Kangra District Research Articles

Radiological and pollution risk assessments of terrestrial radionuclides and heavy metals in a mineralized zone of the siwalik region (India)

The present study reveals the distribution of terrestrial radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Co) from soil samples of Una, Hamirpur and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh (India). The 226Ra, 232Th, 40K activity concentration in the studied region has been varied from 8 to 3593 Bq kg−1; 21–370 Bq kg-116; 62–7130 Bq kg−1 respectively. High disequilibrium factor (238U/226Ra) depicts that uranium constantly migrates from clay oxidizing zone and getting precipitated with enrichment towards south. An attempt has been made to correlate the distribution of these radionuclides and heavy metals with geology and rock type formation of Siwalik region. The concentration of Pb, Zn and Co was found higher than Indian average background value. Multiple radiological and pollution indices have been estimated for proper risk analysis in the studied region. The annual effective dose in studied region is lower than the recommended limit of 1.0 mSv a−1. The obtained geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor indicated that the sites located in the Hamirpur and Kangra regions were moderately contaminated with Pb and Co. The Nemerow pollution index and contamination security index suggested that almost 45% sites were slightly to moderately polluted. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for both children and adults were within acceptable limits.

Socio-Economic Impact of Protected Cultivation on Tomato Growers of Himachal Pradesh

Agriculture occupies the most prominent position in Himachal Pradesh, as it is the mainstay of more than 69 per cent of the state’s population. Since the state is exposed to constraints such as shrinking land holdings coupled with perceptible changes in weather and climate, protected cultivation has emerged as the best alternative for using land and other resources efficiently. The main aim of this technology is to enhance the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyse the cropping pattern, production and productivity of major crops being cultivated under protected conditions and to study its impact in crop productivity, employment and income (farm income and total household income) generation and income variability. In order to have a better insight, the factors under consideration were compared to the open-field conditions. The study is based on primary data collected through survey method for the agricultural year 2015-16. The data had been collected from 60 tomato (30 open-field and 30 polyhouse) growers, selected through proportional allocation method from Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. The study revealed that protected cultivation had a significant impact in enhancing the crop productivity and was approximately three times higher in comparison to the open-field conditions. The labour utilization pattern on protected cultivation was found to be almost four times higher than that of the open- field cultivation indicating a significant contribution in enhancing the employment opportunities. The average farm and household income of the protected growers was observed to be increased by about 25 and 11 per cent, respectively with the adoption of protected technology in the study area. The income variability of the protected growers was also found to be less in comparison to the open-field growers indicating lesser risk and higher stability of income generated by the protected growers in the study area. Therefore, it can be concluded that protected cultivation has a significantly positive impact in improving the socio-economic conditions of the farmers in the study area and suits well to the agro-climatic conditions prevailing in the hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh. Highlights Protected cultivation had a significant impact in enhancing the crop productivity, employment and income generation. Protected cultivation attains more stable income than open- field cultivation.

Exploration of Wild Edible Plants Used as Food by Gaddis-A Tribal Community of the Western Himalaya.

A survey of wild edible plants of Gaddi tribes of Himachal Pradesh was carried out in Chamba and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh located in Western Himalayas. The inhabitants subsisted primarily on pastoralism and agriculture and have traditional knowledge on wild edible plants. A total of 49 edible plants belonging to 24 families were recorded in the study area. These were commonly used as vegetables, fruits, spices, and chutney. Nearly half of the species belong to Polygonaceae and Rosaceae families. Herbs, shrubs, climbers, and trees form the habit of these plants. The highest proportion of edible species were herbs (29) followed by trees (10), shrubs (8), climber (1), and Morchella esculenta (fungi) (1).

