Northeastern Region Of India Research Articles

A combined impact assessment of climate and land use/land cover change in an Eastern Himalayan watershed in northeast India.

The current study investigates the joint impact of projected land use/land cover change (LULCC) and climate change on the discharge of river Puthimari using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Puthimari, flowing through part of Bhutan and the northeastern region of India, earns its significance by contributing a fairly huge amount of discharge to the mainstream Brahmaputra causing frequent floods downstream, specifically in the monsoon season. The analysis was carried out from 2025 to 2099, by dividing this entire period into three sub-periods, 2025‒2049, 2050‒2074, and 2075‒2099, each of 25 years duration. To evaluate the impact of climate change, this study considered future climate data of five different CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) climate models and their ensemble for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathways). The changes in LULC were incorporated by projecting the future LULC for 2035, 2065, and 2085 for each of the periods using the CA (Cellular Automata)-Markov model. SWAT performed well for both calibration and validation. The respective Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values for calibration and validation were found to be 0.74 and 0.77. Also, 0.75 and 0.79 coefficient of determination (R2) values were obtained for calibration and validation, respectively. The analyses reveal a 19.76% increase in rural settlement, and a 6.30%, 16.45%, and 8.76% decrease in forest, cropland, and waterbodies in the watershed by the end of this century. The average monsoon rainfall would increase by 14.16% and 38.92%, with a corresponding increase in discharge by 34.27% and 64.67%, under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively. This comprehensive study represents a pioneering effort to thoroughly analyze the future hydrological dynamics of the Puthimari River. This research serves as a vital resource for policymakers and government agencies, offering valuable insights to guide both structural and non-structural measures aimed at safeguarding the river from potential flood devastation. Additionally, it provides essential information to support the implementation of effective watershed management practices.

Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.

Multivariate Genetic Analyses Unveil the Complexity of Grain Yield and Attributing Traits Diversity in Oryza sativa L. Landraces from North-Eastern India

In the North-Eastern region of India, rice stands as the predominant staple, with diverse cultivars evolving over the past six decades. This study systematically evaluated 20 rice landraces, analyzing eleven variables related to yield and its attributing traits. The aim was to identify promising genotypes for potential breeding programs and to ascertain the minimum number of components essential for explaining the total diversity. Among the eleven principal components (PCs) examined, four PCs exhibited eigenvalues surpassing 1.0, collectively contributing to 80.45% of the total variability in the traits. PC1, which explained 31.19% of the overall variance, was associated with plant height, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, grain breadth, and grain length-to-breadth ratio. Utilizing cluster analysis, the 20 rice landraces were categorized into seven distinct clusters. Maximum inter-cluster divergence was observed between clusters VI and I, as well as clusters VI and V, indicating greater genetic distinctiveness among genotypes in these clusters compared to others. Notably, rice landraces such as Borosolpana, Phougak, Satyaranjan, Kakcheng Phou, Moniram, Kanaklata, and Bahadur were identified as genetically divergent. These genotypes hold promise for generating segregating populations, serving as valuable source materials for targeted yield improvement through meticulous selection, as indicated by inter-cluster distances.

The Cancer Mukt Jagrukta Abhiyan-Arunachal Pradesh

The Cancer Mukt Jagrukta Abhiyan-Arunachal Pradesh is a joint project by Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Mon Indigenous Culture & Welfare Society, Chabbi Sahayog Foundation and Dev Desh Vaidyakiya Shaikshanik Samajik Pratishthan with the aim to create awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment among the residents of Arunachal Pradesh. The project will involve conducting awareness campaigns, providing training and education to healthcare professionals, and establishing cancer screening and treatment center's in the state. Cancer incidence and its related mortality has been a public health concern for Arunachal Pradesh in India. However, there is a lack of evidence about the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) for cancer risk factors, screening programme and preventive behavior – especially among indigenous tribal populations. A health camp based survey was conducted from 21st November 2023 to 28th November 2023 among an indigenous population of Tawang District Arunachal Pradesh. Snowball sampling was used to enroll 705 participants (233 were male and 472 were female). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23 to test the hypothesis of KAP. (There is no difference in the level of knowledge / in the attitude / level of practice among study participants with respect to any independent (socio-demographic and other) factors.) The Papumpare Cancer Registry reported the highest cancer density among women and the second highest among men among all population-based cancer registries in India (Indian Council of Medical Research, Report of National Cancer Registry Programme, Bengaluru, India 2020). Knowledge about the cause of cancer and risk factors was poor among the respondents. Attitude towards screening was negative . Practice levels to prevent cancer were also low. More than 50% of the cases were treated outside the state and at private hospitals. Knowledge about cancer symptoms and risk factors was limited in the population. There is a need for more effective health promotion services in the state. Mass screening facilities and behavioral change activities are required and could be disseminated through social media platforms. Our analysis of a north-eastern region of India, which has unique geographical and cultural characteristics, informs future policy designs and other related studies for controlling cancer in the area

