Phek District Research Articles

A Report on the Tabanus Species Tabanus rufofrater in Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Background: Mithun (Bos frontalis) experience infestations from various ectoparasites, including several types of flies that cause painful bites, stress, blood loss and transmit a range of microorganisms. In the Mithun-inhabited forested regions of Phek, Nagaland, the Tabanus fly is particularly prevalent. Methods: Researchers studied Tabanus flies infesting free-range mithun in Phek District, Nagaland. The flies were collected and processed at the ICAR-NRC on Mithun in Nagaland. Both morphological (using stereoscopic microscopes) and molecular methods (employing ribosomal and mitochondrial gene markers) were utilized for identification. Additionally, DNA barcoding was done at Eurofins Genomics India Pvt. Ltd. to further ascertain the flies’ identities. Climate attributes (Temperature, Rainfall and Humidity) was recorded during the study. Result: Through morphological and molecular investigations, it was conclusively determined to be Tabanus rufofrater. The highest occurrence of Tabanus rufofrater encounters takes place between May and August, aligning with the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, before gradually declining thereafter. The prevalence of Tabanus rufofrater attacks peaks from May to August, coinciding with the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods and subsequently decreases.

Comparative Assessment of Soil Chemical Properties in Upper and Lower Forest Zones of Zanübu Mountain Range of Phek District, Nagaland, India

Comparative Assessment of Soil Chemical Properties in Upper and Lower Forest Zones of Zanübu Mountain Range of Phek District, Nagaland, India

Traditional Techniques of Search, Finding, Rear, and Harvest of Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa Mandarinia Smith) and its Socio-economic Perspective in Phek District of Nagaland, North East, India

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia Smith), also called “khude” in the local tongue of chokri speaking people of Phek district, Nagaland, is widely reared in its traditional method in almost all villages and towns during the months of May to October every year. This annual proceeding is pursued by both the town and village dwellers for the purpose of economy and consumption in the near future. It is found beneath the surface of the earth in the forest region. The Asian giant hornet is first engaged from sap-giving trees (usually the oak trees- a tree of the genus Quercus, abound in the district) which produce healthy sap in the months of the Spring season. Here, the Asian giant hornet is located, collected, and is relocated to a new rearing site. Although the sting of the Asian giant hornet is quite unpleasant and deadly, it does not devalue people’s interest in finding and rearing it. Neither, do people wear modern safety gear while harvesting the hive. The Asian giant hornet is one of the highly sought varieties of edible insects found in the Phek district of Nagaland. In the district, rearing of the Asian giant hornet with nil capital input has become mini-industry a thriving mini-industry and a source of income to a small section of the community, and moreover, a food delicacy to both the young write-up old. Thus, this write-up thoroughly deals with a detailed process of finding traditional search, find, collect, consuming, rear, harvesting, consuming, and selling of the Asian giant hornet in this part of Nagaland.

Determinants of Knowledge Level on Kiwi Cultivation Practices in Phek District of Nagaland

Determinants of Knowledge Level on Kiwi Cultivation Practices in Phek District of Nagaland

Performance of Soybean variety JS 335 in Phek District of Nagaland

Performance of Soybean variety JS 335 in Phek District of Nagaland

An attempt to explore bumble bees in Nagaland

A survey was conducted in five districts of Nagaland viz., Dimapur, Peren, Kohima, Phek and Kiphire to know the presence of bumble bees and their diversity. A total of 93 bumble bees were collected from forest and cultivated areas. These were got identified and their flora was recorded along with their activity. Bumble bees were observed in Khonoma region in Kohima and Pfutsero in Phek district, while these were not observed in Dimapur, Kiphire and Peren district of Nagaland. Bombus orientalis Smith was the species observed, with some differences in their morphology. Morphometrics revealed difference in various studied parameters of queens and workers.

"Marketable and Marketed Surplus and Price Spread of Vegetables in Phek District, Nagaland"

Vegetables are part and parcel of the daily healthy human diet. There will always be a demand for the vegetables in the market; the supply side has to keep up with the demand. With this regard, the study was carried out in Phek district, Nagaland, where the production and marketing of vegetables are well recognized. Three primary vegetables, cabbage, beans, and potato, were selected for the study from twelve villages from the sample population of 300 farmers in 2016-2017. The study was carried out to find out the marketable, marketed surplus, and the price spread in the marketing of the selected vegetables. Three marketing channels were observed, where Channel I (Farmer to consumer) played a significant role in terms of net returns received by farmers, lower cost, and non-existence of price gap. The result shows that the production, marketable surplus, and marketed surplus of cabbage was found to higher than beans and potato. To enhance and boost up production and marketed surplus, it is recommended to prioritize Channel I, infrastructural development, and extension services.

