Karimganj District Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF RECORD KEEPING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR AREA OF OPERATION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Objective: The target of this paper is to look into how record keeping affects the performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the context of their place of operation. Theoretical Framework: After going through the literature, it is identified that not a single study has been done in the research area of this paper. Method: In this study, a simple survey was conducted among 268 MSEs functioning in Karimganj District of Assam. Multiple regression analysis with SPSS 21 was used to analyse the data. Results and Discussion: Result of the analysis shows that female participation is poor in the study area and there is a positive correlation with R2 = 0.460 implying that record keeping Practices in the context of their area of operation is 46% responsible for explaining the dependent variable i.e., Performance of MSEs. Research Implications: The study suggests that maintaining proper records can significantly improve the performance of MSEs. Furthermore, the adoption of computerized accounting systems can provide a more efficient and accurate means of record keeping, which can lead to improved financial performance. Originality/Value: The study revealed that the majority of micro and small businesses failed to keep accurate records of their commercial dealings. However, those enterprises that kept proper records had a better understanding of their business operations and could make more informed decisions.

Fish Assemblage Concerning Physciochemical and Geomorphological Characteristics of Barak River, India

This study investigated the fish population, environmental characteristics, microhabitats, and soil erosion along the Barak River in Manipur and Assam. The survey covered 18 sites spanning from Maram in Senapati district, Manipur, to Badarpur in Karimganj district, Assam. The assessment involved analysing six physciochemical parameters and collecting fish specimens, focusing on human activities affecting different sections of the river. The environmental conditions varied significantly between two distinct geographical regions: the hilly area in Manipur and the plains in Assam. The river exhibited narrowness, shallow depths, rapid flow, and a substrate composed of stones and gravel in the hilly region of Manipur. Conversely, in the plains of Assam, the river was wider, slower flowing, deeper, and featured a substrate consisting of silt and clay. Bank erosion and river meandering were prevalent in the plains, which were densely populated and extensively cultivated. The survey documented a total of 35 fish species from 15 families and 7 orders. Interestingly, the distribution pattern indicated an absence of certain fish species in one region that were present in the other. The highest species diversity was recorded in Namtiram, Tamenglong district, Manipur, for the hilly stretch, and Srikona, Cachar district, Assam, for the plains. Surprisingly, the study noted that physciochemical parameters had minimal influence on fish distribution; instead, it appeared that habitat and other environmental factors played a more significant role in regulating the presence of fish species.

Palynological response deduced through spatially distinct surface samples to reconstruct palaeoecology and palaeoclimate of the Barak Valley, Assam (Indo-Burma region), northeast India

Establishing modern pollen analogues under various vegetation types in a location is necessary without which it is difficult to accurately interpret fossil pollen assemblages in any region in terms of the past environment and palaeoclimate. We have analysed the modern pollen dataset of 30 surface soil and sediment samples from the forested, cropland, wetland and river sites of the Karimganj District in south Assam, to comprehend the connection between the recent pollen assemblage and the vegetation patterns in the Barak Valley. The overall pollen data reflect the tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest comprising Syzygium, Schleichera, Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Duabanga, Sapotaceae, Ilex, Mesua and Schima under a warm and humid climate in response to rainfall variations in the region. The presence of Euphorbiaceae and Convolvulaceae inferred high monsoonal activity in and around the region. A robust relationship between local herbaceous vegetation and pollen was observed. The steady occurrence of cereal pollen (average 18.67%) along with other cultural pollen taxa like Brassicaceae, Coriandrum and Solanaceae illustrate intense agricultural activity around the valley areas. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and box plot were applied to the quantified data obtained from pollen frequency analyses of the surface samples which clearly revealed a significant variation and similarity in vegetation types. Thus, an attempt has been commenced to precisely observe the behavioural pattern of modern pollen deposition in a varied depositional setting, which could, in turn, help in assessing the expanse of agricultural practices and the depth of deterioration of pristine forests and surrounding areas. This modern training dataset could also help in the precise reconstruction of past climate and vegetation shifts in the Barak Valley region. A correlation of regional palynodata with other regions of the Indian subcontinent and Indo-Burma will also be assessed for better interpretation.

