Kachchh Research Articles

Banni buffalo production system for sustainable livelihoods in salty, tropical desert conditions

ABSTRACT The Banni area in Kutch region of western India is a typical salt desert area. The usual methods of farming and husbandry are not successful here. The local farming community has developed a unique system of raising buffalo for Banni breed animals that is cost effective which is low cost, climate -smart and sustainable. The livestock production system has evolved over generations and incorporates scientific considerations. The behavior of 55 Banni buffaloes was observed with a thermal imaging device and interpreted based on farmers’ experiences. The nighttime behavior of these buffalo is unique. The animals were trained to follow the “leader-follower” hierarchy when moving around the pasture. The night grazing movements of the herd are controlled by the “leader buffaloes” without herders. The animals walk back and forth during the night along a known path. Concentrate feed mixed with jaggery, water and motherly instinct seem to be the main motivators for the buffalo to return from grazing – a type of Pavlovian conditioning behavior. The present study provides an alternative approach for developing simple, cost effective, welfare-oriented strategies for management using the behavioral aspects of animals.

Assessment of blue carbon sequestration potential of Avicennia marina in the semi-arid zone of Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, India

The mangrove ecosystem provides extensive socio-economic services and important role in blue carbon sequestration in the tropical forest. The present study aimed to assess the carbon sequestration potential of Avicennia marina in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, the state with second largest mangrove cover in India. The mean above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass were 96.9 Mg ha −1 and 19.6 Mg ha −1, respectively. The Gulf of Kutch’s mean total biomass was 116.5 Mg ha −1, and its corresponding vegetation and soil carbon stocks were 54.1 Mg C ha −1 and 25.87 Mg C ha −1, respectively. Among the five creeks, Navlakhi recorded the highest mean total biomass of 287.3 Mg ha −1 and vegetative carbon stock of 133.9 Mg C ha −1 followed by Tuna creek, Phan creek, Kandla creek and Jangi creek. The diameter at breast height (DBH) showed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.81, P<0.001) with above-ground biomass, followed by below-ground biomass (R2 = 0.82, P<0.001), total biomass (R2 = 0.81, P<0.001), and total vegetative carbon stock (R2 = 0.81, P<0.001). The Gulf of Kutch mangrove ecosystem faces natural and human-induced anthropogenic activity pressures, though it sequesters a substantial amount of carbon in terms of biomass. Realizing the importance of carbon storage, the government and NGOs planted mangroves in 76,838 ha during 2001–2019, increasing the total area of mangroves from 911 to 1178 km 2. Further, it is contemplated that establishment of multispecies mangrove biodiversity park will serve as a seed bank and encourage the development of multispecies in the semi-arid zone of the Kutch region.

Mitigation strategies against adverse effects of climate change on animal husbandry practices by Maldhari community of Kutch district in Gujarat

Mitigation strategies against adverse effects of climate change on animal husbandry practices by Maldhari community of Kutch district in Gujarat

Clay minerals and the adsorption of fullerenes: clues from iridium-enriched Cretaceous–Palaeogene Anjar intertrappean beds, Kachchh district, Gujarat, India

Clay minerals and the adsorption of fullerenes: clues from iridium-enriched Cretaceous–Palaeogene Anjar intertrappean beds, Kachchh district, Gujarat, India

FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN RURAL ECONOMY: EXPERIENCES AND THE WAY FORWARD

The objective of this study is to examine the status of financial inclusion in the rural economy and to understand the extent to which the policies of financial inclusion have been successful, especially in rural areas. To increase banking penetration and to promote financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Government of India (GoI) have made substantial efforts to ensure that all the adult citizens of the country have a bank account. Various studies and reports have measured the financial inclusion or exclusion index. The existing financial indices are computed based on the supply-side information on financial services and they fail to capture the demand-side dynamics (Dev, 2006). The present study tries to adopt the demand-side approach of assessing financial inclusion. This approach is more of a micro-level analysis rather than a macro view of access to the financial sector. With this background, the present study assesses whether banking facilities have reached the rural areas? Have people of rural areas particularly disadvantaged and low-income groups availed the benefits of banking facilities for their monetary transactions? What are the factors affecting access to financial services? The study adopts the empirical research strategy to measure the extent of financial inclusion. The scope of the research is restricted to rural and unbanked areas of the Kachchh district of Gujarat.

