Conference Proceedings

National Conference
on
“Natural Farming Systems and
Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario”
5-7 December 2022

Organized by:

NAAS Regional Chapter-Barapani, Meghalaya

International Union of Organic Agriculture, Shillong and
College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal),
Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya
 National Conference
Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario

5-7 December 2022

College of Agriculture, CAU (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai,

Meghalaya, India

Extended Summaries

Organizers

NAAS Regional Chapter-Barapani, Meghalaya

International Union of Organic Agriculture, Shillong
College of Agriculture, CAU (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai,
Meghalaya
Published in December 2022

Dr. U.K. Behera

Chairman
National Conference onNatural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservationunder
Changing Climate Scenario
Dean, College of Agriculture (CAU, Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya-793105,
India

Organising Co-Chairman
Dr. V.K. Gupta, Director, NRC (Pig), Rani, Guwahati, Assam
Dr. Arun Kumar Mishra, Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Rourkela, Odisha- 769004.

Organising Secretary
Dr. Dibaker Mahanta, Senior Scientist, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi
- 110 012, India
Dr. R.L. Choudhury, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard
Research, Bharatpur- 321 303, Rajasthan, India

Editors
M. Premi Devi, L. Sanajaoba Singh, G. Bhuvana Priya, Sabyasachi Majumdar, Pranabjyoti
Sarma and U.K. Behera

Citation
Devi, M.P., Singh, L.S, Bhuvana Priya, G., Majumdar S., Sarma P. and Behera, U.K. 2022.
National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario In: Extended Summaries of National Conference on Natural
Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing Climate Scenario. The
NAAS Regional Chapter-Barapani, Meghalaya-793105, India, pp 1-354.

2022 by the NAAS Regional Chapter-Barapani, Meghalaya & IUOA, Shillong,

Meghalaya

The views expressed in this publication by the authors are their own and these do not
necessarily reflect those of the organizers.
 CONTENTS

Theme A: Natural Farming Systems .. 1

Theme B: Climate Change-Adaptation & Mitigation Strategies .. 110
Theme C: Biodiversity Conservation .. 157
Theme D: Integrated Farming System .. 203
Theme E: Farmers’ Platform .. 329
Theme F: Students’ Platform .. 354
 THEME A
NATURAL FARMING SYSTEMS
 SUB CONTENT

THEME A: NATURAL FARMING SYSTEMS

SL AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE

NO. NO.
Keynote Speakers
1 Natural farming systems model for livelihood security of farmers in North Eastern Hill Region 1-3
Behera UK, Bhuvana Priya G, Premi Devi M, Sabyasachi Majumdar and Ngangom Uma Devi
Lead Presentations
2 Natural farming an ecological intensification of agriculture for sustainable food production and 4-9
regeneration of soil
Babalad HB
3 Paradigm shift towards natural farming: Key promises, elements and challenges 10-17
Sharma SK and Fagodiya RK
4 Eco-intensification approach through recycling of nutrients and innovative sustainable nutrient 18-20
management practices in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) cultivation under integrated organic
farming system
Satyanarayana Rao, Upendra Naik and Venkanna R
5 Pollinators diversity on chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa Linnaeus) under natural farming and 21-29
conventional farming systems
Raj Kumar Thakur, Ankush Dhuria and Priyanka Rani
6 Evaluation of innovative and sustainable natural and organic nutrient management practices in a 30-34
long term transplanted organic rice
Rajashree and Satyanarayana Rao
7 The integration efficiencies of natural farming in harmony with the ecosystem 35-39
Kailas Murthy MK
Oral Presentations
8 Evaluation of different farming systems for management of leaf eating caterpillar, 40-42
Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in soybean
Biradar AP, Babalad HB, Soumya Patil, Prakash HT, Renuka Biradar and Gurudevi V Navali
9 Concept for agriculture sustainability of Chhattisgarh: A review 43-45
Sunil Kumar, Bhambri MC, Vinay Samadiya and Jayesh Shesh
10 Microbiological properties of rhizosphere soil of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) as influenced by 46-48
organic and natural farming practices
Anand B Mastiholi, Sowmya B, Maheswarappa HP, Sanjiv Duradundi, Prabhu Ajjappalavar,
Ravikumar, Shantappa T and Mallu Deshetti
11 The potential impact of organic, natural and inorganic farming on quality, soil health and 49-51
productivity of maize sweet corn, (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.)
Manjulatha G, Rajanikanth E, Krishna Chaitanya A and Sowjanya B
12 Evaluation of natural farming practices in cotton in northern transition zone of Karnataka 52-54
Madhumati S Pujeri and Gaddanakeri SA
13 Performance of natural farming in northern transitional zone of Karnataka 55-56
Chandrashekara CP, Manjunatha SB, Patil BO, Girish VP, Sankalpa CP, Nargis Fatima and
Shivanand Goudra
14 Studies on genetic divergence of cherry tomato in NE India 57-63
Chanu NB, Sarma P and Hazarika BN
15 Influence of different farming practices on biotic stresses, nutrient status and yield evaluation in the 64-67
banana intercropped with ginger followed by french bean- A horti-silviculture eco-system study
Hongal S, Maheswarappa HP, Gurav SG, Raghavendra KS, Sowjanya TV, Divya Bhat and
Phatak R
16 Influence of different organic formulation on yield and economics of gram in South-Eastern 68-70
Rajasthan
Pratap Singh, Meena BS, Susheela Kalwaniya and Gajendra Nagar
17 Management of diseases under natural farming practices involving green gram-rabi sorghum 71-73
cropping system in northern dry zone of Karnataka
Jamadar MM, Babalad HB, Soumya Patil and Gurudevi V Navali
18 Microbial identification of jeevamrutha microbiota for regenerative agriculture 74-77
Sreenivasulu G, Babalad HB and Deepa
19 Studies on utilization of unconventional feeds for low-cost ration formulation based on nutritional 78-80
status and suitability of complete feed blocks for pigs
Rajat Buragohain
20 Enhancement of soil fertility status through natural farming in pigeon pea under northern dry zone of 81-83
Karnataka
Vidyavathi GY, Babalad HB, Saraswathi, Yadahalli GS, Rajanand Hiremath, Shilpa C, Sagar
Dhage and Geeta Kalaghatagi
21 Productivity and profitability of soybean-wheat cropping systemunder different farming systems in 84-86
northern dry zone of Karnataka under irrigated condition
Yadahalli GS, Bablad HB, Sagar Dhage S, Patil MB, Rajanand Hiremath, Vidyavathi GY and
Saraswathi
22 Impact of different organic formulation on yield and economics of wheat in South-Eastern Rajasthan 87-89
Meena BS, Pratap Singh, Gajendra Nagar and Susheela Kalwaniya
23 Effect ofgraded dose of vermicompost & panchagavya spray on nutrient content and nutrient uptake 90-92
of direct seeded rice (CAU-R1) in Mizoram, NE-India
Devarishi Sharma L, Rahul Sadhukhan, Shri Dhar, Mutum Ronaldo Singh and Shitaljit
Ningomba
24 Natural farming practices in district Shravasti: Its adoption and impact on farmers’ income and 93
improvement in soil health
Ram Bharose, Vinay Kumar, Dohare APS, Umesh Babu and Sanjeev Kumar
25 Constraints associated with natural rubber farming in North East India: A diagnostic study 94
Sanjenbam Sher Singh and Rajkumar Josmee Singh
26 Zero budget natural livestock farming 95
Gyaneshori Devi T, Merina Devi K and Bhumapati N
27 Bee forage and floral calendar of natural farming system of Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya 96-98
Ngangom Uma Devi and Behera UK
28 Effect of natural farming practices on yield and yield attributes of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) 99-100
under sub-humid southern plains and Aravali Hills of Rajasthan
Pinky Yadav and Sharma SK
29 Influence of lime and poultry manure on growth and yield of upland paddy (Oryza sativa L.) in acid 101-104
soils of Meghalaya
Sabyasachi Majumdar and Behera UK
30 Growth and yield of upland paddy (Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by lime and poultry manure 105-107
application in acid soils of Meghalaya
Sabyasachi Majumdar and Behera UK
31 Sustainable livelihood through wetland resources for household food security with adaptation to 108-109
climate change: An empirical analysis from Ranikor in Meghalaya
Rizwan Ahmed
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Natural farming systems model for livelihood security of farmers in North-

Eastern hill region
U.K. BEHERA, G. BHUVANAPRIYA, M. PREMI DEVI, SABYASACHI
MAJUMDAR AND NG. UMA DEVI

College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya-793105

BACK GROUND forest plants (Table 1.) The soil of the site
is acidic in nature with annual rainfall
Natural ecosystems and industrial
ranging about 4000 mm.
agro-ecosystems are very different. The
latter are generally more productive but far Economically viable Natural Farming
less diverse than the former. And unlike System Models for the region by
natural systems, industrial agro ecosystems considering the local and indigenous
plants/breeds
are far from self-sustaining. Their
productivity can be maintained only with Optimized models were developed
large additional inputs of energy and for natural farming systems (NFS) using
materials from external, human-produced Lingo software (www.lingo.com) under
sources; otherwise they quickly degrade to single objective framework to maximize
net income under a set of constraints
a much less productive level. In every
(Behera et al. 2014). We made an
respect, these two types of systems are at optimization study to developed an
opposite ends of a spectrum. The key to improved optimized Natural Farming
sustainability is to find a compromise System model under natural farming
between the two - a system that models the systems situations taking one farmer’s
structure and function of natural situation as case study (Behera et al.,
2022). Various strategies were developed
ecosystems yet yields a harvest for human
by combining various crops suitable for
use. Such a system is manipulated to a the farm and already adapted to the agro-
high degree by humans for human ends, climatic situations. In Table 2,
and is therefore not self-sustaining. The performance of various models under
lower yields of natural ecosystems, different enterprise/crop combinations
however, are usually more than offset by under various resource constraints are
the advantage gained in reduced presented. It shows are the performance of
a natural systems under a particular
dependence on external inputs and an
situations can be improved and proved
accompanying reduction in adverse potential to provide economic as well as
environmental impacts. ecological benefits on par with a
conventional systems. There is need to
DETAILS OF THE SITE give focus for development of such
systems for better utilisation of local
Considering the above, Natural
resources and conservation of biodiversity.
Farming System Model developed at
Such an approach also adheres to the
College of Agriculture Kyrdemkulai, Ri-
principle of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and can
bhoi district in Meghalaya during 2020-
be potential to double the farmer’s income.
2022. The following components were
The NFS model generated a net returns of
included in 15 acres of land area with
Rs. 17.07 to 23.20 lakhs from 6.0 ha area.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
CONCLUSION REFERENCES
The performance of natural
Behera, U.K.,Kaechele, H., France J.
systems can be improved and proved
2015. Integrated animal and
potential to provide economic as well as
cropping systems in single and
ecological benefits at par with
multi-objective frameworks for
conventional systems. There is need to
enhancing the livelihood security of
give focus for development of such
farmers and agricultural
systems for better utilisation of local
sustainability in Northern India.
resources and conservation of biodiversity.
Animal Production Science55:1338-
Suitable blending of the natural farming
1346.
systems with modern scientific approach is
Behera, U.K.,Singh, B. and Mishra, A.
needed to promote NFS in the region.
2022. Natural Farming Systems
Model for Livelihood Security of
Farmers in North Eastern Hill
Region of India. P-302. Book of
Abstract (Posters). World Congress
of Soil Science. Glasgow, United
Kingdom. 1004 pp.
Table 1. The components of Natural Farming systems at College of Agriculture,
Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya (in15.0-acre area).
Components of NFS Area Per cent area Remarks
(Acres) to total area
Bamboo 2.0 13.3 Good for the region. Local and
(Bambusa vulgaris) indigenous plant. Helps in checking
soil erosion and regenerative
agriculture.
Broom grass 2.0 13.3 Good for checking soil erosion.
(Thysanolaena maxima) Well adapted to the local situations
and has local market demand.
Large cardamom 2.0 13.3 Grow well under forest plants. It
(Amomum subulatum) has local market demand.
Black Pepper(500 m2) 1000 plants 0.05 Perennial climbing vine. Suitable
(Piper nigrum) (0.125 for the trees of the forest having
acres) market demand as spice.
Sisal (Agave sisalana) 1.0 acre 6.65 Check soil erosion and provides
natural fibers. Suitable for well
drained soils of NEH region.
Apiary 20 numbers - Very good under NFS of hilly
ecology having variety of flower
plants.
Mithun 3 numbers - Very good animal for forest
(Bos frontalis) ecology. It is a large domestic cattle
distributed in Northeast India.
Forest area 8.0 acres 53.4
Total 15.0 100

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2. Performance of different natural farming systems models/ strategies under a North
Eastern Hill region Scenarios
Enterprise
NFS NFS NFS NFS NFS
combination/
Model 1 Model 2 Model 3 Model 4 Model 5
Resource use
X1 Rice 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
X2 Bamboo 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4
X3 Jackfruit 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.4
X4 Broomgrass 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.4
X5 Lemon grass (oil) 0.015 0.136 0.25 0.0 0.0
X6 Banana 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.25
X7 Pineapple 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.40
X8 Tree bean (Ha) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.15
100 trees
X9 Tapioca 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
X10 Sisal 0 0 0 0 0
X11 Ginger 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.35
X12 Turmeric 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.35
R1 Land (ha) 3.96 4.10 4.20 3.95 3.45
R2 Capital (Rs) 300000 400,000 494,450 287,387 259,914
R3 Labour (mandays) 388 403 416 386.5 392.5
Optimized Net Returns (Rs) 22,49,172 22,88,260 23,20,260 22,44,242 17,07,846
objective

