Villupuram District Of Tamil Nadu Research Articles

Impact of Varietal Demonstrations on the Productivity and Sustainability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Popularization of newly released variety in a new environment was important to increase the productivity and sustainability on a particular location. Keeping this inview, field demonstrations were carried out at farmer’s field by introducing drought tolerant rice variety TKM 15. The variety was released by Rice Research Station, (TNAU), Thirurkuppam, during 2022. A total of ten, field demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s field organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Villupuram, and Tamil Nadu during Kharif 2023. The farmers cultivating variety ADT 37was used as the check variety (farmer’s practice). An average yield of 4,925kg.ha-1 was recorded from TKM 15 demonstrations which showed 7.75% increase over the farmers cultivating variety (4570kg.ha-1). The farmers have obtained additional revenue of Rs. 10,100ha-1from TKM 15 demonstrations, which may motivate the farmers to adopt TKM 15 variety with the improved rice production technology. The Front-Line Demonstration on new variety introduction, effectively influenced the attitudes, skills, and knowledge related to improved or recommended practices in paddy cultivation, fostering adoption. It also enhanced the relationship between farmers and scientists, fostering mutual confidence.

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Internalizing the carbon footprint in rice cultivation through solar irrigation - an economic study in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India

This study attempts to highlight the comparative economic and environmental advantages of solar powered irrigation in terms of cost, energy and carbon footprint over the existing electric operated pumping system in rice cultivation. Multi-stage and snowball sampling methods were used in this study. This study was conducted in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu purposively, as the district has the largest number of energized pumps adopted for irrigation in the state and it will be considered as a second stage. The total sample size of 90 was allotted with a quota of 45 each under electric operated well (EOW) and solar operated well (SOW) category. The cost of irrigation water, energy and carbon footprints were indirectly assessed in this study using some imputation procedures. The hours of irrigation were higher in the case of solar due to lesser horse powered motors and energy rationing is not the binding constraint in SOW unlike EOW. The per liter cost of water output was higher in the case of electric with subsidy and same was higher in the case of solar in without subsidy scenario comparisons. The hours of pumping and imputed energy consumption were higher for rice in the case of SOW compared to EOW. The energy consumption per ha decreased with increasing HPs both in the case of SOW and EOW due to economies of scale operation. The inclusion of social carbon cost in the economic analysis showed that the net income in SOW was higher without any compromise in rice production. In with social carbon cost / benefit scenario, the irrigation cost share was lesser in SOW compared to EOW. Hence it was construed that the SOW internalize the carbon footprints and serve as an important mitigating tool in confronting upcoming climate change risks. The policy makers must pay attention in promoting the subsidized SOW in agriculture, considering the negative and positive externalities involved in these two sources of irrigation.

Adaptive innovation and ethical dilemmas: a participatory action research study amongst cyclone-impacted households in Tamil Nadu, India

PurposeThis paper showcases how the PAR embedded in posthumanist perspectives enabled us to navigate several complexities in the field through methodological situatedness and pluralism. It also attempts to critically outline the drivers and barriers that shaped our capacities to engage with the PAR.Design/methodology/approachThe Tamil Nadu state in the Bay of Bengal along the southeast coast of India is one of the six regions in the world where severe tropical cyclones originate throughout the year. Storm surges in this region are well known for their destructive potential due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. This paper describes our participatory action research (PAR) journey towards strengthening grassroots action by providing access to safe and affordable housing for cyclone-impacted households (CIHs) in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The PAR was guided by an adaptive innovation model (AIM) that draws inspiration from posthumanism, action research and reflective practice traditions.FindingsThe insights from the PAR insist that we must recognise and work with diverse knowledge systems and situated practices to develop meaningful disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation strategies. Our approach has to be rooted in the lived experiences of various vulnerable groups, their entanglements with nature and their everyday struggles of interacting with a complex social-ecological system.Originality/valueThis paper is an outcome of a PAR in a cyclone-impacted village in Tamil Nadu, India. The discussions and findings of the paper are original in nature and have not been published elsewhere.

