Articles of Volume : 5 Issue : 5, May, 2021 |
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Urban Farming: A Necessity or a Hobby for Few |
Author : Yash Agarwal |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Agriculture/Farming has historically proved to be a major fac-tor which guided the evolution of human civilization. Right after the beginning of agriculture revolution 12,000 years ago which came after the human cognitive revolution, the settlement patterns and food habits of humans changed drastically. People started liv-ing in large numbers practicing agriculture and thus the first villag-es came into being. The oldest civilizations like that of Indus valley are known to be agriculture based harnessing the fertile lands near the banks of river Indus. |
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Climate-smart Agriculture: A Response to Climate Change |
Author : Mehrdad Niknami |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to human be-ings. Agriculture is climate-dependent and it definitely affects climate change; therefore, the activities of rural residents such as farmers and those who are active in agribusinesses interact with climate change. Climate change affects various productive, eco-nomic, social, environmental, and human aspects; for example, in-crease in greenhouse gas emissions, changes in the usual precipi-tation patterns and their improper distribution, and temperature fluctuations. |
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Information Filtering and Organisation in Social Microblogging Sites |
Author : Soumi Dutta |
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Abstract :Online social microblogging sites, such as Twitter (https://twitter.com), Tumblr (http://www.tumblr.com), and Sina Weibo (https://weibo.com) are very popular platforms for information exchange on the Web today. These micro blogging sites have be-come trendy communication tools, enabling rapid information ex-change. Vast amounts of information are generated on these sites every day through economic, academic and social activities. This crowd-sourced information can be utilised for diverse applica-tions, ranging from market analysis, fraud detection, detection of spammers and spam posts, characterization or grouping of user according to their behavior, extraction of important news and customer retention to production control and science explora-tion. |
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Manihot esculenta (Crantz)’ Diversity Management by Peaysants in Pissa and Damara’s Districts in the Central African Republic (A Comparative Approach) |
Author : Gougodo De Mon-Zoni Julie Léancy, Kosh-Komba E, Bombo-Yongo, Zaman M, Touckia GI, Zinga I, Semballa S, Mololi A, Batawila K and Akpagana K |
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Abstract :Understanding knowledge and know-how of peasants’ producers is important for the conducting efficient programs of agricul-tural development and appropriate research. The aim of this study is to analyze strategies of managing the diversity of cassavas by peasants through a comparative approach in the scale of the two districts that are characteristics of agroclimatic zones in the for-est and in the savannah. An inquiry done with 420 peasants who are producers in 30 villages respectively in these district allowed censing Thirty-six (36) varieties among which 05 elites cultivated in the two districts. The various names given to the cultivars is linked to sociocultural facts, to introducers, to advantages obtained through cultivating manioc, to their origins, to the vegetative cycle and to the tastes. Highly significant differences have been observed in the number of cultivars in the two districts and vary from 2 to 13 per village (an average of 6) in the area of study. Variation between households is weak, from 1 to 3 cultivars (an average 2). The two districts have registered loss in cultivars. |
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On-farm Rice Straw Burning: Its Prevention and Solution |
Author : Sourav Ghosal, Srabani Ghosal, Jyoti Ranjan Rath and MK Ghosal |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :On-farm burning of rice straw is at present an increasing concern in India where, rice is cultivated widely and the staple food for almost all people of the country. Rice straw is therefore considered to be a sustainable bio-resource as it is available and generated adequately because of the cultivation of the crop twice in a year in major parts of India. Farmers are forced to use combines to com-plete the harvesting work of the crop within a short period due to the shortage of labour, unpredicted rainfall and natural disaster frequently occurring during the period of crop harvesting. No other option lies with the farmers but to burn the loose straw, gener-ated after combine harvesting, for preparing their fields ready for performing the sowing operation of the next crop. This practice re-sults into the emission of greenhouse gases, causing adverse effects on the environment and becomes a major concern for the whole country. Hence this paper discusses the suitable technologies for utilization of dumped loose straw in the field, in an environmentally sustainable manner and thus preventing the practice of on-farm burning |