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Natural farming an ecological intensification of agriculture for sustainable

food production and regeneration of soil
BABALAD H. B.
Dean (Agri), College of Agriculture, Vijayapura 586101
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Mail: hbbabalad@gmail.com / babaladhb@uasd.in
Agriculture is the most crucial of synthetic pesticides in particular.
sector of India’s economy, contributing Environmental pollution by chemical
nearly 19.9 per cent of total GDP during fertilizers and pesticides is posing a
2020-21. Despite a steady decline in the serious threat worldwide. Their continuous
contribution of agriculture to GDP over usage could destroy the native plant
the past decade, it is still the single most species and beneficial soil micro flora and
significant contributor to the GDP. It plays fauna (Doran et al.1996, Jenkinson 1982,
an imperative role in the overall Shaikh and Gachande, 2015). Presently,
socioeconomic development of the the cost of cultivation has been rising;
farming community in the country. reducing the farm profits, increasing the
Cultivation of crop, being the primary net income and reducing the costs stabilize
sector of India, is involved in sustaining the farmers’ income. To overcome the ill
livelihood and providing employment effects of green revolution on soil quality
opportunities for most of the Indian and income of farmers’ by ensuring their
population. About 41.49 per cent of the income security, is the foremost concern to
total labour force is still getting employed all scientists, policymakers and cultivators.
in the farming sector, which has made,
more than half of the Indian population In India according to 2010-
dependent on agriculture for their 11census 85 % holdings (117.6 million)
livelihood (NSSO, 2020). are small and marginal and out of this 80
% are marginal (92.8 million) with average
While the country realized holding size of 0.4 ha (Census, India 2010-
admirable position in food production 2011). These low and lower middle
(308.60 million tonnes), unfortunately, income group occupy 50 per cent of farm
farming itself turned non-profitable land (71.2 million ha) and produce a
overtime due to intensifying production higher share of the country’s food relative
costs, reduced soil fertility due to to the share of land they use, as they tend
excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and to have higher yields than larger farms.
pesticides at the cost of minimal use of Equally important concerns, as posed by
organic fertilizers manure. The agro- Agarwal and Agarwal (2017), is whether
chemicals enhanced crop productivity the Indian farmer likes farming; or, as
during 1970-90’s. From late 1990’s, both discussed by Gaurav and Mishra (2015),
crop production and productivity are on the fact that the small holders returns
showing signs of plateau. Total factor are efficient, but their low absolute returns
productivity is declining. Intensive use of raise questions on the sustainability of
inorganic chemical fertilizers and their livelihood. Under the situation there
pesticides resulted in contamination of is a need for alternate agriculture systems
soil, surface and ground water with to the conventional farming which are
harmful chemicals (Colbourn and more sustainable and economically viable
Thornton, 1978, Lena and Rao 1997). and ecologically sound.
There are grave signs of health risks due to India has a rich traditional
use of these agro-chemicals in general and agriculture base. There are known records

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
of high yield prior to 1900 and several climate resilient agriculture, builds skills
components of this richness are still for sustainable development and conserves
available with successful farmers who biodiversity.
practice crop production protocols without
agro-chemicals and claim high yield. A NATURAL FARMING—A SELF-
few among various approaches to enhance RELIANT ALTERNATE FARMING
’farmers’ income and soil fertility are SYSTEM: THE CONCEPT
organic farming, natural farming,
ecological agriculture, low external input Natural farming, exemplifies agro-
sustainable agriculture, precision farming, ecological principles, where the emphasis
etc, which are being promoted over time to is on enhanced biomass recycling;
reduce chemical use and cost of strengthened immune system of a farming
production and conserve natural resources. systems through enhanced functional
Alternative low-input farming biodiversity; enhanced soil conditions by
practices have emerged in pockets across managing organic matter and soil
the world promising reduced input costs biological activity; minimized loss of
and higher yields for farmers, chemical- energy, water, and nutrients;
free food for consumers and improved soil diversification of genetic resources; and
fertility. In Japan, Fukuoka started Natural enhanced beneficial biological
farming by experimenting with the nature interactions. Natural Farming (NF), as the
and following the natural ways of crop name indicates, is a farming method where
production. He achieved yields similar to the cost of crop production is minimum.
those of chemical farming without soil The farmers need not purchase external
erosion (Andow and Hidaka, 1998). inputs like chemical fertilizers and
Everything in nature is useful and serves a pesticides to grow food. The key objective
purpose in the web of life. Similar farming of the NF is to improve soil fertility and to
system propounded by Mr Subhash protect the environment. Natural farming
Palekar as Zero Budget Natural Farming is a low-input, low--risk farming practice
(ZBNF) a form of low external input and a climate resilient model work in
sustainable agriculture (LEISA) and has harmony with nature.
helped popularise these practices across
In recent decades, many of the
the country. In Andhra Pradesh data from
Indian states have adopted NF system and
RySSled CCEs in 2016 and 2017 show
realized its importance in maintaining soil
that farmers practising ZBNF earn
bio-life and farmers income (APZBNF,
considerably more than the control group
2018). In Karnataka, during the first phase,
of conventional farmers (La Via
it is proposed to carry out research on
Campesina 2016 and Tripathi et al. 2018) .
development of integrated natural farming
It is also termed as ‘Do Nothing Farming’,
systems in all the 10 Agro-Climatic zones
because the farmer is considered only to be
of the state thorough concerned State
a facilitator - the real work is done by
Agriculture/ Horticulture Universities and
nature herself. Natural farming is one such
demonstrations in ’farmer’s fields to
low-input, climate resilient type of farming
validate the Natural Farming practices.
that encourages farmers to use low cost
The University of Agricultural Sciences,
locally-sourced inputs, eliminating the use
Dharwad in collaboration with Department
of artificial fertilisers, and industrial
of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka
pesticides. The NF programme meets the
and farmers has carried out an Operational
criteria for several climate adaptation and
Research Project on Comparative
mitigation funds, because it helps reduce
Evaluation of Natural Farming Systems for
poverty, promotes food security and
gender empowerment, creates models for

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Enhancing the Livelihood of Farm expressed that it helps to mitigate climate
Families of Zone 3 of Karnataka. change effects mainly drought and floods
as they are able to produce more and got
FARMER’S PARTICIPATORY higher profits than neighboring chemical
STUDIES farmers. The achievers of NF expressed
the stabilization in yield and profits needs
In order to identify main
two to three years as it demands
differences between natural farming and
regeneration of soil and favorable
conventional farming practices, descriptive
environment on the farm. This farmers
statistics have been used to analyze the
participatory research and up scaling of
primary data collected from 80 farmers
natural farming technologies in the region
across the 8 districts of the Northern Dry
contemplate greater conservation of
Zone of Karnataka. The study was planned
natural resources, improve their vitality
to highlight the main characteristics of
and enhance productivity of crops and live
these two systems to address the
stock and income of farm families.
differences in production, cost and returns
was carried out and resource SOIL FERTILITY EVALUATION OF
characterization of the farms and socio NATURAL FARMING, ORGANIC
economic conditions of farm families was AND CONVENTIONAL FARMERS’
analyzed. In NF farmers’ field, crop FIELDS
diversification (intercrops, mixed crops,
sequence crops, diverse crops) and Soil samples were collected from
integrated natural farming systems was Natural farming, Organic farming and
observed on the farm. They practice Conventional farming practicing farmers
natural soil and crop management fields. Among the three farming systems,
practices and pest and diseases managed higher mean values of organic carbon
on the farm and recorded higher farm content were recorded in natural farming
productivity and income. The results and organic farmers field 9.80 and 8.79 g
revealed that the total cost under NF was kg-1 respectively as compared to
observed to be lower than the conventional conventional farmers field 5.27 g kg-
1
farming system. The average yield realized .Similarly, higher mean values of
under NF system was slightly lower than a available nitrogen, phosphorus and
conventional farming system in all the potassium were recorded in natural and
crops except pulses and millets. This organic farmers fields (341.39, 48.92 and
clearly indicated that the NF system 517.33 kg ha-1 and 338.56, 46.05 and
performed well in millets and pulses 497.56 kg ha-1 respectively) and lower
cultivation under the rainfed farming values in conventional farmers field
situation. And around 92 percent of the (264.07, 40.38 and 427.88 kg ha-1
farmers experienced that, the cost of respectively)which are adjacent to natural
cultivation under NF was minimized and farmers field.
net returns are higher. Farmers based on
decade of experience with NF system,
Table1. Chemical properties of soils in NF farmer fields

Soil parameters Farming systems

Natural Organic farming Conventional
farming farming
Organic carbon (g kg-1) 9.80 8.79 5.27
Avail. N. (kg ha-1) 341.39 338.56 264.07
Avail. P2O5 (kg ha-1) 48.92 46.05 40.38
Avail. K2O (kg ha-1) 517.33 497.65 427.88
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
THE RESEARCH EVIDENCES and organic systems were higher than
conventional integrated and chemical
Studies on comparative evaluation farming systems with consideration of 20
of different farming systems mainly per cent premium price for the produce.
natural farming, organic farming, The and sugarcane noticed reduction in
integrated farming (recommended package yield with NF system as compared to
of practice) and chemical farming was conventional integrated system and
carried out at Instructional Farm, College organic system and on par with chemical
of Agriculture, Vijayapur and Agricultural farming. Whereas, The cost on production
Research Station(ARS) Annigeri under mainly inputs is much less in NF systems.
rainfed conditions and at ARS, Arabhavi The natural and organic farming systems
and ARS, Mudhol under irrigating had higher soil biological activity as
situations of University of Agricultural indicated by beneficial micro-organisms
Sciences, Dharwad have been initiated population and enzymatic activity was
during 2019-20. The multi-disciplinary observed.
team of scientists of Agronomy, Soil
Science, Microbiology, Entomology, Plant The studies on evaluation of soil
Pathology, Horticulture and Agriculture quality parameters of natural farming,
Economics are involved in the study. The organic, chemical farming and
results on the comparative evaluation of conventional systems showed, natural and
Natural Farming and other farming organic systems recorded higher soil
systems in different cropping systems in physical, chemical and biological quality
Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka (Zone-3) of soil and significantly higher beneficial
is available for two years for rabi crops micro-organisms population and
and one year for kharif crops. enzymatic activity. In natural and organic
farming systems the improvement in soil
The initial results under rainfed organic carbon and soil quality was
production system the Integrated Natural significant, which will enhance nutrient
Farming (INF) system is equally acquisition, holding and availability. In
productive and profitable as compared to natural farming the cumulative
Conventional System and Organic System improvement in available soil N,
superior to chemical farming as observed Phosphorus and Potassium was observed.
in rabi sorghum, greengram, chickpea, and Based on findings Ghanajeevamritha (1.35
pigeon pea. The reduction in yield of Bajra to 1.5 % N) and Drava Jeevamritha (770 to
and safflower was more. In safflower 850 PPM or 0.07 to 0.08% N) soil applied
crops, the growth was good and and also foliar applied enhances
comparable with that of integrated rhizosphere and phyllosphere BNF more
conventional system but the reduction in than in chemical farming.
seed yield (25-30 %) was mainly due to
pests, aphids. Maintaining residue mulch The experimental data on
and green cover on the surface is population of earthworms showed higher
advantageous than their incorporation in to number in natural and organic farming
the soil due to better soil bio life and water systems. From literature Anecic species
relations. are known to improve quality of soil and
turn/mix the soil very well. They make the
In irrigated situation, chickpea, deep permanent and stable pores in the soil
soybean and maize yield and net returns in because of their movement have an
NF system were comparable with advantage in natural farming.
conventional integrated and organic
farming systems. The net returns in NF

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Highest bacterial load and enzyme composts, green manures etc which are
activity was observed in organic, locally feasible along with elements of NF
integrated natural farming and natural to enhance the physical, chemical and
farming systems as compared to chemical biological quality of soil. Studies have
farming. The above observations indicate shown that natural farming, with the
that the components implemented in these minimum external inputs, harnessing
systems, aggregates a variety of microbial ecological services, application of
based bioactivities which stimulates and supplements like ghanajeevamruth,
improves the biological processes of Jeevamruth and liquid organic manures
intricate plant- microbe- soil continuum. improves the soil fertility by increasing the
Generally beneficial rhizospere soil micro and macro flora and available
microorganisms can boost plant growth via nutrients.
multiple regulatory biochemical pathways
by manipulating the plant hormonal This method encourages crop
signalling preventing pathogenic microbial intensification and biodiversity in a given
strains and increasing the bioavailability of agro-ecology. Labour and production costs
soil –borne nutrients. are minimized. Hence it can be seen by
many as eco-friendly and sustainable food
The cost on production mainly production system. The separate
inputs is much less in natural farming but certification process and market
the cost on labour is higher in NF as the opportunity need to be provided and NF
system is labour intensive until the soil system, should get premium prices for
regeneration is achieved. In natural their produce concerning ecology and
farming food production systems long environmental conservation and quality
term studies are required to establish food to consumers.
ecological services in production ecology
and beneficial interactions between soil- The agro-ecological studies, their
microbes – plant interactions and to draw insights and experiences are lacking in
valid conclusions. different farming and agro-ecological
situations. The long term studies on
SUMMARY ecology and environment in relation to
agriculture need to be conducted to
Indiscriminate use of chemical validate the benefits in different crops and
fertilizers and pesticides posed a threat to cropping systems. The regeneration of
the soil and environment. Many polluted soil, the mother earth is the need
investigations have shown their adverse of the hour for sustaining the food
effects of change in soil quality, soil production systems, quality of food and
contamination, ground water pollution and prosperity of farmers. To gain acceptance
decrease in soil micro flora etc. Promote among the scientific community and
integrated NF system as an alternate to policy makers the multi-disciplinary
chemical farming and research centres and scientists do long term fixed site studies on
NF farmers’ fields are schools of learning the research stations of universities and
skills and knowledge. NF and organic real farm situations mainly practicing NF
farming systems are more productive, farmers’ fields.
profitable and sustainable than only
chemical farming and comparable with FUTURE LINE OF RESEARCH
integrated conventional system. The
productivity and profitability of NF system The studies on NF and other systems,
could be enhanced by integrated indicated reduction in yield during
application of farm yard manure, conversion period of 2-3 years depends
upon crops and agro ecological situations.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
As the yield is the complex and many 2. Harnessing the benefits of ecological
factors attribute to its capacity the extent services and achieving greater
of reduction varies with crops and farming complementarities and synergy among
situations. The results addition of crop the components of farming system will
residues, green manures, certainly benefit and reduce the yield
ghanajeevamrutha, Jeevamritha, gaps in natural /organic farming
Acchadhana, legume cover crops, legume systems may be included in
crop rotations and crop diversification recommendations.
contribute nutrients. However there is need 3. Interdisciplinary research is needed in
to study the nutrient dynamics especially order to fully understand the likelihood
the nitrogen and phosphorus on long term of grower adoption and to support
basis on fixed sites. The use efficiency of management recommendations that are
these is higher with organic / natural deliberately tailored to unique
sources compared to chemical sources agroecosystem contexts.
need to be considered. Appropriate 4. It should be flexible enough to
conclusion may be drawn about the N and accommodate and address the state
P deficits and management in natural specific (ideally location specific)
farming and its impact on yield. issues to make the exercise more
realistic, locally acceptable and cost
When we documented many NF farmers’ effective.
success stories practicing more than 5 5. An enabling environment broadly is a
years, we observed in addition to set of interrelated conditions viz.,
Jeevamrith and Acchadhana they policies, investment plans, institutions,
supplement nutrients through other organic support services and other conditions -
manures and green manures and their soil including legal, organisational, fiscal,
available nitrogen and OC are higher than informational, social, cultural and
other conventional farmers. The political - that individually and
Integrated Natural farming Systems on collectively could create or improve the
ecological principles need to be impact of the growth process in a
developed by addressing the following sustained manner.
issues/ priority areas: 6. All these put together indicates that if
policies are made favourable and level
1. Ecological intensification of natural and
playing field is ensured through
organic systems in a farming system
comparable financial support, natural
mode which provide better cycling and
Framing can play its role in furthering
recycling of nutrients, release,
the cause of food security and
acquisition and holding of nutrients in a
nutritional security in the country.
system.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Paradigm shift towards natural farming: Key promises, elements and

challenges
S. K. SHARMA AND DR. R. K. FAGODIYA
e-mail: shanti_organic@rediffmail.com