Effectiveness of NTEP training program in the improvement of knowledge of medical interns

Objectives: Compulsory Residential Medical Interns (CRMI) is being a part of health-care professionals they have a role and responsibilities for counseling the patients on tuberculosis (TB). The objective of the study is to assess the awareness about National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) among CRMI and determine the effectiveness of the training program in the improvement of knowledge of CRMI. Material and Methods: It was a pre-test and post-test design conducted among CRMI posted in the Department of Community medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. A total of 600 CRMIs from 2014 to 2022 were trained in batches. The training program was conducted as per NTEP guidelines released by Central TB division guidelines. At the end of the session, feedback was obtained. Pre- and post-test data were entered and analyzed in Epi_Info software. The paired test was used to test the statistical significance. Results: It was found 57.8% improvement in the knowledge of the participants about TB after the training program. In the analysis of feedback, the consensus score for all the responses was above 83%. Manual content analysis of the open-ended feedback was done. Conclusion: Health education dissemination strategies (e.g. campaign to end TB) on TB needs to be continuously done at the community and health facility level by trained CRMI.

Schoenoplectiella erecta (Poir.) Lye ssp. raynalii (Schuyler) Beentje (Cyperaceae) – a new record to India from Ossudu Bird Sanctuary, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu

Schoenoplectiella erecta subsp. raynalii (Cyperaceae) is recorded for the first time from India and Asia. This taxon was collected in Ossudu Bird Sanctuary, Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, southern India. Detailed description including microscopic study of the glume and nutlets with digital images, morphological characters, habitat, and key characters between the two subspecies are provided.

Cutting Edge Advantage of Solar over the Conventional Electric Powered Groundwater Irrigation in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Solar energy is the major renewable energy source in the world. In the is energy use scenario, solar energy has occupied second position and it’s share in renewable energy has 27.5 per cent. In India, solar energy is in first position in renewable energy capacity and it’s share in renewable energy has 33.5 per cent. Solar is photovoltaic is conversion of solar energy into electricity which can be used for solar water pumping. With the above background, the present study is attempted to focus on the impact of solar and electric operated tubewell irrigation in the sample farms. A quota sampling selection procedure and snow ball sampling technique were used for this study. A sample size of 45 each of solar and electric operated sample farmers altogether 90 sample respondents were contacted for the conduct of this research study. Garrett’s ranking technique was used for assessing the merits and demerits of solar and electric operated tubewell irrigation as opined by the sample respondents. It was observed that free electricity for motor pumping was the prime most important attribute which influenced the farmers preference for electric energy followed by efficiency in lifting water from higher depths with good discharge rates. The foremost bothering issue in electric energy use was the limited hours of 3 phase electric power availability and frequent voltage fluctuations. The availability of huge subsidy component in the initial investment and reduction in the energy bill were the foremost important reasons for the adoption of solar power motor pumps in irrigation. The foremost bothering issue in solar energy use for irrigation was unavailability of battery for power store which was expressed as the major drawback in solar energy irrigation pumping. To promote the large scale adoption of this important renewable energy all the merits of this energy source expressed by the farmers should be widely propagated among the farming community. The demerits in the use of existing devices of this energy source such as battery for storage, efficiency improvements with higher horse power’s should be addressed by gearing up the Research and Development wing to focus on these issues expressed by the farmer stakeholders.

Cutting Edge Advantage of Solar over the Conventional Electric Powered Groundwater Irrigation in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Solar energy is the major renewable energy source in the world. In the world energy use scenario, solar energy has occupied second position and it’s share in renewable energy is 27.5 per cent. In India, solar energy is first position in renewable energy capacity and it’s share in renewable energy has 33.5 per cent. Solar photovoltaic is conversion of solar energy into electricity which can be used for solar water pumping. With the above background of the present study is attempted to focus on the impact of solar and electric operated tube well irrigation in the sample farms. A quota sampling selection procedure and snow ball sampling technique were used for this study. A sample size of 45 each of solar and electric operated sample farmers altogether 90 sample respondents were contacted for the conduct of this research study. Garrett’s ranking technique was used for assessing the merits and demerits of solar and electric operated tube well irrigation as opined by the sample respondents. It was observed that free electricity for motor pumping was the prime most important attribute which influenced the farmers preference for electric energy followed by efficiency in lifting water from higher depths with good discharge rates. The foremost bothering issue in electric energy use was the limited hours of 3 phase electric power availability and frequent voltage fluctuations. The availability of huge subsidy component in the initial investment and reduction in the energy bill were the foremost important reasons for the adoption of solar power motor pumps in irrigation. The foremost bothering issue in solar energy use for irrigation was unavailability of battery for power store which was expressed as the major drawback in solar energy irrigation pumping. To promote the large scale adoption of this important renewable energy all the merits of this energy source expressed by the farmers should be widely propagated among the farming community. The demerits in the use of existing devices of this energy source such as battery for storage, efficiency improvements with higher horse power’s should be addressed by gearing up the Research and Development wing to focus on these issues expressed by the farmer stakeholders.

