Assessment of Nanocellulose Membrane Filters for Improving Water Quality in Silchar City: A Comparative Study with Conventional Methods
The quality of water is a major concern worldwide, especially in areas where polluted water sources present considerable health hazards to the local population. Nanotechnology has emerged as a possible remedy for enhancing water quality, providing advanced techniques to efficiently address complex contamination concerns. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of nanocellulose membrane filters in enhancing water quality parameters of wastewater and groundwater samples, specifically in Silchar city, Assam, India. This study evaluates the efficacy of nanocellulose filters fabricated from waste paper and wood fibre in comparison to conventional methods in terms of their ability to remove contaminants, cost effectiveness, and filtration efficiency. The experimental findings demonstrate that the utilization of a nanocellulose membrane filter led to a significant decrease in several water contaminants. Specifically, the total dissolved solids were reduced by 73.94%, turbidity by 93.42%, iron by 58.82%, nitrate by 20.57%, chloride by 42.86%, hardness by 44.68%, alkalinity by 20.83%, sulphate by 35.19%, and colour by 85.71%. Conventional filters, on the other hand, obtained reductions of 43.76%, 84.21%, 35.29%, 5.29%, 26.53%, 27.66%, 12.50%, 19.05%, and 71.43% for the identical settings. Moreover, the utilization of nanocellulose filters demonstrates encouraging outcomes in enhancing the overall quality of water and reducing health hazards linked to polluted water sources. The results of this study highlight the potential of using nanocellulose-based filtering technologies as sustainable and efficient solutions for resolving water quality issues in Silchar city and other similar areas.
Nanocellulose, Water quality, Membrane filtration, Contaminant removal, Public health
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Harmonizing Nutrient Synergy Maximizing Gladiolus Growth and Yield in Hill Terrain through Integrated Nutrient Management
In the 2021-22 agricultural season, the Horticulture Department's Research farm in NU:SAS conducted a study to assess the impact of various organic liquid fertilizers, including Effective Micro-organisms (EM), Indigenous Effective Micro-organisms (IEM), and Jeevamrutha, on gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) growth in a hilly region. Employing a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 8 treatments, Treatment T3, which involved 500 ml of activated IEM per square meter, produced the most impressive results. This treatment resulted in the longest spike length (89.62 cm), the highest number of florets per spike (10.47), and the greatest number of corms per plant (1.76). EM significantly reduced critical growth stage durations, such as sprouting (6.83 days), spike initiation (68.48 days), first floret opening (74.24 days), and spike harvesting (7.91 days). Treatment T6, combining 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with 50% IEM, yielded the tallest plant height (108.09 cm), extended shelf life (9.35 days), and prolonged vase life in distilled water (11.17 days). Regarding nutrient content, Treatment T2 (EM) had the highest nitrogen content in leaves (4.33%), while Treatment T3 (IEM) showed the highest phosphorus content (0.011%). In corms, RDF had the highest nitrogen content (3.08%), and Treatment T3 (IEM) had the highest phosphorus content (0.016%). Treatment T2 (EM) had the highest post-harvest soil nutrient availability, with N (961.71 kg ha-1), P (61.96 kg ha-1), and K (516.50 kg ha-1). Additionally, Treatment T5, combining 50% RDF and 50% EM, recorded the highest organic carbon content (2.81%) in the hilly region. Treatment T3 (IEM) showed the most favourable benefit-cost ratio (1:2.46) and the highest net income (₹676,653/ha), highlighting its economic viability and potential for sustainable floriculture management in hilly regions. This study demonstrates the significant impact of organic liquid fertilizers on gladiolus growth, flowering, corm production, soil fertility, and nutrient dynamics in hilly regions.
Effective micro-organisms, Gladiolus, Indigenous, Jeevamrutha, Organic
Economic Analysis of Jhum Farming System of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
This study focuses on the economic dimensions of Jhum cultivation- a traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practice, among indigenous communities in the West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. By examining production element, the research aims to identify opportunities for improving farming techniques and enhancing the livelihoods of Jhum farmers. In the study researcher identified that the Darechikgre village has the largest share of Jhum land (24.58 per cent) while Rengsangre has the smallest (15.08 per cent) respectively. The participants' literacy levels vary across the study area, with most farmers having completed secondary education. The average cost of cultivation (Cost A1) per hectare differs by village: Rs. 4879.20 in Darechikgre, Rs. 3081.60 in Waribokgre, Rs. 3819.90 in Asanang, Rs. 2996.00 in Rengsangre, and Rs. 4280.00 in Chandigre. Jhum cultivation follows principal of natural farming and do not incur additional cost for irrigation and manure. Significant variability in production costs, gross yield, total revenue, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratios is observed across the study area, with soil fertility, climate conditions, and agricultural techniques influencing yield differences. Darechikgre, with a B:C ratio of 1.8, is the most profitable, while Asanang (0.5) and Rengsangre (0.6) operate at a significant loss. The overall B:C ratio for the Rongram block is 1.2, indicating that, on average, the regions are operating at a profit. A regression model was used to assess the factors affecting productivity, showing that total Jhum land, Jhum experience, and quantity of seed significantly influence total production.