Body physique and nutritional status of Naga wrestlers: A case study of the Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland, India

The present study was conducted among the Chakhesang wrestlers and the controlled group of Phek district, Nagaland. This study aims to describe the variation in body physique and nutritional status of the traditional Naga-style wrestlers and the controlled group. Altogether, 52 each prominent wrestlers and non-wrestlers aged between 18 and 34 years were included in the present study. Heath-Carter method of somatotyping was employed to determine body physique. Nutritional status was determined using BMI classification for the Asian population given by WHO. Significant variations at different levels of probability were observed in all the anthropometric measurements included in the present study between the wrestlers and the controlled group. Significant variations were also found in BMI (p

Nest architecture of stingless bee, Tetragonula gressitti Sakagami from Nagaland, India

Tetragonula gressitti Sakagami is the new species of stingless bee discovered in Nagaland (2020). It was earlier found in Arunachal Pradesh (2013), South West China (2019) and Vietnam in 1978. The nest architecture of this particular species was never studied although there had been regular reports of its presence in forest areas by the local populace and all earlier reports were simply documented on the basis of collected samples from forests. This is the first detailed report on nesting characteristics of the stingless bee, T. gressitti, which were found located in the forest and village areas of Phek district in Nagaland during the early winters of 2019. The natural nests were found in tropical to sub-tropical evergreen forests on tree cavities, commonly at a height of 2.91 m ± 0.21 with a single entrance for each colony. The colonies were naturally active as seen and recorded from the activity of bees at their entrance gates during day time. The nests were extracted carefully with appropriate tools and transported to the experimental site. A total of seven natural nests were located for the study. Out of them, three nests were opened to observe the internal nest structure while the remaining nests were kept intact for further development and pollination studies. The observations revealed that the nest entrance on the external region was free from any wax or cerumen funnel/ tube and was meticulously kept clean by the bees. The nest entrances of all the colonies varied in size and shape. Internally, the entrance was connected to the brood through a waxy passage of 11.42 cm ± 0.73 length till it reached the involucrum. The brood was covered in a partial involucrum of 2.15 cm ± 0.23 thickness. The honey pots and pollen pots were found separated from the brood area and were connected through numerous small openings in the involucrum. The adult bees were observed to be deep black in colour. The required data on size of different cells and castes were also recorded accordingly.

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Chakhesang Naga tribe in Phek District of Nagaland, India

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Chakhesang Naga tribe in Phek District of Nagaland, India

Analysis of Vegetable Marketing Efficiency in Phek District, Nagaland

Vegetables are an integral part of the human daily diet; it also plays a vital role in the contribution to the farmer’s income and the National income. Thus, a study was carried out to analyse and find out the most efficient marketing system and channel using the Shepherds and Modified Acharya-Agarwal marketing efficiency method. The article is based on the study of 300 farmers from twelve villages in Phek district, which is well known for vegetable production and marketing in Nagaland. The marketing cost, price spread, net margins, etc. have been discussed under various channels. The vegetables selected for the study were Cabbage, Beans, and Potato. Numerous production and marketing constraints were also observed, and suggestive recommendations were made to increase production and marketing efficiency. Three marketing Channels were observed, and the most efficient marketing channel was found to be Channel I, where there is direct marketing between the Producer and the Consumer.

Subclinical Vitamin A Deficiency and Anemia among Women and Preschool Children from Northeast India.

Background:Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, Vitamin A, and iodine are important public health problems in India.Objective:The objective of the study was to assess subclinical Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anemia among women and preschool children from Northeast India. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out by adopting systematic sampling in Phek district of Nagaland. Data were collected from women on sociodemographic particulars, and finger prick blood was collected for hemoglobin and free-flowing drop for Vitamin A estimation on Whatman no. 1 filter paper.Results:The overall prevalence of anemia was 27%, 40%, 44%, and 52% among preschool children, nonpregnant nonlactating women, lactating mothers, and pregnant women, respectively, whereas VAD was 37% among preschool children and 24%–32% among adult women. The prevalence of VAD was observed high among those living in kutcha house, illiteracy of head of households, big family size, and low per capita income.Conclusions:Anemia and VAD are important public health problems among tribal population in spite of the rich biodiversity.