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Effect of Some Rhizobium Strains on Fenugreek Growth and Biological Control of Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Fenugreek Caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum |
Author : Hemissi Imen, Hachana Amira and Arfaoui Hanen |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Fenugreek is an annual leguminous crop grown for hay and grains in Tunisia. It is also considered as a valuable rotation crop with cereals. Sclerotinia rot was observed in production fields since 2010. The aim of this work is to study the antagonistic activity of different Rhizobium strains against Sclerotinia trifoliorum in dual culture in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. Among the 32 strains tested, 26 isolates had effective control on Sclerotinia trifoliorumin vitro. In order to study the biological control mechanisms, the Rhizobium strains ability to produce volatile compounds and to solubilize phosphate were investigated. The results showed that 18 strains were able to solubilize phosphorus and 19 strains produced volatile compounds. In pot trials, the percentage of fenugreek plants inoculated with different rhizobia showed significant reduce sclerotinia stem rot symptoms compared to the uninoculated plants. Among these rhizobiums, the strain Soli proved efficient against the pathogen in vitro and in pot experiments. The results promise the use of rhizobia for protection of fenugreek against Sclerotinia trifoliorum |
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Mycoremediation by Oyster Mushroom |
Author : Nidhi Akkin |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Oyster mushroom is the Pleurotus species, which is a well-known fungus that can be used in bioremediation of the soil con-taminated by pesticides and heavy metals in ecosystem. Cultiva-tion of this mushroom is an age-old practice. Though the biological remediation properties were known from a very long time, as long as the period of world war one, but only a little was done to com-mercialize it or incorporate it in our daily lives. The absorption po-tential of Pleurotus species is still to be known to the fullest extent. |
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Modern Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production Potentiality through a Sorts of Management Practice |
Author : Atik Ahmed, Md Masud Rana Parvej, Md Hafiz All Amin, Alok Kumar Paul and Md Asaduzzaman Khan |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The purpose of the research is to evaluate the production performance of transplanted modern rice using organic manure and inorganic fertilizer with water management. The research activity was completed by following Two (2) factors split plot design (SPD) with three replications. The treatments were factor A: two irrigations (I1= Continuous flooding; I2= Alternate wetting and drying) arranged in the main plots, whereas factor B: 8 different doses of fertilizer + manure (T0: Control, T1: 100% N100P15K45S20Zn2, T2: 50% NPKSZn +5-ton cowdung/ha, T3: 70% NPKSZn + 3-ton cowdung/ha, T4: 50% NPKSZn + 5-ton compost/ha, T5: 70% NPKSZn +3-ton compost/ha, T6: 50% NPKSZn + 3.5-ton poultry manure/ha and T7: 70% NPKSZn + 2.1-ton poultry manure/ha) settled in the sub-plots. The finding of the research revealed that the irrigation practices had not any significant effect but different doses of fertilizer and manure had significant outcomes on rice production. The highest numbers of effective tillers/hill (9.13), plant height (119.79 cm), panicle length (27.96 cm), 1000 grain wt. (21.67g), grain yield (5.12 t/ha) and straw yield (10.1 t/ha) were found from (50% NPKSZn plus 5-ton cowdung/ha), (70% NPKSZn plus 3-ton cowdung/ha), (70% NPKSZn plus 3-ton compost/ha), (50% NPKSZn plus 5-ton compost/ha), (70% NPKSZn plus 2.1-ton poultry manure/ha) and (100% N100P15K45S20Zn2), respectively. The grain yield percent increase (38.3%) was recorded from (70% NPKSZn plus 2.1-ton poultry manure/ha). The grain yield was higher because of organic +inorganic fertilizers as compared to chemical fertilizer. Moreover, the combined result of irrigation with fertilizer and manure was significantly influenced in yield. The highest grain yields (5.78 t/ha) were recorded from (Alternate wetting and drying with 70% NPKSZn plus 2.1-ton poultry manure/ha). The transplanted rice grain and straw nutrient concentrations were significantly affected by the application of fertilizer and manure. Finally, it can be recommended (70% NPKSZn plus 2.1-ton poultry manure/ha) for effective production of modern transplanted rice cultivation |
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Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol Potential of Pseudomonas sp. Strains on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Plant |
