Different Agro-climatic Zones Of Punjab Research Articles

Rainfall Variability and Rice Production: An Assessment Based on the Variability in Indian Monsoon and Ground Water Level of Punjab, India

In Punjab, 99 per cent of total cultivated area is under irrigation but it is at the cost of declining ground water table. Due to rainfall variability and very high requirement of water in rice crop, which occupy large area in the state during kharif season, has further deteriorated the situation of water resources. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the relationship between declining groundwater level, variable monsoonal rainfall and rice yield of different agroclimatic zones of Punjab. The historical data of rainfall for different locations of Punjab viz. Amritsar (1998-2017), Ballowal Saunkhri (1998-2017), Bathinda (1998-2017), Ludhiana (1998-2017) and Patiala (1998-2017) was collected from the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana and Met Centre, IMD Chandigarh. The productivity data of rice was collected from indiastat.com and Statistical Abstract of Punjab whereas the data related to groundwater table (1998-2017) were collected from the Central Ground Water Board, Punjab. It was observed that the ground water table level showed significant decrease after 2005 at all locations and there was a positive correlation between rice yield and ground water table at all the locations except at Amritsar where it was negatively correlated. The deficit rainfall years showed very less impact on rice yield which has increased continuously. However, the relationship between groundwater table and rainfall indicated that deficit monsoonal rainfall led to further decline in groundwater table as it was not recharged.

ARIMA approach for temperature and rainfall time series prediction in Punjab

The present study aims to explore the effectiveness of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models in forecasting meteorological time series data exhibiting seasonal patterns. We compared the performance of SARIMA models with different configurations and evaluate their forecasting accuracy using real-world meteorological datasetsfor three different agroclimatic zones of Punjab (sub mountainous region, central region and south west region) was analyzed to forecast mean monthly maximum air temperature, minimum air temperature and rainfall. The weather data was used from 1984-2022 for sub-mountainous zone (Ballowal Saunkhri), 1970-2022 for Central zone (Ludhiana) and 1977-2022 for south west zone (Bathinda). The results provide insights into the suitability and limitations of SARIMA models for meteorological forecasting and offer practical recommendations for practitioners and researchers in the field. The goodness of fit was tested against residuals using Ljung-Box test. The accuracy of the model was tested using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and root square mean error (RMSE). The model achieved Mean Absolute Errors (MAE) ranging from 0.61 to 0.78 for maximum temperature, 0.74 to 0.49 for minimum temperature, and 32.12 to 45.44 for rainfall, with lower MAE values indicating higher predictive accuracy. The fitted model was able to capture dynamics of the temperature time series and produce a sensible forecast. However, the model was unable to forecast rainfall series efficiently.

Modelling the climate change impact of mitigation (RCP 2.6) and high emission (RCP 8.5) scenario on maize yield and possible adaptation measures in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India.

A simulation study was performed for assessing climate change impact on maize under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6 and 8.5) for Punjab, India. The study area comprised of five agroclimatic zones (AZs) including seven locations. The bias corrected temperature and rainfall data from four models (CSIRO-Mk-3-6-0, FIO-ESM, IPSL-CM5A-MR and Ensemble) were used as input in CERES-Maize model which was run with constant management practices for two Punjab maize hybrids (PMH1 and PMH2). The maize yield for upcoming 70 years (2025-2095) was simulated and its deviations from the baseline (2010-2021) yield were computed under optimized sowing (early May to early July) and current sowing (end May to end June) period. With current sowing dates, the maize yield declined under both RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively in all the AZs, i.e. by 4-23 and 60-80% in AZII, by 5-60 and 60-90% in AZIII, by 9-30 and 50-90% in AZIV and by 13-40 and 30-90% in AZV. Though yield decline was lesser under RCP2.6 as compared to RCP8.5, but still it indicates that adaptive strategy such as shifting of sowing dates may be helpful in stabilizing the maize yield. The results for iterative combinations of sowing period revealed that early June sowing in AZ II for both the hybrids, mid to end June (Ludhiana and Amritsar) and end May to mid June (Patiala) sowings for PMH1 were able to nullify the negative impact of climate change. Maize cultivation in AZIV and AZV would not be a suitable venture for farmers of the region. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Response of pigeonpea varieties to sowing dates at high plant density under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab

Response of pigeonpea varieties to sowing dates at high plant density under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab

Seasonal Incidence of Mites on Kinnow in Punjab

Field surveys were conducted at ten days intervals from February 2016 to September 2017 in six Kinnow orchards at three locations (Ludhiana, Abohar, Hoshiarpur) in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab to evaluate the population dynamics of mites on kinnow. The study revealed the occurrence of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), B. californicus (Banks), Tetranychus urticae Koch, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) as the most common phytophagous mites. The predatory mites viz., Euseius alstoniae Gupta, E. finlandicus (Oudemans) and Cunaxa setirostris (Hermann) were also found. The study showed that weather factors affected mites similarly in different fruit zones of Punjab. There was a negative correlation between mite abundance and rainfall at all locations. The families viz. Tenuipalpidae, Tarsonemidae and Cunaxidae exhibited a negative correlation with temperature and a positive with maximum relative humidity (RH). Tetranychidae had positive relationship with temperature and a negative one with maximum RH. Mite species peaked differently during various months but were more abundant in the arid (Abohar) followed by central (Ludhiana) and submontane zone (Hoshiarpur) of Punjab.

A Collating Study for Health and Management Practices Followed by Stall Fed and Extensive Rearing Goat Farmers of Punjab

The present study was conducted in all the six different agro-climatic zones of Punjab state during February 2019 to April 2020 to study the awareness of goat farmers rearing goats on Stall fed (Group I) and Extensive/Grazing (Group II) system regarding health and management practices. A total of 120 goat farmers were randomly selected in such a way that 10 goat farmers belong to Group I and Group II each from all the six different agro-climatic zones, thereby making sample size of 60 goat farmers for Group I and Group II each. Personal interview schedule as tool of data collection was used to gather information. In Punjab, most of the goat farmers were between age group 31-60 years, male, with education level up to high school, had main occupation as goat farming, had joint families and were landless. The mean knowledge percentage at Punjab level was reported to be 33.20%. The health and management knowledge score of Group I and Group II goat farmers in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab differ significantly at p<0.05. The knowledge score of Group I (in medium category) is significantly higher (at p<0.05) than Group II (in Low category). The present study gives light on the facts that there is dire need to enrich knowledge of goat farmers about health and management practices by conducting demonstrations and training programmes at field level. The knowledge level of goat farmers should be assessed before organizing any extension programme, as it varies from zone (area) to zone (area) and between different farming system. Also, the goat farmers should be educated about advantages of stall rearing system, so as to give momentum to goat farming in the state.

Effect of meteorological parameters on Karnal bunt incidence in wheat under different agroclimatic zones of Punjab

To quantify the effect of meteorological parameters on incidence of Karnal bunt in wheat crop, an investigation was done using 9 to 12 season’s data of Bathinda and Ludhiana stations of Punjab. Maximum temperature during March in range of 25-31oC, minimum temperature of February (8.5-11.0oC), morning and evening relative humidity of March in range of 85-95 and 40-60 per cent respectively, rainfall more than 25 mm with sunshine hours 5.5-9.0 hrs/day during mid February to mid March favour Karnal bunt in wheat crop. Maximum temperature of March showed significant negative correlation with incidence of Karnal bunt whereas minimum temperature of February showed significant positive correlation with disease incidence at both locations. Morning and evening relative humidity showed significant positive correlation with disease incidence. Rain amount and rainy days during mid February to mid March significantly influenced disease incidence. Sunshine hours had negative correlation with disease incidence. Backward multiple linear regression (BMLR) analysis indicated maximum temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours play significant role in Karnal bunt incidence at Ludhiana. However, at Bathinda, maximum temperature, evening time relative humidity, rain amount and rainy days played significant role.