Jhum cultivation, Natural farming, Sustainability, B:Cratio, Cost of Production.
Pumpkin seed and Watermelon seed, a nutraceutical adjunct for health-promoting Cheese spread: a review
The use of pumpkin and watermelon seeds as nutraceutical adjuncts in cheese spreads, boost the health benefits and adds nutritional compositions. Spreadable cheese, a popular dairy product, is increasingly being considered for functional food development due to its long shelf life and bioactive properties. Pumpkin and watermelon seeds are both nutrient-dense, containing proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential disease-preventing properties. Pumpkin seeds, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals like magnesium, and bioactive peptides, have shown health benefits such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, while watermelon seeds provide high-quality protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that promote heart health, improve skin conditions, and help manage diabetes. This review paper consists of integration of these seeds into cheese spreads can provide a sustainable and innovative solution to meet the growing consumer demand for functional, nutrient-enriched dairy products. By utilizing these underutilized seeds, the dairy industry can develop healthier, value-added products that align with public health and sustainability goals. This approach highlights the potential of functional foods in supporting consumer well-being while diversifying the dairy sector.
Determination of the P critical limit for French bean in the acidic soil of Mizoram
An experiment was conducted through pot culture from soils collected across the upland and lowlands of Kolasib district, Mizoram, to study French bean cv. Zorin bean response to different doses of phosphorus (P) application to determine the P critical limit. The critical limit of a nutrient and a suitable extractant is necessary for site-specific nutrient management. The collected soils across the region were acidic with a mean pH value of 4.64 ± 0.11, SOC content 8.13 ± 0.93 g kg-1 and soil texture ranging from loam to sandy clay loam. Phosphorus (P) was applied @ 0, 50 and 100 kg ha-1, while nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) were applied @ 50:50 kg ha-1. Available P in soils and concentration in the plants increase significantly with an increased in the level of P application. Dry matter yield and plant uptake were also found to increase with P application @ 50 kg P ha-1. Bray’s percent yield (BPY, r=0.79**) and Bray’s percent uptake (BPU, r=0.72**) showed the highest significant positive correlation with Melich-1 extractant. The P critical limit in soil was 15 mg kg-1 for Olsen, 8 mg kg-1 for Bray‒1, and 10 mg kg-1 for Mehlich-1, respectively. The P critical limit in the French bean (Zorin bean) plant was observed to be 0.16%.
Degraded soil, Stunted growth, P deficiency, Zorin bean, Extractant.
Terrestrial snails diversity of Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
A total of 75 species belonging to 36 genera, 14 families under 3 orders from 256 specimens were reported during the study from the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. Surveys were conducted in various parts of the district under different institutional projects conducted during 2015 and 2016. Snails were hand-picked and randomly preserved in 70% Ethanol. Order Stylommatophora with 49 species under 10 families and 25 genera was the most common group, followed by Architaenioglossa with 26 species under 3families and 10 genera. The present study is the first of its kind under this group of animals since no work has been done on the comprehensive taxonomy of terrestrial mollusca of the district.
Mollusca, terrestrial, biodiversity hot spot, Endemic, Arunachal Pradesh
A Comparative study on sodium acetate and enrichment methods of Bacillus thuringiensis isolation
Bacillus thuringiensis is a very important soil bacterium that plays an immense role in managing insect pests in the agriculture field. These bacteria, as they reside in different habitats, have to be isolated in order to use them as a successful biological control agent. There are different methods of its isolation. Here, in our studies, we have compared two important methods of isolation of Bt from soil samples, viz., the sodium acetate method and the enrichment method. From the results, it’s evident that the sodium acetate method has yielded the maximum number of Bt-like isolates as well as the maximum number of Bt colonies as compared to the enrichment method. The method has yielded 733 Bt-like isolates from which 26 Bt strains were confirmed. Whereas, the enrichment method contributed only 301 Bt-like colonies and of which there were only eight confirmed Bt strains. The statistical analysis using a paired t-test has also given evidence that the two methods are significantly different in isolating Bt strains. Hence, the sodium acetate methods can be confidently recommended for the isolation of Bt from soil samples.
