Kullu District Research Articles

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS AND THEIR MATEMATICAL INTEREST IN RELATION TO CERTAIN SELECTED VARIABLES

This paper attempts to study the academic achievement of high school students in mathematics and their mathematical interest in relation to certain selected variables in Himachal Pradesh. The sample included 400 students of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh by employing random sampling techniques. Data were collected from Sen. Sec. School students by using standardised questionnaire. The tool used for the study was developed by Dr. Uma Tondon and Ashok Pal. The findings of the study reveals that there is no significant difference in the academic achievement in mathematics of High school students, although the males students of high schools possess slightly more interest in mathematics.

Relationship between Climate Change Perception of Local Communities, Agriculture and Gender Variations in Fozal Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Himalayas

Relationship between Climate Change Perception of Local Communities, Agriculture and Gender Variations in Fozal Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Himalayas

Incidence and population dynamics of insect pests infesting pomegranate orchards in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India

ISHS V International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits Incidence and population dynamics of insect pests infesting pomegranate orchards in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India

To Study the Marketing Efficiency of Apple (Malus domestica) in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh

The present study investigate the efficiency of marketing of Apple in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu district was purposively selected for the study as apple is primarily grown crop in the district. The sample drawn for the study comprised of 100 apple growers of Kullu and Naggar blocks. The various analytical tools were used to analyse the efficiency of marketing channels of apple. The marketing channels involves in the study area is three in number, channel I (Producer– Retailer–Consumer) was the most effective channel as it had the highest marketing efficiency index of 2.28. Majority 18 per cent of the growers marketed apple through channel II (Producer– Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer). The price spread was the lowest (Rs. 397.9) in channel I (Producer–Retailer–Consumer); and accordingly, the producer’s share in final consumer rupee was the highest (69.57 %) in channel I.

Mycofloristic Studies on Wood Decaying Corticioid Fungi From Kullu District (Himachal Pradesh): Some New Additions

Coricioid fungi or the Corticiums form an important group of wood decayers in the forest ecosystem. These fungi plat a vital role in the recycling of carbon because of their unique ability to secreting lignin and cellulose decaying enzymes. Majority of these are saprophytic and a few have the ability to parasitize different tree species. During the exhaustive mycofloristic exploration of different parts of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh some interesting specimens of wood decaying corticioids were collected and studied for their macro and micromorphological details. Based on macro and m microscopic details these were identified as five corticioid species ( Peniophora lycii , Scytinostroma ahmadii , Scytinostroma aluta , Stereum insignitum and Stereum thindii ). Among these species, Peniophora lycii and Stereum insignitum , the lignin decaying fungi, are described as new records for India and Stereum thindii is reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh. All the five species are also the new additions to the mycoflora of Kullu district.

Back after 40 years: a rare sighting of Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves: Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Himachal Pradesh, India

We report a rare sighting of Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Himachal Pradesh, a re-sighting after 40 years, and only the second record for the state. In November 2021, a male S. spinus was briefly seen in Gushaini, in the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Kullu district. The two low elevation records from 2021 strongly contrast previous records from India. This paper expands upon the sparse information available on the migration of this species within India.

Assessing the impact of spatio-temporal land cover changes on land surface temperature using satellite data in Beas Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Here, the impact of spatio-temporal Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULC) on the variations of Land Surface Temperature (LST) has been estimated using Landsat 7 ETM+, Landsat 8 TIRS/OLI and Sentinel-2 data for Beas basin of Kullu district, Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Also, the relationship of various remote sensing indices such as NDVI, NDSI, NDBI and NDMI with LST were established using coefficient of correlation to monitor the role of natural ecosystem alteration on LST. LST was calculated using Single Window algorithm (SW) for eight major land cover categories extracted from Landsat-7 ETM+ and Landsat-8 (Path-147 and Row-38) Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data for October, 2000 and October, 2020 respectively. LULC change detection revealed that there was a huge increase in agricultural land including orchard expansion of 123 % during the year 2020 than that of 2000. Also there’s a sharp increase of 40.63 % in settlement areas which includes the tourism activities. These are the significant factors for the changes in LST. Further, it shows that negative correlation with the strong correlation coefficients of R2 = 0.7072 and R2 = 0.5642 between NDSI and LST in Pre-winter season of 2000 and that of 2020 respectively. Whereas, the correlation between NDVI and LST showed positive correlation with the coefficient of R2 = 0.2577 in 2000, which increased to R2 = 0.5959 in 2020. This positive relationship highlighted the fact that an increase in LST provides favourable conditions for the vegetation growth in the valley during the pre-winter season 2000 and 2020 respectively. The main outcome of the paper, we believe, will be helpful in analysing the dynamics of land cover changes and sustainable environmental planning in the Beas Valley, which is crucial for livelihood sustainability of the people residing in the already fragile IHR.