Salvadora oleoides: An endangered plant of Kutch Region of Gujarat with remarkable impact on desert ecosystem and human health

Salvadora oleoides: An endangered plant of Kutch Region of Gujarat with remarkable impact on desert ecosystem and human health

Critical analysis of River Linking Projects-Benefits to Gujarat State, India

The Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) is a vast program of country which shall provide additional irrigation potential of 35 Mha over and above conventional means of irrigation potential of 140 Mha. Undoubtedly it will have positive impact on mitigation of adverse impact of climate change. The study is a part of review of ILR program and its likely benefits to various region of country. As we are aware that eastern region of country has abundant water while States like Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat having nearly arid zone. Present study has been done to critically examine and visualize the ILR Projects benefitting Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat. The average availability of rainfall varies from 200 cm plus in South Gujarat to less than 10 cm in Kutch region of Gujarat. One of the priority link under ILR viz. ParTapi-Narmada envisages transfer of surplus water in water surplus region of South Gujarat to northern region of Gujarat having acute shortage or no water. The study also confirms that Par-Tapi-Narmada Link once implemented with introduction of micro irrigation and introduction of solar power to optimize cost and maximum benefits. The analysis confirms that economic impact of link in the region.

SACRED GROVES: A NOVICE IDEA FOR CARBON SEQUESTRATION

The daily anthropogenic advancements of humans have led to an increase in global carbon emissions. Every year, there has been an increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. One of the least expensive ways to minimize this gas is by biological carbon sequestration in plants. Ecosystems of forests are the most significant carbon sinks among terrestrial ecosystems and have long-term sustainable impacts on limiting climate change. Sacred groves are less disturbed due to religious and mythological beliefs. It can serve as a model for effective carbon sequestration. Sacred groves are known as the small patches of conserved forests protected by man’s spiritual beliefs and cultural practices. These sacred forest patches were studied from the ecological, environmental and floristic points of view by several research workers. Due to their religious and mythological myths and beliefs, sacred groves and sacred plants are conserved well. Apart from being conserved, these sacred plants can also have a higher potential for carbon sequestration. Using a non-destructive method, the total biomass and carbon stored in the sacred tree species have been calculated. The main focus of the current article is on estimating the carbon sequestration of sacred tree species in sacred groves found in selected areas Abdasa Taluka of Kachchh District. Total 51 sacred groves were recorded from 33 villages which cover approximately 23.64 hectares of land area. Carbon sequestration of 537 individuals of 23 tree species was estimated through the standard method. Ficus benghalensis L.is dominated in carbon i.e., 7.36 tones followed by Tamarindus indica L. (5.77 tones), Ficus religiosa L. (5.22 tones), Delonix regia (Boj.) Raf (3.02 tones). Lowest carbon sequestration was recorded in Prosopsis cineraria (L.) Druce, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub and Punica granetum L. less than 1 tons respectively.

Sustainability of migratory pastoralism through value addition during Covid-19 pandemic in Kachchh district

This study was conducted among the Maldhari community to understand the sustainability of migratory pastoralism during Covid-19. Bhuj and Lakpat Talukas of Kachchh district, Gujarat were selected to study the effect of profile variables on the annual income and net income of the families. The study revealed that family size and taluka were the significant factors influencing total income whereas taluka was the only significant factor influencing net income. Due to reduced sale of milk resulting from Covid-19, most of the milk was converted i to khoa and the income generated from its sale was the major source of income for the migratory families. Cow dung fetched a minimal price which served as major source of their livelihood with no input cost. The value addition with better marketing facilities can significantly enhance the income of the pastoralists in the Kachchh district.

Chemometric analysis and risk assessment indices to evaluate water and sediment contamination of a tropical mangrove forest

BackgroundMangroves are among the utmost productive forest residing at the interface amid terrestrial and marine environments. They play an essential role in carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and the marine food web's sustenance. Rapid land use and land cover changes have severely affected these ecosystems worldwide. Material and methodsThe present study was carried out in the mangrove forest of Kachchh district in Gujarat. This area is one of India's most swiftly growing industrialized coastal regions, embracing several ports, thermal power plants, salt production units, textile, petrochemical, cement, and fertilizer manufacturing industries. Therefore, this study aims to investigate nutrients and trace metal contamination status in mangroves. A total of 25 physicochemical parameters for water and 16 parameters for surface sediment were analysed using standard protocols. Trace metals were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results and discussionImmensely higher chloride (20,116 ± 1929 mg L −1) and sulfate (2315 ± 679 mg L −1) concentrations were observed, suggesting high seawater and saltpan brine mixing in this coastal region. High tidal influx and arid-climate of the area are responsible for higher salinity (52.7 ± 5.0 PSU) in water. Cluster analysis depicts that sites M2, M3, M5, and M6 incorporate higher nutrient levels, indicating the anthropogenic origin of nutrients. The results depict the role of granulometric composition in controlling carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and metal biogeochemistry in sediments. Results showed that mean trace metal (Fe, Cu, and Ni) content in sediment was higher than the world average shale value, indicating anthropogenic sources. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and Enrichment factor (EF) indicates sediment samples were moderately polluted with Cu, Zn, and Ni. ConclusionThe findings revealed that anthropogenic activities have affected the hydrogeochemistry of mangroves in the studied region, which will eventually impact flora and fauna. Therefore, there is a pressing necessity to implement pollution control, mitigation, and restoration policies for the endurable management of the mangroves.

