District Of Meghalaya Research Articles

Assessment of black rot (Xanthomonas campestris) of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) holds significant economic importance in Meghalaya, thriving in its high altitude and cool climate. East Khasi Hills (EKH) district, where cabbage cultivation remains viable throughout the year, contributes 70% of the state's total cabbage production. A severe outbreak of cabbage black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris p.v. campestris, has raised concerns in this region. To comprehensively understand the outbreak and assess its economic impact, an extensive disease survey was conducted across 6 districts of Meghalaya, with a particular focus in the EKH during 2021–22 and 2022–23. The survey was on different cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), and knol khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes). It was found that on an average, Meghalaya experiences a disease incidence (DI) of a 52.7% and per cent disease index (PDI) of 30.9% for black rot in cabbage. However, in the EKH, highest disease incidence (69.98%) and PDI (43.38%) of black rot was recorded in cabbage, that surpassed knol khol and cauliflower. Highest DI and severity were observed during monsoon season. Further analysis revealed significant correlations (r) between black rot incidence and severity in cabbage with temperature (0.91), humidity (0.87) and rainfall (0.88). Additionally, multiple regression predictive model performed using weather parameters and DI led to the prediction of PDI with accuracy of 95% in EKH.

Farmers’ Income and the Driving Forces for the Switch from Shifting Cultivation to Settled Agriculture in Meghalaya, India

This study assesses the dependence of farmers on semi-settled (a combination of shifting and settled cultivation) and settled agriculture as a source of family income. The farmers residing in the hilly tracts of West Garo Hills mostly adopt semi-settled cultivation. Farmers are also transitioning from semi-settled to settled agriculture. This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the transition and the socioeconomic conditions of farmers practicing semi-settled and settled agriculture. The researchers surveyed 119 randomly selected households in West Garo Hills, a district of Meghalaya, India, using a structured questionnaire. Exploration of influencing factors for transitioning is important to provide insights into how factors interact, thereby facilitating the development of effective adaptation strategies and policies that will ensure farmers’ future well-being. Results showed that settled farmers generate more income and possess more land area than semi-settled farmers. Besides available land area, a stable source of income for a family is a strong determinant for abandoning shifting cultivation and transitioning to settled agriculture to boost income with less time investment and labor. The farmers found that shifting cultivation helped meet their dietary needs and some income during the COVID-19 lockdown. Alongside efforts to boost commercial agriculture, the government should also assist farmers with limited resources in transitioning to settled agriculture by building market networks for the goods produced from shifting cultivation.

Knowledge Level of Tribal Farmers on Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya, India

The study entitled “Knowledge Level of Tribal Farmers on Processing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya” aimed to explore the knowledge level of tribal farmers regarding the processing of NTFPs, to find out the relationship between knowledge and profile characteristics of tribal farmers and to enlist the constraints faced by the tribal farmers in two districts of Meghalaya i.e., East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi district, with respondents from eight villages. An ex-post facto research design was followed and based on the availability of NTFPs in the villages and dependency, a total of 160 participants belonging to Khasi tribes were purposively selected for data collection using pre-tested interview scheduled. The study revealed a mean knowledge score of 28.17 with a half-standard deviation of 1.48. Among the respondents, more than two third i.e., 68.75 per cent had low to medium knowledge and 31.25 per cent demonstrated high knowledge levels. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationship between knowledge level and educational status, material possession, annual income, extension contacts and scientific orientation at the 0.01 level of significance. Marketing pattern and market orientation showed significance at the 0.05 level, while fatalism exhibited a negative correlation at the same level. The top three constraints faced by tribal farmers were insufficient infrastructure for processing and storage, lack of adequate knowledge and difficulties in accessing markets due to remote locations and poor transportation networks which need policy interventions by the concerned governmental bodies or agencies including departments or ministries of agriculture, rural development, food processing and transportation.