Climate Vulnerability Assessment of Farming Systems in Himachal Pradesh, Indian Himalayas

This study assessed the climate vulnerability of the agriculture, horticulture, and livestock sectors at the block scale in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. This region exhibits the most conspicuous manifestations of climate change. The study sites were selected to represent different elevation zones. A total of 108 indicators for the sectors were chosen to assess climate vulnerability as a methodological framework suitable for a mountain perspective. The net climate vulnerability in the agriculture sector was lowest in blocks that had greater accessibility to the road network, were nearer to markets, had high literacy and more institutions, and were shifting to enterprises other than agriculture. The net vulnerability index (VI) for horticulture revealed that vulnerability was reduced by a shift toward off-season vegetable cultivation, productive soils for crops, and the establishment of new orchards. The net VI of the livestock sector was lower if there were fewer diseases and pests and they were quickly managed, if there was good access to veterinary facilities, if slopes were less steep, and if improved grassland was available. The composite net VI of all blocks in different sectors of this farming system revealed that the Naggar block, followed by Kullu and Nirmand, was the least vulnerable.

FOUR NEW REPORTS OF WOOD-ROTTING CORTICIOID FUNGI FROM INDIA

Four corticioid species, Botryohypochnus verrucisporus Burds. & Gilb., Corticium meridioroseum Boidin & Lanq., Odonticium flabelliradiatum (J. Erikss. & Hjortstam) Zmitr., and Rhizoctonia amygdalispora (Hauerslev, P. Roberts & Å. Strid) Oberw., R. Bauer, Garnica & R. Kirschner, new to India are described and illustrated. These species are recorded based on the material collected from the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh (India)

Molecular Characterization and Population Structure Analysis of Pepper Mild Mottle Virus Infecting Capsicum in Himachal Pradesh, India

Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) is posing a great threat to capsicum cultivation worldwide. Based on the ability of PMMoV in overcoming L mediated resistance in Capsicum spp., it has been categorized in to five pathotypes. The information of pathotype is crucial in framing sustainable management practices. The surveys conducted in seven districts of Himachal Pradesh (H.P) during 2016 and 2017 revealed maximum incidence of PMMoV in Kullu (88.89%) district followed by Mandi (78.57%) after confirmation through DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR. A total 16 isolates were selected for their pathotype characterization by deducing their Amino Acid (aa) sequence and their pathogenicity on differential capsicum cultivars carrying L1, L2, L+, L3 and L4 genes. None of the test isolates produced visible symptoms on differential cultivarsPI-159236 and PI-260429 carrying L3 and L4 genes, respectively. The aa sequences of all test isolates except PMMoV-16.6, 16.10 and PMMoV-17.1 were 100% similar to the P12 pathotypes available at NCBI database. Additionally, the 3-D structure of PMMoV-16.6, 16.10 and 17.1 isolates constructed using SWISSMODEL affirmed the presence of mutations in the short and long hairpin loops of viral CP corresponding to the inner surface and thus do not contribute to the elicitor activity of CP. Thus, all the present isolates were characterized as P12 pathotype. The full genome sequences of three isolates viz., PMMoV-16.7 (MN496153), 16.9 (MN496154) and 17.3 (MN734123) determined in the present study revealed their maximum similarity with PMMoV-HP1 (P12, KJ631123.1) and a Japanese isolate (P12, AB000709.2) and least with a Korean isolate (LC082100.1). The full genome-based recombination analysis did not show any significant recombination event.

Spatial variation of heavy metal contamination in roadside soil from hilly terrain of the north-western Himalaya

ABSTRACT Fuel-based vehicular emission has been recognised as a potential contributor to the declining air quality and heavy metal contamination of soils. The present study investigated heavy metal contamination in roadside soil along national highway (NH)-21 and a link road in hilly terrain of the Kullu district, north-western Himalaya, India. The soil samples were analysed for pH, EC and heavy metals, viz., Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Ar and Cr. The heavy metal concentrations were evaluated as per the guidelines provided by competent authorities. The spatial distribution of heavy metal contaminants was depicted in maps using the GIS platform. The pH of the soil was slightly acidic to neutral. The reference sites from the rural area represent the lower heavy metals contamination comparison to the locations along the highway. The heavy metal concentrations decreased with the increasing distance from the edge of the road, while their distribution and mobility were influenced by natural as well human-induced sources. The present study provides the baseline data to optimise the scale of sampling in the hilly terrains that is capable of capturing the effect of the diffuse source for efficient pollution abatement strategies.