A spatio-temporal analysis of changing trends in rainfall patter: A case study of Kutch District

Changing trends captivate millions of analytical minds. It grabs much when the impact on human lives and properties is involved. The utmost concern is changing weather patterns, which led to a worse impact on the amount and distribution of the precipitation. Essentially, the challenge in several nations is to reach the whole population with adequate water per day. Even a country like India, which has thousands of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, etc. unable to reach the whole population, as it depends on the uneven event, the Monsoon for its &gt;80% annual rain during monsoon months (June-September). The Nation’s westernmost district, Kutch, which holds the title for the largest area-wise district in India, has been bearing from changing trends in rainfall for a long time. The rainfall distribution within the district is uneven and has experienced contrasting extreme events like drought and flood within consecutive years. The present study attempts to analyse the Spatio-temporal rainfall pattern for 58 years from 1961 to 2018 for the Kutch district using the IMD4 long-term daily gridded (High Spatial Resolution, 0.25° x 0.25°) rainfall dataset. In addition, the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope method were performed to detect the trends and the magnitude of change over the studied period, respectively. The results indicate high rainfall variability during monsoon months in the north and northwest, while relatively moderate and low in the south and west parts of the district, respectively, and show an upward trend in monsoon rainfall at a 5% significance level in all the Taluka of the Kutch district.

Effects of wind farm on land bird composition at Kachchh District, Gujarat, India

Bird assemblages in wind farm areas tend to change during the construction and operational phases, causing significant impacts in addition to collision mortality. Most existing studies on this issue are reported from North America and Europe, and it is largely under reported in Asian countries. We assessed patterns of bird assemblage in a wind farm and control areas in Kachchh, India, from October 2012 to May 2014, using point count method (79 sampling points with a 50 m radius). We recorded 54 species of land birds, mainly passerines. Species richness and diversity were higher in the control site, and the abundance of most passerine species was lower in the wind farm area, although the abundance of larks and wheatears was higher in the wind farm areas. Species composition was significantly different in both the sites. This difference is attributed to the presence of wind turbines and a difference in land use pattern.

Correction: First report on late Miocene (Tortonian: ~ 11–10 Ma) charophyte gyrogonites from Tapar, Kachchh District, Gujarat State, western India

Correction: First report on late Miocene (Tortonian: ~ 11–10 Ma) charophyte gyrogonites from Tapar, Kachchh District, Gujarat State, western India

First report on late Miocene (Tortonian: ~ 11–10 Ma) charophyte gyrogonites from Tapar, Kachchh District, Gujarat State, western India

This paper describes the first record of charophyte gyrogonites from the late Miocene (Tortonian; ~ 11–10 Ma) Tapar locality of Kachchh, Gujarat State, western India. The recovered charophyte assemblage is constituted by Chara globularis var. aspera, C. globularis var. globularis, Lychnothamnus cf. sahnii, Lychnothamnus sp. and Nitellopsis sp. In addition, the present article discusses the palaeoenvironment based on the recorded charophyte gyrogonites (this study) and previously known faunal data (mainly vertebrates) from the Tapar locality, Kutch Basin, western India. Further, considering the significant extension of the biostratigraphic range [especially the First Appearance Datum (FAD)] of fauna from the Kutch Basin (in particular from the Tapar locality), we herein make an attempt to compare biostratigraphically the faunal assemblages from Kutch with those from the Siwalik Group, north India.