Author : Mounika Nagabhairava, Ali Shaik Zulfikar, Sandhya Vardharajula and Sai Shiva Krishna Prasad Vurukonda |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Extensive studies on the use of biocontrol agents (BCA’s) to control diseases caused by plant pathogenic microorganism, to re-duce the over usage of chemical inputs and to minimize broad use of fungicides, which leads to resistance in plant pathogens. In sustainable agriculture, plant growth promoting (PGP), and BCA’s have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives to most of the chemical pesticides. In the present study, six Pseudomonas spp. strains were screened for various PGP traits viz., Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Phosphate solubilization, siderophore activity, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production and furthermore the strains were characterized for in vitro antifungal activity against various plant pathogenic fungi, drought, and temperature tolerance. The strains P21-ABF and P22-DSK has shown effective PGP traits and antagonistic activity against Rhizoctoniasolani and Fusariumoxysporum. The most pro-spective strains P21-ABF and P22-DSK were selected to perform in planta biocontrol studies on sorghum seeds. The most prospec-tive strain P21-ABF upon molecular characterization was identified as Pseudomonasaeruginosa |
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Vertical Distribution of Soils Fertility of Sagarpali and Chitbadagaon Village of Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh |
Author : Rahul Kumar, Ashok Kumar Singh and Anil Kumar Singh |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :An investigation was carried out for Characterization of soils of Sagarpali and Chitbadagaon village of Ballia District (U.P.). Depth wise soil samples were collected from two selected villageviz. Sagarpali and Chitbadagaon. From both Sagarpali and Chitbadagaon pedons soil sample were collected from 0 - 20, 20 - 41, 41 - 61, 61 - 81, 81 - 101, 101 - 127, 127 - 152 and 152 - 177 cm depths and in this respect a soil profile was opened in each village. Standard method was followed for analysis of physico-chemical parameter of soil. Results revealed that pH of soil found to be slightly acid to slightly alkaline where EC was in normal range. Bulk density of soil found be 1.40 - 1.54 Mg m-³ and water holding capacity 36.89 - 47.79%. Organic carbon content varied from 0.13 - 0.71%. The soil was slightly moderately calcareous (0.36 - 2.34 CaCO3%). Available N, P, K, and S content in soil varied from 106.62 - 304 kg ha-1, 6.81 - 11.10 mgkg-1, 240.8 - 403.2. kg ha-1 and 4.32 - 8.35 mgkg-1 respectively. The texture of soil was found to be clayey to clay loamy. |
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Seasonality and Production of Poultry Meat in Owerri Urban South-Eastern Nigeria |
Author : Akagha NU, Onyegbule UO, Nwaiche CB, Azuike PA and Okeke RN |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study examined seasonality and poultry meat production in Owerri urban, South eastern Nigeria. Therefore the study focused on effects of seasons on production of poultry meat. Quasi experimental research design was employed in the study. Data on rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and birds sold (meat produced) was collected for a period of 16 years (2004-2019). Results shows, that poultry meat production revealed a weak correlation with temperature and relative humidity (-0.74 and-0.62) respectively and an R-square of 64.7% which shows higher production of poultry meat in the rainy seasons. The trend analysis revealed variability in poultry meat production across the seasons of the year for the span under study (2004-2019). In conclusion, seasons of the year have effects on production of poultry meat in the study area within the period under investigation. It is recommended that farmer’s should adequately feed their birds and maintain good sanitation/hygiene for improved production |
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Soil and Plant Nutrient Status as Influenced by Phosphorus Biofertilizers in Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) |
Author : Prasanth B, Hemalatha S, Prabhakara Reddy G and Nagamadhuri K V |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :A field trial entitled “Evaluation of biofertilizers for phosphorus economy in sweet corn (Zea mays L.)” was executed during kharif, 2018 on sandy loam soils of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University. The experiment was structured in a randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The different experimental treatments con-sists different phosphorus management practices. Phosphorus levels failed to exert significant influence on nitrogen and potassium content of sweet corn. The higher post-harvest soil available nitrogen and phosphorus status was noticed with 100% recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) + Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM) @ 12.5 kg ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) @ 5 kg ha-1 (T4). Higher post-harvest soil available potassium was registered with 100% RDP + AM @ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T2). Application of 50% RDP + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 (T8) resulted in lower post - harvest soil nitrogen and phosphorus, in comparison with the remaining treatments tested. Higher partial factor productivity of phosphorus (Pfp) was recorded with 50% RDP + AM @ 12.5 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 (T10). Con-siderably lower partial factor productivity of phosphorus was registered with 100% RDP (T1) |
