Districts Of Assam Research Articles

Monitoring tea plantations during 1990-2022 using multi-temporal satellite data in Assam (India).

Tea is a valuable economic plant grown extensively in several Asian countries. The accurate mapping of tea plantations is critical for the growth and development of the tea industry. In eastern India, tea plantations have a significant role in its economy. Sonitpur, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia are major tea-producing districts in Assam. Due to the rapid increase in tea plantations and the burgeoning population, a detailed mapping and regular monitoring of tea plantations are imperative for understanding land use alteration. The present study aims to analyse the dynamics of tea plantations from 1990 to 2022 at a decadal scale, using satellite data, such as Landsat-5 and Sentinel-2. A supervised classifier called Random Forest (RF) was deployed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to classify tea plantations. The results showed significant growth in tea plantations in the district of Dibrugarh (112%), whereas the remaining districts had a growth rate of 45-89%. During 32 years (1990-2022), about 1280.47 km2 (78.71%) of areas of tea plantations expanded across five districts of Assam. Precision and recall were used to measure the accuracy of tea plantations classification, which exhibited considerably high F1 scores (0.80 to 0.96). This study helps to demonstrate the application of remote sensing techniques to evaluate the dynamics of tea plantations which can help policymakers to manage the tea estates and underlying changes in land cover.

Japanese Encephalitis in Assam: A Sentinel Case

Since times immemorial, mosquito borne diseases have proved to be a great menace to the human population. Their severe clinical manifestations and high mortality contribute to their deadly status. Japanese encephalitis (JE), is one such mosquito borne viral disease mainly prevalent in Southeast Asia including India, particularly in the state of Assam. It mainly affects the central nervous system, resulting in various neurological and locomotor disorders and change in mental status. Seizures are also observed, although they are more common in children. JE is caused by a virus of the Flaviviridae family, transmitted by a Culicine mosquito, Culex tritaeniorynchus. Pigs are considered to be the amplifier hosts. Throughout the years, JE has become endemic in many districts of Assam affecting many lives in the outbreaks that occur each year, more particularly in the rural and agricultural areas. Assam’s climactic conditions, agricultural habits and patterns, and the lifestyle of its population play a major role in the epidemiology of the disease. With the establishment of JE surveillance and vaccination programmes by the government, the JE incidence rate has decreased. However, outbreaks of JE still continue to occur, often with serious complications and a high mortality. This concise review article gives a short summarization of Japanese encephalitis along with its history, epidemiology, vector and host biology, pathology, clinical observations and immunoprophylaxis with respect to the state of Assam, India.

Roost ecology, population size, behavioral patterns and morphometric analysis of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius; Temminck, 1825) in the Goalpara District of Assam, India

Roost ecology, population size, behavioral patterns and morphometric analysis of Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius; Temminck, 1825) in the Goalpara District of Assam, India

Knowledge on Spiritual Life Skills among Agriculture Students

Spiritual Life Skills are the values that guide people throughout their life by giving them an opportunity to utilize their conscience while making any decisions. The importance of such skills in our life need not be justified as it is the base of character for any human being. The present research study was conducted with the aim to study about these skills and also to learn its importance and relation in students’ life. The study was carried out in the main campus of Assam Agricultural University, which is situated in the Jorhat district of Assam. The study gives a clear and concise meaning of spirituality, spiritual life skills and knowledge of agriculture students on spiritual life skills. The objective of the study was to measure the knowledge of the respondents about spiritual life skills. A total of 126 samples were selected from College of Agriculture and College of Community Science, Assam Agricultural University, using Stratified sampling technique during the year 2021-2022. The data revealed that majority (51.67%) of the respondents have moderate knowledge level on spiritual life skills. Also a significant association was found between several independent variables with knowledge of the respondents.

Co-circulation of two Mumps virus genotypes in Assam, India.

Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease, and research on the vaccine's efficacy has recently indicated declining efficacy that has failed to protect against primary infections or reinfections, leading to a global resurgence in nations that use mumps vaccine in their national immunization programmes (NIPs). Lack of reports on its infection, documentation and published studies prevents it from being recognized as a public health issue in India. The waning of immunity is ascribed to the changes between the circulating and vaccine strains. The goal of the current study was to describe the circulating MuV strains in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, India, from 2016 to 2019. Blood samples were examined for IgM antibodies, and throat swab samples were put through Taqman assay for molecular detection. The small hydrophobic (SH) gene was targeted for genotyping through sequencing, and its genetic variations and phylogenetic analysis were carried out. Mumps RNA was found in 42 cases, and Mumps IgM in 14, of which 60% (25/42) of the cases were male and 40% (17/42) were female mostly affecting children between the ages of 6 and 12. Sequence and phylogeny analyses of SH gene revealed Genotypes C (83%) and G (17%) were simultaneously circulating during the study period. The study offers crucial genetic baseline information for the creation of Mumps prevention and control measures. Therefore, based on the research, it is clear that developing an effective vaccination strategy should take into account all currently prevalent genotypes in order to provide better protection against the disease's comeback.