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Non-Reserve Forest Area of Kachchh District, Gujarat

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Non-Reserve Forest Area of Kachchh District, Gujarat

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Non-Reserve Forest Area of Kachchh District, Gujarat

Kachchh, the largest district of western Indian in Gujarat state that depicts thorn scrub forest, grassland, marine and mangrove ecosystem. The study aimed at documenting the floral diversity of the Khambhla forest, located between 23°23'42.0"N 69°14'14.5"E to 23°26'11.9"N 69°15'07.0"E in the western block of Nakhatrana in Kachchh. This particular forest has an undulating terrain with small hillocks, classified under tropical thorn forest. In the present study, a total of 107 species belonging to 86 genera from 31 families are recorded. Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC., an invasive species that has taken over the native vegetation of Kachchh and has altered the community structure of an ecosystem. A participatory approach of the present study revealed that the land expansion of P. juliflora, composition of nutritive grasses used for pastoralism has changed. Dense invasion causes migration of the wildlife. The study concludes with recommendations for effective management of P. juliflora to restore the native biodiversity of Kachchh.

Elemental and Phytochemical Variation among Healthy and Cracked Fruit of Punica granatum L. From Selected Areas of Kachchh Region, India

Punica granatum L. also called Pomegranate is an commercially important fruit plant belonging to Punicaceae family. Cultivation for pomegranate in Kachchh district is increasing drastically but cracking of pomegranate is one of the serious problem that badly affects the production and quality of pomegranate and also economic loss to farmers. For this purpose, the study was conducted to identify elemental and phytochemicals variation in leaves among healthy and cracked fruit. Identification of elements in leaves was carried using scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique while acetone extracts were used for phytochemical variation using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of the SEM-EDX analysis revealed that in cracked fruit deficiency of calcium, magnesium, cobalt, and tin and excess amount of chloride and potassium was found when compared with healthy fruit while lupeol acetate and sclareol phytochemical were observed in healthy fruit while cracked fruit showed its absence.

Palynology of the Umia plant beds of Kutch, W. India - 2. Bhuj exposures near Walkamata, Kutch district, Gujarat state - Systematic palynology

The dispersed spore-pollen genera recovered from the Bhuj exposures near Walkamata are referred to 42 spore-pollen genera and 59 species. Microforaminifera and Hystrichosphaerids recovered from the sediments have been figured. The geological distributions of the species are also tabulated in the present paper.

FAO-CROPWAT 8.0 Used for Analysis of Water Requirements and Irrigation Schedule in the Kutch Region of Gujarat

Abstract: Water is an important input for agriculture so this valuable resource is designed properly and deliverable. Reasonable information on evapotranspiration, crop water requirements, and net irrigation requirements is required for effective planning of this resource. To use optimum amount of water for crops and reduce irrigation quantity, some form of irrigation scheduling should be used by the farming community. Unscientific and injudicious application of groundwater in this region resulted in depletion of the groundwater table. To achieve effective utilization of the groundwater resources, there is a need to estimate the crop water requirement for different crops at different management levels to accomplish effective irrigation management. Crop water requirements of different crop in districts of Kutch was calculated using FAO CROPWAT 8.0 a computer simulation model. The simulation study was conducted with the objectives of determining irrigation water requirement and irrigation scheduling for some major crops. The Penman - Monteith method was used for evapotranspiration calculation in the model. The model predicted the daily, decadal as well as monthly crop water requirement at different growing stages of crops. Keywords: crop water requirement, irrigation scheduling, CROPWAT 8.0

BODY SIZE TRENDS IN TRIGONIIDA BIVALVES FROM THE MESOZOIC KUTCH, INDIA

ABSTRACTAlthough empirical testing of Cope's rule, the tendency for size to increase over time, has received significant attention in the last few decades, there is no consensus about the applicability of this rule across taxonomic levels. In the present study, we investigate the distribution of body size of Trigoniida bivalves, at order-, family-, genus- and species-level, through the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous of the Kutch region in India. Our data suggest that the body size of Trigoniida bivalves did not vary significantly in the Middle–Late Jurassic, followed by an increase after the Jurassic–Cretaceous mass extinction boundary and a reduction in the late Early Cretaceous. Changes in relative sea-level and associated sedimentary facies composition generally exhibit poor correlation with the overall stasis, or no net body size change, displayed by Trigoniida bivalves. Body-size analysis across taxonomic hierarchy reveals that order-level trends are not a simple aggregation of trends at lower taxon levels. An important observation of our study is the body-size increase immediately in the aftermath of the Jurassic– Cretaceous mass extinction, a deviation from the general observation that size reduction occurs in post-extinction communities. We argue that this increase may be result of both ecological competition and evolutionary faunal turnover.