Eastern Himalayan Region Of India Research Articles

Can conservation tillage and residue management enhance energy use efficiency and sustainability of rice-pea system in the Eastern Himalayas?

ABSTRACTLow productivity and energy use efficiency (EUE) of rice farming are the major concerns for agricultural sustainability in the Eastern Himalayan region of India. A field experiment on rice (Oryza sativa L.)-pea (Pisum sativum L) system was conducted for three consecutive years during 2012–15 in lowland ecosystem to assess the direct and residual impact of tillage and residue management (RM) practises on productivity and sustainability. Significantly higher grain yield of rice was achieved under no-till (NT) than minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT). Among RM practises, 50% NPK + green leaf manure, 50% NPK + weed biomass and 50% NPK + in-situ residue retention recorded significantly higher mean grain yields than application of 50% NPK and 100% NPK without residues. Residual effect of MT in preceding rice gave significantly higher green pod yield of succeeding pea than NT and CT. The system EUE was significantly higher under MT (rice)-NT (pea) compared to those of NT-NT and CT-NT systems. The sustainable yield index of rice and pea was maximum under MT-NT followed by NT-NT. Thus, NT/MT with suitable RM practises is a pertinent strategy for sustainable productivity of rice-pea system in the Eastern Himalayas and in similar adjoining regions.

The First Report of Indigenous Free-Living Diazotroph Kosakonia sacchari Isolated from Himalayan Alder-Based Shifting Cultivation System in Nagaland, India

A study was carried out to explore soil bacterial diversity associated with Himalayan Alder (Alnus nepalensis)-based shifting cultivation system in Khonoma Village, Nagaland. This agricultural system is well known for its traditional and sustainable form of shifting cultivation and natural biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayan region of India. Surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from alder-based crop fields in Khonoma, Nagaland, and brought to the laboratory for soil nutrient analysis and isolation of culturable bacteria. Standard methodologies were followed for soil nutrient and bacterial diversity analysis. Isolated bacteria were identified using 16S rDNA spacer sequence analysis. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of molecular sequences identified a unique bacterial isolate in the soil. 16S rDNA partial sequencing of this bacterial strain showed 99% similarity with Kosakonia sacchari–type strain SP1T which has been named for its association with sugarcane. K. sacchari KhAn is a free-living, aerobic, gram-negative, non-spore-forming, and motile rod-shaped bacterium. This bacterial strain holds diazotrophic potential as it was able to grow in nitrogen-free medium and positive for nifH amplification. Furthermore, it showed positive test for ammonia production in peptone water. The soil under alder-based farming system was rich in organic carbon (3.60 ± 0.17%), available nitrogen (536.67 ± 9.28 kg ha−1), available phosphorous (77.35 ± 4.19 kg ha−1), and exchangeable potassium 127.88 ± 10.62 kg ha−1. The existing literature revealed that K. sacchari has not been reported from India until now; therefore, this is the first novel report from India. This contribution represents Eastern Himalaya, a Biodiversity hotspot of the country.

GIS augmented computational intelligence technique for rural cluster electrification through prioritized site selection of micro-hydro power generation system

Energy policymakers address rural energy poverty with locally available renewable sources. Further, an acquaintance in the adoption of similar renewable based rural electrification technology (RBRET) would enhance the community acceptance in the neighboring villages. As a result of which, the pace of RBRET dissemination can be heightened in the corresponding geographic cluster. Amongst the varied RBRET projects, Micro Hydro Power (MHP) is relatively economic, efficient, reliable, and ease to operate. However, the sustainability of MHP cluster relies upon the appropriate prioritization process of site selection. In this regard, a novel computational intelligence technique has been proposed through a case study in the eastern Himalayan region of India. The proposed model encompasses four phases. First, refinement of the initial technical feasibility conformations through geographical information system (GIS) and past hydrological data. Second, the establishment of interdependency influencing relationship using interpretive ranking process (IRP). Third, the computation of Pareto based prioritization of entropy weights derived through IRP. Fourth, the prioritization of potential sites for MHP in the sequential manner adopting fuzzy similarity analysis measure, and Ardalan heuristic method. The proposed hybrid model surpasses the existing application of standalone methods such as multi-criterion analysis tools, geographic information system, and econometric analysis method.