A Trend Analysis of Climatic Variables in the Karimganj District of Assam, India

Objectives: The main goal of this research is to analyse the trends of climatic variables in the Karimganj district of Assam. The study examines the trend of seasonal and annual temperature maximum, temperature minimum, rainfall and relative humidity for the period 1981-2020. Methods: A non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) technique has been employed to establish statistically significant trend in the series. The magnitude of a time series trend has been evaluated by Sen’s slope test. Trend lines and time series graphs are used for better understanding of trends. Findings: It has been found that annual and seasonal temperature maximum (Tmax) have a significant negative trend over the period except post monsoon season. There is no significant trend in the annual temperature minimum (Tmin) series but seasonal mean temperature minimum is showing a significant positive trend at different levels of significance during all four seasons. Except winter season, annual rainfall series and all other seasonal average rainfall series are showing significant positive trends. The seasonal averages and annual relative humidity are showing statistically significant positive trends over the period. Novelty: The study is unique and innovative for Karimganj district of Assam to best of our knowledge. From the analysis, the study claims that climate change is occurring in the district. To combat the impact of climate change, participation of people in adaptations practices and government intervention in the form of mitigation policies are necessary. JEL Classification: Q50, Q54 Keywords: Karimgani; climate change; rainfall; temperature; relative humidity; Assam

A new species of Endoclita C. & R. Felder, 1874 ghost moth from Karimganj District of Assam, India, with comments on the genus in northeastern India, and clarification of E. signifer (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

A new species of Endoclita C. & R. Felder, 1874 ghost moth from Karimganj District of Assam, India, with comments on the genus in northeastern India, and clarification of E. signifer (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

Dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Karimganj District, Assam, India with four additions to the Indian checklist

ABSTRACT Situated at the intersection of the Himalayan and Indo-Chinese biodiversity hotspots, Northeast India is one of the most biodiversity rich areas of South Asia. Despite this, insects such as dragonflies and damselflies (Order: Odonata) of this region remain poorly studied causing an impediment to their conservation assessments. We conducted long-term surveys to study odonate diversity of the Karimganj District, Assam, India bordering the states of Tripura and Mizoram, and the country of Bangladesh. Here, we publish reports of eight species: four new to India Ceriagrion calamineum, Nannophyopsis clara, Phyllothemis eltoni, and Zyxomma breviventre, and four noteworthy species newly recorded from the state: Megalogomphus smithii, Orientogomphus indicus, Pseudothemis zonata, and Sarasaeschna khasiana. We recorded total 97 odonate species during our surveys. We provide the checklist of Odonata of Assam based on our surveys and literature.

Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Development Perspective of 'Seetal Pati' Weavers of Karimganj District: Revisiting in terms of Gandhian vision of Self-contained Community

Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Development Perspective of 'Seetal Pati' Weavers of Karimganj District: Revisiting in terms of Gandhian vision of Self-contained Community

Factors Affecting Micro Enterprises Due to COVID-19: An Analytical Study

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy over the last five decades. This sector contributes significantly to Indian economy in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation. In this research paper, 50 micro enterprises and five categories of the enterprises have been selected from Badarpur which comes under Karimganj district, Assam on the basis of convenient sampling.In order to determine factors affecting micro enterprises due to COVID-19, four factors such as finance, supply chain, infrastructure and miscellaneous have been considered. The study has been conducted by using both primary data and secondary data. The study area is confined to the Badarpur town which is suburban under Karimganj district, Assam and it also covers both rural and urban area. The period covers for the study from 1st May to 30th June, 2020. The data has been analyzed through appropriate statistical tools; interpretation of data is based on tabulation and analysis. The hypotheses are tested with the help of One Way ANOVA test. The conclusion is drawn on the basis of data analysis.

Phytotoxicity of malathion (PM) and tatafen (PTF) towards Solanum melongena L.cv. Longai: A case study

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.cv. Longai) is an essential vegetable crop grown during November to January in Karimganj district of Assam. However, these crops suffer from biotic stress like insect, pests, and rodents, which curtail the quality of fruits yield. In the present study, the effect of excessive use of insecticide like malathion (PM) and tatafen (PTF) with different concentrations viz. 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm were exposed once and observations were recorded after 7 days of treatment. The obtained results affirmed that seedling growth, relative water content, fresh and dry weight was reduced and had a steady phytotoxicity response by the higher concentration of both insecticide and effect was more prominent at early stage of treatment. The activity levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and proline content were analyzed. To cope with a detrimental impacts of insecticide-induced oxidative stress, low levels of insecticide provide enhance results than the higher concentration as compared to the control plant.

Valuation of Ecosystem Services & Benefits of Son Beel Wetland in Assam, India: A Case Study of Natural Solutions to Climate Change & Water

Valuation of Ecosystem Services & Benefits of Son Beel Wetland in Assam, India: A Case Study of Natural Solutions to Climate Change & Water

Border Securitisation and the Emerging Health Challenges at the Indo-Bangladesh Borderland

This article discuses some of the major health challenges and their impact on the Indian families living outside the Indo-Bangladesh border fence. Drawing on the qualitative data of 7 group interviews and 25 in-depth individual interviews conducted in the border area of Karimganj district of Assam, it analyses health issues experienced by people having no access to health services. The article argues that although the purpose of border fencing was to restrict the illegal activities across the border, it is causing serious problems for the Indian population who are left outside the border fence. The strict border rules and restriction in the movements across the border have led to lack of access to necessary health services, and people are experiencing a range of health issues without any treatment. Nevertheless, there is no proper intervention mechanism by the government. The article suggests some measures to address the problems of the border dwellers.