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Neo-liberalism and Structural Adjustment Programs: Effects of Institutional Reforms on Agriculture Based Economy in Ethiopia |
Author : Wuletaw Mekuria |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Neo-liberalism is a set of market oriented policy. Structural adjustment program is development thinking of neo-liberalism em-barked upon the global economic disaster put into operation in Africa and Ethiopia as well. In 1991, structural adjustment program was adopted in Ethiopia ten years later from other Sub-Saharan African countries. Despite several policies were established and put into practice, the program could not continue after 1995. The objective of the study was to explore the effects of structural adjustment program and neo-liberalism on political economy of Ethiopia. The study was at national level. Secondary data were col-lected from various empirical and theoretical literatures such as policy briefs and study findings. Qualitative methods were used for analysis. The review results revealed that mixed economy had been implemented in Ethiopia since 1991. On wards 2000, an interventionist economic model was took place and changed to democratic developmental state in 2007. The structural adjustment program and neo-liberalism reforms resulted for establishing of diverse national policies, strategies, plans, programs and projects. Currently, Ethiopia is undergoing various development interventions applied at different sectors. Therefore, this paper highlighted on debates and arguments on development institutions that Ethiopia put into practice several programs. However, it was not without limitations, gaps and overlaps for which the government could not give due attention for evaluating programs and projects for its sustainability. Hence, institutional reforms should be revised or changed after critically evaluated in consultation of academia, policy makers, researchers and professionals. |
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Farming: Back to Basics |
Author : Prasanth Bendalam |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :India is renowned worldwide for its prosperous agrarian econ-omy during the pre-colonial period. The era of post-independence changed this buoyant milieu into a crisis by immoderate execution of green revolution technologies that are characterized by pletho-ric cost burdens and environmental degradation. Prior to the green revolution, Indian farmer’s aboriginal experience and knowledge succoured the country’s food security without much altering the environment. At the present moment, ensuring food security for the escalating populace appears to be a huge challenge with de-clining land area and productivity. While a core solution to these problems, alternative farming methods such as organic farming, natural farming, and biodynamic farming came into the picture. |
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Factors Affecting Adoption of Good Agricultural Practice of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) Orchard in Jhapa, Nepal |
Author : Basanta Khanal, Jaya Prakash Dutta and Purnima Puri |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study was conducted to determine adoption of good agricultural practices of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) orchard and fac-tors affecting its adoption. Seventy rubber growing farmers were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with pre tested semi structured interview schedule during month of April, 2020. Chi-square test, Pearson coefficient of correlation and Independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Findings of the study revealed that out of eight management prac-tice; Basin size (87.1%) was highly adopted while Chemical fertilizer application (22.9%) was least adopted. About 60% of rubber farmers had high adoption level and remaining 40% had low adoption level for good agricultural practice. Among selected factors; farm size (at 1% level), training (at 1% level) and frequency of contact with extension worker (at 5% level) had significant associa-tion with adoption level of good agricultural practices of rubber. Similarly adoption level of good agricultural practices was found to be significant with income (at 1% level) and productivity (at 1% level). Farmers with high adoption level had yearly income of 5.59 lakhs/ha and latex productivity of 3.04 Mt/ha while farmers with lower adoption level had yearly income of 2.13 lakh/ ha and latex productivity of 1.23 Mt/ha. Poor technical knowledge, price fluctuation in combination with high cost of input is limiting adoption of good agricultural practices. |
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Using Natural Language Processing to Translate Plain Text into Pythonic Syntax in Kannada |
Author : Vinay Rao, Sanjana GB, Sundar Guntnur, Navya Priya N, Sanjana Reddy and Pavan KR |