Hilsa fisheries in India: a socio-economic analysis of fishers in deltaic Ganga region of river Hooghly

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is a premium table fish in the eastern and some parts of the north-eastern region of India, especially for the Bengali community, contributing uniquely to the societal and economic significance of artisanal fisheries of the country. The major distribution of the fish species in India lies in the Bhagirathi–Hooghly component of the Ganga River system. The aim of the study was to examine if traditional Hilsa fisheries in India are sustainable as the livelihood of artisanal fishers in light of the socio-economic conditions of Hilsa fishers in West Bengal. Structured socio-economic surveys were conducted with 402 fishermen from the upper stretch of river Hooghly to its lower stretch (300 km) in West Bengal during 2020–2021. The average monthly income of the Hilsa fishers in the lower stretch of river Hooghly (Godakhali) (₹25,000–30,000/USD 301–361) was higher than that in the upper stretch at Farakka (₹10,000–15,000/USD 120–180). However, fish species other than Hilsa are generating significantly higher returns for 56% of fishers in the Hooghly district; 40% of Hilsa fishers in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad (Farakka) districts are engaged in non-fishery activities for livelihood. There are significant differences between Hilsa fishers with other fisheries as secondary occupations and those with non-fishery activities as secondary occupations in terms of socio-economic characteristics. These imply that Hilsa fisheries are profitable as a continued traditional livelihood, but it alone is not sufficient enough to support the livelihood of the artisanal fishers. This indicates the threatened economic sustainability of the Hilsa fisheries sector at present. Considering the high market demand for Hilsa in the eastern and north-eastern regions of India and the market complexities, more significant investments need to be channeled into the Hilsa fisheries of the northern Bay of Bengal region. Such investments encompass a wholesome approach, including more governmental initiatives for conservation and management.

Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Antidiabetic Activity of a Northeast Indian Plant Zingiber rubens Roxb. through Modulation of PKC Phosphorylation

Background: Zingiber rubens Roxb., a new species of the Zingiberaceae family, is found profoundly in the Northeastern region of India. It is a rhizomatous geophyte and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome native to Indo-China regimens. Objective: The aim is to research the root part of this plant to discover active constituents and evaluate the molecular mechanism of antidiabetic activity Methods: The hydroalcoholic root extract of this plant (HAZR) was evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant assays α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assay. Further, the antidiabetic activity assay was evaluated, exploring the molecular mechanism for modulating oxidative stress in tissue biochemical parameters and HbA1c. To explore the molecular mechanism, we also investigated the inhibition assay of protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Results: The experiments' results helped to conclude that HAZR has potent antioxidant and antidiabetic activity and could have been embedded with potent active molecules. They also revealed the mechanism of action as inhibition of PKC phosphorylation, meriting further studies. Conclusion: The present study revealed that HAZR demonstrated its antidiabetic activity against diabetic animal models through oxidative stress-mediated PKC and TGF-β regulation in diabetic individuals.

The Major Drainage Systems in the North Eastern Region of India

The Major Drainage Systems in the North Eastern Region of India

Growth in area and production of bamboo in North Eastern Region of India

Growth in area and production of bamboo in North Eastern Region of India

Processing of an underutilized fruit crop sumac berry from the north-eastern region of India: A Review