Non-universal nature of energy poverty: Energy services, assessment of needs and consumption evidences from rural Himachal Pradesh

Consumer behavior in rural ecosystems represents considerable variations vis-à-vis consumption of energy in different forms. Consumer preference towards any given energy service is a function of geographical situatedness, local customs, traditions and tastes including local weather conditions. Rural flavour of energy poverty has a distinctive micro-character which can be understood in terms of socio-cultural behaviourism of an energy consumer. This geo-spatial flavour further appears to be a function of socio-economic functionalities of communities which could be socio-culturally- similar or different. Energy poverty is saddled with conceptual concentricity. Empirical evidence shows that the phenomena and the concept both are vulnerable in terms of operationalization by means of a single universal definition. It exhibits contrarian hues in terms of availability, access, distribution, affordability, and acceptability of an energy service. This study presents an alternative approach to understanding of both-the phenomena and the associated conceptual construct. The present paper is an explicit representation of the everyday grain of energy needs and consumption patterns in six rural socio-cultural systems. This study based upon fieldwork in the six villages viz., Bhadroya, Thapkour and Gaghwal (Kangra District) and Kakira, Bidingi and Talhara (Chamba District) throws up interesting findings which challenge the contemporary discourse on energy poverty.

Difference in prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy among low-altitude dwellers vs. high-altitude dwellers in North India

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading lifestyle-related chronic disease as its prevalence is expected to rise up to 24.0% in the world by 2025, which was only 6.3% in year 2003.
 Objective: To understand the high-altitude and low-altitude differentials for DM and diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence in a sub-Himalayan state of North India.
 Methods: The study was carried out in the Shahpur block of Kangra district (altitude 2,404 feet) and the Spiti block of Lahaul and Spiti district (altitude 12,500 feet) of Himachal Pradesh.
 Results: Among diabetics, the prevalence of DR was observed to be high (18.1%) in low landers and low (5.0%) in high landers. DM was more of a problem among low landers with a prevalence of 12.3% when compared to high landers (7.2%). Overall, the odd ratio of DR was twice as high (2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.3) among patients with an unsatisfactory level of HbA1c (>8.0%) adjusted for gender, age group, smoking status and hypertension.
 Conclusion: Differential did exist, as DM and DR were significantly lower in high-altitude areas when compared to low-altitude areas.

Demonstration on Himsamridhi variety of chicken under rural poultry production in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Demonstration on Himsamridhi variety of chicken under rural poultry production in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Assessment of knowledge and awareness about utilization of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: A community-based study in a rural block of Himachal Pradesh

INTRODUCTION: In view of the difficulty being faced by the pregnant women and parents of sick newborn along with high expenditure on delivery and treatment of sick newborn, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken a major initiative to ensure better facilities for women and child health services through the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) on June 1 2011. It is an initiative to provide completely free and cashless services to pregnant women. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was (1) to find out the awareness level about JSSK among pregnant women and lactating mothers and to determine the sources of awareness and knowledge about the components of JSSK and (2) to find out the association between demographic factors and benefits and satisfaction level about JSSK among the rural women of Kangra district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 106 pregnant women and lactating mothers selected by convenient sampling technique with the help of structured questionnaire from December 2016 to February 2017. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: It was observed that among 106 women, good awareness was found only in 84.9% of them, maximum awareness (56.6%) was created through anganwadi workers, 49.1% of the women heard about it before pregnancy, 44.3% heard about it during pregnancy, and 15.1% of the women had no knowledge about the program. The study showed that educational status (P = 0.001) was significant with receiving the benefits of JSSK. However, it revealed that both educational status (P = 0.001) and occupation (P = 0.03) of the women were significantly associated with the satisfaction with JSSK. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness regarding JSSK in pregnant women and lactating mothers was found to be good, but it was found that despite having good knowledge of the program, the women are not taking much concern about the ongoing program. The women need to be encouraged for more utilization of the services which are comprehensively built for them.