The Entrepreneurial Propensity: A Study on The Adivasi Entrepreneurs In Assam

Several social scientists have extended entrepreneurship to be the key variable that links the sociocultural milieu with economic development. Entrepreneurship development is seen as a way to solve the imbalances, particularly in a rural society. Realising the significance of entrepreneurship in economic development, the process would not stand strong if it is not taken up by individuals from backward communities (tribes). Adivasis have been undergoing many changes whose consequences and implications have been seriously misunderstood. Against all odds, a change is being observed where the Adivasi society is enhancing its acceptability towards the creation of an enterprise. With this observation, the study aims to determine the degree of inclination towards entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial propensity) among the Adivasis of Assam, and in the process examines the socio -economic profile that motivates them to plunge into the field of entrepreneurship. The study is based on a semi-structured interview with 120 Adivasi entrepreneurs spread across the tea estates, villages and towns of Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Udalguri districts of Assam. The results suggest that the entrepreneurs possess minimum qualifications which limit their employment opportunities. Despite a few opportunities, they willingly took up entrepreneurship with a strong pull motivation. Further, the entrepreneurs display high entrepreneurial propensity with a strong disposition of personal resourcefulness.

Impact Assessment of Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLDs) on Popularization of Toria Cultivation in Majuli District of Assam, India

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat conducted five hundred fifty Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on toria covering 577 nos. of beneficiary in 32 villages at two development blocks of Majuli district of Assam during 2015-16 to 2020-21. The study was conducted to study the impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations conducted by KVK, Jorhat on socio-economic condition, technology adoption and technology gap, adoption pattern of the improved technology among beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the district. The results showed that the Cluster Front Line Demonstrations of the new technologies increased crop yield and net income of the participating farmers from toria cultivation. The average yield of toria varieties under the demonstration was 1007 kg/ha as compared to 674 kg/ha in the farmers practices. The highest mean yield of toria under the technology demonstrated was 1057 kg/ha and the lowest was 956 kg/ha. The mean technology gap (TG), extension gap (EG) and technology index (TI) was 1.93 q/ha, 3.32 q/ha and 16.12 percent respectively which indicates need for improvement of the extension services in educating the farmers for dissemination and adoption of the improved technologies. Lower technology index in the study indicates the efficient performance of the technology. The technology index has reduced from 17.67% to 12.67% from the year 2016-17 to 2020-21 which indicates the adoption as well as feasibility of the technology demonstrated at location specific farmers’ field. The mean gross return (Rs.32, 617.60/ha), net return (Rs. 16,636.00/ha), additional return (Rs. 10,764.52/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.97) were found higher under improved technology demonstrated as compared to farmers practice. Thus, higher benefit cost ratio proved economic feasibility of the improved technology demonstrated in both the blocks of Majuli district of Assam.

Mitigation of Flash Floods in Kokrajhar of the State of Assam in North East India

Assam, one of the northeastern state of India witnesses heavy rainfall almost every year because of its geographical location. Kokrajhar, a district of Assam witnesses flash floods at certain parts of it during rainy season. Detailed study of the reasons for occurrence of flash floods have made and presented in this paper. Incorrect estimation of maximum flood or providing undersized storm water drains are the major reasons for occurrence of flash floods. Improper construction and maintenance of storm water drains are also the reasons for flash flood occurrence. Kokrajhar, being the headquarter of Bodoland Territorial Region is coming up with large number of infrastructural development projects. However, due to flood situations, these construction projects are halted for a considerable time resulting in slower rate of completion of these projects. The present case study aims at understanding the reasons behind occurrence of flash floods at central part of Kokrajhar town and finding the appropriate preventive and remedial measures to prevent such floods. These measures will thus helps in avoiding difficulties caused to the general public during rainy season and also helps in the faster rate of development of the region.