An assessment of water footprint for irrigated rice in Punjab


 Water scarcity has become one of the highest risks for environmental and economic security worldwide. The water footprint for rice production, i.e., the total volume of freshwater consumed to produce a unit quantity rice has been estimated for three different agroclimatic zones of Punjab for the years 2000 to 2017. The results revealed that effective rainfall (Peff) improved in later years due to a change in crop calendar,legally enforced by an Act prohibiting the transplanting of paddy before a specified date. During the period of study, minimum crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was 4645 and maximum was ETc of 9511 m3ha-1 during 2014 and 2011, respectively. The green water footprint (WFgreen) for rice varied from 646litreskg-1of rice during low rainfall years (2012) to 1149 litre kg-1 of rice during heavy rainfall (1192 mm) during 2011.Out of a total water footprint (WFtotal) of 2650 litre kg-1, the share of blue water footprint (WFblue) was higher 1804 litre kg-1 (68%), indicating a need to improve on-farm irrigation management to conserve water resources.

Knowledge and practices of dairy farmers about environmental health: Need for eco-health approach in Punjab

The dairy industry impacts environmental health in various ways and the extent of the impact depends upon the knowledge and practices of dairy farmers. This research surveyed the knowledge and practices of the dairy farmers (n-300) towards environmental safety from five different agro-climatic zones of Punjab (India). Data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive statistics, Chi-square test of independence with Cramer’s V value as measures of effect size. Analysis of variances, followed by Games Howell post hoc test was performed to analyze subgroup differences amongst explanatory variables. The majority of farmers (57.66%) had a low knowledge score on environmental safety. Majority of farmers did not know greenhouse gases emission (81%) from dairy animals/their excreta, the impact of dairy farming on climate change (86.67%), and were not treating farm effluents before discharging them into the environment (92.67%). Climate change (I) followed by air pollution (II), human-animal-environment interaction (III), water pollution (IV), and soil pollution(V) were the rank-wise factors reported to affect dairy farming. Further, socio-demographic and farm characteristics have a positive influence on the farmer’s knowledge. The study warrants an extensive awareness campaign on scientific cum eco-friendly dairy farming with an emphasis on measures to reduce environmental pollution and an eco-health approach to bridge the knowledge hiatus.

Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Relation to Various Risk Factors in Small Ruminants of Punjab, India

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory apicomplexan, intracellular, ubiquitous, eurykaryotic zoonotic pathogen that infects all warm blooded animals and recognized worldwide as one of major causes of infectious abortions and reproductive failure in small ruminants Methods: In the present study, 823 small ruminants (245 sheep, 578 goats) evaluated for T. gondii infection by ELISA to explore seroprevalence and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Result: A high seroprevalence (40.58%) of T. gondii recorded in small ruminants being higher in sheep (42.85%) than goat (39.60%). Seropositivity of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goat with history of abortion was found to be 63.80 and 50.00%, respectively. Goats with the history of abortion were 1.72 times more at risk (Cl =1.15-2.56) to T. gondii infection as compared to animals without the history of abortion (Cl =0.39-0.86). Similarly, sheep with the history of abortion were 2.74 times more at risk (Cl =1.31-5.71) to toxoplasmosis as compared to sheep without abortion history (Cl= 0.17-0.76). Goat and sheep farms with frequent access to cats were 2.03 times (CI =1.05-3.90) and 4.04 times (Cl =1.78-9.14) more at risk, as compared to farms with limited cats access. Spatial distribution and predictive seroprevalence analysis indicate possible risk of toxoplasmosis in whole of the state with higher possibility of disease in agroclimatic zones III, IV and V.