Application of multivariate statistical analysis and water quality index for quality characterization of Parbati River, Northwestern Himalaya, India

The present study is an attempt to accomplish the understanding of the factors impacting Parbati river water quality in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The main objective is to assess the overall water quality, to explore its hydrogeochemical characteristics including major ion contents and other chemical parameters using Water Quality Index (WQI), statistical techniques (principal component analysis) and conventional graphical representation such as Piper trilinear diagram, Durov. Eighteen surface water samples were collected from different altitudinal sites to analyze physico-chemical parameters for June 2019 and September 2019. Analytical outcomes of thirty-six surface water samples collected in Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons are well within the permissible limits as per BIS, 2012 and WHO 2011 for drinking and domestic purposes. Water quality characterization for the assigned use shows that maximum surface water samples fall under excellent to good water quality index and are suitable for drinking without conventional treatment. The Piper trilinear diagram classified 100% of surface water samples for both seasons’ falls in the fields of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3− water type indicating temporary hardness. Abundance of ions in the water samples is in the order: anions HCO3−>Cl−>SO42−>NO3− and cations Mg2+>Ca2+>Na+>K+. PCA identifies that the surface water chemistry is influenced by natural factors as well as minor anthropogenic activities in both the seasons. The correlation matrix has been prepared to analyse and observe the significance of the factors on the assessment of river water quality. Periodic assessment of surface water samples of the Parbati river and adjoining areas should be carried out. This approach will help in finding out any contamination of water occurring due to rapid socio-economic development as well as explosion of tourism industry in the region. Present study will work as baseline database for any future work in the region.

Application of hybrid SWOT-AHP-FuzzyAHP model for formulation and prioritization of ecotourism strategies in Western Himalaya, India

Ecotourism is considered as a tool for sustainability and it is a sustainable approach to balance economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects for development. The application of ecotourism concept at ground level needs to develop strategies based on local natural and cultural resources and sustainability principles. Thus, the strategies were formulated in this study based on the principle of ecotourism and sustainability. The present study explores the application of strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) based analysis for ecotourism planning strategies formulation in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India. The internal factors (strength and weakness) and external factors (opportunity and threat) were diagnosed systematically and comprehensively to prepare TOWS matrix and it contains four group strategies, strength-opportunity (SO), weakness-opportunity (WO), strength-threat (ST) and weakness-threat (WT) and 30 sub-strategies. Out of total developed strategies, seven SO, eight WO, eight ST and seven WT strategies has been adopted for ecotourism development in the study area. The adopted strategies further analyzed using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Fuzzy AHP to identify the hierarchical best priority strategies for ecotourism development. SWOT-AHP and SWOT-Fuzzy AHP methods were ensemble together to obtain the best priority strategies. Hence, the implementation of these strategies in the study area should help to achieve regional sustainable development goal.

Vulnerability of agricultural households to climate change in hill state of north Western Himalaya

In the present study, vulnerability level of individual farming households to climate change is examined in Himachal Pradesh, North-western state of India. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to develop vulnerability index for individual household. Mean household vulnerability index in the study area was 0.27. The farming households from Kullu district were the most vulnerable (5.94) while those from Hamirpur district were least vulnerable (-3.37). The study successfully identified the regional sources of vulnerability and prioritises the districts for adaptation planning. Implication of the study results lays with the policy makers in formulating region specific and targeted climate adaptation policies that foster asset building so as to reduce vulnerability and build long-term resilience to climate change.

Extraction, Utilization Pattern and Prioritization of Fuel Resources for Conservation in Hydro-electric Power Project Areas in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya

In hilly areas, fuelwood is the major source of the energy and it provides almost all of the cooking energy requirements. There are millions of people living inside the protected and unprotected areas with dependencies on these areas for essential services. Among these, fuelwood and fodder are two important and critical components of the village economy especially in the hills and the annual wood consumption is very high. Information on fuelwood resources, their extraction and availability are very scanty. Therefore, the present study was carried out to study the diversity of fuelwood species, annual collection, preference, and availability of fuel species in the forests. Forty six species (33 Trees and 13 Shrubs) were extracted for fuel by the inhabitants. Species preference ranged from 0.05-0.55 Probability Use (PU) and was highest for Cedrus deodara (0.55), followed by Picea smithiana, Pinus wallichiana and Quercus leucotrichophora (0.50, each), Alnus nitida, Quercus floribunda and Ulmus wallichiana (0.45, each) and Ulmus villosa (0.40). Use pressure ranged from 1.35-826.65 Resource Use Index (RUI and was highest for Cedrus deodara (826.65), followed by Picea smithiana (675.00), Quercus leucotrichophora (630.00), Pinus wallichiana (558.00) and Quercus floribunda (348.30). Therefore, immediate actions are suggested to sustain the current and future demand for fuelwood. Awareness among the villagers and mass multiplication through conventional and in-vitro methods for the species facing high anthropogenic pressures and their establishment and maintenance in the in-situ and ex-situ conditions may help in the conservation and management of these species.

