Sirsa District Research Articles

Enhancing green gram yield through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) in Sirsa district of Haryana

Enhancing green gram yield through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) in Sirsa district of Haryana

Micro level weather based agromet-advisories and economic impact assessment of cotton crop for Sirsa district, Haryana

Micro level weather based agromet-advisories and economic impact assessment of cotton crop for Sirsa district, Haryana

Study of Spatial Variability of Groundwater Depth in Sirsa District of Western Agro Climatic Zone of Haryana

Groundwater plays a vital role in agriculture and industry in various sectors across India, especially in Haryana’s Sirsa district, where groundwater plays a vital role. Approximately 50% of the irrigated land is dependent on groundwater, while 60% of the food production is dependent on groundwater. The depletion of groundwater in Haryana is a major concern due to population growth and increasing water demand, which is further aggravated by water-intensive crops. Even though Haryana accounts for 1.4 % of the country's geographical area, food production in Haryana contributes significantly to the nation's GDP. The study concentrates on Haryana, where groundwater plays a key role, especially in the Sirsa district, where the availability of surface water is limited. From 1974 to 2022, there is a worrying trend of decreasing groundwater levels in the Sirsa district in four blocks, which is mainly attributed to unregulated groundwater extraction, especially for agriculture, which results in ecological damage. Sustainable water management strategies need to be implemented in order to mitigate groundwater depletion and ensure long-term agri-sustainability and water security in Haryana. These strategies include changing cropping patterns, awareness campaigns, conjunctive water use, rainwater harvesting, and minimizing conveyance and application losses. By taking these steps, we have a chance to reduce groundwater depletion and ensure long-term agri-sustainability and overall water.

Documentation of Avian Species Composition and Assemblage in Agricultural Landscapes of Sirsa, Haryana

Avian communities maintain ecological balance by eliminating pests, providing ecosystem services, and acting as biological indicators, thereby playing a pivotal role in conserving agricultural landscapes’ integrity and stability; thus from an environmental monitoring standpoint, assessment of bird aggregations in various landscapes is necessary. A two-year bird survey was conducted from May 2020 and 2021 to October 2020 to 2021 to document the checklist, density, and diversity of bird species assemblage of agricultural landscapes in the Sirsa district of Haryana, India, to obtain the richness of birds in two different agricultural habitats. A total of 87 bird species from 39 families and 16 orders were recorded; four bird species (Alexandrine Parakeet, Asian Woollyneck, Black-Headed Ibis, and Painted Stork) are listed as Near Threatened in the ‘IUCN’ (2010) category. Surprisingly, 13 species with global declining population trends are rare in the study area. The Passeriformes order, with 44 species, is the most diverse in the study area. In all habitats, analysis of food and feeding guilds, as well as perching activity, revealed that the insectivorous guild (32) is dominant, followed by Omnivore (29), Carnivore (13), Granivore (7), Frugivore (5), and Nectarivore (2). The findings from this study suggest that biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices should be implemented to improve bird habitat quality in agricultural landscapes.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Kinnow and Major Traditional Crops (Wheat and Cotton) in Sirsa District of Haryana

"The study’s objective is to calculate the cost-benefit ratio of horticulture fruit crop (kinnow) and traditional crops (wheat and cotton). The study was conducted in the Sirsa districts of Haryana during the year 2020-21 and cost-benefit ratio and amortization cost were calculated to draw conclusions. The study has revealed that the highest establishment cost of kinnow orchard was found to be as ` 210266.00 per hectare without subsidy and ` 61075.50 per hectare with subsidy. Cost-benefit ratio of kinnow worked out to be 0.29 with subsidy and 0.15 without subsidy. Besides it, cost-benefit ratio of wheat and cotton was documented as 0.09 and 0.10, respectively. Thus, we may conclude that CB ratio of kinnow crop was higher than cotton and wheat crop which proved that fruit crop (kinnow) were more beneficial than major traditional crops (wheat and cotton).

Analysis of unit level models for small area estimation in crop statistics assisted with satellite auxiliary information

Crop statistics for a small area, such as the community development block, are an increasingly important topic in agricultural statistics. Under normality assumptions, the classic Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (EBLUP) technique is effective for predicting small area means, however the Small Area Estimation (SAE) model can be heavily affected by the incidence of outliers or deviations from the expected distribution. The purpose of this study was to estimate variance, predict block-level wheat crop yield in the Hisar and Sirsa district of Haryana by classical SAE method and a robust random-effect predictor using a slight generalization of Huber’s Proposal 2. In the case of Sirsa district, the results of classical and robust unit level SAE were very close, but not in the case of Hisar district. This could be due to the influential observation found in the Hisar data set. More accurate EBLUP wheat yield estimates are obtained when the Huber-type M-estimation method is initialized by the least square regression estimator.