New distribution record of Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis (Agaricales: Mycenaceae), a bioluminescent fungus from Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Nocturnal surveys conducted in Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh (India) in April 2022 led to an opportunistic encounter with bioluminescent fungi. Based on morphological characteristics and photographic comparisons from published literature, we have identified the species to be Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis, a glowing mushroom that has previously been described from two different districts of Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills and West Jayantia Hills). The glowing stipe surface without the glowing pileus distinguishes this species from other bioluminescent fungal species found in India. Our observation of Roridomyces cf. phyllostachydis marks a new distribution record from the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

A study of the ITK used in fisheries and Bioresources of Lai Lyngdoh area, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) has been in use different districts of Meghalaya and it is of different types. In West Khasi hills of district few important ITK is used especially in connection with fish. Besides ITK, bioresources are seen to play an important role in the lives of indigenous communities in Lai Lyngdoh area. The Lai Lyngdoh area in Nongstoin is a group of 34 villages that falls under the jurisdiction of the three Lyngdoh i.e. Marskuin, Nonglwai and Nongkhlaw located in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The locals in the area mostly depend on the surrounding environment for their livelihood. From the surrounding forests and forest streams, a variety of minor products are harvested and a number of edibles which include wild fruits, leafy green, wild vegetables, mushroom, fish, frog, crustaceans, tubers and medicinal plants are also gathered. Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) in the use of bio-resources is still preserved and practised in the indigenous communities and the documentation of local culture and knowledge will play an important role in conservation process. These resources, however, need to be valued and used sustainably so that they can continue to support the community.

Seroepidemiological study of human brucellosis in the Northeast region of Meghalaya, India.

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of major public health concern. In India, the incidence of brucellosis remains vastly underreported due to its non-specific clinical presentation and sub-optimal sensitivity of existing gold standard tests. Studies in Northeast India have shown high incidences of brucellosis in livestock, but the region lacks data on human brucellosis despite its high associated risk. In the present study, we report the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and its associated risk factors in Meghalaya, Northeast India. A prospective observational study was conducted in East Khasi Hills and Ri.Bhoi districts of Meghalaya, from July 2018 to July 2020. A total of 1046 suspected patients with febrile illness along with associated risk factors were recruited through camps and various diagnostic laboratories in the defined region as per the pre.specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline, demographics, and clinical characteristics were recorded of all the consenting participants. Blood samples were analyzed for brucellosis-specific IgM antibodies through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 11.37% in Meghalaya. Among recruited participants, females were found to be more susceptible than males. Risk factors such as consumption of meat were found to be more significantly associated with brucellosis disease in the study region. Among the clinical presentations, pyrexia of unknown origin, myalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome were found to be significantly associated with brucellosis disease in IgM.positive cases. Our result suggests further epidemiological investigations for human brucellosis in Northeast India toward improved advocacy for accurate diagnosis, and development of proper response mechanism in areas of high endemicity.

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of first African swine fever outbreak in Meghalaya

African swine fever is one of the most devastating, contagious viral diseases of domestic and wild pigs. Mortality in pigs following acute fatal course of disease was investigated in pig population of Meghalaya, India. The affected animals showed severe depression, inappetence, lethargy, high fever, purplish discolouration of the skin to cutaneous haemorrhages and death within 3-4 days following onset of clinical signs. Detailed post-mortem examination in affected pigs revealed cutaneous haemorrhages, swollen dark black coloured haemorrhagic regional lymph nodes, haemorrhagic enteritis with blood mixed intestinal content, swollen and haemorrhagic spleen, petechiations in kidney, non-collapsing oedematous lungs with areas of haemorrhage and haemorrhagic myocarditis. The consistent microscopical lesion observed included necrosis and depletion of lymphoid tissues, haemorrhagic interstitial pneumonia, hepatitis and haemorrhagic tubular degeneration in kidneys. The 478 bp region of the p72 gene of ASFV was successfully amplified by polymerase chain reaction of DNA from tissue lesions, which has confirmed the outbreaks as ASF. Further the phylogenetic analysis of p72 gene sequence has identified the circulating strain as the ASFV genotype II. This study reports outbreaks of ASF as the major cause of pig mortality in five districts of Meghalaya during the period from April to November 2021.

Variation in Socio-economic Characteristics and Agricultural Productivity across Farms in Meghalaya

The present study evaluates the variation in socio-economic characteristics and agricultural productivity across various farm sizes in Meghalaya. The study employs primary data collected from 360 farming households in East Khasi Hills District and Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. The study reveals that the age of farmers and the family size is directly proportional with the size of farms. However, regarding the educational attainment of the farmers it is found that farmers with lower educational qualification have large farm size while those with higher educational qualification have small farm size. The study depicts that farm expenditure, gross return and net returns from cultivation of various crops are highest in large farms and lowest in small farms in both the districts of Meghalaya. It is also found that in both the districts the average total factor productivity is highest in small farms and lowest in large farms. Similarly when the two districts are combined, the null hypothesis can be rejected which implies that there is significant difference between the means across the three farm categories. This indicates that the agricultural productivity is distinct for each farm category in the state.