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Abstract :Digital evolution has made various services and products available at everyone’s fingertips and made human lives easier. It has become necessary for individuals with a passion to be a part of this digital evolution to learn how to write code, which is the basic literacy of the digital age. But writing code has become a privilege for students with prior knowledge of English. In the context of the evolving field of Agri-tech, individuals and companies are making large strides towards digitising various dif-ferent aspects of Agriculture. AI is being used actively to solve various problems in the agricultural space. The basic expected literacy here as well, is the ability to write code with the default understanding of English. Rural areas where one of the mainstream occupa-tion for a large part of the population is Agriculture, English language may not be their primary language of choice for written and verbal communications. |
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Status of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) in Shreenagar Hill of Tansen, Palpa, Nepal |
Author : Toyanath Belbase and Sunil Ghimire |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The non-native plant species which invade and displace native plants causing damage to environment, biodiversity, economy and health called invasive plants. Their status was studied in Shreenagar hill of Tansen, Palpa. Field visit and sampling of size 1m x 1m was done in 120 plots by systematic random sampling method. Asteraceae family and Ageratina adenophora species were found to be most dominant with more effect on disturbed area. The invasion was more in highly disturbed areas. All Invasive Alien Species (IAPs) were dicotyledons and most of them (8 out of 9) were herbs. Till now, there is no more impact of IAPs on total plant species richness due to their recent entry but threatening to be epidemic in future. So, there is urgent need of controlling them to prevent from further spread. |
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Inter-Related Hydrologic Threats to Australia’s Agricultural Potential |
Author : Charles R Lawrence |
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Abstract :For the dry Australian continent agricultural activity is concentrated in the more humid perimeter. In these areas in particular, land clearing and agricultural development has initiated higher infiltration and groundwater recharge, reflected in the emergence of land degradation problems of salinization of low-lying landscape and acidification of soils. The accelerated use of groundwater for ir-rigation has brought concerns about the sustainability of that resource along with changed composition of groundwater derived from nitrate leaching from the soil, which restricts its use for drinking and contaminates streams. Each of these problems is worsening and contributing to reduced agricultural production and the potential availability of the groundwater resource. All these problems are induced by the common factor of changes in the groundwater hydrology. Recommendations are made on the need for integration of research, monitoring and management. |
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Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) - An Exploration of Hygro waste for Textile Applications |
Author : Madhu Sharan and Sumi Haldar |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera.) an aquatic perennial plant cultivated widely from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This species is a national flower of India and Vietnam. Due to the huge economic importance of flower, the cultivators cut the flower with the little length of the petioles leaving the rest entire as a “waste”. The Petiole is a part between the flower and underground rhizome of the lotus plant. Petiole contains two types of xylem cells: tracheids and vessels. Several individual precious lotus fibers are orderly assembled in tracheids and vessels in the form of “Helix”. There was no source of the Lotus fibers in India. So, the research was planned to explore this hygro- waste for textile use which includes right from the base to find out the availability of wetlands near and around Vadodara region of Gujarat, contacting the peoples associated with lotus cultivation, extraction of fibers, spinning of the yarn and prepara-tion of handloom fabric. Results indicated feasibility for its use in textiles because all fibers cannot be a textile fiber it should have a good length, excellent strength, moisture absorbency and cohesiveness to convert into yarn and woven fabric. Testing of all essential properties of the fibers shows its feasibility for the application in textiles. Small scale industry can be developed by providing train-ing regarding the extraction process of fiber, spinning and weaving which will assist the skill development and income generation to the rural communities and as well value-added products can be developed which can cater the market. Raw material to end product consists of no use of chemicals which saves the mother earth. |
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