Assessment of Agreement between the National (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) and International (Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization) growth references among tibetan adolescent girls of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Context: Various growth assessment references are available to assess nutritional status. The use of body mass index (BMI) in adolescents is well established for clinical and public health applications. It is required to compare national references with the international, to avoid over/underestimation of BMI categories. Aims: The aim of the present study was to quantify differences in the assessment of height/age and BMI/age ratios using national (Indian Academy of Pediatrics [IAP]) and international (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], and World Health Organization [WHO]) references. Subjects and Methods: Anthropometric measurements of 276 Tibetan adolescent girls (13–18 years old) were taken. BMI-for-age and height-for-age were measured and compared using three references – IAP 2015, WHO 2007, and CDC 2000. Statistical Analysis Used: Kappa coefficient was done between different references using SPSS version 20 and MS-excel. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was reported highest (23.55%) by IAP references, while stunting was highest (17.26%) with CDC references. A substantial agreement (k = 0.623) was observed in stunting and almost perfect agreement (k = 0.868) was observed for BMI categories between WHO and CDC. The disagreement level was highest in IAP and CDC for stunting and IAP and WHO for BMI categories. Conclusions: Prevalence of malnutrition differs with the application of different references. National references producing higher estimates of obesity than international definition indicates that decisions regarding whether or not to use national BMI references, should always be undertaken with caution.

Morphotectonic Study of Frontal Siwalik Hills, near Gandhiri, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

The densely populated foothill zone of western Himalaya between the Beas river and the Chakki stream in and around Kangra is being critically examined by us considering the seismo-tectonic destructive potential of the 1905 (Mw 7.8) Kangra earthquake which has not been evaluated so far. We use Resourcesat 1: LISS III Ortho satellite imageries and field studies to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the active tectonic setup of the terrain. Quantitative morphotectonic analysis viz. hypsometric integral, drainage basin asymmetry, stream sinuosity index, ratio of valley floor width to valley height, stream length gradient index, basin shape index and mountain front sinuosity index are being evaluated on high resolution digital elevation model. The five sub-drainage basins of the Gandhiri stream, the Sukar stream and the Duhg stream of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India are being morphotectonically analyzed. The value of hypsometric integral, drainage basin asymmetry, stream sinuosity index, ratio of valley floor width to valley height, stream length gradient index, basin shape index and mountain front sinuosity index reveal that the terrain is tectonically active. An active dextral strike slip fault with significant oblique slip component has been inferred and is being named as the Gandhiri Fault. This fault crosses all the five sub-drainage basins and results in multiple stream offsets. The Index of Relative Tectonic Activity (IRAT) has been established for different sub-drainage basins. The study reveals that the terrain near Gandhiri in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is seismo-tectonically active and proper building codes should be followed in construction activity.

Evaluation of village health sanitation and nutrition committee in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Introduction:Decentralization through introduction of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) was a key initiative introduced in 2007 under the National Health Mission (NHM), India to address local health and sanitation issues. This study was done to assess the functioning of the VHSNCs.Aims and Objectives:1. To assess the level of awareness among the VHSNC members about their roles and responsibilities 2. To assess the level of awareness among the community members about the committee and its functions. 3. To assess the pattern of disbursement and utilization of untied funds under VHSNCs.Methodology:A cross-sectional study of 30 VHSNCs conducted in district Kangra of state Himachal Pradesh. Information was collected through a review of records and in-depth interviews with community and VHSNC members.Results:All committee members knew about VHSNCs but the level of awareness among community members was comparatively less (67%). Some members were confused about their roles and responsibilities. Most active members were the FHWs, AWWs, ASHAs, Mahila mandal representatives, and the female ward panch. A major chunk (65%) of the funds is utilized on the cleanliness activities. For the nutritional part, the majority of the work is already being undertaken by the AWCs so there is no clarity regarding the functioning of the committee on this aspect.