Milk quality and safety issues inside the farm gate of dairy farmers of Punjab (India)

Milk quality and safety is the biggest concern of the Indians' dairy industry. Although milk contamination can occur at any stage of the milk value chain but farm contamination is supposed to be the major culprit. The present study investigated the perception and practices of dairy farmers about milk safety and quality at the farm level. Randomly selected dairy farmers (n -300), across the five different agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India, were surveyed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The study analyzed the awareness and practices of the respondents based on the five aspects namely milker's hygiene, animal hygiene, environmental hygiene, milk handling, and chemical residue in milk. Pooled milk samples collected from every alternate farm (n-150) were subjected to somatic cell count (SCC), fat, SNF, adulteration, and E.Coli contamination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive statistics, Chi-square test of independence with Cramer’s V value as measures of effect size. Analysis of variances, followed by Games Howell post hoc test was performed to analyze subgroup differences amongst explanatory variables. The majority of farmers (64%) were found to have low knowledge scores related to all five aspects of milk quality and safety. The milk handling (ranked first) followed by animal hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, and antibiotics and other residues in milk (ranked last) ordered wise aspects affecting milk quality and safety. Further, socio-demographic and farm characteristics of respondents have a positive influence on the farmer's knowledge of milk quality and safety. High SCC (Mean- 424000) and E .coli contamination in 24% samples further revealed poor adherence to hygienic milk practices. Only 5% of samples were found adulterated with water and 3% of samples were found to be urea positive. Ignorance and lack of scientific knowledge among dairy farmers are the major hindrances in the production of quality and safe milk. An extensive awareness program on milk quality and safety, coupled with incentives on quality products should be undertaken to enhance the awareness of the small and medium dairy farmers.

A comparative study on goat farming practices under stall fed and extensive rearing system in Punjab

The present study was conducted in all the six different agro-climatic zones of Punjab to compare the goat farming practices followed under stall fed and extensive rearing system. The goats farmers were divided in to two groups- Group I (Stall fed goat farmers, n=60) and Group II (Extensive rearing goat farmers, n=60). For both Group I and II, predominant goat breed reared is Beetal and goats are mainly kept for meat and milk purposes and at a considerable number of farms, children and women and all members of family were involved in goat farming. 51.67% of Group I, 46.67% of Group II and 49.17% of overall Punjab were selling milk at village level. 41.67% of Group I, 50% of Group II and 45.83% of overall Punjab were selling goat at village level for meat purposes. The different goat farming practices were inter-correlated at P < 0.01 level for Group I Group II. The present scenario of goat farming practices should be taken in to consideration while planning extension programme for upliftment of goat farmers.

Assessing training needs of goat farmers of Punjab for better execution of extension programmes

Present investigation was carried out to assess the training needs of goat farmers of Punjab by randomly selecting 240 goat farmers from all the six agro-climatic zones of Punjab state (40 farmers from each zone). The goat farmers were personally interviewed with the help of interview schedule at their doorstep. A total of 69 questions related to feeding, housing, breeding, health and management and miscellaneous practices were compiled. Data analysis revealed that knowledge indices about various farming practices in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab were significantly different at P< 0.05, suggesting that knowledge about different goat farming practices varies from one agro-climatic zone to other. The ranking order for feeding, housing, breeding, health and management and miscellaneous practices for Punjab were IV, I, II, III and V. The reported training need order of Punjab is housing, breeding, health and management, feeding, miscellaneous practice, and for order I, II, III, IV and V. The present study brings light to the fact that knowledge level and training needs varies from one zone to the other. The training need assessment of goat farmer belonging to a particular area should be carried out first before organization of extension activity related to goat farming.