Issues and challenges faced by the kiwifruit growers in Phek district of Nagaland
Kiwi is one of the focus horticultural crops of Nagaland. The fruit is commercially grown in districts like Phek, Kohima and Zunheboto. The varieties grown are Hayward, Allison and Bruno. Phek district covered the largest area of cultivation with 109.00 ha in the year 2020-2021 in Nagaland. Yet, with so much potential and future prospects, the farmers faced challenges and issues in their farming. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of ranking different problems faced by the farmers in Phek district, Nagaland, with a total of 120 respondents. Information regarding their problems is procured from the farmers through a structured interview schedule. To find out the most important problems faced by the respondents, Garrett’s ranking techniques were used, which convert the order of problems into numerical scores. The study concluded that ‘lack of irrigation facilities’ was the main problem faced by the respondent with the highest Garret score of 8385 and an average score of 69.87%, followed by lack of storage facility (62.87%), lack of tools, equipment, machinery, etc (57.99% ), Inadequate farm credit (55.10%), pest and disease problem (50.30%), shortage of labour (49.42%), marketing problem (44.95%), high cost of investment (39.06%) and lack of adequate transportation facilities (30.32%).
Irrigation, Kiwi, farming, Garrett ranking, problems
Status of farm mechanization in Nagaland: A review
In Nagaland, 90% of the state’s land is mountainous, and 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture. In 2022-23, 28.42% of the total reported area was used for crop cultivation, and 52% of the total land area was covered by forest. The majority of the landholding in Nagaland belongs to medium (4-10 ha), i.e., 37.7%, and the average landholding is more than 10 ha. Schemes like SMAM and RKVY were initiated in the state to promote farm mechanization in areas with limited farm power in agricultural fields and to meet the needs of small and marginal farmers. The level of farm mechanization remains poor at present, but there is great potential for growth with the help of the government and funding agencies by providing subsidies to the farmers. Also, the hilly topography of the region makes it impossible to operate heavy machines. Therefore, to mitigate the problem, prior importance has to be given to strengthening the research and development to develop small, lightweight, and portable implements and machinery. Providing frequent training and establishing more CHCs would contribute immensely to improving the level of farm mechanization in the state.
Agriculture, Landholdings, Hilly and mechanization, etc.
Performance assessment of horticulture scheme under the Jhumia Rehabilitation Programme in Tripura
Shifting cultivation (jhuming) is a predominant form of agriculture practice in the state, mainly cultivated by the indigenous tribes of Tripura. The impacts on the life and livelihood of the people and the harmful effects on the environment led the state government to rethink its policy toward jhumia’s development. Since the 1950s, the state government has taken various rehabilitation schemes to wean away the jhumias from practising jhum cultivation; such schemes were colony housing, plain land agriculture, animal husbandry, plantation and horticultural crops. The study finds that various government agencies work in corporations to rehabilitate the households, such that the horti-croppers’ livelihood opportunities and the possessions of household assets have improved positively. Besides, marketing problems were relatively minor to the growers. Also, they have adopted precise strategies to counter various threats experienced during plantation development and after that. From the business turnover, cultivating horticulture crops could be considered viable. The schemes provided were also rated excellent, indicating a positive change in jhumias economic development.
People, Jhuming, Rehabilitation, Living conditions, and Economic issues
Variation of in-situ soil moisture under different irrigation regimes: An Experience under potato production in Meghalaya
Under limited availability of water, maximization of water productivity can be possibly achieved with deficit irrigation regimes. A field trial was taken with potatoes as the test crop during the winter season of 2022-23 to study the variation of soil moisture under different irrigation scenarios and crop performance under mid hills of Meghalaya. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with four different levels of irrigation regimes, viz., 45% (M1), 60% (M2), 75% (M3) and 90% (M4) as main plot treatment and three potato varieties, viz., Kufri Jyoti (V1), Kufri Megha (V2) and Kufri Giriraj (V3) under sub plot treatment and replicated thrice. The maximum variation recorded was 18.46, 21.73, 24.73 and 27%, under M1, M2, M3, and M4, respectively. Similarly, the total range of water used varied between 575.3 to 124.8 mm. The highest value of water productivity (75.34 kg ha-1 mm-1) was recorded under M4 irrigation regime. Similarly highest water productivity was recorded for V1 (54.50 kg ha-1 mm-1), over V2 and V3, but was statistically at par with V2 (50.83 kg ha-1 mm-1).