Assessment of eco-diversity status of Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott and its habitat in tropical forest of Indian Eastern Himalaya

Homalomena aromatica (Spreng.) Schott is one of the economically important plant species occurring in the North east and Eastern Himalayan region of India which received least attention in its ecological and conservation studies. The current study has been undertaken in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The population, phytosociological status of its habitat, regeneration and species association of H. aromatica were worked out using standard ecological methods. Out of the 15 selected forest sites for survey, H. aromatica was found only in 9 sites. A total of 288 species representing 99 families are documented from the selected sites where Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae, Araceae, Dipterocarpaceae and Poaceae are found dominant in all the 9 sites. Species diversity index (H?) of all the three habits i.e. the tree, shrub, and herb were found highest in Happy Valley site followed by Ganga Lake. A total of 219 individuals of H. aromatica recorded which were found confined within the altitudinal ranges of 350m-450m asl. The IVI (1.95 to 9.64) and Frequency % (5 to 12.5) range of H. aromatica found significantly low at all the survey sites. Pearson’s correlation analysis reveals that there is a positive relationship between the population size and the species diversity index, where shrub showed the strongest relationship (r(7)=0.900, P=0.001) followed by tree r(7)=0.736, P=0.024 and the herbs with weakest relationship (r(7)=0.39, P=0.269). The Chi-square test of association indicated significant association of 10 species with H. aromatica in the various sites where Alocasia acuminate (Aracaceae), Amomum sp. (Zingiberaceae) and Pteris sp. (Pteridaceae) showed highest association with higher Chi square value. The poor population status with average density of 3041.67/hectare and 8.89 frequency percentage as well the existing anthropogenic threats to the species recorded in the present study has warrants for its immediate conservation.

Retrospective study of etiology of non variceal acute gastrointestinal bleeding in Eastern Himalayan region of india in Sikkim.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most commonly encountered emergencies in day-to-day practice. In the present retrospective study, the various causes of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB), its management modalities, and the final outcome of patients were studied.Methods:A retrospective study of etiology of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding for a period of 13 months, January 2015 to February 2016 in Department of Gastroenterology, Central Referral Hospital, Gangtok, was conducted. There were a total of 127 upper gastrointestinal bleeding patients, out of which 70 patients were excluded due to endoscopically proven variceal bleeding. Of the 57 patients, the various causes were determined by investigations and were treated accordingly.Conclusion:Hematemesis was the most common presentation and duodenal ulcers the most common etiology among the acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleed. The cause of bleeding was not identified in one patient. Majority (34 patients, 59.64%) of the patients was treated conservatively, some needed endoscopic interventions (23 patients, 40.35%) and there was no any mortality.

Development of fungicides spray schedule to manage the late blight of potato in north eastern Himalayan region of India

Late blight of potato is a major disease of potato in north eastern Himalayan region of India. An experiment was carried out at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, Meghalaya (India) during the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. Different fungicide treatments combinations were applied in potato crop at 7 days intervals. Pooled data of disease severity in cultivar Kufri Jyoti showed that first prophylactic spray with mancozeb (0.2%), second spray with dimethomorph (0.2%) + mancozeb (0.3%) and third spray with mancozeb (0.2%) was found significantly superior to reduce blight severity (39.44%) after 35 days after appearance of disease. Other fungicide treatments combinations (contact and systemic) were found significant as compared to control in Kufri Jyoti. In Pooled analysis, highest yield (35.51 t/ha) was recorded in treatment (T5; mancozeb, diemthomorph + mancozeb, mancozeb) of Kufri Jyoti. Kufri Giridhari did not respond to the fungicides significantly. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of yield revealed that interaction between fungicides and varieties were found significant during the 2013 and 2014. All the three environments i.e. years form a single mega-environment which showed that there were significant differences in environments but not extreme differences and the order of the treatments was same across all the environments. In conclusion, newly developed fungicides spray schedule will be helpful to manage the late blight of potato and increase the potato yield in north eastern Himalayan region of India.

Genetic diversity estimates in landraces of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) from North Eastern Himalayan region of India using agro-morphological and molecular traits

The present investigation was carried out to assess the diversity existing among the landraces of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) from North Eastern Himalayan region of India. Clustering analysis based on morphological and molecular traits exhibited high level of genetic diversity and grouped the pumpkin landraces into 5 major clusters. Maximum and minimum inter-cluster average D2 values obtained were 442.27 and 86.29, respectively. High degree of correlation was found between diversity obtained by morphological and molecular traits. The highest and lowest PIC values of SSR markers observed was 0.91 (OCM2) and 0.30 (OCM9) respectively and the Jaccard's similarity coefficient ranged from 0.51 to 0.92. The most divergent landraces obtained (GHP 1, GHP 26, GHP 43, GHP 51, GHP 52 GHP 56) from this study can be effectively utilized in future pumpkin breeding programme for development of new hybrid combinations.