Aquatic and semi aquatic Hemiptera community of Sonebeel, the largest wetland of Assam, northeastern India

Aquatic and semiaquatic Hemiptera bugs play significant ecological roles, and they are important indicators and pest control agents. Little information is currently available concerning its populations in southern Assam. This study assessed hemipterans in four sites of Sonebeel, the largest wetland in Assam (3458.12 ha at full storage level), situated in Karimganj District. The major inflow and outflow of the wetland are the rivers Singla and Kachua, respectively (the Kachua drains into the Kushiyara River). Samples were trapped with pond nets and were seasonally recorded. This study recorded a total of 28 species of aquatic and semiaquatic hemipterans belonging to 20 genera under nine families. Population, geographical and environmental data (e.g., rainfall) were used to assess the relative abundance of species, species richness and different diversity indices, and species distribution.

Eroding Traditional Knowledge Systems Plea Scientific Validation: Ecological Characterization of Traditionally Managed Semi-Deep Water Rice Field Agroecosystem in Barak Valley, Assam, Northeast India

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) systems illustrate various ways and means of natural resource utilization and management, which has come into being through keen observations as well as the age-old trial and error methods. However, such knowledge systems are gradually eroding due to various reasons. Proper documentation, characterization, scientific validation, and popularization of such knowledge systems would help in preserving them for posterity. The present study characterizes the ecological attributes of a traditional rice farming system called Asra in Karimganj district of Barak Valley, Assam. The objective was to investigate the water properties and community composition of plankton and rice stem epiphyton of the water logged Asra rice field agro-ecosystem. The substantial contribution of Asra rice field ecosystems in maintaining the overall biodiversity of the system has been highlighted in the present study. The study revealed the presence of 77 genera of phytoplankton and 55 genera of rice stem phyto-epiphyton, which belonged to six major classes viz., Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Xanthophyceae and Zygnemophyceae. Besides, 29 genera of zooplankton and 14 genera of rice stem zoo-epiphyton belonging to five major groups viz., Protozoa, Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda and Rotifera were also recorded. The study shows that the Asra rice fields are rich repository of plankton and rice stem epiphyton, the natural live food resources for fish. The study emphasizes on conservation of traditional farming system like Asra, and stresses on the need for sustainable utilization of the existing bioresources in such system by introducing the concurrent practice of rice-fish culture in the study area.

Recognizing the Rapid Expansion of Rubber Plantation – A Threat to Native Forest in Parts of Northeast India

With the current trend of land use/land cover (LULC) change taking place globally, several parts of northeast India are also showing signs of change in LULC pattern leading to forest loss. This study focusses on the expansion of monoculture rubber plantation ( Hevea brasiliensis ) in selected sub-watersheds in north-east India, and distributed in parts of north Tripura, Mizoram and a major portion in the Karimganj district of Assam. Remote sensing and GIS technique has been used to map and analyse the extent of rubber plantation using temporal IRS LISS III satellite data from 1997 to 2013. It has been observed that rubber plantation increased from 4.47 sq. km to 28.42 sq. km in various parts of the study area. The expansion was more rapid during recent times, i.e. during 2010 to 2013. The plantation took place in dense forest, open forest and degraded forest areas. The spread of the plantation was also observed in one reserved forest located within the study area. There are several instances of negative impacts of rubber plantation expansion in Southeast Asia. Similar expansion of rubber plantation has been observed in northeast India as well. Further spread of rubber plantations in the region needs to be regulated to avoid conversion of dense and reserved forest areas by fostering use of mixed cropping methods instead of rubber monocultures, and by adopting more sustainable land use and management practices.

A study on the Length- Weight Relationship and Relative Condition Factor in Glossogobius giuris found in River Singla in the Karimganj district of Assam, India.

A study on the Length- Weight Relationship and Relative Condition Factor in Glossogobius giuris found in River Singla in the Karimganj district of Assam, India.

Factors Influencing Buying Behavior of Customers of Sports Items in Karimganj District of Assam

Sports goods, we all know, do not fall under the category of necessary items for a large population, especially in a society which is a part of developing economy. Sellers of the commodities like sports goods, in the countries like India, are to manage on many fronts when it comes to increase the sale profitably. On the one hand they have to understand the changing needs and requirements of the existing customers of sports goods while partly they need to undertake all such measures which, if possible, can help in turning the non-customers into customers. In other words they have not only to concentrate to offer the brands of choice to the customers of sports goods on the conditions they want but also, through show casing, for example, lure the ones who till the other day were not interested in engaging themselves in sports activities. Promoting a brand, we know, is not that much a difficult task as promoting a product and that too for such items which are not considered necessary by a large section of the people in the society, specially the one which is in the stage of only a developing economy. Thus being able to sell such items which are not much in demand, as pointed out above, will certainly require a seller to be extra skillful. This paper dwells on the isses as mentioned above and covers factors and their relative importance in the area of sports marketing in emerging sports centres of India.