Community managed Drinking water in Lapalang village: A challenge from Coliform Contamination

The present communication is the result of the analysis of drinking water of Lapalang village in Pynursla Block, East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya performed in order to rule out the unscientific claims by villagers that the village drinking water is likely to have high concentration of lime. Water samples collected from the source (spring), storage tank and tap are analysed. The study shows that spring water is fit for consumption, however the same water supply collected from storage tank and tap is highly contaminated with coliform bacteria.

Prevalence of syphilis infection and associated sociodemographic factors among antenatal-care attendees in Meghalaya, India: Revisiting HIV Sentinel Surveillance data

Despite relatively simple prevention and treatment, syphilis remains a major social and public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing nations. To estimate the prevalence and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with syphilis infection among antenatal-care (ANC) attendees in Meghalaya, India. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing National HIV Sentinel Surveillance of Meghalaya, January-March 2017. Pregnant women aged 15-49years (n = 3015) were recruited consecutively, interviewed, and tested for syphilis by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test in eight selected ANC sites representing all districts of Meghalaya. Prevalence of syphilis was found to be 1.03 % (95% CI = 0.67-1.39) (31/3015). Prevalence was maximum among illiterates with gradual lowering of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with improvement of education. Women whose husbands had no income were associated with higher risk (AOR = 4.97, 95% CI = 1.11-22.20) of syphilis. Significant risk (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.02-5.74) was also observed with Jaintia Hills residents as compared to Garo Hills. As high prevalence of gestational syphilis was identified in Meghalaya along with important sociodemographic predictors, evidence to policy translation is required at state and national level to scale up prevention, screening, and management of syphilis.

Identification of polymorphism of FecX gene in indigenous sheep of Meghalaya

Fecundity gene such as FecX, govern fertility and litter size in sheep. Selection of animals with the help of molecular markers through identification of polymorphism of fecundity genes is an impactful method of genetic improvement. The present study was carried out to identify the polymorphism of FecX gene in indigenous sheep of Meghalaya. Blood samples were collected from 50 randomly selected ewes from 2 districts of Meghalaya namely, East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples and PCR amplification of FecX gene with specific primer set was done. PCR product size of 141 bp was obtained. Further, digestion of the PCR product with restriction enzyme HinfI through PCR-RFLP technique was conducted to identify the variants in FecX gene. Upon digestion, 2 types of fragment pattern identified, arbitrarily designated as AA and AB genotype, where AA genotype yielded one fragment (141 bp) and AB genotype yielded 2 fragments (100 and 41 bp). Presence of polymorphism can be an important indicator for selection with the help of molecular markers.

Pig Farming in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya:An Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency

An investigation on the resource use efficiency of pig farming was carried out in the Mylliem and Mawphlang blocks of the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. A multistage purposive and random sampling procedure was used for the study. Primary data were collected from a sample of 66 pig farmers. Analysis of resource use efficiency has shown that the sum of elasticities of production is 33.79, which indicated an increasing return to scale operating in the pig farms under study. Among the various resources selected for the study price of piglet and concentrated feed were found to be significant for returns per pig, and other factors of production like fodder, total human labor, veterinary aid, and medicine were found to be insignificant. Resource use efficiency ratio (r) for piglet price and concentrated feed was greater unity showing that these resources were underutilized and increment in their usage would lead to maximization of profit. The results revealed further scope to invest in quality breed piglets and feed to enhance the pig farmers’ profit in the state.

Economic Analysis of Production of Maize in Meghalaya and Constraints Associated with it

The present study was undertaken to estimate the costs and returns structure of maize cultivation and identifying the prominent production constraints in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. A sample of 60 farmers was randomly drawn from six villages of Mawthadraishan and Nongstoin block of the selected district. The costs and returns per hectare were calculated on the basis of cost concepts and Garett ranking method was used for employed for determination of constraints in maize production. The overall cost of cultivation was found to be ` 37185.22 per ha and the major cost components were manures (48.25%) and human labour (34.73%). The overall net return was evaluated at ` 19038.20 with small, medium and large farmers having similar returns with the exception of marginal farmers gaining a net return of only ` 13889.83 which was 27.04 per cent lower than the average return among the sample farmers. It may be attributed to their heavy dependence on labour and lack of investment on irrigation, plant protection and better-quality seeds. The realised average yield was found to be 23.65 q/ha which was abysmally low compared to other maize producing states of India. A positive trend between the return over cost ratio and the operational holding was observed with an average of 1.51. The prominent constraints as perceived by the farmers were unfavorable weather conditions, the incidence of pests and diseases and costly fertilizers and manures with the Garrett’s score of 64.70, 62.75 and 54.40 respectively