Conservation tillage and mulching effects on the adaptive capacity of direct-seeded upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) to alleviate weed and moisture stresses in the North Eastern Himalayan Region of India

ABSTRACTA field experiment was conducted to study the effects of tillage and mulch on weed growth, soil moisture storage, productivity and profitability of upland rice during 2012–2013 at Lembucherra, India. Tillage treatments included CT-RI: conventional tillage with 100% residue incorporation and NT-RR: no-till with 100% residue retention. Mulches included rice straw (SM), Gliricidia (GM), brown manuring (BM) and none (NM). CT-RI registered the highest total weed density (89–168 weeds m−2) and biomass (9.6–183 g dry weight m−2) than those for the NT-RR (75–161 weed m−2 and 8–155 g dry weight m−2). In addition, NT-RR stored (122–172 mm) more soil moisture (0–40 cm soil depth) in comparison with that for the CT-RI treatment (110–161 mm) during crop growing season. Tillage treatments did not have the significant effect on yields. NT-RR reduced the cost of cultivation by 31.5% compared with that for the CT-RI. Thus, the net returns under NT-RR were more than those for the CT-RI. The BM recorded the lowest weed biomass and density as compared to that under other mulches. Therefore, cultivation of upland rice using NT along with BM mulching enhanced productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in India.

Rice-Fish cultivation of apatanis: A high altitude farming system in Arunachal Pradesh

Rice-fish farming has been a heritage practice for the Apatanis in the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh sustaining upon natural resources viz., land, water, rice varieties, fish species and indigenous knowledge. This paper reviewed the traditional expertise in the management of inimitable rice-fish farming of the valley and analyses the principles underlying the success of this system in fragile eastern Himalayan region of India. A survey conducted to collect data from randomly selected farmers of 7 villages of Ziro. The ricefish farming system as part of integrated ecosystem holds distinctive for its wet rice terraces with intrinsic fish trenches, dyke raised finger millets and finely apt bamboo plantations and pinewood thicket at the periphery to avoid soil erosion and conservation of forest together with intricately linked irrigation channels. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was the most preferred fish in the system cultivated with 16 indigenous landraces of rice varieties. The system assures improved rice and fish productivity than rice mono-crop, yielding 3–5 tons of rice and 200–500 kg fish/ha/yr. Furthermore, conserving this indigenous agro-culture has been meaningful to exploit rice-fish farming as eco-tourism resources for the mountainous farmers.

An Ethno botanical note of the plant species used by local tribes for dwelling purposes in the Eastern Himalaya of India and some forest management related pressing issues

The present article deals with the documentation of tribal knowledge on plant species used by local tribes for dwelling purposes in Upper Eastern Himalayan region of India. In total, 46 plant species belonging to 19 families were recorded in the study area of Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Arecaceae, Poaceae and Magnoliaceae were the dominant families with 7, 6 and 5 plant species respectively, while Moraceae and Dipterocarpaceae followed with 4 species each. Four major life forms recorded were trees, cane, bamboos and grasses. Two thirds of the plant species were of ‘tree’ life form providing valuable timber species for dwelling units. Converting forest area for raising commercial crop like tea and rubber is putting pressure on biodiversity of the state. Some significant issues which require state Government’s immediate attention for overall management and conservation of forests of the region have been discussed in the article. Large scale conservation efforts, mainly forest protection and reforestation, are urgently needed to avoid further biodiversity loss. Based on age old experience and traditions involving local environment and biological resources, the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh have tremendous ecological knowledge available with them. State Government must include aspects of biodiversity conservation, traditional and heritage knowledge of tribe’s culture in school curricula so that younger generation can take pride in their ancient culture and traditions.

Phytochemical and Biochemical Study of Four Legume Plants with Detergent and Anti-Lice Properties from the Eastern Himalayan Region of India

This study is aimed at the qualitative and quantitative investigation of the phytochemical content, macroand micronutrients, proximate analysis and determination of antioxidant activities of four plants belonging to the family Leguminosae namely Acacia pennata, Albizia lucidior, Albizia chinensis and Gymnocladus assamicus widely used by the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh for their surfactant and insect-repellent properties. The methanol extract of the seed pod of G. assamicus, the most popular soap-plant among the Adi people, showed maximum 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity with EC 50 of 13.50 μg/ml and presence of hitherto reported insecticidal metabolites like 2-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone and hepta-decene-(8)-carbonic acid.