INTRODUCTION being member of WTO since Jan. 1, 1995,

Indian agriculture at some places is
The global food security will looking for third phase of agriculture i.e.
remain a worldwide concern for the next advanced agriculture. Advanced
50 years and beyond. The current usage agriculture has a wider geographical range
reveals two main substantive approaches and depends more on sound and improved
resource efficiency and functional technologies with greater emphasis on
integrity. These approaches give us the export. The most of the developed
notion of sustainability. The desire for a countries are running in this phase. The
sustainable agriculture is universal, yet fourth and fifth phase of agriculture
agreement on how to achieve/ it remains development (worldwide agriculture and
elusive. Transformative changes of agriculture industry) cannot be observed in
agriculture and food systems are needed in India. Floriculture industry in Netherlands,
all countries, but priorities differ. To meet vegetable industry in Japan and European
these changes, a Paradigm shift in countries are the some of the examples in
agriculture in 21st Century has been felt. these categories.
Natural Farming, organic agriculture,
regenerative agriculture and ecological The most pertinent thing here is
farming are various alternative approaches that organo-foods are getting a fast boost
in action to bring this transformation. up in the world export market and it is
where the potential of true organic farming
DIMENSIONS OF PARADIGM SHIFT can be exploited. However, in areas of
commercial agriculture where specialized
A look on the historical transition cropping systems are practiced with
of agriculture in the world is essential to intensive use of chemicals, irrigation
become aware of the degree of linkages of water, mechanized cultivation etc. partial
organic farming practices with that of organic farming can sustain the
traditional or modem agriculture (Table 1). productivity of agriculture. In areas where
At present, India is moving in second farmers are still following the subsistence
phase of agriculture development i.e. agriculture and are largely practicing the
commercial agriculture. Since 1950's till organic farming. Government should
1970's, we practiced subsistence identify them and by suitable incentives
agriculture where in family need, no crop and creation of organo-food markets,
specialization, dependency on nature and provision should be made for right price of
low productivity were the main features of their organic-produce. This will help to
agriculture. In commercial agriculture, earn foreign exchange to Government as
farmers produce surplus with the use. If well larger profit to farmers. All these
new agriculture technologies to sell in the things can practically be exploited by
market. They practice specialized knowing the determinants of feasibility of
agriculture as well as Government organic farming as well as concept and
emphasis on the organizational research components of sustainable agriculture.
and management as a whole. However,
after 1991 and particularly with the India

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Historical Transition of Agriculture (05 Stages)
S. No. Phases Generation Main features
(SCAWI)
1. SubsistenceAg. I ➢ Family Need
➢ No crop specialization
➢ Nature dependent
➢ Low productive (quantity and quality)
~-
,..,
2. Commercial II ➢ Crop specialization (Sale and buy)
-
➢ Organizational research and management emphasis
➢ Indian Farming
3. Advanced III ➢ Improved technology age (Insurance, research,
credit aaaaaaaaaaaanand
management of risk and income)
►
➢ Large financial outlay
➢► Wider geographical range
➢► Export orientation
4. World wide IV ➢► Relative advantage not the absolute (Global
➢► competition)
Solely import and export
➢► Highly professional and managerial manpower
,_.
5. Agril. Industry V ➢► Agriculture - a perfect economic oriented activity
(No population
concern)
➢► Almost climate independent (less effect)
➢► Self-research and development
-
THE FRAMEWORK OF PARADIGM sustainability and productivity. (Can
SHIFT prospects for long term sustainability
be improved with new technologies and
The framework of new changes in management?)
agriculture is determined by:
KEY PROMISES
➢ The food demand of the growing
population and economy (sustainability Creating new and sustainable food
goals), and the supply limits set by the systems that can support the world’s
carrying capacities of the agro- population is going to mean rethinking the
ecosystem (system capacities), fundamentals of farming, from the
➢ The trade-offs between agricultural resources used, to where it happens and its
productivity and quality of the natural basic relationship with nature.
resource base in different'
There are few human activities that
regions/agro-ecosystems as assessed
have changed the world’s landscapes and
by trends in suitable sustainability
environment more than farming. Fields of
indicators, (Are the levels and growth
crops and pastures for animals occupy an
1 of production sustainable?), and
extraordinary 40% of available global
➢ Emerging technologies and improved land. But the way we grow food on these
management strategies that can shift the
trade-offs towards improving both ·
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
vast swathes of land is putting increasing cost of production, crop failure and
pressure on nature. indebtedness among farmers besides
inequity and inequality in society and
Growing demand for food has greedful competition for maximization of
polluted much of the world’s water, soil yield and income without concerns of
and air with excess fertilizers and chemical nature.
sprays, which are remarkably inefficient.
Up to 98% of a crop spray won’t stay on In this background, the concept of
the plant but will instead bounce straight Return Towards Nature, “Family Farming”
off, accumulating in the soil and Alternative Agriculture, Eco-friendly
eventually running off into waterways. At Agriculture, Organic Farming, Natural
the same time, conversion of land from Farming, “Green Economic Development”
wild spaces to farming is driving have been advocated at national and
biodiversity loss, as wild plants and international level.
animals have less space to live in.
Agriculture must change to meet the
Is it possible to transform the way we rising demand, to contribute more
farm so that agriculture doesn’t effectively to the reduction of poverty and
compromise the natural environment? malnutrition, and to become ecologically
Because of the sheer scale of the world’s more sustainable. This transformation
agriculture, it seems like a gargantuan will be crucial for achieving many of the
task. But farmers and researchers are post-2015 Sustainable Development
already developing the tools that will be Goals (SDGs). Poverty and hunger must
needed to make it happen. The practices of be eradicated in om generation and
natural farming based on ecological should therefore be a prominent stand-
principles, used wisely, is one of them. alone goal. The contributions of
agriculture to goals on gender equality
The country adopted the Green and social inclusion, health, climate
Revolution model—an input- and change and energy, ecosystem services
chemical-intensive model—in the 1960s to and natural resources, and good
increase food production. The focus was governance must also be recognized in
on development of new seed varieties and specific targets and indicators for these
increased use of synthetic fertilizers and goals.
irrigation for increasing food production.
This approach succeeded in increasing PRESENT STATUS OF NATURAL
food production but failed the test of FARMING IN INDIA
sustainability.
UNO and FAO have urged to adopt Natural farming movement led by
strategies achieving sustainable goals by farmers and civil society has spread to
2030 by all the countries. It is very states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
important to mention that out of 20 SDGs, Maharashtra among others in the last few
11 SDGs are based on the overriding decades. Chemical-free agriculture,
concern for nature and protection of popularly known as organic agriculture,
natural resources. The modern agriculture has been gaining importance in India since
in the world and India has resulted in high 2000. The NITI Aayog has also
productivity of crops and thereby ensuring emphasized on ‘natural farming’.
the food security but at the same time it However, community organization and
has resulted into problems of declining soil farmers use ‘organic’ and ‘natural’
fertility, over use of water, pesticide farming terms interchangeably. It is
pollution, decreasing biodiversity, high roughly estimated that around 2.5 million

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
farmers in India are practicing regenerative March, 2020, The Ministry of Agriculture
agriculture. In the next 5 years, it is and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) proposed
expected to reach 20 lakh hectares- in any ‘Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati’ (BPKP)
form of organic farming, including natural as a new sub-mission under Paramparagat
farming, of which 12 lakh hectares are Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY).
under Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati
(BPKP). Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna
is a sub-component of Soil Health
States such as Andhra Pradesh, Management scheme under National
Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Mission of Sustainable Agriculture and
Karnataka and Kerala are promoting aims to develop sustainable models of
natural farming. Andhra Pradesh is the organic farming through a mix of
front runner among all states in traditional wisdom and modern science.
implementing natural farming programme
at a mass scale. According to the Andhra A proposal was submitted by the
Pradesh government, as of March 2020, agriculture ministry for implementation of
0.62 million farmers (10.5 per cent of all the BPKP with a total budget of Rs 4371.7
farmers) were enrolled in the programme. crore for 1.2 million ha, or Rs 36,430 per
Of the enrolled farmers, 0.44 million ha for five years. The major thrust under
farmers (7.5 per cent), were actually the proposed programme was capacity
practising natural farming on an area of building of farmers through continuous
0.45 million acres, which works out to 2.9 handholding, input support, certification,
per cent of the net sown area spread across value addition and innovations.
3,011-gram panchayats. Various research institutions are
Karnataka recently initiated currently conducting the research to assess
implementation of zero budget natural results of natural farming. Some research
farming (ZBNF) on a pilot basis in 2,000 is based on field experiments, while others
hectares in each of the 10 agro-climatic are based on surveys with practicing
zones of the state. Only a few farmers have farmers. Institutions are getting mixed
been doing it at individual scale in other results. Some show encouraging results,
states. while other not so much.

Himachal Pradesh has also set an Most research works are still in
ambitious target of promoting natural progress. Indian Council of Agricultural
farming in entire state by 2022. It is Research (ICAR) has also set up a
implementing the state-funded scheme committee to empirically validate ZBNF
Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan since May and committee has emphasized about
2018. nutrient deficit, yield reduction and issue
of profit to farmers in long terms and need
It has claimed to exceed its targets a systematic research and phasic
of year 2019 by covering more than promotion.
50,000 farmer families Kerala, Gujarat,
Haryana and Rajasthan have conducted Research by ICAR- Indian Institute
multiple mass level awareness of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR),
programmes, trainings and workshops for Modipuram for Subhash Palekar’s ZBNF
hundreds and thousands of farmers to in the rice-wheat system in north India
promote natural farming. showed reduction in ZBNF yield by up to
40 per cent in the initial years as compared
As per 17th Loksabha standing to chemical-based integrated crop
committee on agriculture report dated management. However, some research

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
institutions indicated that ZBNF production and consumption, motivate
performance was better than that of people and provide a structured
chemical-based farms. approach to guide countries in
designing their own development paths
Similarly, the NAAS, a think-tank for agriculture;
of agriculture scientists in India, in a
Policy paper-90 reported that ZBNF is an • Monitoring agriculture and food
unproven technology and no verifiable systems at unprecedented level of
data or authenticated result from any detail;
experiment is available so far (NAAS, • Long-term vision and investments in
2019). capacity building and research.
For making natural farming more doable
KEY ELEMENTS
and economical, there is a need of
Major elements of a new path for transition step by step from conventional
agriculture in twenty first century are: or traditional system of farming to natural
farming either on individual farmer group
• Shifting towards healthier diets; or community basis. Following steps
• Ensuring the supply of safe, nutritious should be considered as way forward for
food to all through increasing adoption of natural farming.
agricultural productivity on existing
crop and pasture land and making it • The first three operate at the
more resilient to climatic extremes; agroecosystem level and involve:

• Preserving the environment through • Increasing input use efficiency;

systems management principles that • Substituting conventional inputs and
increase resource efficiency, reduce net practices with agro-ecological
carbon emissions and other pollutants alternatives; and
associated with agriculture, and
improve soils and conserve natural • Redesigning the agroecosystem on the
resources; basis of a new set of ecological
processes.
• Reducing food losses and waste;
• New visions and business models for • The remaining two steps operate across
smallholder agriculture and rural the whole food system and involve:
development that create economic and • Re-establishing a more direct
job opportunities and make rural areas connection between producers and
more attractive places to live; consumers; and
• Building a new global food system
• Empowering women along the value based on participation, localness,
chain, fairness and justice.
• Coherent policies at all levels that • While the first two steps are
stimulate behaviour change, align all incremental, the latter three are more
actors, provide secure rights to land and transformative.
other resources, and incentivize
solutions for sustainable intensification RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
of agriculture and food systems that CHALLENGES IN NATURAL
take advantage of rapid advances in FARMING
science and technology. The National Agricultural Policy
• Clear goals, targets and indicators that (Ministry of Agriculture, 2000) of the
address critical areas of food Government of India aims at agricultural