Sumac, a native wild fruit crop with over 250 varieties, grows 12-25 feet in sub-tropical to tropical climates with well-drained soil, creamy white blooms, and waxy-coated seeds. R. chinensis Mill. is a promising natural medicine with health benefits, anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antidiarrheal properties. Its methanolic extract has reduced kidney stone risk, suppresses bone resorption, and inhibits HIV-1 activity. Evidence suggests that R. chinensis contains flavonoids, phenolics, and triterpenoids because of its excellent nutritional profile, and distinctive tangy flavor, Rhus chinensis has enormous potential as a niche fruit crop. Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits are notably rich in carbohydrates(15.49 ± 1.60%), ascorbic acid (840.45 ± 86.44 μg/g), and minerals like potassium and phosphorus. While the fruit pulp is naturally acidic, processing it into tablets and candies reduces its acidity by 3.70% and 3.68%, enhancing its palatability and potential health benefits. Sumac processing typically adheres to traditional methods, with the berries sun-dried for approximately one week. Additionally, dried fruits, jams, juices, and tea can be made from Rhus chinensis. Some difficulties are raising customer awareness, conquering ignorance about cultivation, and adjusting its flavor to Western palates. Breeding programs, post-harvest technology, marketing, and sustainable farming methods are needed to overcome these obstacles.

Prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in Assam, India: Findings from cancer risk factor monitoring survey

Physical inactivity and obesity have been causing a serious health risk mostly in developed countries, but the threat has also been in the low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization, excessive fat deposition in the body results in overweight and obesity. Many chronic illness such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer as well are attributed due to obesity. Physical activity has tremendous health benefits in preventing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes and is a means of primary prevention. The aim of the survey was to generate the prevalence of insufficient physical activity, overweight, and obesity as cancer risk factors and estimate health system response in Assam, Northeastern Region of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey was undertaken as a part of Cancer Research in the North East Region, a multidisciplinary program run by the ICMR-NCDIR, Bengaluru, to prevent and control cancer in the northeastern states. The survey adapted the multistage cluster random sampling method for the cancer profile in the PBCR covering areas in Assam. Study Population – The target population for the survey was defined as all residents aged 18 years or above. RESULTS: The percentage of prevalence of overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥25.0) by place of residence shows that 21.8% were urban and 11.5% were rural. Gender wise, 10.9% were male and 17.4 were female, of the total 14.1%. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30.0) by place of residence shows 4.3% urban 1.3% rural, while in terms of gender, 1.5% of males and 2.8% of females. The total percent is 2.1%. 95.0% have sufficient physical activity and 5.0% have insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of good physical activity, low prevalence of obesity and overweight and higher prevalence of tobacco consumption in these areas reflect the leading sites of cancers in the registries in Assam. Lifestyle modification and behavioral changes can significantly reduce the burden of cancer and improve health benefits.

A review on post-harvest technology of an underutilized vegetable bitter tomato (Solanum aethiopicum L cv. gilo) of Northeastern region of India

Northeastern region of India is endowed with variety of local vegetables that are highly nutritious and health-promoting. One of which is Solanum aethiopicum L which has a bountiful source of nutrients and bioactive chemicals. It has several pharmacological benefits and are used in indigenous medicine to treat various conditions. Nonetheless, the crop is highly perishable with a short shelf life (35days) which significantly contributes to postharvest losses. Techniques used to extend the shelf life of the crop are freezing, drying and refrigeration. The crop can be stored at low temperatures about 10-12oC. Fruits kept in perforated polyethylene bags had the longest shelf life. Important materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene are commonly used and coating can be applied to increase the crop’s shelf life. The crop has a huge potential in making value added products like pickles, dehydrated products and many more. However, concerns related to postharvest and production of the crop have not received equal attention due to scant research with the crop being neglected and underutilized due to lack of awareness and limited market. Considering the crop offers many advantages, popularization of the crop is essential but adapting to the bitter taste and flavor of the fruit could be challenging for the consumers. Consumer attitudes, views, and willingness to pay for products that have undergone particular post-harvest procedures require further investigation. Proper cultivation techniques, processing, value addition and marketing are required to surpass these hurdles.

Environmental impact of green house gas emissions from the tea industries of northeastern states of India