Seasonal Calendar and Gender Disaggregated Daily Activities of Indigenous Galo Farmers of Eastern Himalayan Region of India

Seasonal calendar and daily farming activities are vital in understanding the farming system of a community and identifying the period of intensive agriculture and lean period for better resources management and planning. The objective of the current study was to evaluate seasonal calendar and gender disaggregated daily activities of indigenous Galo farmers of Arunachal Pradesh. Phenomenological approach was used to understand the system as the native farmers perceive it. The result reveals the rice-based farming system of the tribe with seasonal calendar of major crops that is guided by the climate of the location. Also, it was found that farming is a family activity of the community with well defined task for each family member based on gender. Women play a major role in the farming and also have vital responsibility in preservation and conservation of indigenous local crop varieties and seeds for next season. Generally it was seen that the labor burden of tribal women exceed than that of their male counterpart. Though the farmers seem to remain in the field throughout the year, their involvement in agricultural activities is actually very low. Monocropping nature of farming, long duration crop varieties and excessive dependence on natural factor leads to poor production and productivity of crops. The seasonal calendar may help the researchers and policy makers to understand the specific need of farmers and device tailored measures for sustainable development of the farming sector and livelihood improvement of the specific community under study.

Effect of Rainfall Variability on Rice Yield in North Eastern Hills of India: A Case Study

Meghalaya, one of the Seven Sisters States located in the North Eastern Himalayan region of India, is known for two high-rainfall places, i.e. Sohra and Mawsynram, but the state often faces water crisis during the post-monsoon season. Weekly, monthly and seasonal rainfalls were analysed for the state by calculating mean, coefficient of variance, extreme value, etc. To estimate the effect of rainfall on rice yield regression model was applied. The month of August receives highest average rainfall of 1108.30 mm, but the inter year variation is very high (CV = 49.69%). Increasing linear trends were observed for pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon over the study period. The quantum of June rainfall (0.75%) and monsoon maximum temperature (13.35%) has a positive and significant impact on yield of kharif rice, whereas the quantum of August rainfall (−0.46%) has a negative and significant impact on the yield of rice.

Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of the French Bean Symbiont Rhizobium sp. Strain RSm-3 Isolated from the Eastern Himalayan Region of India.

ABSTRACTThe genus Rhizobium contains many species able to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on plants of the legume family. Here, we report the 6.9-Mbp draft genome sequence of Rhizobium sp. strain RSm-3, with a G+C content of 61.4% and 6,511 candidate protein-coding genes.

Vertical differentiation in urban space: A case of Aizawl city

Cities are characterized by sociospatial differentiation. Intra‐urban inequality is found in cities across the world. Cities in the ‘peripheral south’ have been neglected in spite of their significant role in theoretical formulations and generalizations. The present paper attempts to argue that sociospatial differentiation is an inherent characteristic of cities, although the spatial form of inequality may vary depending on the specific culture and physical geography of the area. In the remote city of Aizawl in the eastern Himalayan region of India, multi‐storey buildings are cohabitated by higher and lower income classes ‐ the former were found at the top floors and the latter at the bottom floors. The vertical arrangement of income classes within a single building is seen as an adjustment strategy of the increasingly urbanized ‘tribal’ society in the hilly terrain of the city.

Influence of Glufosinate Ammonium on Some Soil Properties and Rhizospheric Micro-organisms of Tea Crop (Camellia sinensis L.) in Eastern Himalayan Region of India

Influence of Glufosinate Ammonium on Some Soil Properties and Rhizospheric Micro-organisms of Tea Crop (Camellia sinensis L.) in Eastern Himalayan Region of India

Impact of seven years of organic farming on soil and produce quality and crop yields in eastern Himalayas, India