Co-infection of bluetongue virus serotypes 12 and 16 in sheep from Haryana, India.

World Organization for Animal Health has listed bluetongue (BT) under notifiable diseases. The BT is an arboviral infectious disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). Southern states of India had remained the point of attention for BT since first presence in 1964 in Maharashtra. Recently, northern states of India have also been reported positive for BTV in small ruminants. The present study reported the dual infection of BTV serotypes, BTV-12 and -16 in sheep population from Sirsa district of Haryana in the year 2016. After detection and serotyping with Seg-2 specific real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the Seg-2 and Seg-6 of BTV were PCR amplified and sequenced. On phylogenetic analysis it was detected to be clustered in nucleotype G and nucleotype B specific for BTV-12 and BTV-16, respectively. This was the first report of BTV-16 from Haryana. The results signified the co-infection of two different serotypes in an animal from a single outbreak.

Economic appraisal of Kinnow production in Sirsa district of Haryana

An economic analysis of kinnow has been presented through studying their costs and returns. The present study was carried out during 2017-18 in Sirsa district of Haryana. A sample of 30 kinnow respondents was taken purposively from various villages in Mandi Dabwali block of Sirsa district of Haryana. The results of the study revealed that average first year establishment costs per hectare for kinnow has been worked out to be ₹127979. Whereas, per hectare per year returns from kinnow orchard have been worked out to be ₹272845. The economic viability of the kinnow fruit, mainly net present value, internal rate of return, benefit-cost ratio and payback period have been computed as ₹783243.67, (26.24%), 1:3.76 and 7 years, respectively. The findings of study revealed that kinnow growing is a step forwards the diversification and commercialization of agriculture in the state and it also helps in doubling the farmers' income. Keeping in view all the facts, there is need to develop early fruit bearing varieties of kinnow, timely supply of necessary inputs to make more profitable kinnow cultivation.

Parenting stress: Area wise comparison of mothers and fathers of disabled children in Haryana

Parenting is a challenging process. The crucial role of parents and family in caring, nurturing, protecting and socializing young children is well established across the cultures. Parenting stress may undermine the quality of parent-child interactions as well as the quality of relationships between parents; it also has been linked to behaviour problems in young children. The present study was conducted in Haryana state. Two districts were selected from Haryana state i.e. Hisar and Sirsa. The location was selected purposively due to availability of sample. 200 parents (mothers and father) were selected randomly from both the location for the sample. Parenting Stress Index-short form (PSI-SF) developed by Abidin in 1995 was used to assess the parenting stress among parents. Result revealed that highly significant difference was observed between Sirsa district and Hisar district on the aspect of parenting stress. The mean score showed that parents of Sirsa district have higher level of parenting stress than parents of Hisar district.

Estimation of Chemical Composition and Soil Quality in an Agricultural Belt of Haryana, India

The proper management of soil quality is a very important criterion for the sustainability of the soil system. The knowledge of soil quality is extremely important for proper growth and yield of the crop. Soil provides essential minerals and water through roots and helps to sustain plants in it. A fertile soil is good for agricultural purpose. The yield of crops is equally important for the farmer as well as for the nation. Keeping this in mind, the present investigation was carried out in Sirsa district to determine the soil quality parameters of agricultural soil near some villages of Rania city. The samples were collected from fifteen different villages in pre-monsoon season of 2016 and analyzed. Several parameters like pH, EC, total N, OC, K, Zn, Mn, P2O5, Fe2O3, and CaO were evaluated to determine the soil quality. Rania is an agricultural belt where rice and wheat are the main crops. The values of these parameters suggest that the soil in the study area was suitable for most of the crops.