GIS approach on Determining Domestic Groundwater Quality in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

GIS approach on Determining Domestic Groundwater Quality in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

Dietary Diversity of Public Distribution System Beneficiaries Households in Villupuram District of TamilNadu, India

Aims: To assess the factors influencing dietary diversity of Pubic Distribution System Beneficiary Households in rural and urban areas.
 Study Design: Purposive Random Sampling was used.
 Place and Duration of Study: In Tamil Nadu, the Villupuram district was purposively selected for the study. The survey was conducted for the collection of primary data about the period April to May 2022.
 Methodology: Based on the food security index of Tamil Nadu State Human Development Report 2017, the Villupuram district was selected for the study which falls under the low food security index. In this district, rural and urban households were randomly selected. The Simpson Dietary Diversity Index was used for the analysis. The Multiple Linear Regression method was used to understand the difference in food habits, quality of diet intake, and the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of the dietary diversity of public distribution system beneficiary households in the study area.
 Results: The overall result of the Simpson Index of Dietary Diversity (SIDD) score of rural and urban households are 0.78 and 0.85 respectively. The results clearly showed that urban PDS beneficiary households had higher dietary diversity than rural PDS beneficiaries’ households. Monthly income, age, household size, and distance of PDS shops may enhance dietary diversity, thereby improving the nutritional status of households.
 Conclusion: The dietary diversity of rural PDS beneficiary households differs significantly from urban PDS beneficiary households, owing to a higher intake of nutritious foods in urban PDS beneficiary households for dietary diversity. Price subsidy on the staple food commodities has different effects on the consumption pattern and dietary diversity for low, middle, and higher-income people in Public Distribution System. This study suggests that PDS beneficiary poor people to buy cheaper items rather than high-value commodities such as fruits, milk, meats, and fish compared to high-income groups for dietary diversity.

Strategies to Improvise Organ Donor Pool: A Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Performance of Higher Secondary School Teachers Towards the Organ Donation.

Introduction This study aimed to assess higher secondary school teachers' knowledge, attitude, and performance levels towards organ transplantation and donation (OTD). Teachers have an essential role in giving knowledge to children and teenagers, and they can influence their views. Organ transplantation offers re-life to many patients, yet organ shortages are a global issue. Teachers who influence students' future attitudes regarding organ donation must have a favorable attitude and genuine knowledge. Materials and Methods The research method was descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample size was 372 school teachers in Villupuram district of Tamilnadu, India, selected using a convenient sampling method. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and attitude about OTD, the reason for donating/not donating organs. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify critical variables affecting intent to practice. Results The teachers' mean scores with SD on knowledge, attitude, and performance were 7.61 ± 2.74, 8.81 ± 2.08, and 0.38 ± 0.11, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that the knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitude (p < 0.05) of the participants were positively associated with organ donation performance. A significant relationship was also observed between gender (p < 0.036), age (p < 0.01), and education status (p < 0.001) with the performance of the teachers. Lack of family support was the most spelt reason for unwillingness for organ donation. Conclusion The positive linear correlations underline that having more information may lead to a more optimistic mindset and, as a result, to better practices. Teachers should be provided with overall health teaching campaigns to increase the number of possible organ donors. Teachers serve as role models for students, families, and society by changing their attitudes.