Deficit irrigation, Maximum Allowed Depletion, North Eastern Region (NER), Potato variety, Water productivity
Assessing foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) adaptability for fodder yield in the foothills of Nagaland using GGE biplot analysis
Foxtail millet is a major millet crop cultivated in the foothills of Nagaland for both fodder and grain production. Hybrid development in foxtail millet is extremely challenging due to its minute flowers and highly self-pollinating nature. Therefore, identifying high-yielding pure lines for both specific and general adaptation is a priority in foxtail millet breeding programs. The present study evaluated 30 foxtail millet genotypes under different sowing dates in the foothills of Nagaland. Pooled analysis revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interactions on fodder yield. GGE biplot analysis showed that the first two principal components accounted for 75.14 and 12.96% of the total variation, respectively. Discriminativeness and representativeness analyses in GGE biplots identified early kharif as the most representative environment, while late kharif demonstrated the highest discriminative ability. The “Which Won Where” biplot indicated that Genotype G1 was stable across environments, a finding further confirmed by the mean vs. stability biplot.
Foxtail millet, Fodder yield and GGE biplots.
Bio-Priming of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda Seeds
This investigation was done to determine the effect of biopriming on African marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda. Biopriming is a process of invigoration seeds with a solution containing beneficial micro-organisms. Randomized block design with seven treatments was used and replicated thrice, in which biopriming agents, namely phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Trichoderma harzianum, microbial consortia, Psuedomonas fluorescens, jeevamrutha, and indigenous effective micro-organisms (IEM) were used, and water was used as a control to study their influence on seed germination, seedling growth and development parameters. Parameters like germination percentage (83.67%), speed of germination (19.89), mortality (5.33%), and germination rate (18.74) were observed to be maximum with the seeds primed with Trichoderma harzianum, which was on par with microbial consortia and the observations from PSB were on par with Pseudomonas fluorescens. These parameters were observed to be lowest in control, followed by IEM and Jeevamrutha. Parameters for seedling, such as shoot length (12.97 cm), root length (14.33 cm), seedling length (27.30 cm), seedling vigour index (2283.27), seedling dry weight (6.96 g), were also maximum in the seeds primed with T. harzianum, followed by consortia. In contrast, control showed minimum seedling growth and development.
Biopriming, Trichoderma harzianum, microbial consortia, Seed germination, African marigold.
40 Content list available at http://epubs.icar.org.in, www.kiran.nic.in; ISSN: 0970-6429 Indian Journal of Hill Farming 2018, Special Issue, Page 40-43 Assessment of Impact of Frontline Demonstrations in North Eastern-Hill Region of India
Pulses are important components of balanced diet and playing key role in alleviating malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in third world countries. Among the pulses, lentil is recognised as nutritious pulse crop and grown in different agro-ecology of India. Several high yielding varieties have been developed in the past, however, only few of them could reach to the farmers field, particularly in NEH region. Frontline demonstration is the best established strategy to popularize the newly developed technology at farmer’s field. Therefore to assess the yield gap and impact of demonstration in North-eastern region present attempt has been made. The results revealed that there was more than 29 Percent increase in grain yield through demonstrations over the farmer’s practices being followed. Similarly, the average technology gap was 372 kg/ha which exhibited the feasibility of improved technology at the farmer’s field. The average technology index was 31% during the study period which is in accordance with technology gap. On the contrary, average extension gap was 183 kg/ha, which might be attributed to adoption of improved technology in demonstrations that resulted in higher grain yield than the traditional farmers practices. Finally it may be concluded that in eastern hill region of India, frontline demonstrations of lentil was found more productive, profitable and feasible in local conditions as compared to existing local technology and got success in increasing productivity of lentil during last fifteen years.
Copyright (c) 2018 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Time Utilization Pattern among Hill Women
The present study was carried out in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, considering the women folk of the Karbi tribe. The socio-economic profile of the respondents showed that majority of the respondents belongs to the age group of 30-40 yrs of age and higher percentage of the respondents is found to be illiterate. Nuclear family is more prevalent and having large family size. Majority of the respondents resides in kutcha (mud floor and thatched) house and belongs to poor economic group. Observation showed that all the respondents performed almost all the activities while working towards upliftment the family. Time utilization pattern reveals that the majority of the respondents spent 11–13 h in home and allied activities during non-agricultural season and 7–9hrs during agricultural season and spend 5 -7 h in farm activities during agricultural season. Thus, it can be divulged that respondents engage themselves in economic activities from dawn to dusk in order to uplift their financial status to meet the family needs.
Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Attitude of Ethno-Botanical Users among Forest Fringe Communities in Sub-Himalayan Region of West Bengal, India
In the present study attitude of forest fringe communities around Chilapatta reserve forest in northern part of West Bengal towards use of ethno-medicinal plants in comparison to different socio-economic factors like gender, age, income, education and material possession etc. has been addressed. The eight villages from district Alipurduar and Chilapatta forest division were purposively selected due to the availability of forest ecosystem and profuse number of people who are residing within the forest area and maintain their livelihood and fulfilling their other needs with the help of forest resources. Primarily, the purposive and random sampling procedure was followed in case of selecting the area and respondents. A total of hundred respondents were selected randomly from each village for personal semi-structured interview schedule. Amongst the respondents 91% were male and 49% were of young age (i.e. 33-52 years). Majority of the respondents (95%) were schedule tribe or belong to indigenous community, literate (71%) and farmers (68%) with medium family size (52%) and marginal (low) land holding (78%). The variable gender is positively and significantly contributing in case of characterizing the predicted variable, attitude of ethno-botanical plant users. In presence of other predictor variable, the variable gender contributes 23% in case of delineating the attitude. One unit change in the variable gender can change 1.97 units in attitude towards positive direction. The R2 value of 0.163 indicates that the eleven predictor variables put together have explained 16.30% variations embedded with the predicted variables attitude of ethno-botanical plant users. Still 83.70% variations within the predicted variable are left unexplained. This study also reported that, there is vertical transfer of ethno-botanical plant knowledge which is due to the interest among the younger generation to learn and practice it.
Traditional, variable, income, attitude, sampling, material possession
Posture Adopted In Home and Farm Activities by Women of Hilly Terrain
The study was carried out among women of Karbi Hill Tribe residing in Lumbajong Development Block of Karbi Anglong District of Assam. It was observed that sitting on feet is the most common posture among adopted by the women while doing the kitchen related activities, mud plastering and washing of clothes. Sitting on feet, stooping and bending are found to be the common postures adopted by the women while doing the agricultural activities. Among all the postures adopted while doing the home, farm and allied activities most strenuous is sitting on feet. Findings also revealed that pain in waist is more among the women.
Posture, Musculoskeletal disorder, Household activities, Agricultural activities
Patterns and Progress in Horticultural Farming in Rural Areas of Uttarakhand Himalaya
Uttarakhand grows a number of horticultural crops – fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers. Its patterns in terms of area, production and yield vary from crop to crop and from one district to other. The main objective of this paper was to examine patterns and progress of horticultural farming in rural areas of Uttarakhand. We gathered two time series (2001-2014) data from secondary sources and analyzed area, production and yield of crops. It was observed that although, there was an increase in crops’ yield (13.6%), area (21.1%) and production (35.5%) yet increase in yield was comparatively less than area and production, during the period.
Is Self-Sufficiency in Foodgrains in Northeastern States Real? – An Analysis
Though apparently, states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland appear to be self-sufficient in foodgrains, their offtake of large quantity of foodgrains from the central pool, point towards exaggeration in production data claimed by them or towards leakage of foodgrains, mainly rice and wheat. The offtake of foodgrains from central pool by NER during 2010-11 was 2.604 Mt, showing a mismatch between requirement and offtake. The states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura are surplus in foodgrains as per production data available as these states produced 46.9, 24.6, 58.8 and 7.4% more foodgrains over and above their requirement. However, the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland, though apparently surplus, have lifted 86.81, 84.47 and 149.97 Mt of foodgrains, respectively, from the central pool to meet their requirements during 2010-11. Offtake of foodgrains by NER states was 799.6 thousand tonnes during 2001-02 which increased to 2614.2 thousand tonnes during 2015-16. There was no offtake of foodgrains by Haryana during 2001-02 but Punjab lifted a meagre quantity of 1588 tonnes, however, a quantity of 980.2 and 890.3 thousand tonnes was lifted by these two states during 2015-16, respectively, under National Food Security Act (NFSA). During 2015-16, the procurement of foodgrains from NER was only 0.023 Mt, that too from Assam for local consumption. During the corresponding year, the procurement from Haryana and Punjab was 9.644 and 19.603 Mt, respectively. During 1967-68, the foodgrains deficit was quite large in India. The total procurement of wheat and rice were 4.04 and 8.99 Mt only, but the demand was quite high and offtake of foodgrains was 55.93 and 10.87 Mt, respectively. The government had to meet this requirement by importing of large quantity of wheat and rice from other countries.
