poultry from various health related problems, ethno-veterinary practices, the indigenous healing system is the cheapest and easily available natural resources around them. Traditional animal health care practices are mostly from their experiences or passed on from one to another verbally. Methods: The present study was carried in randomly selected villages of Dhemaji district. Field study was conducted from September 2020 - April 2021, among the small household local inhabitant of the selected areas who mostly depend on the livestock and poultry farming for socio-economic development, by performing personal interview, semi-structured questionnaire, group discussion and free consultation was conducted with the local peoples. Result: The study recorded about 36 plant species having medicinal value belonging to 34 genus and 31 families, which are used for treating 22 ailments in livestock. Leaves, stems, fruits, bulb, roots, seeds, rhizomes, bark and peel of plant species are used in treating different ailments of livestock. Leaves (48%) are mostly used in preparing medicine among the other plant parts. Proper documentation of the old practice of ethno-veterinary provides information of the various medicinal plants available around us which are on the verge of extinction due to the negligence by the younger generation and emphasises sustainable use of these resources in our ecosystem. Ethno-Veterinary gives a scope for the pharmaceutical field to discover the bioactive compound present in the plant species for future scientific medical treatment.

An Analysis of Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Sand and Silt Deposited Areas of Dhemaji District of Assam

The study was undertaken in sand and silt deposited areas of Dhemaji district in Assam, primarily to measure physical and social capitals as livelihood assets, compute Sustainable Rural Livelihood index, study selected personal, socio-economic and psychological attributes of farmer respondents as well as to find out the relationship, if any, between Sustainable Rural Livelihoods and the selected personal, socio-economic and psychological attributes of the respondents. A descriptive research design, following an ex post facto approach was utilized for the study. A multi-stage, purposive cum proportionate random sampling design was adopted for the study in order to select 100 respondents.
 With respect to the selected personal, socio-economic and psychological attributes of the respondents, the study revealed that most of the respondents (88%) were young to middle aged and had medium level of formal education (57%). The study revealed that the proportion of farm families belonging to small and medium sized families were almost equal (46% and 43% respectively). Majority (61%) of the respondents was marginal farmers and belonged to the low and medium level of annual income categories (respectively 41% and 46%). On the other hand, a large majority (70%) had low level of annual expenditure pattern, medium level of economic motivation (68%) and risk bearing ability (70%).
 The computed Sustainable Rural Livelihood Index score (49.89%) was found to be on the lower side, indicating its relatively low strength based on physical and social capital indices. Correlation analysis of the independent variables of the study with Sustainable Rural Livelihoods revealed that five independent variables, viz., age, education, size of land holding, expenditure pattern and risk bearing ability were positively and significantly correlated with Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.
 The study reveals that a productive human capital falling largely in the young to middle age category holds promise for socio-economic development in similar situations. However, illiteracy, coupled with lower formal education would mean that skill development ought to be the focal area for capacity building in the agricultural sector. . Strategic agricultural technology interventions suited for sand and silt affected areas have to planned keeping in mind seasonal uncertainties and low cost technologies.

Morphometric analysis of Moridhal watershed in Dhemaji District of Assam, India using remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques

Morphometric analysis of Moridhal watershed in Dhemaji District of Assam, India using remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques

Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Important Medicinal Plants of Dhemaji District of Assam

Phytochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Important Medicinal Plants of Dhemaji District of Assam

A Morphological and Behavioural Study on The Mishings of Dhemaji District, Assam

The present study was conducted in two villages of Dhemaji District, Assam. Data on morphological and behavioural traits were collected from 286 individuals, comprising of 143 males and females each. This study aimed at describing five morphological traits viz., earlobe attachment, hair whorl, mid-phalangeal hair, cleft-chin and relative length of I and II toes; and four behavioural traits viz., arm-folding, hand-clasping, tongue-rolling and tongue-folding among the Mishings of Borola and Uriamguri villages of Dhemaji district. Majority of these traits showed insignificant bisexual variation, excepting cleft-chin and tongue-folding. The findings of the present study show similarity with the published data of the neighbouring populations of North-East India.

WITHDRAWN: A study on rice production using time series analysis of Assam, India

Abstract Rice is most important crop of North-East India and all over India. It is the Main food for most of the people of the country. In Assam, Rice productivity is medium–low to very low, therefore, average produce of rice is very poor. At present, about two-third of the rice occupies total cropped area in the state of Assam. Being the single vital source of agricultural GOP (Gross Operating Profit), rice plays an important role in the state economy. Further, its importance basket (the average monthly consumption per capita is about 13 kg) and also speaks volumes on the rice aim of the state of Assam. Especially is that rice orientation of the state. This paper attempt estimates the trend values for the production of Rice in Assam for period 1995 to 2015. A time series analysis has been made to estimate the trend values for the production of Rice for the period of 1995 to 2015, Assam, India. The data have been collected from Dhemaji District of Assam (India) with personal investigation. The natures of the data are secondary.