Potential of Horticultural Farming and Livelihood Sustainability: A Case Study of Plum Farming at Enhulumi Village of Phek District, Nagaland

Potential of Horticultural Farming and Livelihood Sustainability: A Case Study of Plum Farming at Enhulumi Village of Phek District, Nagaland

Phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation of Burmese black pig: A unique indigenous germplasm of north east region of India

Burmese black pig is one of the unique and well adapted indigenous pig reared under low input backyard production system in the eastern Himalayan hill ecosystem. The present study was conducted in four states of north eastern India viz. Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya to identify the geographical distribution, breeding habitat, phenotypic and productive characteristics of the pig. Information on production system was collected from 251 Burmese pig farmers across 78 villages in 14 districts by providing structured pre tested questionnaire. The study revealed that the population of Burmese black pig was about twelve thousands and mostly distributed in Phek, Kiphire, Tuensang and Mon district of Nagaland (38%); Champhai, Kolasib and Siaha districts of Mizoram (28%); Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts of Manipur (27%); and East Khasi hills, West Khasi hills and Ribhoi districts of Meghalaya (7%) which covered approximately 33700 square km areas of distribution. The average herd size of Burmese black pigs was 3.26±0.34 which ranges from 1 to 12. Backyard earthen floor housing system (55.38%)was the most common, followed by backyard deep litter housing (19.52%),slatted floor housing (14.34%), concrete floor housing (7.17%) and girth tethering system (3.59%). These pigs are predominantly black in colour. Medium sized concave dish shaped head, short slightly upward curve snout, well build long body structure with short legs, prominent neck in both male and female are the unique feature of Burmese black pigs. The average body weight of adult (10 months) was 79.76 ± 1.97 kg. The average body length, height at withers, heart girth and neck girth at adult age were 84.86 ±1.76, 61.94 ±1.52, 87.06 ±2.41 and 78.27 ±1.98 cm in male and 81.66 ±1.70, 60.15 ±1.60, 83.05 ±2.10, 75.02 ±1.81 cm in female, respectively. The average age at first heat and age at first farrowing were 220.32 ± 23.61 days and 365.00 ± 20.75 days, respectively; while average litter size at birth and litter size at weaning was 10.76 ± 0.87 and 8.86 ± 0.61, respectively. These pigs are having faster growth rate, larger adult body size and higher liter size as compared to the other indigenous pig breeds in India. The Burmese black pig possesses unique physical and high productive as well as reproductive traits that distinguished them from other indigenous pig breeds in the region.

Ecological Determinants of Wood-Rotting Fungal Diversity and First Report of Favolaschia calocera, an Invasive Species from India

The present investigation was carried out in Phek district, Nagaland, on seasonal basis for a period of 2 years from December 2014 to November 2016. A total of 56 wood-rotting fungi were identified. Among these, Favolaschia calocera R. Heim is reported for the first time from India. It belongs to the family Marasmiaceae. Highest number of wood-rotting fungi and the species abundance were recorded during summer (39 species and 53.45%, respectively). Maximum number of wood-rotting fungi was supported by logs (34 species). Based on decay stages of wood, decay stage III harbored the highest number of wood-rotting fungi (32 species). The number of species occurring on the sapwood and on bark was equal (23 each) and 10 were common to both. The pH and percentage moisture content of the hosts ranged from 2.88 to 6.57 and 10 to 58, respectively. Majority of wood-rotting fungi were collected from hosts growing under light-exposed condition (39 species) than those growing under shaded condition, whereas eight species were found growing under both the conditions. It was observed that species growing under shaded condition preferred later stages of wood decay (decay stages IV and V) and higher moisture content (above 30%), irrespective of the types and pH of the hosts. The present study provides baseline information on the ecology of wood-rotting fungal species.