MotivationTea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, holds the position of being the most widely consumed manufactured beverage globally. Its cultivation necessitates specific agro-climatic conditions, leading to its production being confined to select regions, notably including India. India contributes about 20.81% to the world’s tea output. The production and processing of tea leaves to final product consume energy in terms of machinery, fertilizer, irrigation etc. The energy consumption involved in tea production is a pressing concern, given the associated high costs and CO2 emissions resulting from fossil fuel usage. To achieve a net-zero carbon balance, there is need to pay attention towards promoting renewable energy technologies as a means to mitigate the CO2 emissions stemming from fossil fuels in India’s tea sector.ObjectivesAligned with the objective of sustainability through the integration of renewable energy sources, a pilot study was conducted in the primary tea-growing regions of northeastern India during 2021–22. The primary aims of this study were twofold: to gauge the quantity of CO2 emissions originating from conventional energy sources and to explore the feasibility of incorporating renewable energy sources as viable substitutes.Data and methodsData on various inputs used in tea production were collected from Assam and West Bengal states of India by using a stratified random sampling method with equal probability and without replacement.ResultsThe findings of this investigation underscore a noteworthy potential for the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, within the tea estates situated in the north eastern region of India. Such a transition would yield benefits for both the tea estates themselves and the overall environment.

A Study on the Present Status of the Ornamental Ichthyofauna Population in Hahila Beel in Nagaon District, Assam

Assam is blessed with an abundance of ornamental fishes in nature and contributes a major share of the total ichthyofauna in the North Eastern region of India. There is a vast potential for indigenous ornamental fishes in Assam. Awareness and documentation of these fishes is important for their conservation and systematic exploration which will ensure employment generation. In the present study, a total of 41 species belonging to 17 families and 7 orders were recorded in the Hahila Beel. The predominant orders were Cypriniformes, Siluriformes and Perciformes. The data to carry out the present study is based on both primary and secondary sources.

Perception of agroforestry practices and factors influencing adoption among shifting cultivators in Tripura, India

ABSTRACT Agroforestry, with benefits including resource diversity, improved nutrition, climate change mitigation, and increased income, can ensure financial stability for small farmers by diversifying yields. However, its widespread adoption in traditional farming communities encounters challenges. Focusing on two districts in Tripura with resettled former shifting cultivation-dependent communities, the study used a mixed methods approach, collecting data from 221 households, assessing socio-economic status, farming practices, and agroforestry adoption. Statistical analyses revealed that most common commercial species were Arecanut, Rubber, Jackfruit, and Pineapple, and households practicing agroforestry had notably higher annual farm incomes over other systems. Over 80% households recognized agroforestry's self-sufficiency, with 50% noting improved financial security, diversity, and coping capacity. Socio-economic benefits were better understood than environmental benefits. Plot diversity variations were influenced by seed procurement source, system type, and tribe. Challenges in adopting scientific agroforestry, such as long maturation, land insufficiency and labor demands, were identified. Suggested solutions included increased seed availability, more land for agroforestry, and skill training. This study emphasizes the potential of agroforestry in offering sustainable livelihoods to traditional smallholders and promoting agroecological sustainability in the North-eastern Region of India.

A review on bioactive compounds and health benefits of Baccaurea ramiflora

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to explore the underutilized and underexploited Burmese grape (Baccaurea ramiflora) as a valuable plant food crop grown in the northeastern region of India. Despite its seasonal availability, this fruit is used in various culinary applications and local delicacies. It is noteworthy for its abundant natural bioactive compounds that offer diverse health benefits. These bioactive compounds have demonstrated properties such as anti‐inflammatory, antiobesity, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic effects. This review compiles and analyzes the most recent research findings concerning the bioactive compounds found in Burmese grape's leaves, fruit, and seeds. Additionally, it investigates the physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of the fruit pulp and seed oil. The synthesis of this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the plant's phytochemical content, including essential components like vitamin C, iron, potassium, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its medicinal and health‐promoting attributes. The results presented in this review shed light on the potential applications of the Burmese grape and its bioactive compounds in various industrial sectors. With the growing interest in functional and nutraceutical products, the insights gathered here offer promising opportunities for leveraging the nutritional and health‐enhancing benefits of this fruit in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

A new species of the genus Eutyphoeus Michaelsen 1900 (Clitellata: Acanthodrilidae) from the North-Eastern Biogeographic Zone, India.

A new species of the genus Eutyphoeus is described herein from the material collected from Assam, the North-eastern region of India. The new species Eutyphoeus dhubriensis sp. nov. belongs to a group of avestibulate, metandric species, with bidiverticulate spermathecae, lacking lateral intestinal caecae. The proposed species is distinguished from its congeners by the shape, position of genital markings and associated glands, as well as number and position of ventral intestinal caecae and supra-intestinal glands.