First distributional record of Greater false vampire bat (Lyroderma lyra Geoffroy, 1810) from the Dhubri district of Assam, Northeast India

First distributional record of Greater false vampire bat (Lyroderma lyra Geoffroy, 1810) from the Dhubri district of Assam, Northeast India

Ethnopedological knowledge of upland Karbi Community: A case study from Dima Hasao District of Assam, North-Eastern Himalaya, India

This paper describes the ethnopedological knowledge of indigenous upland Karbi farmers inhabiting a hilly area of Assam, India. Semi-directive interviews, focused group discussion and joint field visit methods were used for eliciting information on soil from key knowledge holders identified through chain referrals. Soil was classified into eight folk types based on fertility which were determined via its physical properties viz., colour, texture, water retention capacity and compactness. This classification helped them in land-use and crop-selection related decisions and some other uses. Plant species viz., Albizia spp., Imperata cylindrica, Lantana camara and Schima wallichii indicating soil fertility were valued for identification of most suitable jhum sites. To minimize soil erosion, indigenous techniques like inverted ‘U’ shaped channels, maintaining standing trees and cut stumps, and placing horizontal wooden logs across shifting agricultural fields on steep slopes were employed. The laboratory analysis of physico-chemical parameters viz., bulk density, colour, texture, water holding capacity, pH, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen support the ethnopedological knowledge of the farmers. Study may help in preservation and protection of local knowledge on soil which is eroding fast under the influence of modernity.

Nano-functionalization and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Tinospora cordifolia against the TolB protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa - An antibacterial and computational study.

Antibacterial drug resistance, brought on by the overuse of antibiotics, is one of the biggest threats to human health. It is crucial to consider cutting-edge strategies, such as herbal remedies, to control multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study evaluated the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the various Tinospora cordifolia extracts. Functionalization of the isolated active compound was done using gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). Further, to understand the interaction of the isolated class, Cordifolisides, with its target, various in-silico methods were used. The plant was reported from the Charaideo district of Assam, whose methanolic stem extract showed the maximum activity towards the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Consequently, the active compound was isolated and characterized as belonging to the class Cordifoliside using NMR. The AuNPs and AgNPs functionalized isolates showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa compared to the unfunctionalized isolate. The most reactive compound, Cordifoliside C was determined using Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis, whose interactions with the TolB protein were studied using molecular docking methods, which revealed good binding interactions of Cordifoliside C with the TolB protein. This study offers enormous potential for drug design and might be used as a pipeline to address the urgent problem of multidrug-resistance in bacteria. Graphical Abstract.

Attitude of Parents towards educating children with special needs in rural Assam

Attitude of parents plays a fundamental position in the lives of children. The development of attitudes, values and capabilities, both of knowledge and skill comes from appropriate education. The present study focuses on analysing the attitude of parents towards educating the children with special needs in mainstream schooling and tried to know the role played by the parents in the life of their special need child and the study also tried to find out the Challenges faced by the parents in bringing up their special child. The research methodology applied for the study is qualitative with analysis of five case studies from the Hapjan block of Tinsukia district of Assam. The tools adopted for the study is semi structured interview guide for the parents of children with special needs. And the secondary data is collected from various e-resources, books, journals and magazines.From the study it has been found that some of the parents still have the attitude that children with special need does not need education as they think it is insignificant for them. They also mentioned that by admitting their child in the school, the parents have to be busy in teaching them and they do not have sufficient time as they all are wage labourers and farmers. But apart from those parents some of the parents have shown a positive interest towards educating their child and empowering them with sufficient skill and training along with education. Hence, it is seen that there is lack of sensitisation towards the importance and role of education in the life of children with special needs among the families in rural areas

Spatial Distribution of Soil Nutrient Status of Biswanath District, Assam, North East India

Rice-based cropping system is a key for food security in Assam. However, the productivity of such systems has declined continuously due to deterioration in soil fertility owing mainly to faulty agricultural practices. The study was carried out to study the nutrient status of soils of the Biswanath district of Assam in the year 2021. A total of 200 no of geo-reference surface (up to 30 cm) soil samples were collected. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used for the interpretation of the variability of the indicators. Available phosphorous, available potassium DTPA-iron, DTPA-manganese, DTPA-zinc, and DTPA-copper were identified to be the most variable soil indicators (CV > 35%). Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, were found as the moderately variable parameters (CV 15–35%). The least variation (CV < 15) was found pH. The mean pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon were 5.23, 0.54 ds/m, and 0.81 percent respectively. The cation exchange capacity of the soil varied from 4.40 to 11.60 cmol(p+)/kg with the mean value of 6.74cmol(p+) /kg. The available nitrogen, available potassium and available phosphorus were 380.01kg /ha, 169.00 kg/ha and 38.01 kg/ha. The district's respective DTPA-Fe, DTPA-Cu, DTPA-Mn, and DTPA-Zn levels were found to be 83.34 mg/kg, 2.59 mg/kg, 22.25 mg/kg, and 0.79 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of each parameter was presented on the GIS platform for easy availability through IDW method of interpolation.