Soil Nutrient Index (NIV) and Chemical Composition of the Soils of Sirsa (Haryana)

The present investigation was carried out in a rural area, Nathusari Chopta of Sirsa district, in the pre-monsoon season of 2016. Soil samples were collected from some selected villages to assess the soil quality. Total fifteen soil samples were collected from the surface with a 15-20 cm depth and analyzed. There is not much variation in the soil fertility status in different villages under investigation. The soils are having normal pH (7.48 – 7.84), safe EC (0.42 – 0.63 dS/m), low to moderate OC (0.43 – 0.96 % by mass). Further, minerals like P, Ca, and K (NIV = 3) are highly present. The analysis showed that the soils were suitable for cultivation. Keywords – nutrient index, rural area, soil fertility, cultivation

Effect of Ghaggar River on the underground water of Sirsa (Haryana): A Study on physicochemical parameters

Water pollution is a very serious concern nowadays because the quality of water we drink affects our health. Groundwater quality is decreasing day by day due to its excessive use in agriculture, industrial sectors, and amusement parks. Water quality parameters of groundwater need to be continuously monitored. We have analyzed sixteen water quality parameters of underground water of different regions of Sirsa district like Jhopra, Vaidwala, Begu, Mirpur, and Bajekan (sampling period June 2020 to May 2021). The sixteen physicochemical parameters like pH, conductivity, TDS, alkalinity, turbidity, heavy metals, BOD, COD, hardness, Nitrates, phosphates, sulfates, elements like Fe, Cu, Cr, Pb, Na, K, etc. were analyzed using a pH meter, conductivity meter, AAS, Flame photometer, UV-visible spectrophotometer, and turbidity meter. The water quality index was calculated for the complete year focussing on the evaluation of an average value of biological, chemical, and physical parameters. The water quality index of the geographical and socioeconomic important region i.e., Sirsa was explored by random selection of five different regions. The different physicochemical parameters were compared with WHO standards.

Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on Mustard Crop in Sirsa District of Haryana

Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducts cluster demonstrations every year as per target assignedby ICAR. The study evaluates impact of 300 demonstrations on mustard crop in 120hectare area conducted by KVK Sirsa since 2015-16 to 2017-18 in different villages of thedistrict. The extension gaps in technologies were identified through farmers meetings andgroup discussions with the farmers. The findings indicated significant increase in the averageyield of demonstrated plot (15.13%) over the farmer’s practice plot of mustard crop. Averageyield of demonstration plots was recorded higher by 18.18 per cent, 14.09 per cent and13.13 per cent in years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. The extension gapwas 4.0 q/ha, 3.10 q/ha and 2.89 q/ha while technology gap was 2.0 q/ha, 2.90 q/ha and2.11 q/ha during consecutive years respectively. During these three years, yield increase indemonstration plots expressed as additional income over check plots accounted for Rs.7670/ha, Rs. 12350/ha and Rs. 11590/ha respectively during various years.

Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Green Gram (MH-421) in Sirsa District of Haryana State

Pulses are one of the important food crops globally due to higher protein content. In India,they are also responsible for yielding large financial gains by amounting for a large part ofthe exports. Cluster frontline demonstrations on moong bean crop covering 110 ha areaunder variety MH-421 were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra at 110 locations in Sirsadistrict of Haryana state during four consecutive years viz. 2016 to 2019. The technologicalgaps were identified in existing crop production technology through farmers meetings andgroup discussions. The findings showed significant increase in the average yield ofdemonstrated plot (23.1%) over the farmer’s plot of moong bean crop. Average yield ofdemonstration plots was recorded higher by 26.90 per cent, 20.50 per cent, 20.00 per centand 25.00 per cent in years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The extension gapwas 2.02 q/ha, 1.50 q/ha, 1.50 q/ha and 2.00 q/ha while technology gap was 2.48 q/ha,3.20 q/ha, 3.00 q/ha and 2.00 q/ha in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Duringthese four years yield increase in demonstrations plots expressed as additional incomeover check plots accounted for Rs. 11300/ha, Rs. 900/ha, Rs. 6200/ha and Rs.14400/haduring various years.

"Constraints Faced by Dairy Owners in Adoption of Marketing and Scientific Dairy Practices in Haryana"

"The present study was conducted in Sirsa and Hisar districts of Haryana state with the objective to find the constraints faced by dairy owners on adoption of marketing and scientific dairy practices. The multistage stratified random sampling technique was used for selection of the respondents. It was revealed from the study conducted in Sirsa and Hisar districts of Haryana that farmers of Sirsa perceived constraints regarding feeding practices most seriously and with higher concentration as compared to the farmers of Hisar districts which may be due to significant difference of agro-climatic variation as well as lack of large sized processing industries in Hisar district as compared to such industries in Sirsa district. All the farmers’ across different categories reported lack of veterinary clinics and medical stores and high cost of treatment as serious constraints thus underlining the immediate need of low cost and highly accessible treatment. Uniform application of technology or adoption of umbrella approach for extension appears difficult given the observed differences in awareness and adoption. Future research and technology generation should, therefore, identify the differential technological requirements of different categories of farmers and should deliver technologies appropriate to needs of farmers. Shift to farming systems research and participatory technology development are suggested."