Biomedical Waste Management Practices at Sub-Health Centres and Medical Stores in Tehsil Shahpur of State of Himachal Pradesh: A Case Study

The study involves the field investigation, reviewing the extent of generated biomedical waste, its handling and treatment procedures, scientific disposal and management approaches adopted by SHCs and Medical stores of Shahpur tehsil in District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. The study was conducted by preparing Questionaire regarding the pertaining issue. Questions were asked to the associated staff of SHCs, workers and owners of Medical stores to explore the awareness level, various issues and problems associated with the scientific disposal of biomedical waste in the studied area.

Prevalence of major neurological disorders in predominantly rural northwest India.

Background:Epidemiological studies based on hospital population, geographic isolates, smaller population, and focused groups provide valuable information on the pattern of diseases, but do not reflect on the true prevalence rates or the changing trends of disease over a period of time in different communities. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and pattern of various neurological disorders in Himachal Pradesh.Methodology:Study was carried out in urban and rural population of district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. A proportional representation was given to each area in the allocation of sample size as per probability proportional to size (PPS) method using a two-phase design: 1) A screening phase and 2) a clinical evaluation phase. All subjects were screened and a subset (screen positive and 10% of screen negative) was identified for the detailed clinical evaluation after screening. A standardized screening battery (NIMHANS protocol) was used for this purpose. An individual was confirmed as a case of neurological disorder only after clinical evaluation.Results:A total of 260 (out of 10,000 studied) individuals were found positive for neurological disorders yielding a crude prevalence of 2.6%. The crude prevalence for rural areas was found to be 2.28% (206/9000), whereas the crude prevalence in urban area was found to be 5.4% (54/1000). Migraine was the most common disorder.Conclusion:In view of the high crude prevalence of major neurological disorders, there is a need to develop capacity among healthcare professionals regarding them.

<p><strong><em>Kamalia indica,</em></strong><strong> a new genus and species belonging to Diaporthales (Ascomycota, Fungi) described based on morphology and molecular phylogeny</strong></p>

A fungal taxa isolated from leaf spots of Mallotus philippensis from Kangra district of North-Western Himalayan region of India is established as a new genus based on morphological characters of asexual-morphs, cultural characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the partial nuclear ribosomal 28S large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequence data. The generic placement of the genus has been determined based on DNA sequences from authenticated isolates. The present taxon has turned out to be distinct, showing nearly 90% identity with other known genera in Diaporthales based on nrDNA internal transcribed spacer region. The morphological description is provided for the new taxa and compared with the similar taxa belonging to the order Diaporthales. The culture was found to show heavy sporulation in all kind of media. The type specimen and ex type culture have been deposited in the Ajrekar Mycological Herbarium (AMH) and National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NFCCI-WDCM 932), respectively.

Distribution of Human-Specific Alu Insertion/Deletion Polymorphismsin the Gaddi Tribe of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh (North India)

Distribution of Human-Specific Alu Insertion/Deletion Polymorphismsin the Gaddi Tribe of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh (North India)

Altitudinal variation in gallic acid content in fruits of Phyllanthus emblica L. and its correlation with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

Gallic acid is one of the most important organic compounds in fruits of Phyllanthus emblica. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to find out the effect of altitude on gallic acid content in fruits of P. emblica and its correlation with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemicals such as phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosteroids, alkaloids and saponins were detected in fruit extracts of P. emblica collected from different regions of Himachal Pradesh. Fruits extract from Mandi (239.74 ± 39.28 mg/g gallic acid equivalents, GAE) district showed a higher amount of total phenolic content (TPC), whereas, total flavonoid content (TFC) was higher from Kangra (356 ± 27.63 mg/g rutin equivalents, RE) district. Methanolic extracts showed inhibition to the growth of both Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus), and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae). The methanolic extract of fruits of Bilaspur district showed the highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (19.5 ± 0.71 mm), S. aureus (21.0 ± 1.41 mm), E. coli (17.5 ± 0.71) and K. pneumoniae (21.5 ± 2.12) as compared to other regions and amoxyclav. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was used for the quantification of gallic acid in the extracts of fruits of P. emblica. HPTLC chromatogram showed the highest content of gallic acid in methanolic extracts of fruits from Kangra followed by Bilaspur, Mandi, and Una. However, antioxidant and antibacterial activity was higher in fruits extracts of high altitude (Bilaspur region). In summary, Bilaspur region of Himachal Pradesh could be used for mass cultivation of fruits of P. emblica because of their high antioxidant and antimicrobial potential under these geographical conditions.