Low use of chemicals in agriculture, plentiful availability of biomass and manure and favorable climatic conditions offer the opportunity for organic farming in eastern Himalayan region of India. Thus, field experiments were conducted in seven consecutive years from 2005 - 06 to 2011 -12 under a raised and sunken bed (RSB) land configuration (0.3–0.4m height, 2m width, 7m length) in lowland at Meghalaya (950m above sea level), India. The RSBs were constructed to facilitate drainage and accommodate vegetables in lowland conditions. The objectives of the study were (i) to identify suitable crops and cropping sequences for organic food production, and (ii) to assess long term impacts of organic farming on soil and produce quality. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) – vegetable sequences on raised beds and rice (varieties) – fallow (no crop) sequences on sunken beds were assessed under four farming practices in fixed plots. The four farming practices were control (only in-situ recycling of 2/3rd crop residues), organic (farmyard manure and rock phosphates), inorganic (mineral fertilizer) and integrated farming [50/50 organic and inorganic fertilizer sources (INF)]. Results indicated that seven-year average productivity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) under organic (22.1, and 10.1Mgha−1, respectively) and INF (21.9, and 10.4Mgha−1, respectively) were significantly higher than both inorganic (17.6, and 7.1Mgha−1, respectively) and control (3.77, and 3.1Mgha−1, respectively). However, yields of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were the highest under INF (14.4 and 8.7Mgha−1, respectively) followed by organic (13.9 and 7.5Mgha−1, respectively). Considering farming practices, INF (3.99Mgha−1), organic (3.85Mgha−1) and inorganic (3.81Mgha−1) had the similar rice productivity in sunken beds but all had significantly higher yield than that of control. After seven years, the soil available N on raised and sunken beds under organic farming was 13.3 and 4.36% higher than that under inorganic and 20.8 and 18.2% higher than that under control, respectively. Soil microbial biomass carbon was significantly higher under organic raised (177.9μgg−1 dry soil) and sunken beds (146.77μgg−1 dry soil) than that of other farming practices. Most of the quality parameters of tomato (lycopene content, total sugar, total soluble solids) and carrot (total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, beta carotene) were superior under organic farming followed by INF. Combining all these long-term results, the study strongly suggests several benefits of organic farming for sustainable productivity and improved soil and produce quality under eastern Himalayan condition.

An overview of some ethnic fermented fish products of the Eastern Himalayan region of India

BackgroundLike southeast Asian countries fermented fish is a well known strategy of food preservation in the northeast region of India. The northeastern region of India is known for its vast natural resources and a cauldron of different people and cultures, lie deep in the lap of easternmost Himalayan hills in northeastern part of India. Here the fermentation technology evolved by compulsion of people. Popular fermented fish products of this region of India include Shidal and lonailish. Fermented fish contributes a regular menu in the diets of people of almost all categories. MethodsThe traditional technology was explored by thorough interrogation with the local producer in their place. The origin of the technology as well as the compulsion for diversification of the traditional fish drying process to fermentation was known from the very old people in the community. ResultsThe technology was observed while in operation and attempted to justify the science behind each step in the fermentation process. The Shidal technology was found to be evolved even before the use of salt by the people. ConclusionIt was revealed that as the northeastern states of India, being the highest rainfall area of the world, did not provide a congenial environment for simple sun drying of fish and fermentation was the only option to preserve fish.

Antidiarrhoeal activity of eriosematin E isolated from the roots of Eriosema chinense Vogel

Roots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel (Fabaceae) is distributed mainly over the Eastern Himalayan region of India and China. The roots of the plant are used as a vegetable by the people of Northern Australia, China and North East India and are used traditionally by the tribal people of Meghalaya (India) for the treatment of diarrhoea. It has been reported to have significant antidiarrhoeal, cytotoxic and antimycobacterial activity. The present investigation was undertaken to isolate a lead molecule responsible for the observed antidiarrhoeal activity. Eriosematin E, a prenylated flavanone, was isolated using column chromatography and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass Spectra) from literature. Eriosematin E (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg p.o.) was then screened for normal faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models in rats. Further, it was examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accumulation and PGE2 induced enteropooling models in rats. Biochemical estimations and Na+ and K+ concentration in intestinal fluid were also determined along with colonic histopathological studies. The results illustrated a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in normal faecal output at 10mg/kg p.o. after 5th and 7thh of treatment and also showed maximum protection of 69.43% from diarrhoea in the castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. Significant results were also observed at the maximum effective dose of eriosematin E (10mg/kg p.o.) in inhibiting peristaltic index (small intestinal transit) and reducing intestinal fluid volume of castor oil induced and PGE2 induced enteropooling models. Further, eriosematin E restored all the alterations in biochemical parameters such as nitric oxide, protein, DNA, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation. It also significantly recovered Na+ and K+ loss from body and confirmed its protective nature through the histopathological studies. The study corroborates the antidiarrhoeal potential of eriosematin E which may be attributed to its antisecretory and antioxidant potential.

English

This preliminary investigation describes the diversity and distribution of lichens from the different archaeological monuments of Sonitpur district, located in the Eastern Himalayan region of India, which is a part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It is a land of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and it is well reflected in the number of archaeological sites and monuments of ancient time at this region. Enumerations of 38 species of lichen belonging to 21 genera and 15 families have been reported from the archaeological monuments of Sonitpur district. 6 species are new records for this state. Members of Physciaceae showed higher dominance with 11 species followed by Teloschistaceae with 4 species and Lecanoraceae and Verrucariaceae each containing 3 species, respectively. Cryptothecia subnidulans is the most widespread species, reported from 7 study sites. &nbsp; Key words: Diversity, Eastern Himalayan, heritage, hot spot, species.