"An Analysis of Crop Diversification and Factor Affecting the Diversification in Sirsa District of Haryana"

"An Analysis of Crop Diversification and Factor Affecting the Diversification in Sirsa District of Haryana"

Effect of Laser Land Levelling on Paddy-Wheat and Cotton-Wheat Cropping Pattern in Haryana

The study has quantified and compared the effect of laser land levelling technology with conventional land levelling in paddy-wheat and cotton-wheat cropping pattern in Karnal and Sirsa district of Haryana state, respectively. Using Bisaliah decomposition model (1977) improved technology and change in input use to enhance productivity under laser land levelling has been assessed. Decomposition of total productivity highlighted that in Karnal district, out of total incremental change in productivity, 8.38 and 5.36 per cent change was contributed only due to change in technology and rest was due to input use in paddy-wheat, respectively. Similarly, in Sirsa district, out of total change in productivity 5.4 and 4.87 per cent change contributed only due to enhancement in technology while rest was due to input use in cotton-wheat cropping pattern, respectively. Further study highlighted that water as well as fertilizer use efficiency was most influenced by use of laser land levelling technology. On the account of results of study, it was concluded that laser land levelling is an effective scale neutral resource conservation technology which has immense potential to cure low water use efficiency and improve fertilizer use in most prevalent cropping patterns (i.e. paddy-wheat as well as cotton) of Haryana state.

KNOWLEDGE OF MUSTARD GROWERS TOWARDS IMPROVED CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN SIRSA DISTRICT OF HARYANA

Increasing living standard of people arises the need for increased production of oilseed in country. But per capita availability of oil is very low, thus to increase the production of oil seed the farmers should adopt the new technology. Meanwhile, the research gap should be identified and rectified to increase the production. Thus, the knowledge and adoption level of respondents was studied to understand the complexity of technology adoption. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. 120 respondents from six villages namely, Alanoor, Bhadra, Chamal, Dadu, Ffagu and Jamal of Sirsa block of Sirsa district in Haryana. The findings reported that majority of the respondents were middle aged, literate with middle school, had a land holding of 2.5-5 acres, nuclear family, agriculture as their major occupation along with service as their subsidiary occupation, medium level of annual income, had membership in more than one organization, medium level of risk orientation, medium level of knowledge, medium level of adoption.

"Quantification of Incremental Benefits and Change in Input Use Pattern under Laser Land Levelling in comparison with Conventional Land Levelling in Haryana"

The investigation aimed to find monetary benefits of Laser Land Levelling (LLL) compared to conventional land leveling (CLL) in Karnal and Sirsa district of Haryana. These two districts were selected purposively because these have the highest area under paddy-wheat and cotton-wheat cropping patterns, respectively. The equation of Aryal et al. (2014) was explicitly used to estimate incremental benefits from laser land leveling. Also, input use pattern of machine labor, seed, plant protection chemicals, human labor, yield, and irrigation was considered. In the paddy-wheat cropping pattern of Karnal district, the annual net benefits of using laser land levelling were estimated to be ` 11450.81. In contrast, per LLL operation, net benefits were estimated to be ` 34352. Similarly, on the same lines in the cotton-wheat cropping pattern of Sirsa district, the annual net benefits of LLL were estimated to be ` 7212.61. In contrast,per LLL operation, net benefits were estimated to be ` 28850. As far as the input use pattern is concerned, the study showed that machine labour and yield increased under LLL while in both districts. In contrast, all other inputs i.e., seed, fertilizer, human labor, plant protection, chemicals, irrigation, were reduced, showing resource conservation potential of LLL. Hence, the study recommended adopting this resource conservation technology and tapping its potential benefits so that farmers may get benefitted from this ultimate technology

Suitability Assessment of Groundwater for Irrigation in Some Villages of Sirsa District, Haryana (India)

To determine the groundwater quality a total of twenty groundwater samples were collected from some villages of Sirsa district, Haryana, India, which is one of the most important agricultural areas of the state. The groundwater samples were collected in November 2016 from different villages of the city Sirsa. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was assessed by determining the Sodium Absorption Ratio, % Na, Kelly’s Index, Permeability index, EC, Chloro-alkaline indices and Residual Sodium Carbonate. The CAI analysis shows the reverse cation exchange for most of the stations. The Gibbs diagrams show the precipitation dominance for most of the stations. The Piper diagram shows the alkali dominance for most of the samples. On the basis of the values of different parameters the quality of ground water at different stations was categorized into three different classes mainly excellent, good or unsuitable.