Attitude of the Adopters and Non-adopters towards Inter-cropping in Areca Nut Plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya

Background: Attitudes are learned, emotionally, predisposition to react in a consistent way, favourable or unfavourable to the situation of inter-cropping practices. The purposed of this finding was to find out the attitude of the adopter and non-adopter of inter-cropping in areca nut plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. It is important to study the attitude of the respondents towards the inter-cropping practices as this can help to understand the reason behind the adoption or non-adoption of the practices in the study area. This study also helped in determining the relationship between the attitude and the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Methods: This field survey was done during the year 2017 to 2019. Ex-Post Facto research design was used for this study. The sample study was selected through multistage sampling method in the selected study area of the respondents. Number of respondents was selected using a simple random method by using computer aided random selection based on the criteria of practicing areca nut plantation and those who practiced both areca nut plus inter-cropping. A survey of 310 adopters and 310 non-adopters of areca nut plantation were selected for the study. Collection of primary data was done using an interview schedule and appropriate statistical tools were used for interpretation of the data. Independent variables included in this were gender, age, marital status, educational level and type of house, family size, family type, social category, and annual income. Result: Based on the study it was observed that the attitude of the adopters and the non-adopters of Ri-Bhoi district were found to be favourable towards the inter-cropping practices but the attitudinal level among them were found to have been different based on some factors. The adopters were having most favourable attitude than the non-adopters. The findings of this study led to the conclusion that the attitudes of adopters and non-adopters differ depending on their educational status, annual income, land size and so on. The findings of this study can be used by the government to assist farmers in any way possible, so that non-adopters can also adopt inter-cropping practices because, according to the study, they have a favourable attitude toward this practice, but they require government assistance.

Spatial and temporal village-level prevalence of Plasmodium infection and associated risk factors in two districts of Meghalaya, India

BackgroundDespite declining incidence over the past decade, malaria remains an important health burden in India. This study aimed to assess the village-level temporal patterns of Plasmodium infection in two districts of the north-eastern state of Meghalaya and evaluate risk factors that might explain these patterns.MethodsPrimary Health Centre passive malaria case data from 2014 to 2018 were analysed to characterize village-specific annual incidence and temporal trends. Active malaria case detection was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 to detect Plasmodium infections using PCR. A questionnaire collected socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioural data, and households were spatially mapped via GPS. Adult mosquitoes were sampled at a subset of subjects' houses, and Anopheles were identified by PCR and sequencing. Risk factors for Plasmodium infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and spatial cluster analysis was undertaken.ResultsThe annual malaria incidence from PHC-based passive surveillance datasets in 2014–2018 was heterogenous but declining across villages in both districts. Active surveillance in 2018 enrolled 1468 individuals from 468 households (West Jaintia Hills) and 1274 individuals from 359 households (West Khasi Hills). Plasmodium falciparum prevalence per 100 people varied from 0 to 4.1% in the nine villages of West Jaintia Hills, and from 0 to 10.6% in the 12 villages of West Khasi Hills. Significant clustering of P. falciparum infections [observed = 11, expected = 2.15, Relative Risk (RR) = 12.65; p < 0.001] was observed in West Khasi Hills. A total of 13 Anopheles species were found at 53 houses in five villages, with Anopheles jeyporiensis being the most abundant. Risk of infection increased with presence of mosquitoes and electricity in the households [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.19 and 1.11], respectively. Households with reported animals had reduced infection risk (OR = 0.91).ConclusionMalaria incidence during 2014–2018 declined in all study villages covered by the passive surveillance data, a period that includes the first widespread insecticide-treated net campaign. The survey data from 2018 revealed a significant association between Plasmodium infection and certain household characteristics. Since species of Plasmodium-competent mosquito vectors continue to be abundant, malaria resurgence remains a threat, and control efforts should continue.