Impact of Farm Mechanization Training on Knowledge Development of Farmers: A Study in Kamrup District of Assam

Knowledge, skill and attitudes are the most important factors aff ecting socio personal attributes of human resources. Adequate training is essential for farmers to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in diff erent aspects of farming. This is more important for the farmers interested in farm machinery with the unique situation of North East India. ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Research Centre, Kahikuchi, organizes diff erent training and demonstration programme to develop more skilled workforces. Keeping these in view a training programme on farm mechanization was conducted with 120 participants (n) from six numbers of blocks of Kamrup district in Assam during 2021. The study show that the majority of the respondents knowledge level were increased after participation in the training programme. It was found from the study that there is acute fi nancial problem in purchase of farm machinery among the respondents and there is also need for more awareness and training programme for rapid farm mechanization in the region. It was also found from the study that educational qualifi cation and previous training experience were positively and signifi cantly correlated with the knowledge level of the respondents.

Effectiveness of ICT-based Agro-met Advisory Services in Addressing the Information Needs of Farmers in Assam

In the present global scenario, which witnesses extreme climate change amounting to frequent vagaries of weather, the need for agro-met advisory services becomes noteworthy. In this digital era, ICT off ers enormous potential to disseminate agro-met information and is being used by various stakeholders to cater the needs for information by the farmers. The study was conducted during the year 2021 with 100 benefi ciaries of ICT-based agromet advisory services furnished by KVK, government departments and various NGOs in Darrang district of Assam to assess its eff ectiveness. The eff ectiveness was measured using fi ve dimensions. Nearly 3/4th (74%) of farmers in the study area perceived the information to be timely. In terms of quality, utility, ease of understanding and satisfaction, majority of the respondents considered it to be of moderate level. The radar chart presented using normalized values of diff erent components of eff ectiveness depicts that ease of understanding contributes most to the eff ective use of the services. Relational analysis through multivariate regression found that Experience of farming signifi cant at 10% level. Variables Education and ICT tools used were signifi cant at 5% level. R2 (Coeffi cient of determination) value being 0.556, it was concluded that 55.6% of variance in the dependent variable i.e., eff ectiveness of agro-met advisory services was due to explained factors. Hence while selecting the benefi ciaries for agro-met advisory services, factors like higher experience in farming, higher level of education and use of ICT tools may be considered to increase the eff ective use of these services.

Status of Lac Production and Marketing in West Karbi Anglong District of Assam

West Karbi Anglong district of Assam State is historically a major lac producing area in the North Eastern India from where lac was used to be exported to China and Japan during 17th and 18th. The farmers in these areas have been cultivating making lac (cultivation)delete since time immemorial. .Among several indigenous communities inhabiting West Karbi Anglong district, Karbis are rearing lac insects (Kerria lacca Kerr), locally called Laha, on naturally growing host plants in forests and on pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in a traditional practice. The present investigation attempted to examine the present status of production and marketing of lac in West Karbi Anglong. The primary data was collected from 75 lac farmers to find out the present status of production and marketing of lac. More than 35tons of lac are exported to other states from West Karbi Anglong districts annually. Due to their traditional practice these producers are receiving a low price for their product as low as compared to the market rate. The product is marketed to local intermediaries, local traders and distant traders. Lack of awareness and knowledge on value addition and the prevailing market price, marketing agencies and industries resulted in lower price of the product. Lack of scientific knowledge on production and processing of lac is the major problem encountered by the farmers. Lack of processing unit is another major problem for which the lac producers received a low price for their product.

Standardization of Sowing Time of Chinese Onion (Allium chinense) for Hill Zone of Assam