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
growth (4% annually to 2020) with Agriculture, Organic Farming, Natural
sustainability, by a path that will be Farming, “Green Economic Development”
determined by three important 1 'factors: have been advocated at national and
technologies, globalization, and markets. international level. These alternative forms
Agricultural research and education of the of agriculture have been the part of on-
future must therefore address two related going B. Sc. (Ag.) degree courses, PG &
challenges: increasing agricultural Ph. D. courses implemented by different
productivity and profitability to keep pace SAUs/ Institutions under Agriculture
with demand, and ensuring long-term Education Division of ICAR, New Delhi.
sustainability of production. However, looking to the Internationally &
Nationally perceived ‘Resource Danger’,
In recent years, national and India being the country of maximum youth
international research organizations have population, the change of mindset of youth
responded to the increasing importance of and large population, there is a need of
sustainability in agricultural development. realization for development of a focused
The Indian Council of Agricultural curricula giving overriding concern for
Research (ICAR) has also revised its nature and its resources as a way of
mandate; its new vision statement reads, agriculture practices, as a way of
"to harness science to ensure sustained profession and as a way of life. This
physical, economic, and ecological access requires that the whole teaching and
to food and livelihood security to all learning environment need to get a new
through generation, assessment, dimension which can lead to better
refinement, and adoption of appropriate awareness, skill development and
technologies," (ICAR, 1999). Nearly all experience in agriculture development
institutions of ICAR and State Agricultural through natural farming emphasizing
Universities (SAUs), which constitute the harmonization of five basic elements of
NARS, have new vision statements universe (Air, Fire, Water, Land & Space).
focusing on "productivity with This includes maximization of production
sustainability". But integrating the concept and ecosystem health and wellbeing based
of sustainability into the institutional on ecological principles and law of nature.
strategy and design of research and It is a challenging one but India has a
education programmes is proving difficult glorious ancient history in agriculture
because sustainability requires dealing which will give the way for wholesome
with interactions between technology, life development for world community.
society, and environment and therefore We envisage & reemphasize the concept
with multiple stakeholders. It broadens the of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which
both scope and scale of agriculture from means “The world is one family” and
farm production and profitability to emphasizes on integration of all human
agribusiness issues that encompass developmental activities with nature and
regional and global development and lead to harmony of all components on this
environmental concerns. To address such earth system. Proper education in society
concerns, experts agree that greater towards commitment for nature can bring
production must be achieved by increasing a new paradigm shift in farming
yields while using fewer resources and throughout the world. New ecological
minimizing or reversing negative innovations and business models are
environmental impacts. emerging throughout world to redesign the
global food system which is more
In this background, the concept of
sustainable with zero harm to nature. In
Return Towards Nature, “Family Farming”
this background, the degree course on
Alternative Agriculture, Ecofriendly
Natural Farming has been envisaged.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
WAY FORWARD response options that can be considered
to realize or avoid specific futures?
How blessed the countries are, as • What are the key uncertainties that
we are surrounded by beautiful nature and hinder effective decision-making
wildlife. In our surrounding, so many concerning ecosystems?
species are there which require a need to • What tools and methodologies
protect them as well as to conserve the developed and used in the MA can
environment. The exploitation of the strengthen capacity to assess
environment can deplete the natural ecosystems, the services they provide,
resources and in result will make their impacts on human well-being, and
everyone’s survival difficult. For human the strengths and weaknesses of
beings to survive, the environment needs response options?
to be clean, fresh and eco-friendly. It has
been rightly said by Margaret Mead that CONCLUSION
“We won’t have a society if we destroy the
environment”. Indeed, it is true and we Depending on the issues of
can see the effects of the exploitation in productivity, economics, environmental
the changing environment. health, climate change effect, resource
availability and socio-economic factors in
The need to protect the India, alternative forms to substitute high
environment has arisen and it is important input based modern agriculture are
to understand the key areas where all the emerging and being practiced by farmers.
countries have to look upon and work. However, since 2000, after fatigue of
Green Revolution, ill health effect and
The main reasons for the protection are:- global pressure to protect environmental
and soil health, conventional organic,
• Ozone depletion, greenhouse effect and conservation chemical, natural farming,
global warming zero budget natural farming and organic
• Desertification farming are prominent farming practices
• Deforestation being suggested for sustainability in
• Loss of biodiversity agriculture bringing a balance in all 3
• Disposal of wastes pillars viz; social, economic and
environment of sustainability.
Five overarching questions, along with
more detailed lists of user needs developed Within the generic term ‘Natural
through discussions with stakeholders or Farming’, there are many sets of practices
provided by governments through that could be labelled as agro-ecological or
international conventions, guided the natural is not clear as scientific validation
issues that were assessed: of such practices has been done as a part of
common agriculture practices or as a part
• What are the current condition and of organic farming but not as such based
trends of ecosystems, ecosystem on the true principles being followed by
services, and human well-being? many natural farming practitioners and
• What are plausible future changes in proponents in abroad and India. So, there
ecosystems and their ecosystem is a need to codify it in a broader basket of
services and the consequent changes in natural farming based on the principles of
human well-being? natural farming.
• What can be done to enhance well-
being and conserve ecosystems? What Under low input conditions, there
are the strengths and weaknesses of are many sets of natural farming practices
which follow the law of science and agro-

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
ecology and they are situation specific and India. Asian Agri–History 21 (3):
cannot be replicated as such. As the scale 267–85.
of practices of natural farming increase in Ravisankar, N., Ansari, M.A., Panwar,
time and scale, advantage of natural A.S., Aulakh, C.S., Sharma, S.K.,
farming increases. Natural farming Suganthy, M., Suja, G. and
principles also allows all the innovations Jaganathan, D. 2021. Organic
which converge with the natural processes farming research in India: Potential
and domain of agro-ecological landscape. technologies and way forward.
Indian Journal of Agronomy, 66 (5th
There is a difference of approaches IAC Special issue) 142-162.
of use of external inputs and use of set of Sharma, S.K. Jain, D., Choudhary, R., Jat,
standards between organic and natural G., Jain, P., Bhojiyab, A.A. Jain, R.
farming, though both have many common and Yadav, S.K. 2021.
principles and practices. Microbiological and enzymatic
properties of diverse JaivikKrishi
Community based natural farming
inputs used in organic farming.
with innovative approaches of social
Indian Journal of Traditional
linkages, institute collaborations and
Knowledge, 20(1): 237–243.
participatory sharing of resources can help
in risk management under changing Sharma, S. K., Ravishankar, N., Chander,
climate, complex, risk and low input M., Jat, G., Choudhary, R.,
driven situations. Knowledge generation Fagodiya, R. K. and Pathak, H.
for practices of agro-ecological design, 2021. Organic agriculture under
biodiversity, nutrient, pest and disease changing climate scenario. Indian
management in mixed natural farming Journal of Agronomy, 66 (5th IAC
system in different niche areas of country Special issue), 82-94.
is the need of hour. India should take the
advantage of carbon trading, water Somasundaram, E., Amanullah, M.M.,
footprint, ecological footprint by adopting Vaiyapuri, K., Thirukkumaran, K
natural farming in suitable low input and and Sathyamoorthi, K. 2007.
high input areas through better technical Influence of organic sources of
skills and resources. nutrients on the yield and economics
of crops under maize based cropping
SUGGESTED READINGS: system. Journal of Applied Scientific
Research, 3:1774–1777.
Bhattacharyya, P. and Chakraborty, G.
2005. Current status of organic Stalin, V., Perumal K., Stanley, A.L. and
farming in India and other countries. Kalaichelvan, P.T. 2010. Screening
Indian Journal of Fertilizer, 1(9): and production of subtilin from
111–23. Bacillus subtilis isolated from
Carpenter–Boggs, L., Reganold, J.P. and nutrient–rich organic and
Kennedy, A.C. 2000. Biodynamic biodynamic manures. Journal of Life
preparations: short term effect on Sciences, 4:34–44.
crops, soils, and weed populations.
American Journal of Alternative Swain, M.R. and Ray, R.C. 2009.
Agriculture, 15:110–18. Biocontrol and other beneficial
activities of Bacillus subtilis isolated
Nene, Y.L. 2017. A critical discussion on from cowdung microflora.
the methods currently recommended Microbiology Research, 164:121–
to support organic crop farming in 30.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Eco-intensification approach through recycling of nutrients and innovative

sustainable nutrient management practices in foxtail millet
(Setaria italica L.) cultivation under integrated organic farming system
SATYANARAYANA RAO*, UPENDRA NAIK AND VENKANNAR
*Professor of Agronomy and Nodal officer (Natural Farming Project)
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India, - 584 104
e-mail: satyanarayanc_kulkarni @rediffmail.com

The Integrated Farming System combinations of innovative nutrient

(IFS) approach which is a pathway for management strategies, thus mainly
natural/organic farming aims at better focusing on natural and organic production
utilization of local resources and systems.
conservation of bio-diversity besides METHODOLOGY
increasing production and income and
employment from small-holding by Integrated Organic Farming
integrating various farm enterprises viz., System (IOFS) block established at
crop production and livestock and MARS, UAS, Raichur, India was the site
recycling crop residues and by products of experimentation. The solid wastes like
within the farm unit itself (Rajesh, 2012). cow dung, bullocks dung, feed waste,
In a Farming System approach, nutrient cattle shed wastes and the goat droppings
needs of crops are met out through re- produced by livestock components in
cycling process with available options on IOFS were stored, composted and
the farm. In the present scenario , there is available quantity of nutrients in various
a need to go for eco-intensification by organic manures was worked out on dry
blending of traditional farming knowledge weight basis during 2016. Subsequently,
with modern scientific approach with the composted manures (IFS compost
focusing on organic and natural farming made from all available organic sources
systems so as to optimize and sustain and vermicompost) in a recycling process
yield/profits rather than their was utilized through innovative organic
maximization besides maintaining soil nutrient management practices for
health. production of fox tail millet assessing,
Crop component of IFS under growth and yield of the crop and soil
organic system consisted of foxtail millet health status (fertility and biological
which is essentially a dry land crop environment). The manures were applied
grown as a pure or mixed crop with pigeon equivalent to 100 % RDN (30 kg ha-1.)as
pea in northern districts of Karnataka. The per different treatments schedule given in
literature on quantification of amount of Table-2.
nutrients obtained in closed farming units
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
and their recycling is very meager. This
study was part of integrated organic The nutrient content on dry weight
farming system which has been initiated basis of different manures indicated that
during 2014-15 in one hectare area of goat manure contained higher per cent of
permanent field plot under rain fed N and P nutrients than rest of the
condition to assess the quantum of components. The K content of
nutrients obtained from livestock vermicompost was much higher than rest
components in the system and their of the components which was on par with
recycling through the various IOFS manure. The total quantities of

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
nutrients were 144 kg, 72 kg, and 119 kg components of IOFS (Bullocks, cows and
NPK from the various livestock their calves and goats) (Table 1).
Table 1: Quantity of available organic manures and NPK nutrients from the livestock
components of integrated organic farming system:

Quantity of organic manure

Phosphorus Potassium
Livestock on dry weight basis Nitrogen
(kg/year) (kg/year)
components (kg/year) (kg/year)
Bullock (2) 6934 62 42 57
Cow (2) + Calves (2) 6415 64 16 59
Goat (5+1) 1132 18 14 3
Total 14472 144 72 119
Figures in parenthesis indicate number of livestock components maintained in 1.0. ha area.
In foxtail millet, among various panchagavya, (Rs. 36,374 ha-1) and IFS
treatments, application of jeevarmrutha + compost + vermicompost + panchagavya
mulching + IFS compost + vermicompost (Rs. 34,046 ha-1) (Table 2).There was
+ panchagavya recorded significantly distinct improvement in soil nutrient status
higher grain and stover yield (1841 kg ha-1 (available N, P2O5 and K2O) and microbial
-1
and 7066 kg ha ) and was on par with population after harvest of foxtail millet
jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS compost + with these promising innovative practices.
-1
panchagavya (1717 kg ha and 6856 kg
ha-1) and IFS compost + panchagavya CONCLUSION
(1660 kg ha-1 and 6263 kg ha-1).In these
In rainfed Integrated Organic Farming
treatments combined application of liquid
Production System , higher grain yield and
organics along with organic manures and
net returns from foxtail millet cultivation
mulching might have helped faster
could be obtained with application either
degradation and better availability of
jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS compost (
required nutrients as desired by plant
50% RDN) + vermicompost ( 50% RDN)
throughout the crop growth period.
+ 3% foliar spray of panchagavya at 30
Significantly lower grain and stover yield
and 45 DAS or jeevamrutha + mulching +
(736 kg ha-1 and 5225 kg ha-1) were
IFS compost ( 100% RDN) + 3% foliar
recorded with control and jeevamruth +
spray of panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAS or
Mulchin due to non-availability of
IFS compost ( 100% RDN) + 3% foliar
nutrients in adequate amounts especially in
spray of panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAS or
early stage of crop growth. Growth and
IFS compost ( 50% RDN) + vermicompost
yield parameters also followed the similar
( 50% RDN) + 3% foliar spray of
trend. Economic analysis indicated
panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAS. Further,
jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS compost +
these innovative sustainable natural
vermicompost + panchagavya recorded
farming practices resulted in recycling the
significantly higher net returns (Rs. 39,846
nutrients, maintaining soil health,
ha-1) and was on par with jeevamrutha +
strengthen the bio-diversity for sustainable
mulching + IFS compost + panchagavya
yield production.
(Rs. 36,863 ha-1), IFS compost +

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2: Grain Yield, Stover Yield, Gross returns, Net returns and BC ratio of foxtail millet
as influenced by nutrient management practices through Integrated Organic Farming System

Stover Gross
Grain yield Net returns B:C
Treatments yield returns
(kg ha-1) (Rs. ha-1) ratio
(kg ha-1) (Rs. ha-1)
T1:Control (No manure, no
jeevamrutha and no mulching 736 5225 23396 14442 2.61
application)
T2: Jeevamrutha + mulching 1376 5589 42657 30408 3.48
T3: IFS compost* 1362 5743 42306 29487 3.30
T4: IFS compost + vermicompost** 1395 6010 43362 29969 3.24
T5:Jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS 1523 5963 47191 32158 3.14
compost*
T6:Jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS 1360 6096 42324 27160 2.79
compost + vermicompost**
T7: IFS compost* + Panchagavya 1660 6263 51366 36374 3.43
T8: IFS compost + vermicompost** + 1594 6272 49388 34046 3.22
Panchagavya
T9:Jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS 1717 6856 53234 36863 3.25
compost* + Panchagavya
T10:Jeevamrutha + mulching + IFS
compost + vermicompost** + 1841 7066 56996 39846 3.32
Panchagavya
S. Em± 77 148 2344 0.18
C. D. at 5% 231 442 6966 0.53
* IFS compost equivalent to 100% RDN. In treatments T2 to T10,seeds were treated with
beejamrutha.
** IFS compost (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) equivalent to 100% RDN, Foliar spray of
Panchagavya (3%) at 30 and 45 DAS
REFERENCES
Rajesh, S.R., 2012, Studies on nutrient
management under integrated
farming system in hybrid maize (Zea
mays L.). M.Sc. (Agri) Thesis. Univ.
of Agric. Sci, Raichur.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Pollinators diversity on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa Linnaeus) under

natural farming and conventional farming systems
RAJ KUMAR THAKUR1, ANKUSH DHURIA2 AND PRIYANKA RANI3
1
Professor and Head 2 M.Sc.3 Ph.D. Student, Department of Entomology
Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (Himachal Pradesh),
India-173230
Corresponding author: rkt_apic@rediffmail.com
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa The observations on insect pollinators
Linnaeus subsp. chinensis) is a non- collected by scan sampling and sweep net
heading type of cabbage originated in capture revealed that 19 insects belonging
China and (Hanson et al., 2009). It is a to 16 genera under 7 families and 3 orders
winter season crop and thrives well at were recorded on Chinese cabbage (Table
temperature ranging from 15-21○C. It is I). Hymenopterans were recorded as the
the most widely grown vegetable in most dominant pollinators on chinese
China, Korea and Taiwan. Natural cabbage bloom in all the farming systems.
farming is a type of farming system with Hymenopteran pollinators belonged to
low cost of investment where farmers three families namely Apidae (4)
have no need to purchase fertilizers and Ichneumonidae (1) Halictidae (2). Apis
pesticides for the healthy growth of their mellifera, A. cerana, A. florea, Xylocopa
crops. This concept was highlighted by sp. (wild bee) and Bombus
Shri Subhash Palekar in 2016 (Bishnoi haemorrhoidali (wild bee) represented the
and Bhati, 2017). In Natural Farming (NF) family Apidae. Megarhyssa sp. belonged
system, the nutrient requirements as well to Ichneumonidae whereas, Halictus sp.
as protection of plants from various pest (wild bee) and Sphecodes sp. (wild bee)
and diseases are mostly met with the belonged to Halictidae. In diptera, there
application of some indigenous farm were 6 insects belonging to two families.
products. The abundance of insect Five insect visitors were from family
pollinators on bloom of various crops Syrphidae (Episyrphus balteatus, Eristalis
depends upon the climatic conditions, tenax, Eristalis sp., Metasyrphus corolla,
geographical distribution, edaphic factors Ischidon scutellaris) and one insect visitor
and availability of natural sites. Managed from Calliphoridae (Calliphorasp.).
honeybees (Apis mellifera L. and A. Among Lepidopterans Agalis
ceranaF.) are generally used to cashmiriensis, Danus chrysippus, Neptis
supplement pollination services provided hylas, Junonia sp. (family: Nymphalidae)
by wild bees thus enhancing crop yield. and Pieris brassicae (Pieridae) were
recorded.
METHODOLOGY
Relative abundance of insect visitors by
The present study was carried out scan sampling
in Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of
Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan The data in Table II, revealed that
(HP) situated at 31.27○ N latitude and significantly higher abundance was
76.94○ E longitude during the year 2019- recorded in NF system followed by control
2020. Several sampling methods such as and CF (Conventional Farming) system,
scan sampling, pan traps and trap nests respectively. Irrespective of the farming
were used to asses pollinator diversity. system A. mellifera was the most abundant