Foodgrains, Self-sufficiency, Northeast states, Allocation, Offtake
Demonstration of Aeration: Assessment of Fish Growth and Survival at Field Condition
The study examined the effect of aeration on growth and production of Indian major carps in earthen ponds (each of 0.1 ha in size and 1.5-2 m water depth) for 6 months (May-October 2015). Total six ponds were used, of which, three were provided with aeration using fountain aerator and remaining three kept non-aerated and served as control. Catla (40%), rohu (30%) and mrigal (30%) were stocked (10,000 fingerlings/ha) into the ponds and mustard oil cake and rice bran was fed to them (2-3% of body weight). Aeration was provided daily twice (7-8 am and 5-6pm) for one hour during each time. The water quality and fish growth was assessed on monthly intervals which showed significant increase in DO, pH and total alkalinity level of water of the aerated pond. Ammonia was in safe limit and plankton production was higher through aeration. Growth (in terms of wet weight) was 4.3% higher at catla, 4.9% higher at rohu and 16% higher at mrigal in aerated pond in comparison with non-aerated pond. Survival was 8% higher, thus production was 17% higher in aerated pond when compared with non-aerated pond. Feed conversion ratio in aerated pond (2.8) was better than non-aerated pond (3.3). Thus, the study concluded that aeration could be a potential mean for further enhancement of the fish production of Tripura from current level for doubling farmers’ income and livelihood security.
Aeration; Indian major carps; water quality; growth; weight gain
Copyright (c) 2017 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Therapeutic Management of Winter Coccidiosis in Cattle calves of Morigaon, Assam
Winter coccidiosis was observed in nine (9) non-descript cattle calves of about 4-10 months of age from Charaibahi village, Morigaon, Assam. Examination of fecal samples revealed presence of five species of Eimeria viz. E. bovis (88.88%), E. zuernii (66.66%), E. auburnensis (55.55%), E. ellipsoidalis (33.33%) and E. alabamensis (22.22%). Oocyst count per gram of feces ranged from 50 to 950 in infected calves. All the calves were treated successfully with Sulphadimidine @ 0.2g per kg b. wt. orally for 5 days, Paracetamol and Nimesulide @ 1 bolus per 100 kg b. wt. orally for 3 days and fluid therapy @ 500ml intravenously daily for 3 days. Multivitamin @ 250g per 100kg of feed was given daily as a supportive supplement for 1 month. After 5 days of treatment, the calves recovered gradually and started normal feeding.
Calves, Winter coccidiosis, Eimeria spp., Charaibahi, Assam
Effect of Sex on Hematological Profile of Zovawk - An Indigenous Pig of Mizoram Hills
Hematological profile was investigated in three different age groups of Zovawk viz. pre-weaning (4 to 5 weeks old), grower (24 to 26 weeks old) and adults (14 to 16 months old) in three different phases of a year. Each of the groups consisted of 36 pigs with equal number of male and female. A total of 324 blood samples collected from different groups was investigated to find out the effect of sex on total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and differential leucocyte count (DLC) for lymphocyte, Neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil by using automatic blood analyzer Vetscan HM5. Influence of sex on hematological profile was found only in pre-weaning group. Out of all the hematological parameters investigated, sex influenced TEC (P<0.01), PCV (P<0.05) and TLC (P<0.01). TEC, PCV and TLC of pre-weaning pigs were higher in females than in males. The study revealed hematological profile indicative of its wild origin in the past and its adaptability to the existing climatic conditions. The presented baseline hematological data of Zovawk could be used in monitoring the herd health and proper diagnosis of diseases.
1Division of Animal Health, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam- 793103, Meghalaya
The biochemical, microbial and organoleptic changes in three commercially important small indigenous fishes (Mystus gulio, Puntius sophore and Gudusia chapra) during ice storage has been studied. Proximate analysis revealed the moisture, ash, protein and lipid contents were 74.76%, 1.58%, 16.87% and 5.69%in M. gulio, 72.55%, 1.72%, 18.21% and 4.49%in P. sophore, and, 73.18%, 1.77%, 16.24% and 4.43% in G. chapra. Based on the biochemical, microbiological and organoleptic evaluation, the shelf-life of these fishes in ice-stored condition was considered to be 13 days, 10 days and 13 days respectively. The TVBN was increased to 29.87 mg% on 10th day of ice-storage in P. sophore, whereas, it crossed the border line of spoilage on 13th day in M. gulio and G. chapra. The aerobic plate count was reached to 6 log cfug-1 on 13th day in M. gulio and G. chapra and 10th day for P. sophore. Sensory analysis was well-correlated with the biochemical changes in fish. From this, it was concluded that, the edible quality of ice-preserved M. gulio and G. chapra remain upto 13 days and P. sophore upto 10 days.