A miniature type of onion known as Chinese onion is widely grown in Karbi Anglong hill district of Assam which is used by the local tribes mainly for its medicinal value as well as in culinary purposes. A field experiment was conducted at AAU-Zonal Research Station, Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam with the objective to standardize the planting time of this crop. Planting was done at two-month interval during July 2020 to May 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and six treatments as planting time. Data regarding growth and yield was recorded and analysed statistically. The data on growth and yield characters like Plant height(cm), No. of leaf per plant, Leaf length (cm), leaf breadth (mm), No. of cloves per bulb, bulb length(cm), bulb breadth(cm) and yield/hectare were recorded. The result revealed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb length and bulb yield was significantly influenced by the planting time. The highest plant height of 19.62 cm was recorded in T2(Sept) planting, while it was lowest in T4(Jan) planting (17.65 cm). The highest number of leaves per plant was recorded in T2(Sep) planting with 8.25 followed by T1(July) planting with 8 numbers. The highest leaf length (18.37 cm) was recorded in T2 (Sept) planting followed by 17.82 cm T5(March)and 17.62 cm T3(Nov) planting respectively.
 The bulb length was found to be highest in September planting (T2) with 1.6 cm and the lowest was recorded in T3 (Nov) with 1.4 cm. The highest bulb yield per hectare 30.16q was obtained from T3 (Nov) planting and the lowest 17q was found in T4 (Jan)planting. From the present investigation it can be concluded that for better vegetative growth and higher yield of Chinese onion, the optimum time of planting is the month of September.

Soil Fertility Status in Relation to Fallow Cycle in Shifting Cultivated Areas of DIMA HASAO

Aim: To understand the effect of fallow cycle on soil fertility status under shifting cultivation.
 Study Design: Latin square design (LSD).
 Place and Duration of Study: Dima Hasao District, Assam. Between September 2019- August 2021.
 Methodology: The present investigation was carried to study the effect of jhum fallow cycle on soil properties in the DIMA HASAO district of Assam. Total of 120 geo-referenced soil samples were collected from short jhum (1-3yrs.) fallow cycle, medium jhum (4-6yrs.) fallow cycle, long jhum (7-9 yrs.) fallow cycle and undisturbed soil. The collected soil samples were analyzed for parameters like pH, OC, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, CEC and soil texture.
 Results: The studied soil samples showed wide variations in texture varying from sandy loam to clay loam. Coarse texture sand was found to be dominant in short jhum and medium jhum while finer particles (silt and clay) were dominant in the long jhum and the undisturbed soil. The Soil pH was found lowest (mean value 4.55) in short jhum and highest (mean value 5.00) in the undisturbed soil. The OC content was minimum at initial short jhum fallow cycle and maximum was observed in the Undisturbed soil. The CEC of the study area was found highest in undisturbed soil (mean value 8.64 cmol (p+) kg-1) followed by long jhum, medium jhum and short jhum. The Avl. N content of the study area was found low to medium. Among the jhum fallow cycle Avl. N of short jhum was lowest (mean value 269.30kgha-1) followed by medium jhum, long jhum and highest in undisturbed soil (mean value 350.11 kgha-1). The Avl. P content of the study area was found low to medium, highest mean value 12.61 kg ha-1 was observed in long jhum fallow cycle and lowest in short jhum (mean value 9.33 kgha-1). The highest content of Avl. S was observed in long jhum fallow cycle and lowest in the short jhum. The highest of Ex. Ca, Mg was found in the undisturbed followed by long jhum, short jhum and lowest in the medium jhum. All the soil fertility parameters i.e., N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg exhibited significant positive correlation with pH, OC, CEC, and percent Clay.
 Conclusion: From the study it was observed that minimum of 7 to 10 years jhum fallow cycle is required in Dima Hasao are for the soil to restore its fertility and sustainable jhum cultivation.

A GIS based study on channel dynamic and the impact on morphology of Subansiri River in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, India

A GIS based study on channel dynamic and the impact on morphology of Subansiri River in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, India

Studies on Seasonal Variation of Water Quality Parameters of River Mara Bharali in Sonitpur District of Assam

Background: Freshwater is not only a finite resource but also essential for agriculture, industry and even human existence. The present investigation on seasonal water quality parameters was conducted in the remnants of old channel of river Jia Bharali called as Mara Bharali at Tezpur in the Sonitpur district of Assam from December, 2017 to November, 2020. Methods: Five sampling stations were selected that covers a stretch of 16.5 km. Physico-chemical parameters were determined seasonally by following the standard methods of APHA (1998) and Trivedy et al., 1987. The statistical analyses of the data were done by one way ANOVA using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. Result: TDS in monsoon in all the locations remained lowest (171.33a±3.059 mg/L at MB2) and highest in winter (320.11c±2.441 mg/L at MB3). The pH value is within the permissible limit except for site MB4 during the winter and post monsoon when the values were 6.38±0.146 and 6.44±0.039 respectively. Maximum DO of 7.878d±0.074 mg/L was observed at site MB1 during the winter season and minimum DO of 5.444a±0.047 mg/L was observed at site MB4 during the monsoon season. BOD was recorded below the tolerance limit of 3 mg/L in all sampling stations.