Successful Isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Soil by Extended Incubation of Ashdown’s Agar: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Melioidosis is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by an environmental saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. Although the organism is associated with soil and water, environmental isolation is rarely successful which could be due to the existence of viable but non-culturable forms. Aim: To isolate B. pseudomallei from the soil to detect the environmental presence of this organism in and around Puducherry, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2018 to January 2021 at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India. A total of 473 soil samples were collected from areas surrounding the residence and workplaces of seven culture-proven melioidosis cases, from Puducherry and three districts of Tamil Nadu (Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Villupuram) during the dry and wet seasons. Soil samples were enriched in Ashdown’s broth and cultured on Ashdown’s agar. The plates were incubated at 37°C and examined daily for seven days with a further extended period of incubation till the tenth day for samples that did not show growth. Suspected isolates were subjected to Vitek 2 system for biochemical identification. Confirmation of the isolates was carried out by antigen detection and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: From 473 soil samples processed, bacteria with colony morphology similar to B. pseudomallei were isolated in 56 (11.83%) samples. Only one isolate, which was detected on the tenth day of incubation was confirmed as B. pseudomallei using antigen detection and PCR. This sample was collected during the wet season (December 2020) from Endur, in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the importance of extended incubation of culture plates at 37°C for up to ten days to improve the chances of isolation from the soil.

Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation of Huberantha senjiana (Annonaceae) leaf: An endemic tree of Gingee Hills Tamil Nadu India

Context: Huberantha senjiana (Annonaceae) is a small tree found in dry rocky soils. It is an endemic species native to the Gingee hills of the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The literature survey provides no scientific evidence on its pharmacognostical as well as pharmacological aspect. Aims: To evaluate the detailed pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical characters of H. senjiana leaves. Methods: The pharmacognostic evaluation, such as macroscopic and microscopic characters of fresh leaf and powder, was done. Physicochemical constants like moisture content, extractive values, ash values, foaming index, swelling index, and fluorescence analysis were carried out. The phytochemical screening test and elemental analysis of the powdered leaves were also studied. Results: Microscopy of the leaf revealed a single layer of square-shaped epidermal cells, the adaxial epidermal layer is apostomatic, and the abaxial epidermal layer is stomatiferous with paracytic stomata, an arch-shaped vascular bundle, clusters of prismatic crystals, spongy parenchyma cells, and palisade cells. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, fibers, epidermal trichomes, palisade mesophyll, xylem vessels, and a fragment of the epidermal cell with paracytic stomata were also identified in the microscopy of powdered samples. The phytochemical analysis of sequential extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, carbohydrates, tannins, and steroids. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals within the standard limit and trace elements in different concentrations. Conclusions: The pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical data have been reported for the first time, which provides referential information for the right identification and standardization of this unexplored species.

Women and Child Nutritional Status among the Irular Tribe in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

Malnutrition among children and women has serious long-term consequences in our India especially thedeprived section of the people. In this case, tribal are the most vulnerable section of people comparedwith other population. According to NFHS IV report (2015-16), the percentage of under the weight ofSTs is 42 Percent The prevalence of underweight is almost one and half times higher in tribal childrenthan other population tribal children continue to be the most malnourished. Stunting among children andlow BMI among adults in tribal people is more than among the non-tribal population. Due to this concernresearcher made to study the women and child nutritional status among the Irular tribe of Villupuram Districtof Tamil Nadu. A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status ofchildren below 5 years and their mother of Irular Tribe by using inexpensive anthropometry method. Suchas Weight for age, height for age and weight for height, BMI &amp; Waist hip ratio for an adult was calculatedby using WHO growth standards. The prevalence of underweight (weight for age), stunting (Height for Age)and wasting (Weight for Height) in the study population is 58.43 Percent 64.04 Percent and 51.69 Percentrespectively. The proportion of moderate and severely underweight, stunting and wasting were highest inthe age group of 36-59 months. Malnutrition is a major public health problem among children and womenespecially in the most vulnerable segment of people

Assessment of the Impact of Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention for Lymphatic Filariasis on the Disease Burden in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India.

Background:The global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF) was started in 2003 with two strategies: the mass drug administration (MDA) to interrupt disease transmission and the morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) to provide the basic hygienic care to filariasis lymphedema patients. Among the two strategies, the MDA is well advanced and got the desired results, but the MMDP is lagging due to poor execution.Objectives:To assess the awareness of MMDP and ongoing morbidity management practices by lymphedema patients and to estimate the impacts of the MMDP on the prevalence and severity of lymphedema.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted among 100 lymphedema patients in 7 filariasis endemic villages of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India through interviews using a structured, pretested questionnaire. The grading and adenolymphangitis (ADL) attack determination were done by a clinician. The impact was assessed in terms of changes in the lymphedema grades, frequency of ADL attacks, and changes in the burden.Results:Of the 100 patients, 70% were aware of the program and among them, only 48% were practising MMDP regularly (i.e. two times per day). The majority of them (80%) were taking treatment during ADL attacks. The overall lymphedema grades reversal and progression were observed in 13% and 52% of cases, respectively.Conclusion:This study has revealed that the second arm of the GPELF, “MMDP” has not yielded the desired results as evidenced by the incidence of frequent ADL attacks and advancement of lymphedema grades.