Mystusgulio, Puntiussophore, Gudusiachapra, shelf-life, organoleptic -
Occurrence and Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Diarrhoeic Piglets in Meghalaya
The present study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Escherichia coli carrying virulence genes and antibiotic resistance associated with piglet diarrhea in Meghalaya. We analysed 294 faecal samples randomly collected from the piglets with history of diarrhoea for the isolation of E. coli followed by screening of virulence genes among the isolates by specific and multiplex PCR. Further E. coli isolates were subjected to Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method to study phenotypic antibiotic resistance. The overall occurrence rate of E. coli was 51.7% (152/294). Among 152 isolates virulence factor genes detected were stx1 (0.6%), stx2 (7.2%), lt (1.97%), stx2e (3.9%), eae (15.1%), STaP (0%), K99 (0%), fliCH7 (0.6%) and hlyA (15.1%). Based on multiplex PCR, out of these 152 isolates ,18 (11.8 %), 2 (1.3%) and 23 (15.1%) isolates were recorded as Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC), respectively. Antibiotic resistance percentages for Metronidazole, Sulphafurazole, Tetracycline, Streptomycin, Trimethoprim, Neomycin, Ampicillin, Co-trimoxazole, Ceftazidime, Enrofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin were found to be 100, 70, 68.2, 61.7, 44.8, 35.5, 34.6, 29, 25.2, 14, 10.3, 10.3, 6.5 and 3.7, respectively. In conclusion, this study showed the frequency of virulence genes, pathotype and antimicrobial resistance in E. coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic piglets in Meghalaya.
piglet, diarrhea, virulence genes, pathotype, Meghalaya
Studies on Breeding and Feeding Practices of Buffalo in Vogue among Buffalo Farmers in Temperate Himalayan Region of Kashmir Valley
The study was conducted in two geographically isolated districts of Anantnag in south Kashmir and Baramulla in north Kashmir. In each district 200 buffalo rearing farmers were selected. The information was collected through personal visit on the basis of a pre-formulated and tested questionnaire. The results revealed that majority (81.50%) of respondents were detecting heat in buffaloes by themselves and natural service with known/unknown bull was the only method of mating. Only a meagre proportion (8.75%) were practicing pregnancy diagnosis and considerable number of farmers (48.00%) were using services of a veterinarian for the treatment of anoestrous. Grazing plus supplementary feeding was adopted by maximum proportion of respondents (95.50%) with 58.25% using a combination of green fodder and dry fodder. Feeding twice a day was adopted by maximum (76.50%) farmers and feeding regularity was maintained by majority (89.75%). Treatment of poor quality feed stuffs was not practised by any of the farmers. Majority of the respondents (97.75%) were not feed according to animal’s productivity level while 76.50% were practicing feeding at later stage of dry period. All farmers practiced feeding as per body weight and all of them used milk as a source feeding to young stock. Proportion of farmers, feeding according to productivity level and those feeding at later stage of dry period differed significantly among the districts. Majority (92.50%) of the respondents adopted individual pattern of feeding. It is concluded that many of the breeding and feeding practices in vogue did not conform to any prescribed standards and as such farmers need to be apprised about scientific management practices.
Buffalo; Feeding; Breeding; Kashmir Valley
Status and Constraints of Backyard Poultry Farming in Mizoram
Backyard Poultry farming is a traditional farming practice in Mizoram since time immemorial practiced by Mizo women. The study was carried out to analyze the status and constraints of backyard poultry production amongst the women in Aizawl and Mamit districts of Mizoram, India. A total of 200 women poultry rearers were selected from 10 villages. The study revealed that majority of the respondents were from middle age group, literate, housewives, possessed less than 1 hectare of land and belonged to BPL category, rearing coloured non-descript native birds. Local chickens were reared for dual purpose predominately under free range scavenging system by providing kitchen leftover, insect, worms, crop residues, grass and grains as feed materials. They got chicks by natural hatching at home and used bamboo made brooder for hatching the eggs. They did not practice vaccination and deworming of birds and mortality rate in birds due to Ranikhet disease was the highest, followed by fowl pox, greenish diarhhorea, respiratory problems etc. They sold eggs and birds directly to the consumers. The major constraints as revealed in the study were non-availability of improved chicks for rearing, predators and occurrence of diseases.