A shippers’ perspective multimodal freight transportation analysis considering shallow-draft inland waterways

Multimodal transportation (MMT) enables flexible, sustainable, and efficient freight distribution across cities, states, and countries. Many researchers have incorporated the deep-draft inland waterways (IWT) into a MMT network to improve the efficiency of freight transportation to and from the hinterland area. However, the studies on inland waterways with shallow drafts are limited. This study investigates a multi-echelon MMT network design model that includes shallow-draft IWT alongside roadways and railways. The article aims to assist in tactical and operational planning for a unidirectional flow of goods from the shippers’ perspectives. A mixed integer non-linear programming model is presented to incorporate pragmatic aspects such as transportation subsidies, vehicle/barge heterogeneity, dredging, maintenance, and societal impact. The model is further applied to the case of National Waterways-2 (NW-2) in the Brahmaputra River, which handles multiple commodities from the northeastern region of India. Different scenario analysis are performed in this study to assess the sensitivity of the model. The experimental results demonstrate the importance of mode sharing with IWT in order to reap at least 20% monetary savings and other societal benefits.

VALUE ADDITION OF ERI SILK YARNS WITH ALLAMANDA GRANDIFLORA - A NATURAL COLOURANT

Eri silk is one of the four varieties of silk mostly available in northeastern region of India. Recent trends in the world market of silk revealed that eri silk had tremendous potential as it was gifted with unique properties of protecting human body from some aliments as well as its use as fashionable dress and furnishing materials besides providing comfort of warmth. To suit the norms of the present national and international market, dyeing eri silk with natural dyes contributes to its value chain. The information on dyeing eri silk with natural dyes is very meager and requires to be established. New source such as Allamanda grandiflora was not used for dyeing textiles as per the available literature. Effort was made to standardise variables involved in extraction of the dyes and dyeing eri silk yarns. The standardisation procedures described under materials and methods were used and the evaluation was based on colour strength (K/S values) measured using colour flex spectrophotometer. Among the three mordanting methods, Pre mordanting method exhibited better results compare with simultaneous and post mordanted samples. Among the five mordants, alum and chitin mordanted samples exhibited good fastness followed by tartaric acid, ferrous sulphate and stannous chloride mordanted samples.

Impact of geographical locations on essential oil composition and leaf histochemistry in Cinnamomum verum J. S. Presl

Cinnamomum verum is worldwide well-known for its culinary and medicinal properties. The distinguished aroma of this plant is due to the presence of oil cells containing oil drops which are known as the primary site of essential oil biosynthesis. In this study, we compared the content and composition of essential oils of C. verum leaves of two distinct seasons from two different geographical regions, viz. Kharagpur (Cv-K) and Mamit (Cv-M) - the eastern and north-eastern regions of India, respectively. The leaf essential oils of the Kharagpur region were mainly composed of phenylpropanoids (81.98%) while monoterpenoids (48.42%) dominated in the Mamit region. The major components of Kharagpur and Mamit chemotypes were eugenol (81.83±2.09%) and linalool (37.52±7.06%), respectively. Transverse sections obtained through cryomicrotomy showed the presence of lipids and terpenes in the oil droplets upon staining with Sudan III and Nadi, respectively. Though, histochemical analyses did not show any distinct differences in the secretory structures of C. verum growing in two different geographical locations, absence of crystal in Cv-M type leaves was noted. Because of substantial differences in the chemical composition of essential oils, these two populations of C. verum can be considered as two distinct chemotypes.

Identification of Urban Centre and Rural Growth Centres Around Guwahati and Its Surrounding Rural Region Using Hierarchical Settlements, Nested Hexagons, Remote Sensing and GIS

Guwahati city is the highest order urban center of Assam and is an important gateway to the north eastern region of India. In this study, a 50km buffer from the master plan boundary of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is selected for identifying potential urban centers and rural growth centers (URGC) of different order for decentralized planning and inter and intra-administrative cooperation around the city using multi-parametric criteria. This includes central place theory, nested hexagon method and thematic information on groundwater potential zones, land use/land cover, flood prone and landslide susceptible zones. Out of the 32 identified potential villages, 15 are proposed for new urban centers and 17 are proposed for development as rural growth centers. 9 towns are also proposed for up-gradation to higher order for proper spatio-functional interaction. However, several suggestions and preventive measures were made before initiating developmental expansion which needs to be considered. The findings of this study would be useful for decentralized planning to minimize the economic imbalances, rural migration and sustainable development of the region.