Isolation and Characterization of Two Cyanobacterial Strains Calothrix Sp. and Microchaete Sp. from Rice Fields of Karimganj District, Assam, North East India

Studies on various nitrogen fixing microalgal strains found in the rice paddy field soils are carried out in different parts of the world. In the present study two cyanobacterial strains belonging to the order nostocales, Calothrix sp. and Microchaete sp. were isolated from the rice fields of Karimganj district, South Assam, India and characterized based on their morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis. For the phenotypic characterization - growth, pigments (chlorophyll a, total carotenoid content, phycobiliproteins) and biochemical properties (total carbohydrate and soluble proteins) were studied. The study showed that both strains contain lower phycoerythrin content as compared to the other pigments. The Microchaete strain contain a higher total carotenoid content while chlorophyll a accumulation was higher in the Calothrix strain. Phylogenetic compairision was made using 16S rRNA gene sequences including other sequences of Calothrix, Microchaete and Tolypothrix species from GenBank. The results showed that polyphasic approach provides necessary information for the identification of cyanobacterial species using morphological analysis in combination with molecular techniques.

Interrelation between Mother's Empowerment and Children's Schooling : A Case Study of SC, OBC, and General Households of a Developing Region

Empowerment can be described as a process of enhancing the choice-making capacity of individuals or groups, total freedom to choose from available options and thereafter, transforming the chosen options into desired actions and outcomes. It is a process of awareness and awaking of capacity building, which is possible through greater participation and greater effective decision-making power. Education facilitates all these and hence, it is recognized in literature as one of the most important means to empower women. Literature also supports the view that educated mothers can give better education to their children, can take better decisions within family, and can make better decisions regarding their children's educational attainments. However, the direction of causation between mothers' education and children's education is still a matter of debate. The present study is based on primary data, which was generated through a household survey conducted in Karimganj District of Assam. The objectives of the study were to find out the level of empowerment of mothers, to find out the average schooling of their children, to find out the correlation between mothers' empowerment and children's education, and lastly, to make a comparison between mothers' empowerment and children's educational attainments among different castes, that is, Gen and SC, Gen and OBC, and SC and OBC households. The results established the connection between mothers' empowerment and education of their children.

An Analysis of Share Cropping in Rice Cultivation-A Case Study in Karimganj District of Assam

Share cropping is an important age old agrarian phenomenon in Assam. There is still vast scope to boost rice production in the study area through increasing the productivity of crops with the adoption of improved and economic methods of crop cultivation in due space and time on a sustainable basis. Share cropping in the study area is established as supplementary source of farm income to those farmers who undertake share cropping by hiring lands from others. It also act as a complementary source of income and employment for both the group of farmers that is one who undertake share cropping on others lands and others who let their land for share cropping to other farmers. Thus, Share cropping in the study area is found as both supplementary and complementary source of farm income. Of course, in the study area, there is still great scope to make share cropping more profitable as the productivity of rice crop is 481 kg less than the productivity of Punjab and 3202 kg less than the productivity of Egypt which is highest in the world.

Isolation and Characterisation of Diazotrophic Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Different Rice Cultivars of South Assam, India

Free living heterotrophic bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of 10 local and cultivated varieties of rice grown in Karimganj district of South Assam. Among the 25 isolates, 11 isolates withplant growth promoting activity were identified based on phenotypic and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strains were identified as Shingomonasa zotifigens, Pseudomonas putida, Stenotrophomonas maltophila, Acinetobacter radioresistance, Alkaligenes faecalis, Enterobacter cloaceae subsp. dissolvens, Pantoea agglomerans, Klebsiella pneumoneae, Achromobacter xyloxidans, Herbispirillum rubrisubalbicans and Herbispirillum sp. The efficient strains are isolated from the local varieties of rice plant. The isolate KR-23 (Sphingomonas azotifigens) was a novel bacteria reported for the first time as nitrogen fixing bacteria from India. The nitrogen fixing ability along with IAA production, ACC deaminase activity and P-solubilisation by the bacteria has shown their potential for plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria. KR-6 (Stenotrophomon asmaltophila) and KR-7(Herbispirillum rubrisubalbicans) have been reported earlier as plant pathogens but they have shown a high potential for nitrogen fixing and auxin producing activity in the present study.