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
visitor followed by A. cerana, syrphids, Foraging rate
Lepidopterans and wild bees, respectively.
With respect to both farming system and The data presented in Table V,
insect visitors, A. mellifera was observed to revealed that A. cerana for aged
be the most abundant insect pollinator in significantly more number of flowers in
NF system whereas, wild bees were one minute in comparison to the A.
minimum in all farming systems being mellifera. The average number of flowers
statistically like Lepidopterans also in visited by both foragers in one minute was
control plot. significantly more in SPNF system
followed by control and CF system. The
Relative abundance of insect visitors by hive bees visited significantly more
sweep net capture number of flowers per minute during 1200
h followed by 1500 and 1000 h,
The observations in Table III, respectively (Fig. 2).
indicated that maximum abundance of
insect visitors was recorded in SPNF Foraging speed
system followed by CF system and
control, respectively. Irrespective of the The data on foraging speed in
farming systems, syrphids were the most different farming systems (Table VI)
abundant insect visitor being statistically revealed that A. mellifera spent more time
to A. mellifera. The abundance of A. per flower as compared to A. cerana. The
cerana was significantly more than wild average time spent per flower by both
bees and Lepidopterans in all the farming foragers was significantly more in CF
systems. system followed by control and SPNF
system. Time spent per flower by the hive
Correlation of abundance of different bees was maximum during 1000 h
insect visitors of Chinese cabbage with followed by 1500 and 1200 h, respectively
weather parameters (Fig. 3).

Relative abundance of insect Loose pollen grains

pollinators in relation to weather
parameters is presented in Table IV, and A. mellifera carried maximum
Fig.1 (a, b and c). The abundance of A. mean number of loose pollen grains
cerana, A. mellifera and Lepidopterans followed by A. cerana and Eristalis sp.
showed significant positive correlation The number of loose pollen grains
with maximum temperature (r = 0.75, 0.93 sticking to the body of insect pollinators
and 0.80, respectively) whereas other recorded in NF system and CF system
insect visitors had non-significant positive were statistically same; however, the
correlation with maximum temperature. lowest number of loose pollen grains was
All insect visitors showed non-significant found sticking to bees in control. Among
positive correlation with minimum the insect visitors collected Hymenoptera
temperature. With the increase in relative was the most dominant order followed by
humidity there was significant decrease in Diptera and Lepidoptera. The data
the activity of A. cerana and A. mellifera obtained from scan sampling and sweep
(r = -0.80 and -0.94, respectively). net capture revealed that Apis mellifera, A.
Syrphids, wild bees and Lepidopterans cerana, and syrphids were the most
showed non-significant negative frequent visitors that visited mustard
correlation with the relative humidity. bloom in all the three farming systems.
Several workers (Bhowmik et al., 2014;
Goswami and Khan, 2014; Thakur et al.,

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
2004; Sharma et al., 1974 and Atmowidi Hanson, P., Yang, R.Y., Chang, L.C.,
et al., 2007) have also reported Ledesma, L., and Ledesma, D. 2009.
Hymenoptera as the most dominant order Contents of carotenoids, ascorbic
followed by Diptera visiting the bloom of acid, minerals and total
brassicaceae family (mustard, broccoli glucosinolates in leafy brassica
and cauliflower) which is in accordance pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. chinensis)
with the present findings. as affected by season and
variety. Journal of the Science of
REFERENCES Food and Agriculture 89(5),906-
914.
Atmowidi, T.,Buchori, D., Manuwoto, S.,
Suryobroto, B.,&Hidayat P. 2007. Sharma, P.L., Dhaliwal, H.S., and Kaker,
Diversity of insect pollinators in K.L. 1974. Insect visitors and
relation to seed set of mustard, pollinators of cauliflower seed crop
Brassica rapa L. Hayati Journal of bloom. Himachal Journal of
Biosciences 14(4), 155-161. Agricultural Research 2: 74-78.
Bishnoi, R.,&Bhati, A. 2017. An Thakur, S.S., Kumar, S., and Verma, K.S.
Overview: Zero Budget Natural 2004. Bloom visiting insects and
Farming. Trends in Biosciences their foraging behaviour on broccoli.
10(46),9314-9316. Pest management and Economic
Zoology 12(2) 145:151.
Goswami, V., and Khan, M.S. 2014.
Impact of honey bee pollination on Bhowmik, B., Mitra, B.,& Bhadra, K.
pod set of mustard (Brassicajuncea 2014. Diversity of insect pollinators
L.: Cruciferae) at Pantnagar. The and their effect on the crop yield of
Bioscan 9(1), 75-78. mustard (Brassica juncea L.), NPJ-
93 from southern West Bengal.
International Journal of Recent
Scientific Research 5(6), 1207-1213.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table. I List of insect visitors collected in chinese cabbage bloom

Order Family Name of the species

Apis mellifera Linnaeus
ApisceranaFabricius
Apidae
ApisfloreaFabricius
Hymenoptera Xylocopa sp. (wild bee)
Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith (wild bee)
Ichneumonidae Megarhyssa sp.
Halictidae Halictus sp.(wild bee)
Sphecodes sp. (wild bee)
Episyrphus balteatus De geer
Eristalis tenax Linnaeus
Syrphidae
Dipter Eristali ssp.
a Metasyrphus corolla
Ischidon scutellaris Fabricius
Junoniasp.
Calliphoridae Calliphora sp.
Pieridae Pieris brassicaeLinnaeus
Agalis cashmiriensis Kollar
Lepidoptera Nymphalidae
Danus chrysippus Linnaeus
Neptis hylas Linnaeus
Table II. Relative abundance of insect visitors on chinese cabbage by scan sampling
in different farming systems

Insect visitors Relative abundance of insect visitors (number/100flowers) in different Mean

farming systems
CF** NF*** Control
4.96 7.12 4.84 5.64
A. c. indica
(2.43) (2.84) (2.40) (2.56)
7.98 9.75 8.83 8.85
A. mellifera
(2.99) (3.27) (3.13) (3.13)
1.42 2.70 2.11 2.08
Syrphids
(1.55) (1.91) (1.75) (1.74)
0.49 0.65 0.44 0.53
Wild bees
(1.21) (1.27) (1.19) (1.90)
0.67 1.54 1.06 1.09
Lepidopterans
(1.27) (1.57) (1.42) (1.46)
3.10 4.35 3.46 3.64
Mean
(1.89) (2.17) (1.98) (2.01)
CD(0.05) Farming systems- 0.047 Insect visitors- 0.061 Farming systems x Insect visitors-0.106

* Figures in the parenthesis are transformed values**CF- Conventional Farming, ***NF-

Natural Farming

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table III. Relative abundance of insect visitors on Chinese cabbage by sweep net capture in
different farming systems

Relative abundance of insect visitors

Insect (number/100 flowers) Mean
visitors in different farming systems
CF** NF*** Control
A. c. indica 0.51 1.21 0.41 0.71
(1.22) (1.48) (1.18) (1.30)
A. mellifera 1.08 1.16 0.48 0.90
(1.44) (1.46) (1.21) (1.37)
Syrphids 0.83 1.38 0.59 0.93
(1.35) (1.53) (1.25) (1.38)
Wild bees 0.51 0.65 0.43 0.53
(1.22) (1.28) (1.19) (1.23)
Lepidopteran 0.30 0.51 0.36 0.39
s (1.14) (1.23) (1.16) (1.17)

Mean 0.64 0.98 0.45 0.69

(1.27) (1.40) (1.20) (1.29)
CD(0.05) Farming systems- 0.03 Insect visitors- 0.038 Farming systems x Insect visitors-
0.066
*Figures in the parenthesis are transformed values
**CF- Conventional Farming, ***NF- Natural Farming

Table IV. Correlation of abundance of different insect visitors with weather parameters

Weather Insect visitors

parameters A. cerana A. mellifera syrphid wild Lepidopteran
s bees s
Max. temp. 0.75 0.93 0.55 0.49 0.80
0
( C)
Min. temp. (0C) 0.42 0.54 0.20 0.71 0.60
RH (%) -0.80 -0.94 -0.29 -0.35 -0.49

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table V. Foraging rate of A. cerana and A. mellifera in different farming systems

Number of flowers visited byforager/minute

Farming systems Mean
A. mellifera A. cerana
CF* 16.1 17.8 17.00
0 9
SPNF* 20.3 22.3 21.34
* 0 9
Control 16.6 23.6 20.14
4 4
Mean 17.6 21.3 19.45
8 1
CD(0.05) Farming systems- 0.67 Forager- 0.56 Farming systems x Forager-
0.96
*CF- Conventional Farming, **SPNF- Natural Farming

Table VI. Foraging speed of A. ceranaand A. mellifera in different farming systems

Time spent / flower during differenttime

Farming systems Mean
A. mellifera A. cerana
CF* 3.69 2.85 3.27
SPNF** 2.75 2.71 2.73
Control 3.26 2.89 3.08
Mean 3.23 2.82 3.03
CD(0.05) Farming systems 0.17 Forager- 0.14 Farming systems x Forager- 0.24
*CF- Conventional Farming, **NF- Natural Farming

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Figures :

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

30

Number of flowers visited/minute

25

A. mellifera
20
A. cerana

5
15

1000 h 1200 h 1500 h

0
10 Time (Hours)

Figure 2. Foraging rate of A. mellifera and A. cerana during different day hours

3.5

2.5

2 A. mellifera

A. cerana
Time spent/flower

1.5
1

0.5

0
1000 h 1200 h 1500 h

Time (hours)

Figure 3. Foraging speed of A. cerana and A. mellifera during different day hours

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Control NF CF

23.1
Eristalissp
28.67

25.05
103.24
Apis mellifera
109.6

117.16
78.64
Apiscerana
81.01

71.71 grains
Number of loose pollen

Figure 4. Number of loose pollen grains ('000) on the body of insect visitors in different
farming systems

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Evaluation of innovative and sustainable natural and organic nutrient

management practices in a long term transplanted organic rice
RAJASHREE AND SATYANARAYANA RAO*
*Professor of Agronomy and Nodal officer (Natural Farming Project)
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India, - 584 104
e-mail: satyanarayanc_kulkarni @rediffmail.com
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the major ten treatments and three replications.
staple food crop in India as well as in the Organic manures such as FYM and
world. The majority of it is grown using Vermicompost were used equivalent to
conventional input intensive rice farming recommended N along with liquid
techniques, but because of indiscriminate organics with other nutrient management
use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it practices as per the treatments given in the
is having a terrible impact on the ecology Table-1. The results over three seasons
and soil quality (Surekha et al., 2011) (rabi/summer pool 2020-21 and 2021-22
which is not sustainable over the long-run. and kharif -2021) were pooled and
Organic/Natural farming might be a presented as pooled results over seasons.
possible solution to tackle this issue.
However, it is limited due to the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
requirement of large quantity of organic
Productivity: In pooled data, though
manures. Instead of using single source of
significantly higher grain yield and straw
organic manure one can integrate different
yield was recorded in T3: FYM (100 %
organic sources of nutrients i.e FYM,
RDN basal) (3854 and 5349kg ha-1) but
Vermicompost and liquid organic
was on par with T8: FYM (50 % N basal)
manures with suitable management
+ VC (50 % N top dress) equivalent to 75
practices like split application of organic
% RDN + Jeevamrutha @ 1000 l ha-1 +
manures and liquid organic manures at
Cow urine (10 %) alternated with
different crop growth stages (suitable
Vermiwash (10 %) spray (3849 and 5360
blending of natural farming practices with
kg ha-1), T7: FYM (50 % N basal) + VC
modern scientific approach ) to enhance
(50 % N top dress) equivalent to 75 %
input use efficiency. Hence, the current
RDN + Jeevamrutha @ 500 l ha-1 + Cow
investigation was carried out for three
urine (10 %) alternated with Vermiwash
seasons to evaluate the effect of different
(10 %) spray (3774 and 5329 kg ha-1) and
innovative organic/natural nutrient
T4: FYM (50 % N basal) + VC (50 % N
management practices on productivity,
top dress) (2846 and 5208 kg ha-1). Natural
profitability soil health and pesticide
farming treatments receiving only
residues contents in transplanted rice under
jeevamrutham i.e. T1: Jeevamrutha alone
organic field.
@ 500 l ha-1 and T2: Jeevamrutha @ 1000
METHODOLOGY l ha-1 recorded significantly lower grain
yields (2846 and 2904 kg ha-1) and straw
A field experiment was carried out yields (4085 and 4193 kg ha-1). In the
on the medium black soils of Agricultural treatments -T7 and T8, combined
Research Station, Gangavathi, UAS, application of various sources of organics
Raichur, Karnataka, during at different growth stages as basal, top
rabi/summer(2020-21), kharif (2021) and dressing with vermicompost and foliar
rabi/summer(2021-22) on the already applications of liquid organics have caused
existing organic block (5 years old) with continuous and adequate availability of