Measurement of reproductive disorder remedial practice adoption (RDRPA) for curing infertility in dairy animals of Punjab

The present study was conducted on 540 dairy farmers belonging to all the six different agro-climatic zones of Punjab by personal interview technique to assess Reproductive disorder remedial practice adoption (RDRPA) for curing infertility in dairy animals. The adoption rate was more for farmers running large dairy units followed by those running medium dairy units, then small dairy units. Unawareness and cost factor played a significant role in non-adoption. Adoption of remedial practices such as appropriate body weight, balanced diet feeding, comfortable housing, deworming, insemination by trained person significantly differ according to size of dairy units. There was significantly difference in mean RDRPA score of farmers running small, medium and large dairy units at P

Copro-prevalence and Risk Factor Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Indian Domestic Pigs.

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to determine copro-prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their associated potential risk factors in pigs of Punjab (India). A total of 839 faecal samples were collected from pigs of all age group and sex from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab covering all seasons and subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination. Among the samples examined, 28.4 % were positive for gastrointestinal parasites and their respective prevalences were Ascaris suum (11.1 %), coccidia (9.41 %), Trichuris suis (6.43 %), Balantidium coli (4.5 %), amphistome (3.33 %), strongyle (2.14 %) and Ascarops strongylina (1.78 %). Upon sporulation of coccidian positive samples, 8 species of Eimeria were recorded (Eimeria polita, E. spinosa, E. scabra, E. perminuta, E. suis, E. debliecki, E. neodebliecki and E. porci). Among the various risk factors analysed, season, agro-climatic zones and managemental practices had a signifi cant (p<0.05) effect on gastrointestinal parasitism of pigs. Quantification of the infection levels in various seasons and age groups revealed the highest mean egg per gram in rainy season (1966. 6± 1146.5) and grower pigs (1457.1 ± 500.4). Coproculture analysis revealed the presence of larvae of Hyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum species. The results of the current study would be of immense help in formulation and implementation of control strategies for effective control of gastrointestinal parasitism in pigs.

Awareness appraisal of goat farmers of Punjab about housing practices

The present study was conducted in Punjab state by randomly selecting 240 goat farmers belonging to six different agro-climatic zones (40 farmers from each zone) to assess their knowledge level about housing practices. The personal interview schedule technique was followed. Knowledge about type of housing, space requirements, separate shed, location & orientation of shed, cleaning of shed, use of disinfectants for cleaning of shed, provision of ventilation appropriate height of shed and proper drainage & slope of floors was possessed by 33.75%, 17.92%, 37.08%, 35.83%, 56.25%, 34.58%, 48.33%, 39.17% and 25.83% respectively in Punjab. In Punjab, the mean awareness about housing practices in goat farmers was 36.53%. The housing knowledge score of goat farmers was significantly different (P< 0.05) between different agro-climatic zones of Punjab, indicating necessity of assessing knowledge first before organizing extension activity. The mean housing knowledge level was medium in Punjab. So, more knowledge enrichment campaigns regarding housing management of goats are the need of hour.

Relationships among wheat yield, climate and technology variables in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab

The impact of climate and technology variables on wheat productivity in the three agro-climatic zones of Punjab (Sub-mountainous undulating zone, Central Zone and South-west zone) was studied using classical statistics and Geogrpahic Information system (GIS). There was no significant trend in maximum temperature and rainfall during wheat growing period in all the zones of Punjab but a significant increase in yield and minimum temperature was observed. In the sub-mountainous undulating zone, wheat yield and temperature were significantly lower but rainfall was significantly higher than central and South-western zone. There was no significant difference in minimum temperature in central and South-western zone, but rainfall was significantly higher and maximum temperature was significantly lower in central zone than South-western zone. Among various parameters, minimum temperature had significant effect on wheat productivity in all the three zones, fertilizer in sub-mountainous undulating zone and irrigation in South-western zone. Spatial variability analysis indicated significant higher wheat yield in Central Plain zone than south-western zone and sub-mountainous undulating zone. The integration of wheat yield with climate parameters in GIS helped demarcate the four wheat growing regions in the state.