Application of geospatial technologies in flood hazard assessment of Dhemaji revenue circle, Assam

Background: Land of monsoons, India has been triggered by flood and siltation annually through south-west and north-east monsoons along the floodplains of the country for millennia. Being one of the worst sufferers, Assam also experiences the severe effects of flood hazard as the region is drained by the mighty Brahmaputra and Barak basins. In this view, Dhemaji district located in the upper reach of Brahmaputra valley also bears the brunt of flood leaving massive imprints on people and landscape. Objective: This study is an attempt to identify the flood vulnerable zones and damages incurred in a flood period of Dhemaji revenue circle. Methodology: The study is based on both primary and secondary sources of information wherein the data and maps have been processed and prepared within the domain of GIS and remote sensing. Findings: The results indicate that the entire region is categorized into two flood hazard zones viz. least and highly vulnerable wherein the former covers 55.27% and latter 44.73% of the total area. The damages caused in respect to cropland and transportation network have also been estimated and few management strategies were recommended to cope with the hazard. Novelty: The existing work has used various physical factors wherein priority ranks are allotted to each based on their intensity towards flood occurrence. Thus, this study would help in identification of potential hazard zones and affected areas through mapping and modeling using geospatial techniques which are cost and time effective. Keywords: Flood hazard; Brahmaputra valley; assessment; management; GIS;remote sensing

Survey for the potential fibre yielding plants in the flora of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam in North-east India

Survey for the potential fibre yielding plants in the flora of Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam in North-east India

Participation of women in traditional pig farming in North bank plain zone of Assam

A study was undertaken to know the socio-economic status of women pig farmers, pig rearing system, feeding management, annual income from piggery and constraints faced by women farmers and involvement and contribution of women in backyard piggery in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district under North bank plain zone of Assam. A total of 577 women farmers involved actively in pig farming were randomly selected and interviewed with a standard questionnaire. Involvement of married (40.9%) and middle aged women (26-35 years) with formal education adopted piggery through low input traditional management practices for fattening purpose (49.04%). The management system followed was scavengingsystem (47.05%). Kitchen waste and leftover of local rice beer along with rice bran were the common feeds offered to pigs. The major constraints to women involvement in pig farming was found to be inadequate capital (37.43%) followed by high cost of medication and commercial ration (28.94%) and pre-occupation with household chores (17.67%). The average age at puberty of pig (16.55±0.11 months) was longer. The average weight gain (2.31±0.01 kg/month), litter size at birth (10.57±0.13) and litter size at weaning (5.76±0.14) were poor. It was found that 70% of the women farmers could generatemedium level of annual income (40-50 thousand) followed by 19.5% with high level income (>50 thousand). The study recommended that easy access to credit facilities from the financial institution and improve technical skills on pig farming may increase the level of involvement and help in doubling the annual income of the women piggery farmers. Backyard piggery may act as way of women empowerment in rural areas and enhance the socio-economic status of the women in piggery.

ROLE OF NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION (NRLM) ON COST OF LIVING STANDARD OF THE SCHEDULED CASTE COMMUNITIES AT DHEMAJI AND LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM

Motivation/Background: The financial aspects are considered as an integral part for development of rural areas in every nation. Small financial helps can defiantly improve the living standard of the poor. Here the role of microfinance is crucial. Through microfinance the poor and needy people can fulfil their day to day and small economic and financial requirements upto certain extend. In India it is seen that most of the people lives in the rural areas are below the poverty line and finance to these group is very much essential. Moreover, the vulnerable groups are more deprived of their basics needs particularly the SCs and the STs. Thus, an effort has been made by the researcher to study the pros and cons of NRLM and its impact on economic condition of poor SC people living in the rural areas at Dhemaji and Lakhimpur district of Assam through this paper.
 Method: For that purpose, both the primary and secondary data have been used. For collecting the primary data, a total number of 140 (7 X 10 X 2=140) respondents from 70 SHGs had randomly selected comprising of 10 SHGs from the seven Development Blocks and from each sample SHGs 2 members were selected.
 Results and Conclusions: Study revealed that inspite of facing the problems like marketing, transportation, flood and proper management and training of the group, the SHGs are functioning well in terms of improvement of food security and cost of living standard of the SC member’s household in the area under study.

Transport Network Analysis: A Case Study on Upper Assam District of Assam

This paper is totally based on a critical review of Transport Network Analysis in a Upper Assam district of State of Assam in India. It’s a comparative study between ASTC Bus Services and Traveller Services from Jorhat District (Centre) to Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagarh, Golaghat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji District. There have only 11 ASTC Bus Services and More than (on Average) 15 Traveler Service in every district. The ASTC Bus Services were fixed for riding every day but Traveller Services are not fixed. It is flexible on time and demand by the passengers situations. From these it is clear that the government (ASTC) bus service are very less than the traveler services in this Upper Assam. There have many factors for the shortage of Govt. service and increase of Traveller Services. For this there have face many problems by passenger like travel fare, capacity of arrangement of seats, lack of comfortness of travelling etc.