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
nutrients throughout the crop growth 500 l ha-1 + Cow urine (10 %) alternated
period which might have had higher with Vermiwash (10 %) spray and T8:
uptake of NPK nutrients by the crop and FYM (50 % N basal) + VC (50 % N top
thus resulted in on par grain yield with dress) equivalent to 75 % RDN +
FYM (100 % RDN) and FYM + VC (100 Jeevamrutha @ 1000 l ha-1 + Cow urine
% N) (10 %) alternated with Vermiwash (10 %)
spray. Treatments receiving jeevamrutha
Profitability: Economic analysis of net alone @ 500 and 1000 l ha-1 (T1 and T2)
returns showed significantly higher net recorded lower soil available N, P2O5 and
returns with T6: FYM (50 % N basal) + K2O. (Table-2)
VC (50 % N top dress) equivalent to 50 %
RDN (Rs. 61543 ha-1) when compared to Pesticide residue: In kharif season, no
all other treatments except the treatments pesticide residues were detected in both
which received combined application of brown rice and white rice samples,
organic manures such as FYM + VC + however in during rabi/summer season,
Jeevamrutha + cow urine + vermiwash in pesticide residues detected in brown rice
T7, T9 and T10 (Rs 58270, 58780 and samples in few treatments (T2 to T9) but
58313 ha-1). while T2: Jeevamrutha @ were in below quantification level (BQL).
1000 l ha-1 recorded lowest net returns (Rs (Data not given). Brown rice samples
51744 ha-1). With respect to benefit cost comparatively had higher values of
ratio, significantly higher benefit cost ratio pesticide residues than white rice samples.
was recorded with T1: Jeevamrutha @ 500
l ha-1 (3.92) followed by the treatment T2: CONCLUSION
Jeevamrutha @ 1000 l ha-1 (3.49).
In order to realize similar benefits
Soil health: Significantly higher microbial of grain yield and monetary returns as that
populations were recorded in treatments of 100% RDN along with the better soil
which received combined applications of health environment and safe food,
organics. (T7 to T10) (Data not given). At ,blending of natural farming and organic
the end of the investigation (rabi/summer farming practices i.e combined application
2021-22), significantly higher soil of FYM (50 % N basal) + Vermicompost
available N, P2O5 and K2O was reported (50 % N top dress) equivalent to 75 %
with T3: FYM (100 % RDN) and T4: FYM RDN along with seedling treatment of
(50 % N basal) + VC (50 % N top dress) beejamrutha at planting and soil
this was followed by treatments T5: FYM application of jeevamrutha @ 500 l ha-1 at
(50 % N basal) + VC (50 % N top dress) the time of planting, 25, 50 and 75 DAT
equivalent to 75 % RDN, T7: FYM (50 % and foliar spray of 10 % cow urine
N basal) + VC (50 % N top dress) alternated with 10 % vermiwash at
equivalent to 75 % RDN + Jeevamrutha @ flowering and panicle initiation stage
would be appropriate
REFERENCES:

Surekha, K., Jhansilakshmi, V.,

Somasekhar, N., Latha, P. C.,
Kumar, R.M., Shobha Rani, N., Rao,
K. O. and Viraktamath, B. C., 2011.
Status of organic farming and
research experiences in rice. J. Rice
Res., 3(1): 23-35

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1. Grain yield, Straw yield, Gross returns, Net returns and BC ratio of transplanted
rice as influenced by different innovative natural and organic nutrient management
practices (pooled results of three seasons)
Straw Gross Net
Grain
yield returns returns B:C
Treatments yield
(kg ha- (Rs (Rs ratio
(kg ha-1) 1
) ha-1) ha-1)
T1: Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 500 l ha-1 2846 4085 71058 52889 3.92
T2: Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 1000 l ha-
1 2904 4193 72513 51744 3.49
T3: FYM equivalent to 100 % RDN as basal
3854 5349 96144 52757 2.22
dose
T4: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress) 3765 5208 93904 56731 2.53
equivalent to 100 % RDN
T5: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress) 3525 4958 87972 56269 2.78
equivalent to 75 % RDN
T6: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress) 3497 4983 87289 61543 3.40
equivalent to 50 % RDN
T7: T5 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 500 l
ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10 %)
3774 5329 94173 58270 2.62
alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage
T8: T5 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 1000
l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10 %)
3849 5360 96019 57517 2.49
alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage
T9: T6 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 500 l
ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10 %)
3556 5008 88725 58780 2.97
alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage
T10: T6 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @
1000 l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10 %)
3642 5075 90858 58313 2.79
alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage
S.Em ± 45 83 - 1127 0.04
CD at 5 % 135 247 - 3349 0.11
Note: Jeevamrutha application at planting, 25, 50 and 75 DAT (days after transplanting)
in T1, T2, T7, T8, T9 and T10 treatments along with seedling treatment with beejamrutha at
the time of transplanting.

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2. Organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of soil as
influenced by different innovative organic nutrient management practices in transplanted
rice (at the end of the experiment)
N (kg ha- P2O5 (kg K2O (kg
Treatments OC (%) 1
) ha-1) ha-1)
T1: Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 500 l
ha-1 0.58 226.11 30.41 534.78
T2: Soil application of jeevamrutha @ 1000 l
ha-1 0.59 228.19 31.00 537.11
T3: FYM equivalent to 100 % RDN as basal
dose 0.76 268.70 44.30 605.77
T4: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress)
equivalent to 100 % RDN 0.74 267.46 43.57 604.47
T5: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress)
equivalent to 75 % RDN 0.69 254.78 39.28 584.79
T6: FYM (50 % N as basal dose) followed by
vermicompost (50 % N as top dress)
equivalent to 50 % RDN 0.64 244.42 35.37 575.37
T7: T5 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @
500 l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10
%) alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage 0.70 256.13 40.58 588.77
T8: T5 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @
1000 l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10
%) alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage 0.70 258.06 41.12 591.56
T9: T6 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @
500 l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10
%) alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage 0.65 246.68 36.53 575.83
T10: T6 + Soil application of jeevamrutha @
1000 l ha-1 + foliar spray of cow urine (10
%) alternated with vermiwash (10 %) at
flowering and panicle initiation stage 0.65 247.46 37.65 577.32
S.Em ± 0.01 3.49 0.98 4.45
CD at 5 % 0.04 10.36 2.91 13.23
Note: Jeevamrutha application at planting, 25, 50 and 75 DAT (days after transplanting)
in T1, T2, T7, T8, T9 and T10 treatments along with seedling treatment with beejamrutha at
the time of transplanting.

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 3. Pesticide residue in brown rice and white rice samples as influenced by different
treatments under organic production system
Syntheti
Organo phosphorus c Fungicide
Nionicotinoids
pesticides pyrethro s
Tr
Rice ids
eat
sample 4-
me
s bromo- Lambda-
nts Chlorpyri Bifenthr Fenpropat Imidachlo Carbenda
2- Cyhaloth
fos in hrin prid zim
chloroph rin
enol
T1 ND BQL ND BQL ND ND ND
T2 ND BQL ND 0.088 ND ND BQL
T3 BQL BQL ND 0.012 ND ND ND
T4 BQL BQL ND BQL ND ND BQL
Rabi
T5 ND BQL ND 0.016 ND ND ND
brown
T6 ND BQL ND 0.034 ND ND ND
rice
T7 ND BQL ND 0.014 ND ND ND
T8 ND BQL ND 0.015 ND ND ND
T9 ND BQL ND 0.036 ND ND ND
T10 BQL 0.012 ND 0.025 0.012 0.014 BQL
T1 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
T2 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
T3 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
T4 ND BQL BQL ND ND ND ND
Rabi
T5 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
white
T6 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
rice
T7 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
T8 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
T9 ND BQL ND ND ND ND ND
T10 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND
Kharif
rice
(brow No pesticide residue detected
n and
white)
BQL- Below Quantification Level (quantification level ≥ 0.01 mg kg-1), ND - Not
Detected

34
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

The integration efficiencies of natural farming in harmony with the

ecosystem
M K KAILAS MURTHY

Doddinduvadi village, Kollegal

Chamarajnagar District, Karnataka
E Mail kailashnatufarm@gmail.com
ABSTRACT (Jayashree and Vasudevan 2007).
Agriculture promoted by artificial inputs
Inspired by Ramon Magsaysay such as chemical fertilizers leave behind
award winner and natural farming carcinogenic residues in the food grown
pioneer Masonob Fukuwoka I started and kills natural microbe (Singh, 1991).
Natural farming in 1988 and has Persistence of these pesticides in soil is
successfully been able to cultivate paddy influenced by many factors such as soil
crop and other horticultural crops using reaction, leaching, and organic matter,
less water and sunlight only under adsorption by soil clay and soil
natural conditions. These along with microorganisms. Organisms at the top of
other naturally grown plant species has the food chain are most adversely
resulted in sequestering carbon-dioxide, affected as these pollutants accumulate
supporting manly soil biodiversity and in maximum quantity in them through a
both floras, and fauna, recharging of process of biomagnifications. Hence
ground water, checking soil erosion, Natural farming is a boon to farmers,
releasing oxygen and maintaining a meeting the goals of sustainable
microclimate like a patch or natural Agricultural system.
forest.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Key words: Natural farming,
sequestering, microclimate, flora, fauna, Background and history of Natural
and soil biodiversity farming Kollegal, Karnataka

INTRODUCTION I Mr. Kailashmurthy is the author of this

paper and a Natural farmer. My farm is
Nature has its own way of doing located in Doddinduvadi Village,
a balancing act and this is best seen Kollegal Taluk, Chamarajanagar district,
under natural farming. The most Current Karnataka. I hail from farmer’s family. I
and broad concept of sustainable took agriculture in my land Like other
agriculture is one that includes a farmers I too stared practicing modern
significant element of “quality of life” farming in1984 by applying tones of
(Flora, 1990; Ikerd, 1993). Agriculture chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Of
systems purposefully disrupt natural course the yield was more, but later I
systems, in an ecological sense, through found that the soil fertility decreased and
patterns of human intervention. The the crop poisoned. In due course the
increased consumption pattern of disease causing insects developed
pesticides and chemicals has led to resistance to pesticides and the yield and
changes in soil bacterial population. soil fertility gradually diminished. Then

35
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
I decided to put an end to the use of Food safety in natural farming:
chemical fertilizers and pesticides and
opted for zero farming. or natural Agriculture promoted by artificial inputs
farming Inspired by Ramon Magsaysay such as chemical fertilizers leaves
award winner and natural farming behind carcinogenic residues in the food
pioneer Masonob Fukuwoka I started grown and causing the Environmental
natural farming in 1988 and has damages and but the crops cultivated
successfully been able to cultivate crops by natural farming methods yield more
using less water and sunlight only under and they are also safe from the health
natural conditions. My results have point of view protecting the
proved all the agricultural scientists who Environment and increasing the
claim that yields are directly related to Biodiversity. The crops that grow under
use of hybrid varieties, chemical natural conditions consume the available
fertilizers and pest control techniques. I moisture, and water under the given
have neither used hybrid seeds nor climatic conditions thus saving water
fertilizers but have succeeded in getting used and electricity to irrigate the land.
yield more than the farmers who have
grown paddy using modern techniques Biological control in the farm: I can
and chemicals. I have even raised a confidently say that planting raddish
paddy crop quite successfully, getting a between the mulberry plants will curb
yield of 25to 30 quintals per acre which the weeds, the radish acting as a natural
varies according to the climatic weedicide likewise growing drumstick
conditions between banana and areca to check the
weeds in the plot. Spiders and birds are
Enhancing the fertility of soil protecting the farm from pests. Rodents
through alternative farming are controlled by snakes and snails are
Practices. controlled by ants and so on. The soil is
fertilized by microbes and other small
Symbiotic cropping pattern: insects using the principal of symbiosis
namely fighting and supporting each
If one follows monoculture or other.
one crop then pests are a sure
manifestation which leads to application All the soil fauna and flora are the
of pesticides leading to environmental natural instruments of the natural
problems including poisoning of the cultivation.
food chain but a natural farming
supports multivariety of plants which Diversity of Farm type as a Requisite
eliminates chances of proliferation of for Sustainability: I am cultivating
pests depending on any one species as
the food supply is restricted. In this case Paddy (Experimental), Pulses, arecnut,
there is a pest outbreak which is counter Mango, Coconut, Pepper, Guava,
balanced by the other species, which Sapota, Papaya, Mandarin, Orange and
feed on them and hence the problem is multivariety vegetables. Along with
eliminated naturally. these plantations about 110 Varieties of
flora are present producing a biomass
approximately about the carbon Storage
is measured in natural farming forest

36
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
ecosystem by measuring the area and was high in number in the farm which
biomass and soil carbon density. Natural bring about various transformation in
farming increases storage in durable soil like Sulfur, NPK, Carbon, Iron and
wood products. The wood harvested and manganese transformation important in
converted into various utility products maintaining the soil fertility, were
can help in sequestering atmospheric observed by Nandini et al., 2008.
carbon.
Awareness programs for farmers,
Faunal diversity in natural farming: Scientists and students

Earthworms, Dung Beetles and Since 1988 till today, around

Termites are found in large numbers. 8000 farmers, 50 Scientists, 5000
Many indigenous snake species, Birds, students were given training on
Butterflies, Spiders, bees are present Environmental awareness and
which shows the richness of biodiversity Techniques.
in the farm and sustainability of Life
forms. A visit by Foreign Delegates