Backyard, Poultry, Farming, Management, Mizoram (Key words needs to be improved)
A study was conducted in two purposively selected districts of Meghalaya viz. East Khasi Hills District and West Khasi Hills District in order to find out the marketing channel of pigs, mode of marketing of pork and the source of piglet supply. Fifteen pig farmers were selected from each of the eight selected villages from the study area to make a sample size 120. The study revealed that majority (72.5 percent) of the farmers disposed their pigs through local traders followed by 25 percent through retailers and only a meagre 2.5 percent disposed their pigs directly to consumers. In respect of pork majority of them (68.3%) disposed to the local traders followed by 10% at the local market, 9.17% at home, 6.67% during social occasion and only 5 percent disposed their pork to the butchers. On the other hand so far as supply of piglet was concerned, majority (77.5%) of the respondents bought their piglets from co-farmers and 22.5% bought their piglet from market.
Marketing, Pig, Pork, Piglet, Farmers, Traders
Resilience for Livestock by Displaced Farm Women in Hill Districts of Assam
A study on resilience practiced in rearing livestock by the displaced tribal farm women in hill districts of Assam was carried out by selecting one hundred respondents each from two districts of Assam namely Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong through stratified random sampling, making the total sample size of 200. A pre-tested, reliable and valid interview schedule encompassing a check list containing eighteen items was used for data collection. It was found that that the average resilience measures for livestock was 22.85 out of the total obtainable score of 54. As such, the resilience measures for livestock were more or less in the medium range. The mean differences test revealed no significant variations in measures of resilience for livestock between the two districts. Further majority of the respondents revealed that they “kept the animals together in safer place whenever required”, “maintained regularity in free grazing”, “provided supplementary feed when in scarcity”, “took special care for pregnant animals in feeding and husbandry practices” and “largely interested in cross breeding and rearing of improved livestock”.
Resilience, Displaced, Tribal, Farm women, Hill
Preliminary Report on Prevalence of Intestinal Ciliate (Buxtonella sulcata) in Cattle of Assam
Buxtonella sulcata is an intestinal ciliate protozoon which inhabits the caecum of cattle. In neonates and immunocompromised calves it multiplies fast, become virulent and cause clinical disease. A total of 2339 fecal samples of calves (535), heifer (641) and adult (1163) cattle were screened for 1 year present in and around Guwahati, Assam for detection of B. sulcata infection by direct, sedimentation and formalin ethyl ether concentration methods. Examination of fecal samples revealed an overall prevalence of 0.81%infection of B. sulcata in dairy cattle. Age-wise, 0.74%, 0.78% and 0.85% infections of B. sulcata were recorded in calves (<1 year), heifer (1-3 years) and adult (>3 years) cattle, respectively. Strongyle sp., Eimeria sp., Amphistome, Strongyloides sp., Moniezia sp., Toxocara vitulorum, Trichuris sp., Fasciola gigantica and Bunostomum sp. were also recorded. This report may be considered as the first report of B. sulcata infection in cattle of Assam.
Buxtonella sulcata, Prevalence, Cattle, Assam
Exceptionally High Hatchability of Vanaraja Hatching Eggs under Field Conditions- A Success Story
150 Vanaraja hatching eggs were provided to 15 tribal farm women for natural incubation using broody hen. The freshly collected hatching eggs were sorted and clean eggs of uniform size, ideal shape, texture were separated out. The eggs were pre-candled to remove the eggs with shell deformities, hairline cracks etc. Training with regards to selection of broody hen, preparation of the egg nests, feeding, care and management of brooding hen during the period of incubation was provided prior to setting of eggs for incubation. The overall hatchability on total eggs set (HTES) was 98% and hatchability on fertile eggs set (HFES) was 98.66%. The farmers were quite satisfied with the results of incubation and having hatched the chicks through natural incubation at their premises, farmers showed more involvement and care in rearing the chicks. The success story further demonstrates that excellent hatchability under natural incubation could be achieved through careful selection of hatching eggs, less pre-incubation holding period of the eggs, optimum brooding nest material. Moreover, distribution of hatching eggs could be a low cost intervention to promote backyard poultry farming.
Broody hens, Hatchability, Natural incubation.