Economics of Cabbage Cultivation and Post-harvest Losses in Phek District of Nagaland

Economics of Cabbage Cultivation and Post-harvest Losses in Phek District of Nagaland

Measuring Household Food Security Index for High Hill Tribal Community of Nagaland, India

With limited literature available on food security of tribal people, the study focused on the methodology of measurement on food security index of the tribal people residing in high altitude remote rural villages of Phek district of Nagaland, a state in north eastern part of India. Six indices on household food security developed and elaborated by international agencies were adopted with due modification to suit the study region. A multi-stage sample survey on rural households was conducted with pre tested structured interview schedule in Phek district during November 2016 for getting information on socio-economic aspects, food basket, weekly consumption of food groups, weekly expenditure on food items etc. From the information obtained four components of food security namely Household Diet Diversity Score, Food Consumption Score, Coping Strategy Index, Self Assessed Food Security Scale, and two components of household food insecurity namely Household Hunger Scale and Household Food Insecurity and Access Scale has been developed. Overall Food Security Index (FSIP) was obtained from the algebraic relation on above mentioned six indicators. The result showed that there was high and significant correlation of indicators like HDDSP (r= 0.36), HHSP (r= -0.57), CSIP (r= 0.58), HFIASP (r= -0.43) and SAFSP (r= 0.40) with FSIP. Socio-economic factors especially household income (r=0.226) and family size (r= -0.496) had significant correlation with FSIP. Large family sizes were significantly lower in food security index compared with small family size households. It is concluded from the study that alternative methodology of indicators are useful to study region specific food security rather conventional generalized ones.

English

Seasonal outbreaks of swine erysipelas have been reported in back yard pig farms in the Phek district of Nagaland, India. The alpha haemolytic isolate of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was recovered on blood agar from the clinical samples. The organisms were confirmed microscopically, biochemical analysis as well as by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S rRNA gene and sequence analysis. These Nagaland isolates (KT160358, KT160359) were closely related to the type spp. E. rhusiopathiae in phylogenetic analysis and forms the same clad with Chineese isolates of swine and murine origin indicating an epidemiological link. The isolates were found to be most sensitive to oxytetracycline and responded to treatment. Swine erysipelas occurred in Phek district in a season due to sudden change of weather and temperature. Pigs exposed to such predisposing factors probably favoured to propagation of already persisted organisms in pigs. This is the first confirmed case of E. rhusiopathiae infection from the NE states of Nagaland, India. Key words: Swine erysipelas, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, pig, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Nagaland, India, Oxytetracycline.

Reproductive attributes of local pig (Votho) of Nagaland, India

The present study was conducted to measure the reproductive attributes of Naga local pigs (Votho) in Kohima, Peren and Phek district of Nagaland. The reproductive parameters were measured through field survey and reproductive records of owner. The reproductive parameters such as age at first fertile service (AFFS), age at first farrowing (AFF), gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning, mortality rate and stillbirth rate were measured. The result revealed that there was a significant difference among the different districts of Nagaland in AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth. Parameters such as AFFS, AFF and litter weight at birth were significantly higher and gestation length, farrowing interval, litter size at weaning, litter weight at birth, litter weight at weaning were non-significantly higher in Kohima than in Peren and Phek District. Similarly, parameters such as litter size at birth, mortality rate were non-significantly higher in Peren district and stillbirth was non- significantly higher in Phek district than other districts of Nagaland. These reproductive attributes analyses may be useful in selection of breeding stock for future parents and select the place for breeding programme for indigenous local Naga pigs.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on major nutrient of soil in rajmash in acid soil of Nagaland

The experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2012 and 2013 at demonstration field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Porba village, Phek district, Nagaland to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on soil major nutrients of rajmash in acid soil of Nagaland. The experiment showed that the integrated treatments involving both organic and inorganic fertilizer influenced favourably the fertility status of the soil as compared to the control. Maximum increase in available N in soil (331.26 kg ha -1 in 2012 and 324.11 kg ha -1 in 2013) was found with T 18 (5 ton FYM + biofertilizer + lime+ 100% NPK). Available P content of the soil showed significantly higher value in all treatments over the initial value. Among the treatments, the treatment receiving 5 ton FYM + biofertilizer + lime + 100% NPK in both the experimental year showed the highest P content of the soil. For available K too, maximum K content in the soil was recorded in the treatment T 18 receiving 5 ton FYM + biofertilizer + lime + 100% NPK in both the years.