Microbial biomass: Foreign delegates have visited

my farm from Japan, Switzerland, USA,
Microbial biomass is used as England, Spain, and Italy.
primary indicator of biological activity.
The greatest microbial differences are Summer camps for School children
nearly always found in the upper 30cm
of soil. The microbial load is high in the Every year children are invited
farm soil showing rich diversity. In the for Environmental awareness
natural farm soil, in the out of the total programme and to participate in the
biological count, there are 50% fungus, naturally grown Mango Feast.
20%yeast, algae and protozoa and only
10% are organisms like earthworms, A visit to my farm by the scientific
nematodes, artropods, mollusk and community:
others. There are about 2 to 5 tons
Foreigners and experts in natural
Insects per hector; 6.5-ton earthworms
farming are frequent visitors to my farm.
per hector and 0.5 tons microorganism
The mini forest in a dry terrain is being
per hector. (Anderson, New Scientist,6th
treated as a research laboratory where
oct.1983).
nothing is added from outside or
In Natural farming at anything removed from it.” Green crops
Doddinduvadi various organisms like flourish on their own sweet will, one
Nocardia, Streptomycetes, Penicillium, nourishing or controlling the other
Fusarium, Thermomonospora, without tilling, manure and pesticides.A
Trichoderma, Myrothecium Bacillus, Team of Researchers Ms Anupama,Mr.
Clostridium, Thiobacillus sp, Khayum, Ms.Pavithra, Ms. Sucharita
Azotobacter, Rhizopus, Monotospora Tandon, Mr. Kumar, Mr.Durgesh. R,Mr.
Phytopthera, Mortiella, Aspergillus, B. Aboud S Jumbe, And Technical staff
megateriumvar. phosphaticum and Mr. Keerthi Kumar C. K, under the
Pseudomonas was documented which guidance of Dr. N.Nandini reader and

37
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Principal investigator. Visited my farm nut etc. was found to be 1085.556 tons in
and had done extensive research on the 6.5 acres at present. This is the result of
soil biodiversity and they have estimated only the woody trees. Estimaton of Carbon
the amount of carbon stored in woody sink by other plants like Lianes, herbs,
trees there by mitigating global warming shrubs; Microbes and soil were not
and climate change. calculated. If every farmer who can afford
to change his land into natural farm we can
A work shop conducted on 30.8.08 mitigate global warming and the climate
for scientist, Farmers Agriculturist and change and retain our soil fertility
leaders brought out the importance of increasing the biomass (Nandini, 2008).
natural farming in sustainable Ramesh, 2008 in his report says that this
ecosystem. Method of farming can be emulated by
others, which will contribute towards
A visit to the farm by many amelioration of the environment. As
research centers scientist like 33.33% of the land area should be under
1)Indian Institute of Horticulture forest cover in order to conserve the
Research Bangalore (IIHR) 2) environment; this type of farming will
University of agricultural science supply all the benefits of forests in addition
Bangalore (Deportment of forest) 3) to producing sustainable food crops. All the
Bangalore university (Deportment of food crops being grown here are free from
environmental science) 4) Institute pests and diseases. The soil structure and
for social and Economic change texture are excellent compared to the
Bangalore They submitted positive adjacent soil which is gravelly. Since no
reports. chemicals are applied this system
contributes all the benefits of a forest
All the above Programs ecosystem. This System acts like a forest
/Seminars/Lectures/Feasts/Visits by ecosystem by sequestering carbon-dioxide,
Foreign delegates/ Scientists/ Farmers/ supporting biodiversity of both floras, some
Students were conducted free of cost fauna, recharging of ground water,
since 1988 spending my personal checking soil erosion, releasing oxygen and
money as a service to the Society and maintaining a microclimate like a patch or
the Environment. natural forest. In this patch of farm he
observed different types of birds, insects,
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
small mammals and reptiles.
Agriculture is a fundamental Gurubasavaraju, 2008 say that about 110
component of the natural resources on varieties of plants(edible and
which rests not only the quality of human medicinal)grow under natural conditions
life but also its very existence .If efforts to and they are rich In nutrition and are highly
create a sustainable agriculture are medicinal and is looking forward to educate
successful, farmers will profit and society the Ayurvedic students by tagging the
in general will benefit in many ways. plants for identification and utilization for
research. According to Nanjaiah, 2008, the
The total carbon sequestration in this experiment carried out on horticultural
natural farming including all the tree crops in this farm under natural farming is
species like; Tectona grandis, Silver oak, highly appreciable and feels it can be
Mangifera indica, Rose wood, Neem, Areca extendable to other crops. Radha Kale 2008

38
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
feels that this natural farm at Dodinduvadi Ikerd, J.E.1993.Sustainable agriculture:
provides necessary, favorable environment Farming in Harmony with the
for Earthworms. Shivanandappa 2008 have biosphere.p 12-
the opinion that the food crops grown here 23.In:L.A.Johnson(ed).Sustainable
in the natural farm is free from all Agriculture Enhancing the
pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Environmental quality of the
According to Sidappaji 2008 Biological Tennessee valley region through
control is well balanced in the farm as the Alternative Farming Practices.
pesticides are not used in the farm. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
objective of Zero cultivation is to improve Tennessee.
the soil fertility, mitigate global climate Jayashree, R., Vasudevan, N., 2007.Effect
change, to improve the air quality, to of Endosulfan on Soil Bacteria. J.
conserve the plant biodiversity, soil flora Ecotoxicol. Environ.
and fauna, to propagate sustainable farming Monit.17(3)295-299.
methods for food security and to protect Dr Nandini, N.2008, “Importance of
Mother Earth from Hazardous chemicals. Natural farming in sustainable
Lastly Ecology can survey without Agriculture systems-A case study on
economic but economic cannot survey Natural farming and chemical
without ecology farming”andSoil Microorganisms an
important component of sustainable
REFERENCES agriculture.(In Press).
Prof Mr Ramesh 2008, University of
Flora, C.B.1990.Sustainability of Agricultural Science, Dpt of
Agriculture and rural Communities. Forestry, Ponnampet, Karnataka.
In C.A.FrancisC.B.Flora, and Dr
L.D.King(ed) Sustainable Sidappaji2008.Rtd.Entomologist.Un
Agriculture in Temperate iversity of Agricultural
Zones.JohnWiley and Scence.G.K.V.K.Bangalore
Sons,Inc.,NewYork,N.Y. Singh.V.N, Prasad.C.R, 1991.Effect of
Dr H RavishankerIndian Institute of phorate and gamma on BHC on
Horticultural Research Mineralization of soil.JindSoc Soil
Dr A N Ganesh murthy ; Sci., 39:183-185.
:………….:……………….: Shivanandappa 2008.Deputy Director and
Dr N Ramachandra Head.Dpt of Food Protectants
:………….:……………….: andInfestation Control,
Dr Prabhakae CFTRI,Mysore,India.
:………….:……………….:’’……
…….
Dr P N Krishanamurty
:………….:……………….:….
Dr DesapandayInstitute for social
Economical change
Dr Gurubasavaraju, 2008, Chief Medical
Officer, JSS Ayurvedic
College.Mysore

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Evaluation of different farming systems for management of leaf eating caterpillar,

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in soybean
A. P. BIRADAR, H. B. BABALAD, SOUMYA PATIL, H.T. PRAKASH, RENUKA BIRADAR
AND GURUDEVI V. NAVALI

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586101 University of Agricultural

Sciences, Dharawad-586102
INTRODUCTION m2 and net plot size of 9.4 m x 9.6 m. The seed
rate was used at 62.5 kg/ha.
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Mirrill] is Crop was sprayed twice with each
the largest source of animal protein feed and product at recommended dosage. First spray
the second largest source of vegetable oil, was done at the appearance of symptoms (30
about 40-43% protein and 20% edible oil days after sowing) and second sprays after 15
content is found.. In India, 20 insect species days interval, respectively. Number of larvae
have been recorded as major pests of soybean per plant (10 plants in each treatment) and per
crop (Singh and Singh, 1990). Spodoptera cent foliage damage was recorded before the
litura is major defoliator, caterpillars of this beginning of first spray and subsequent
moth feed on the leaves, and young pods are observations were recorded and number of
also attacked & consequently damaging 40-50 larvae and per cent foliage damage was
% of the pods. So the experiment was laid out recorded after spray.
to assess the pest incidences and its
management tactics in natural farming and RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
other three different farming systems in the
irrigated condition. Pooled analysis of 2019-20, 2020-21
and 2021-22 of leaf eating caterpillar
MATERIAL AND METHOD (Spodoptera litura) revealed that, at 30 DAS
before spray the numbers of the larvae per
Field trial was conducted during kharif, plant in all the treatment were on par with each
2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Agriculture other. Whereas, 7 DAS (days after spray)
Research station, Arabhavi which comes under population of the larvae per plant and per cent
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad foliage damage was significantly lowest in
(Karnataka) for comparative evaluation of chemical farming and conventional farming
natural farming system and other farming (0.30, 0.31 and 9.81%, 9.07% respectively)
systems on leaf eating caterpillar on soybean compared to natural and organic farming
under irrigated situation. The field experiment system. At 60 DAS, before and 7 DAS the
was laid out in randomized complete block significantly minimum population and per cent
design with four treatments along with five foliage damage was recorded in chemical
replications and soybean variety DSB-21 was farming system (0.29, 0.13 and 5.49 %,
used for the evaluation. The different farming respectively) which was on par with
systems are T1-Natural farming, T2 - conventional farming (0.28, 0.14 and 5.75%,
Organic farming, T3-Conventional farming and respectively) and highest was in natural
T4-Chemical farming. The conventional farming (0.47, 0.24 and 13.60 %
farming for different farming systems was respectively).The conventional farming system
followed. The crop was sown with 30×10 cm and chemical farming system was sprayed with
spacing having a gross plot size of 10.0x10.5 chlorpyrifos @ 2ml/lit with 15 days interval, it

40
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
is a broad-spectrum insecticide which kills CONCLUSION
insects upon contact by affecting the normal
function of the nervous system.. Natural These farming systems can also be practiced in
farming system was sprayed with agniastra and the management of Spodoptera litura in
brahmastra @ 5% whereas organic farming soybean as a ecofriendly tool.
system was sprayed with neem oil and chilli
REFERENCE
garlic extract @ 5%.However the organic
farming and natural farming systems also have Anonymous, 2012, Agricultural Statistics at a
been found to be efficient in managing the leaf Glance, Directorate of Economics and
eating caterpillar on soybean. Biradaret al., Statistics, Department of Agriculture and
(2006) reported that application of organic Cooperation, p. 104.
manures increases the yield and reduces the
pest incidence by providing balanced Biradar A P, 2006, “Krishi Honnu”- New
nutrients. enriched organic manure. Journal of
Ecofriendly Agriculture, 1(1):6-7.
Singh O P and Singh K S, 1990, Insect pests of
soybean and their management, Indian
Farming, 39(100): 9-14.

Table 1a: Leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) population (pooled) in soybean under soybean-
wheat cropping system

Number of larva per plant at 30 DAS % foliage damage at

Treatments
1 DBS @ 30 DAS 7 DAS @ 30 DAS @ 30 DAS
15.57
T1-Natural farming 1.99 0.54
(23.23)
12.81
T2-Organic farming 2.11 0.48
(20.96)
T3-Conventional 9.07
1.94 0.31
farming (17.52)
T4-Chemical 9.81
1.95 0.30
farming (18.24)
S.Em+ 0.03 0.01 0.19
LSD (0.05) 0.10 0.04 0.59
*Figures in parenthesis are Arc sin transformed values (1 DBS- one day before spray, 7 DAS- 7 days
after spay, 30 DAS-days after sowing)

41
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1b: Leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) population (pooled) in soybean under soybean-
wheat cropping system
*Figures in parenthesis are Arc sin transformed values (1 DBS- one day before spray, 7 DAS- 7 days
after spay, 60 DAS-days after sowing)
Number of larva per plant at 60
DAS
% foliage damage
Treatments 1 DBS Yield B:C
at @ 60 DAS
@ 60 7 DAS @ 60 DAS kg/ha ratio
DAS
13.60
T1-Natural farming 0.47 0.24 2780 2.22
(21.63)
10.66
T2-Organic farming 0.39 0.20 2990 1.89
(19.05)
T3-Conventional 5.75
0.28 0.14 2995 2.16
farming (13.86)
T4-Chemical 5.49
0.29 0.13 2701 2.27
farming (13.53)
S.Em+ 0.01 0.01 0.14 - -
LSD (0.05) 0.03 0.02 0.45 - -

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Natural farming – Concept for agriculture sustainability of Chhattisgarh: A

review
SUNIL KUMAR, M.C. BHAMBRI, VINAY SAMADIYA AND JAYESH SHESH
Department of Agronomy, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.)
The agricultural growth of India after area, along with leguminous crops as intercrop
the emergence of the green revolution marked in order to ensure that no piece of land is
a new era in Indian agricultural history. India wasted and utilized properly. Natural Farming
has gained its outstanding position in food (NF) is considered to be agroecology based
production, but green revolution left its diversified farming system, which integrates
harmful footprints on Indian agriculture crops, trees and livestock, allowing functional
(Menon et al., 2008). The monocropping biodiversity (LVC, 2010; Rosset and Martinez-
system, increased and frequent use of Torres, 2012) to drastically cut down
fertilizers and pesticides caused considerable production costs by replacing the chemical
damage to the soil's biological operation, crop fertilisers and pesticides with home-grown
diversity, increased cost of cultivation, product like Jeevamritham, Beejamritham,
deterioration of groundwater, loss of flora- Neemastra, etc., and adopting intercropping
fauna, increased human diseases, malnutrition, and mulching (Palekar, 2005; 2006). Natural
and decreased soil fertility. As a consequence, farming has basically four pillars Jivamrita,
farmers with small farms invest in these costly Bijamrita, Acchadana-Mulching, Whapsa
inputs, which are exposed to high monetary moisture (Palekar, 2014), Other important
risks and push them in the debt cycle (Eliazer principles are intercropping, contour and bund
et al., 2019). With pesticides' obvious system, local species of earthworm and for
environmental and ecological effects, it is no pest management, Agniastra, Brahmastra,
surprise that government laws have been Neemastra. Panwar et al., (2013) reported that
strengthened (Carrington, 2019). the application of FYM 5 t/ha + Vermicompost
2.5 t/ha + Jeevamrita 2 times (30 and 45 DAS)
Natural farming, popularly known as to kharif sweet corn recorded significantly
zero budget natural farming, is an innovative higher values for sweet corn cob and green
farming approach. It is low input based, fodder yield. Jannoura et al., (2014) revealed
climate resilient, and low cost farming system that organic fertilizer application improved
because all the inputs (insect repellents, nodule dry weight, photosynthetic rates,
fungicides, and pesticides) are made up of nitrogen fixation as well as N concentration in
natural herbs and locally available inputs, several crops. Ramesh and Rao (2009) also
thereby reducing the use of artificial fertilizers reported that soil health could be sustained
and industrial pesticides. Natural farming with organic nutrition due to soil
promises to end a reliance on loans and diversification of soil biota.
drastically cuts production costs, ending the
debt cycle for desperate farmers (Mural, 2016). POSSIBILITIES OF NATURAL
It is even cited by farmers that labor and FARMING IN CHHATTISGARH
production costs have drastically reduced 14–
45% (Chandel et al., 2021). It is becoming Chhattisgarh is primarily an agrarian
increasingly popular among the smallholder state, with 70% of its population involved in
farmers. Under the natural farming system, 3 agriculture. There are about 37.46 lakh farmers
to 12 crops are cultivated together on the same in the state, of which around 80% are small