An Economic Analysis of Apple Cultivation in High Hills of Himachal Pradesh

The study was undertaken with the aim to work out the economics of apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. The blocks namely Rohru, Chopal, Nankhari and Anni from Shimla and Kullu districts were selected randomly and a sample of 144 units were chosen from the selected areas. Analysis of the results indicated that on an average, initial cost per hundred plants was ` 48097 and establishment cost ranged between ` 41323 and ` 64,530 for 2 to 6 years plants. Maintenance cost per hundred fruit-bearing plants was observed to be ` 106109 between 12 to 16 years in the high hills during the year 2019-2020. The net revenue calculated as ` 1.73 lakh and output-input ratio implied that each rupee spent would yield a profit of ` 1.63 in the study area.

Studies on Subalpine Forests of Hamta Pass Area in Himachal Pradesh, India with A Focus on <I>Betula utilis</I> Populations

The present study was conducted in Hamta Pass area of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India with a focus on Betula utilis populations. Totally 16 populations of B. utilis representing four habitats and three aspects were studied. The maximum sites were represented by moist and moist, shaded habitats with northwestern aspect. Totally 188 plant species representing trees, shrubs and herbs were recorded. Acer acuminatum, Abies pindrow, Prunus cornuta and Quercus semecarpifolia were the major associated species of B. utilis in the subalpine zone of Hamta Pass. Based on importance value index five tree communities, namely A. acuminatum, A. pindrow, B. utilis , Q. semecarpifolia and B. utilis –P. cornuta mixed were identified. Among the communities, total density of trees, shrubs and herbs was recorded from 160 to 270, 300 to 515 and 21 to 33 individuals m –2 respectively. The total basal area recorded was 6.94–42.10 m2 ha –1 , species richness 15–127, and species diversity for trees 0.4–0.9, shrubs 0.0–2.1 and herbs 1.7–4.2. The density and regeneration (i.e. seedlings and saplings) of B. utilis in most of the populations revealed that this species will continue to grow in the area. However, continued anthropogenic activities, climate change and other factors may cause population depletion in the study area.

POTTERY: A UNIQUE TRADITIONAL CRAFT IN INNER SIRAJ VALLEY OF NORTHWESTERN HIMALAYAN DISTRICT OF KULLU, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Pottery is a century old craft used by human and is one of the most tangible and iconic elements of Indian art. This craft system shows the lifestyle of native communities, their belief, faith, customs and tradition through their craft. This paper documents the traditional pottery art of the Sirajicommunity living in the inner Siraj Valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. The uniqueness of the art is wheels are not used for making different pots as in other parts of the country. Paper also documents the procedures involved in making the pots and its current status. Study revealed that this traditional craft system will not survive if some urgent measures are not be taken in near future.

Diatom Flora of Kalath and Khirganga Thermal Springs of Himachal Pradesh, India

Diatoms are fascinating group of microorganisms; abundant in all aquatic habitats. They are used as reliable environmental indicators. In the present study diatoms flora of Kalath and Khirganga thermal springs of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh were examined for the first time. Water temperature for these springs range between 39-48°C with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Total eighteen taxa of diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) reported during study belonging to seven genera. Diatom species of Nitrogen heterotrophic- Nitzschia and Gomphonema dominated in these thermal springs. It indicates water of these springs is rich in nitrogen due to pollution. Present study adds twelve new taxa to the algal flora of Himachal Pradesh.

Red Rice in Himachal Pradesh: History, Tradition and Uses

Red rice or Laal Dhaan (Oryza sativa L.) is a famous land race of mid and high hills of South Western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and some parts of Uttrakhand. Being a traditional crop of Himachal Pradesh, red rice is deeply knitted with traditional rituals and used in various folk dishes and snacks. The key special uses include; Phooli Moorhi, Sookhi Moorhi, Chewrhior Hari Moorhi, Shakli or Sanse and the flour of red rice is also used to make Sidhku. Red rice is also used for making beverages in many areas of the state. Lugrhi, a brewed drink prepared from red rice, is famous in Kullu district. The husk separated while making Chewrhi is used as medicine to cure poisoning symptoms in cattle. The decoction made from red rice and lassi is used to cure dysentery in human beings. The rice water separated after cooking rice is fed to pregnant and lactating women as nutritional food supplement. The demand of nutraceutically rich food is increasing day by day. Keeping in view, the increased demand and shrinking area under the red rice, a concrete policy and marketing strategy is urgently required to motivate farmers and boost the cultivation of rice in its traditional areas of cultivation. A well-developed postharvest value chain is urgently required so that this nutraceutically rich gift of nature reaches the consumer across the globe.