Food Consumption Pattern and Nutrient Intake in Selected Blocks of Palampur Tehsil of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh

<p>Economic growth is typically accompanied by improvements in a country’s food supply, both quantitative and qualitative, and a gradual reduction in nutritional deficiencies. It also brings about changes in the production, processing, distribution and marketing of food. Diets evolve over time and are influenced by factors such as income, prices, individual preferences and beliefs, cultural traditions, as well as geographical, environmental, social and economic factors. The economic growth in a country eventually leads to a shift in food preferences and consumption pattern and affects nutritional status of the people. This study aims to gather knowledge about food consumption pattern and nutrient intake of respondents of selected blocks of Palampur Tehsil. Palampur Tehsil was selected purposely as it represents the cosmopolitan population. The food consumed by the subject was determined by using 24 hr recall method. The actual intake of food was calculated by using standard nutritive values and RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) of NIN (National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad). The results were presented in tabular form using average, percentage and NAR (Nutrient Adequacy Ratio) value. Results show that maximum number of respondents were non-vegetarian. The per capita intake for cereal was higher in Baijnath (436.00±9.08 g/day), followed by Bhawarna (430.33±2.11 g/day) and Panchrukhi (426.43±15.81 g/day) respectively as compared to RDA (400 g/day). The per capita intake of pulses (g/day) was less as compared to RDA in Baijnath (65.30±2.21g/day) and Bhawarna (69.49±2.13 g/day). A slightly higher consumption of pulses was observed in Panchrukhi (81.69±2.54 g/day). The higher number of non vegetarian were from Panchrukhi (90%) followed by Baijnath (73.33%) and Bhawarna (60%) blocks respectively. Per capita consumption of vegetables was significantly less in Panchrukhi (198.77±8.69 g/day), Baijnath (277.69±10.62g/day) and Bhawarna (301.00±14.20g/day it is at par with RDA (300 g/day). The consumption of ‘milk and milk products’ was highest in Bhawarna (375.56±22.95 g/day), followed by Baijnath (344.62± 14.99 g/day) and Panchrukhi (212.81±20.82 g/day). Consumption of ‘fats and oils’ by the respondents in all blocks were higher as compared to RDA (30 g/day).</p>

Radhe Krishna Temple of Baroh, Kangra: A Photo Journey

In this photo essay, I want to show the spectacular beauty of the Baba Baroh Temple of Kangra through some of my photographs.Located in Baba Baroh, a tehsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, 45km away from Dharamshala City, Radhe Krishna temple of Baba Baroh is the most famous pilgrim spot for the rural population. A lack of hotels, guest houses and restaurants in the area are some of the reasons that this temple is not on every traveller’s list that comes to Kangra. A large number of other smaller temples can be found around Baroh but are of negligible historical and architectural importance. At present, one big marble temple is standing here and is spectacular in beauty. The breathtaking beauty of the temple can be gauged by the fact that the temple (made purely of white marble) stands tall atop a hill surrounded by snow-capped Dhauladhar range around it.