Evaluation of DSSAT-CANEGRO model for phenology and yield attributes of sugarcane grown in different agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India

DSSAT-CANEGRO model was calibrated and validated for four sugarcane cultivars planted at three dates in two agroclimatic zones of Indian Punjab. For calibration two years (2015-16 and 2016-17) data on phenological stages, growth and yield attributes of sugarcane were recorded from the field experiments conducted under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on sugarcane at Faridkotwhereas, for validation field experiments were conducted during 2017-18 at Regional Research Station (RRS) of Punjab. Faridkot representing western plain zone and Gurdaspur representing undulating plain zone. The genetic coefficients were derived separately for each cultivar. The results revealed that at Faridkot and Gurdaspur, the observed fresh cane yield was 89.8 and 98.6 (t ha-1), whereas simulated was 90.3 and 105.6 t ha-1 respectively. The mean observed days to reach physiological maturity were 297.9±14.2 at Faridkot and 298±16.5 days at Gurdaspur. Whereas, CANEGRO model simulated 305.4±17.1 and 304.3±17.4 days, respectively. The mean percent error for simulation of aerial dry biomass was 7.02 per cent at Faridkot and 11.5 per cent at Gurdaspur. For different phenological stages, growth as well as yield attributes, the maximum RMSE remained below 8.65 which confirmed the strength of the model. Different statistical procedures adopted for validation of the model proved the efficiency of the DSSAT-CANEGRO model for simulation of the crop growth and production with fair degree of accuracy.

Farmers' perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change in Punjab agriculture

Climate change is affecting the performance of agriculture. Farmers are the hardest hit as they have to continuously respond to climate variations. In order to know the farmers' perceptions about climate change and the adaptation strategies the present study collected the primary data from 200 farmers from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Multinomial logit model was used to identify the factors affecting the adaptation of climate resilient technologies. The findings revealed that most of the farmers (77%) perceived decrease in seasonal rainfall while 53% of them perceived decrease in rainfall in rabi season. Majority of the farmers (83.5% in kharif and 93% in rabi) perceived that temperature is higher than before. The adaptation choices mostly practiced by sample farmers were laser levelling of the field and improvement in irrigation structures, which was adopted by 30 and 27% of total adoption respectively. The regression model discerned determinants affecting adaptation choices were, viz. age, education, farm size, perception on temperature and extension lectures. Adaptation to climate change is constrained by several factors such as lack of knowledge about technology, lack of finance and credit availability and inadequate trainings and demonstrations about the climate resilient technologies.

Epidemiological aspect and major constraints in controlling haemorrhagic septicemia in dairy animals of Punjab

Present study was undertaken to study the epidemiological aspect of haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) in dairy animals and various constraints in controlling its occurrence in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. The study was conducted in all the different agro-climatic zones of Punjab by multistage stratified random sampling of 720 dairy farmers and categorized them on the basis of herd size of dairy animals, viz. small (5–10), medium (11–50) and large (&gt;50). The overall incidence and case fatality rate (CFR) of HS among dairy animals was 5.45 and 45.15% respectively. Incidence risk of HS on the species basis varied significantly and was observed highest in buffaloes (6.27%), followed by crossbred (4.67%) and indigenous cattle (3.91%). Within different herd sizes, the incidence risk of HS varied significantly and was highest in small herd size (10.52%) followed by medium (5.44%) and large herd size (3.01%). Incidence risk varied significantly between the different agro-climatic zones of Punjab within small and large sized herds but not in medium sized herds. CFR among the different herds was highest in small herd (49.28%) followed by medium herd (44.32%) and large herd (39.15%). The major constraints faced by farmers for controlling HS estimated by using Garrett’s ranking technique included failure of prophylactic vaccination, cost of treatment, strict biosafety measures and hygienic sanitary conditions not followed, inadequate early disease detection and poor availability of veterinary and extension services. Various veterinary and extension tools should be chosen based on agro-climatic conditions and analyzing farmers in respect of education, herd size, extension contacts, teledensity and training etc. to overcome this dreadful disease of dairy animals.