An exploratory mixed method study on the follow up status and quality of life among recurrent tuberculosis patients in South India

IntroductionAfter completion of treatment of Tuberculosis (TB), many patients can have long-term physical sequelae, which in some cases results in life-long impairment and further stigma. ObjectivesTo determine the follow up status and quality of life of post-treatment among Category 2 TB patients under RNTCP and to explore the factors affecting the Quality of Life. Material and methodsThe present study was done in urban area of Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu using Exploratory mixed methods study design. In the first phase case–control study was conducted with 100 post treatment category 2 TB patients (cases) and 100 non-TB patients (controls) matched for age and gender. The quality of life of the respondents was assessed by (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire (Quantitative), followed by five in-depth interviews among cases with extreme scores (Qualitative). ResultsThe mean scores of “perceived physical health” and “perceived psychological health” among cases after completion of treatment was significantly lower than the mean scores in controls. The determinants for perceived physical health were age, years of education and marital status. The determinants for psychological health were age, marital status and associated comorbidities. In-depth interview explored that major perspectives of cases affecting quality of life were side effects of drugs, loss of social support, loss of employment and psychological factors like anxiety, depression. ConclusionsHR-QOL among post treatment TB patients was reduced. Efforts should be made to counsel TB patients, family members, relatives and their workplace regarding their care, support and challenges to have a reasonable QOL.

Mixed infection of helminthiasis and caecal coccidiosis in a native chicken farm from Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu

Muthusamy, P., Latchumikanthan, A. and Thirumavalavan, R. 2020. Mixed infection of helminthiasis and caecal coccidiosis in a native chicken farm from Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 55(2): 157–160.

The Technical Efficiency and Resource use Efficiency of Black Gram Production in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

The Technical Efficiency and Resource use Efficiency of Black Gram Production in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

Soil fertility appraisal for Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu using GPS and GIS techniques

With a view to assess and map the soil fertility status of Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, the present investigation was undertaken using GPS and GIS techniques. In this study, a systematic set of 864 georeferenced soil samples were collected from 144 selected villages, covering all the eight taluks and 22 blocks following multistage stratified random sampling approach. The soil samples were analyzed for 12 chemical parameters and the data along with GPS readings were used for the preparation of soil fertility maps using GIS. The soil fertility maps clearly revealed that a major area of the district was alkaline, non-saline, low in OC, low, high and medium in available N, P and K, respectively; with regard to available S and micronutrients, Zn was predominantly deficient and Cu was moderate while S, Fe, Mn and B were in sufficient status. As a whole, OC, available N, Zn and Cu are the major nutrient constraints in Villupuram district which warrants attention for implementing soil test crop response based nutrient recommendations through integrated plant nutrition system (STCR-IPNS) and application of corresponding micronutrients. Based on the soil fertility appraisal of the district, nutrient plan for various taluks has been furnished for implementation.

A Study on Employment Activities Through Common Property Resources in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu

The present study made an attempt to explore the employment opportunities through common property resources in Tamil Nadu. Common Property Resources contribute all such property resources are meant for the common usage of all village people and it gives more benefit in rural areas such as fuel wood, food, mulch, timber and the CPRs also maintaining the ecological balance by the way of preventing soil erosion, and deforestation. The prime objective of this study focused to examine the extent of employment activities through the collection of CPRs in plain and hill areas in Tamil Nadu. Drawn from the present study has been focused on primary data. The primary data relating to patterns of CPRs and constraints experienced by the farm households have been collected by using a well structured interview schedule from the study region. Further, the sampling design of the study is based on multistage random sampling method, the information gathered from the field of inquiry in Tamilnadu. It is observed from the results that most of the selected households are preferred to collecting the CPRs products for fodder dung manure, grazing products, and timber and wood for household purposes.