Assessment of influenza virus infection in rural tertiary care hospital in North India; Two years of data analysis at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (DRPGMC) Kangra at Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India

Introduction: Influenza testing is carried out all over the world but in developing countries including India, there is paucity in timely identification of new strains/type of influenza viruses and their active surveillance. Aim: This study aims to determine the record based analysis for the prevalence of influenza infection and circulating subtype, in and around Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh from January 2016 to December 2017. Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were collected in Viral Transport Medium and RNA were extracted by using commercially available kit (Qiagen). Real Time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) was carried out to amplify the influenza type A, H1N1/Pdm 2009, H3N2 and influenza B. Results: Total of 281 cases for influenza infection in the year of 2016 and 2017, 133 (47.3%) cases were positives for influenza A, 43 (15.3%) positives for influenza H1N1/Pdm2009, 8 (2.84%) positives for H3N2 and 3 (1.06%) positives for influenza B. Nine deaths were reported in the year of 2017 due to H1N1/Pdm 2009 infection while no mortality was observed in year 2016 at DRPGMC Tanda. Discussion and Conclusion: Influenza infection is more common in age group of 18 to 50 years followed by age of > 50 years. Active testing and data interpretation at all influenza testing laboratories throughout India will help the health authorities to expedite the need of influenza vaccination. Further, aggregating the data would help in understanding the circulation of influenza virus subtype at particular geographical areas. Keywords: Influenza infection, Real time polymerase chain reaction, Data analysis.

Mapping indigenous climate resilience practices in animal disease management and feed storage protection in Himachal himalayas

The present study focused on validation of indigenous climate resilience practices in animal diseases and feed storage management based on 1,605 farmers’ perceptions in eight districts in north-western Himalaya. The importance of the study in Himalayan regions was asserted by changed climate indicators like increased temperatures and receding rainfall in fragile and sensitive mountain ecosystem. The climate of surveyed districts varied from subhumid and sub-temperate climate having elevation 700–1300 amsl to sub-tropical climate having elevation up to 700 amsl. The use of drek plant (Melia azedarach) for skin diseases of animals; turmeric rhizome and taramira for deworming in young calves; mixture of lassi, gur, azwain and fern plant for bloat (Aphara); banana and jamun leaves for haemorrhagic disease in animals and extract of tobacco leaves for scabies diseases in sheep and goat were followed by 4–90% surveyed farm households in Kangra, Kullu, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi districts. Seed storage is an important factor as about 6% of losses exist due to non-availability of proper facilities in India. Seeds of crops were treated before sowing with a mixture of ash and cow dung by 15–77% farmers in seven districts except temperate regions of Lahaul and Spiti. Food grains were stored in a large spindle shaped basket made of bamboo (Perru) safe from pests and diseases by 10–86% farmers in Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba and Mandi districts and higher perceptions were observed in majority of farmers in Kangra districts. Practices like use of match box sticks, dry leaves of Bangru (Mentha arvensis), Kali Basuti (Adhatoda sp.), Safeda (Eucalyptus citrodora) in wheat storage pests and use of walnut leaves (Juglans regia), pieces of resin rich wood (Jugnu) and wood ash for food grains storage were followed by 10–79% farmers in Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, Chamba and Mandi district. The study concluded that farmers of mountains possess Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITKs) and climate resilient practices for animal disease management and seed protection to mitigate the impact of climate change).

Production and marketing constraints analysis of kinnow growers in Himachal Pradesh

The present study was conducted in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh during 2017-18. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select the ultimate sample of size 100 kinnow growers in total. The results of the study revealed that overall major production problems faced by the farmers in the study area were high cost of plant protection chemicals followed by the problem of stray animals, limited availability of FYM, shortage of skilled labour, higher wage rate and non- availability of labour at peak operation time as reported by 48.00, 46.00, 44.00, 38.00, 36.00 and 33.00 per cent respondents in the study area, respectively. In case of marketing problems, major problem were low prices for the produce, deduction of more charges by various marketing agencies, high transportation charges and higher wage rates as reported by 72.00, 53.00, 49.00 and 49.00 per cent of respondents, respectively. The results also revealed that shortage of skilled labour, higher wage rates and problem of stray animals were found to be statistically significant production problems while in case of marketing related problems, higher wage rate, non-availability of labour at peak operation time, higher prices of packing material and high transportation charges were found to be statistically significant problems. It was found that the availability of inputs on time and proper marketing strategy for marketing of produce could increase the production and income from the produce in the study area.