Factors affecting accessibility of maternal health-care institutions in Meghalaya: A hospital-based study

BACKGROUND: The present study determines to understand the maternal health-care infrastructure in Meghalaya, a state of Northeast India. The state has large number of population of 2,964,007 (Census 2011), however, the state has only two public District Hospitals related to maternal health-care services – one in East Khasi Hills District and the other one in West Garo Hills District. Furthermore, according to the National Rural Health Mission (2015–2016), the maternal mortality ratio of Meghalaya is 211/100,000 live births which is higher than the national average. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hospital-based mixed method study has carried out to identify the problems faced by the women during their maternity period and to assess the quality and availability of maternal care infrastructure in Meghalaya. To conduct the interview, the present study covered all 80 pregnant women who were admitted in the major two district maternal health-care hospitals of Meghalaya for maternity care (i.e., delivery and postdelivery period) during the period of hospital visit in October 2019. RESULTS: The study shows that majority of the admitted women came from different villages of different districts of Meghalaya as those remote areas have no adequate maternal health-care institutions nearby other than dispensary or subcenter. The study also revealed that women who came to get treatment in hospital during pregnancy had to face difficulties like to travel a long distance, use public transport, bad road conditions, and financial problems. CONCLUSION: To improve the health scenario of health-care system in the remote village areas, the Government should give more focus on infrastructure development in terms of availability of adequate facilities for handling any emergency cases of maternal care in remote areas of Meghalaya.

A Comparative Analysis of Pre and Post Watershed Development Programme: A Case Study of Umngoh Watershed in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya

This paper assesses the impact of the watershed development programme (WDP) on the cropping intensity, livestock population, income, income distribution, and employment generation of the beneficiaries. The results revealed that there wasa more or less positive change in cropping intensity during the post-intervention of the programme. Due to the watershed programme, there was a significant increase in the livestock population and a working day. It led to the enhancement in the income of the benefitted individuals in both the on-farm and off-farm sectors. Further, results revealed a more uniform income distribution among the beneficiaries post-intervention of the watershed project. Thus, the watershed programme made a positive impact on the socio-economic condition of the rural poor.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ITS INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC INTEREST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MEGHALAYA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Aim. The study intends to determine the influence of socio-economic status on academic interest of secondary school students in Meghalaya. The study was conducted in two districts of Meghalaya i.e., in East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills Districts.&#x0D; Method. The researcher used sequential explanatory design for collecting the necessary information. The procedure of data collection was that the researcher constructed a semi-structured interview schedule whereby it was validated by the experts in the field of education. In order to determine the influence of socio-economic status on academic interest of secondary school students, the researcher conducted an in-depth interview on 50 secondary school students who were studying in class X. These students were selected purposively from two districts of Meghalaya. The interview was conducted at school premises and the necessary information collected from students was recorded and transcribed to obtain the results.&#x0D; Results. Based on the interview conducted, the study found that socio-economic status did not influence the academic interest of the secondary school students; however, student’s high aspirations, their interest in various subjects, their ambitions, determination and will power to work hard in their studies influence their academic interest.&#x0D; Conclusion. Socio-economic status was not found to have influences on the academic interest of the secondary school students and on the whole the present study suggested for teachers and parents to work cooperatively in order to help students realize their goals and desires.

New Records of Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) from Mainland India

Four species of the aquatic and semi-aquatic Hemiptera such as Anisops occipitalis Breddin (1905), Hydrometra okinawana Drake (1951), Neoalardus typicus (Distant, 1903) and Limnometra ciliata Mayr (1865), of families Notonectidae, Hydrometridae, Veliidae and Gerridae respectively, are the first records from mainland India and were collected from different districts of Meghalaya. The recorded species are very rare and have been collected from a single locality.

Traditional Technology on Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous People of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya, North East India

Meghalaya a state in North Eastern Region of India is a rich source of biodiversity which includes high potential of naturally occurring medicinal plants. The study was conducted in and around the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya to investigate the uses of medicinal plants and their conservation. The Nongkhyllem wildlife sanctuary was carved out of Nongkhyllem reserve forest in the year 1981 for adequate protection of the floral and faunal species of the area and covers an area of 29 sq. km on steep hill slopes (20° to > 65°). Participation rural appraisal (PRA) methods and tools were used for interacting with them. Information was extracted through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Plants specimen were collected and identified and preserved as voucher specimens following standard herbarium techniques. The study comprises 71 species of ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 42 families. The most dominant family recorded as a whole is Malvaceae followed by Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae. Herbs were found to be the most used plants in preparing traditional medicines. Among the different plant parts, the leaves were most frequently used for the treatment of diseases followed by fruit, root, flower, bark, whole plant, seed, stem, rhizome and tuber. People collect plants from their surrounding plant communities in wild, semi-wild and some are cultivated as well. However, cultivation of medicinal plants in surroundings, home-gardens, agro-forestry systems is a very new and important from conservation point of view in north east India.