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
and marginal. Horticulture and animal promote directly or indirectly organic and
husbandry also engage a sizeable share of the natural farming in the state.
total population of the state. The total
cultivated area is 4.78 million ha—about 35% CONCLUSION
of the total geographical area. The total area
The concept of natural farming
under organic farming in Chhattisgarh was
definitely contributes towards the sustainable
71,000 hectare during 2019. However, the
growth of rural population and farming
percent net shown area under organic farming
community of Chhattisgarh. They not only get
was only 1.5%. Chhattisgarh is a very potential
the high yield of the crops in natural and
state especially in terms of its diversity
environment friendly manner but also in least
especially weather and soil types which favors’
cost or investment. Thus, the farmers of
the suitable conditions for cultivation of
Chhattisgarh can uplift their social and
tropical as well as temperate crops. The NPK
economic standards by producing agriculture
Consumption of Chaattisgarh is 86.76 kg/ha,
production in sustainable way through natural
which is far below of India’s average
farming.
consumption 128.02 kg/ha at 2017
(Annonymous, 2018) so there is a good REFERENCES
possibilities of organic as well natural farming
in the state. Tribal peoples of the state very Anonymous. 2018. https://agricoop.gov.in/
well understand natural biological systems and sites/default/files/agristatglance2018.pdf
using very little amount of chemical fertilizers Carrington, D. (2019). EU Bans UK's Most-
in their fields for crop production so many Used Pesticide Over Health and
parts of the state are by default organic and Environment Fears. London: The
follow the major principles and practices of Guardian.
natural farming, such as Jivamrit, Beejamrit, Chandel, R. S., Gupta, M., Sharma, S.,
and botanical pesticide, etc for growing of Sharma, P. L., Verma, S., and Chandel,
crops in unknowingly. A. (2021). Impact of Palekar's natural
farming on farmers' economy in
MAJOR GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Ecol. 48,
SUPPORT ORGANIC AND NATURAL 873–878.
FARMING IN THE STATE Eliazer, N. A. R. L., Ravichandran, K., and
Antony, U. (2019). The impact of the
The Chhattisgarh Government has
Green Revolution on indigenous crops of
launched schemes to develop Dantewada,
India. J. Ethn. Food 6, 1–11 doi:
Bijapur, Sukma and Gariaband as ‘complete
10.1186/s42779-019-0011-9
organic farming districts and one block from
Jannoura R, Joergensen GR, Bruns C, (2014).
each of the other districts will be developed as
Organic fertilizer effects on growth, crop
organic block. The Government of
yield, and soil microbial biomass indices
Chhattisgarh has implemented the national
in sole and intercropped peas and oats
scheme BPKP and two state scheme PKVY
under organic farming conditions. Eur. J
and JaivikKheti Mission taken for the
Agron. 52(B):259-270.
promotion of organic and natural farming.
La Via Campesina (2010), Sustainable Peasant
Chhattisgarh government has also decided to
and Family Farm Agriculture can Feed
promote rural livelihoods with organic farming
the World, La Via Campesina, Jakarta,
and launched the GodhanNyay scheme in July
Indonesia.
2020. These entire schemes are useful to

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Menon, P., Deolalikar, A., and Bhaskar, A. Palekar, S.,2014.
(2008). Comparisons of Hunger across http://www.palekarzerobudgetspiritualfar
States: India State Hunger Index. ming.org/
International Food Policy Research Pawar VR, Tambe AD, Patil SP, Suryawanshi
Institute. SU, (2013). Effect of different organic
Palekar, S. (2005), The Philosophy of Spiritual inputs on yield, economics and microbial
Farming, 2nd Ed. Zero Budget Natural count of Sweet Corn (Zea mays Var.
Farming Research, Development & Saccharata). Eco. Environ. Conser.
Extension Movement, Amravati, 19(3):865-868.
Maharashtra, India. Ramesh P, Rao AS, (2009). Organic farming:
Palekar, S. (2006), Zero Budget Natural Status and Research achievements.
Farming: Five Layers Palekar’s Model Indian Institute of Soil Science
(Part I). Zero Budget Natural Farming Bhopal,74.
Research, Development and Extension Rosset, P.M. and M.E. Martinez-Torres
Movement, Amravati, Maharashtra, (2012), “Rural Social Movements and
India Agroecology: Context, Theory and
Process”, Ecology and Society, Vol.17,
No.3

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Microbiological properties of rhizosphere soil of coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

as influenced by organic and natural farming practices
ANAND B. MASTIHOLI*, SOWMYA B, MAHESWARAPPA, H. P., SANJIV DURADUNDI,
PRABHU AJJAPPALAVAR, RAVIKUMAR, SHANTAPPA, T. AND MALLU DESHETTI
Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (under University of Horticultural Sciences,
Bagalkot), Dharwad-580 005, Karnataka, India
*E-mail: anandbmasti@gmail.com*E-mail: anandbmasti@gmail.com
The present system of modern crop randomized complete block design in field
production is subjected to review by many condition with five replications and four
persons from ecological and environmental treatments under different cropping systems
stand point due to rampant and unscientific i.e., Package of practice (T1), Farmer’s practice
usage of agrochemicals and presence of their (T2), Natural farming (T3) and Organic
residues, not only in farm environment but also farming (T4). Rhizosphere soil samples were
in the crop produce. This compels all the stake collected at three stages of coriander crop
holders to find an alternative production growth i.e., before sowing, at flowering and
system which is ecofriendly, less dependent on after harvest of the crops. Samples thus
external inputs and sustainable. Hence, the collected were carried to microbiology lab for
importance of organic and natural farming analysis of microbial population and enzyme
production systems are being emphasised and activities in the rhizosphere soil. Different soil
some farmers are adopting the same. Among microbes were isolated by standard serial
the seed spices coriander is an important crop dilution plating technique through pour plate
being used in many households not only as a method using suitable media. Dehydrogenase
vegetable crop but, also as a spice crop. The activity was estimated using the triphenyl
seeds of coriander are widely used in tetrazolium chloride (TTC) method.
preparation from pasteries to curries in
kitchen. The entire plant is edible however; RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
seeds and leaves are widely used as herbs and
Significantly higher population of
spices. Coriander plays a vital role in reducing
bacteria (34.16 x 106 CFU/g of soil), fungi
sugar level, osteoporosis, reducing risk of
(30.00 x 103 CFU/g of soil), actinomycetes
cancer, lowering the risk of heart disease and
(23.65 x 104 CFU/g of soil), phosphate
provides various nutrients (vitamin A, vitamin
solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) (16.60 x
K, vitamin C, iron and calcium).The seed
104 CFU/g of soil) and nitrogen fixers (20.80 x
coriander production under organic and natural
104 CFU/g of soil) was recorded in organic
farming condition help farmer to produce
farming followed by natural farming (28.93 x
quality seeds sustainably. Hence, the need to
106, 24.50 x 103, 21.60 x 104, 14.55 x 104 and
study the changes in microbial population and
18.50 x 104 CFU/g of soil, respectively)
dehydrogenase enzyme activities was felt.
(Fig.1). The higher microbial population in the
METHODOLOGY in organic farming treatment might be due
application of higher organic matter in organic
Field experiment was conducted during farming. Similarly jeevamrutha and
2019-20 and 2020-21 at Devihosur, Karnataka ghanajeevamrutha application with organic
under Natural Farming project (Zone-8).The mulch (crop residue) in natural farming
coriander experiment was carried out under treatments might have encouraged higher

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
microbial population in rhizosphere soil of (132.72µg TPF g-1 h-1) followed by natural
coriander crop. Among the different stages of farming (119.89 µg TPF g-1 h-1) at flowering
the crop, the microbial diversity was more at (Table 1).Organic manure application provided
flowering stage of coriander crop than before the favourable soil environment and acted as
sowing and after harvest. substrate for enhancement of soil microbial
Similarly, dehydrogenase activity was activity and also soil enzyme activities such as
more at flowering stage than before sowing dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activity
and after harvest stage. Significantly higher and soil urease activities (Zhong et al. 2010
dehydrogenase activity was in organic farming and Singh and Dhar 2011).

Table 1. Dehydrogenase activity in rhizosphere soil at different stages of coriander

(Pooled of two years)
Dehydrogenase activity (µg TPF g-1 h-1)
Treatments
Before sowing At flowering After harvest
T1 : Package of
107.08
practice 59.01 115.08
T2 : Farmers’ practice 42.97 94.26 81.44
T3 : Natural farming 71.76 119.89 112.85
T4 : Organic farming 84.64 132.72 125.63
S.Em± 0.79 1.59 2.02
CD (0.01) 3.29 5.84 8.36

40
T1 (POP) T2 (FP) T3( NF) T4 (OF)
35
30
25
Microbial population

20
15
10
5
0
At flowering
At flowering

At flowering

At flowering

At flowering
Before sowing

Before sowing

Before sowing

Before sowing

Before sowing
After harvest

After harvest

After harvest

After harvest

After harvest

Bacteria Fungi Actinomycetes PSM N fixers

Microbial diversities at different stages of coriander

Fig. 1: Diversity of microorganisms in soil at different growth stages of seed coriander (Pooled of two
years)

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
CONCLUSION REFERENCE
Organic and natural farming systems Zhong, W., Gu, T., Wang, W., Zhang, B., Lin,
encouraged the build-up of rhizospheric X., Huang, Q. and Shen, W. 2010. The
microorganisms as the organic inputs used in effects of mineral fertilizer and organic
organic and natural farming (FYM, liquid manure on soil microbial community and
jeevamrutha, and ghanajeevamrutha, organic diversity. Plant Soil 326 (1): 511-522.
mulch and biofertilizers) acted as substrate for
the growth and development of Singh, Y.V. and Dhar, D.W. 2011. Influence
microorganisms. Thus, the ecological farming of organic farming on soil microbial
practices (organic and natural farming) help to diversity and grain yield under rice-wheat-
contribute for the long term tangible benefits green gram cropping sequence. Oryza45
and help to overcome the ill-effects of modern (1): 40-46.
chemical farming practices.

48
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

The potential impact of organic, natural and inorganic farming on quality, soil
health and productivity of maize sweet corn, (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.)
G. MANJULATHA1, E. RAJANIKANTH2, A. KRISHNA CHAITANYA2AND B. SOWJANYA3
1
Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar, Professor Jayashanker Telangana State Agricultural
University, Telangana, India -505 001
2
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial, Polasa, ProfessorJayashanker Telangana State
Agricultural University, Telangana, India -505 001
3
Agricultural college, Jagtial, Professor Jayashanker Telangana State Agricultural University,
Telangana, India -505 001
Agriculture intensification with use of METHODOLOGY
modern agricultural practices such as inorganic This field experiment was conducted in
external chemical inputs such as fertilizers and red sandy loam soils of Agricultural Research
pesticides led to exhaustion of natural Station, Karimnagar, for three years during
resources (Kesavan and Swaminathan, 2008). Rabi, 2019-20 to 2021-22 with five treatments,
The use of such inputs exposes small holder replicated five times in large experimental
farmers to a high degree of credit risk. plots of 100m2 for each treatment on maize
Increased farmer indebtedness, cost of sweet corn (Madhuri) which include T1:
cultivation, climate change and low farm Organic farming (Organic manures are applied
produce prices have aggrevated the farm crisis on N equivalent basis), T2: Inorganic farming
(Lal, 2009). To sustain the agricultural (followed PJTSAU package); T3: Integrated
production without or with minimal negative nutrient management (INM) (10 t FYM ha-1 +
impact on the ecosystems, preventing the rest of the N through inorganic fertilizers and
degradation of natural resources and to
rest is similar to T2); T4: Control (neither
minimise the input cost and reducing farmers organic manures nor inorganic fertilizers are
crisis, there is need to switch over to applied ; T5: Natural farming. The fertilizer
alternative farming systems viz., organic recommendation followed is 240-80-80 Kg
farming, Natural farming that can make NPK/ha applied as per treatment and
efficient use of soil and water (Lal, 2008). equivalent basis for organic and INM
Among the speciality corns, Maize Sweet treatment.
corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) as a source
of human food consumption usually grown for RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
fresh or canned food industry is gaining
importance. The growing concern for human The impact of organic farming on
and soil health and environment were very maize sweet corn during Rabi revealed that
well understood by the common people who cob & green fodder yield (3 years pooled data)
have led to study the performance of maize recorded significantly higher under Integrated
sweet corn under organic, natural and nutrient management (INM) (9.46 & 14.9 t/ha
inorganic fertilizer application in terms of respectively) and is on par with inorganic
quality of sweetcorn, soil health and treatment (9.06 & 13.8 t/ha). This was
productivity. followed by the organic treatment with cob
and green fodder yield of 6.59 and 8.14 t/ha
resulting in 30.3 & 45.4% less cob & green
fodder yield respectively as compared to INM.
While, the natural farming treatment recorded

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
4.90 and 5.98 t/ha respectively cob and fodder Natural farming (12.1%). While carbohydrates
yield accounting to 48% & 59.9% decreased percent is higher with organic (64.5%) and
cob & green fodder yield over INM. The Net natural farming (63.3%).
returns & B:C ratio at conventional price In terms of soil nutrient status after 3
resulted significantly higher with inorganic years of experimentation, indicated organic
treatment (Rs.50580/ha & 1.88 respectively) carbon content recorded increase in treatments
followed by INM (Rs.41765/ ha & 1.53 of INM, organic and natural farming to the
respectively). At 100% premium price to tune of 9.6, 7.7 and 1.9 % respectively and
organic & natural farming sweet corn produce, reduced in control and inorganic farming by
the Net returns of organic sweet corn 3.8 and 1.9% as compared to the initial value.
significantly increased to Rs.65,418/ ha than Application of external source of carbon in the
compared to all other produce. This was form of FYM could not help in improving the
followed by inorganic treatment soil carbon status. The Available Nitrogen
(Rs.50,580/ha); INM (Rs.41,765/ ha) & natural status is positive in organic, inorganic and
farming (Rs.33,243/ha). While B:C ratio at INM farming by 10.4, 3.0 and 17.6 kg/ha
100% premium price also, the inorganic respectively and recorded negative in control
cultivated sweetcorn resulted higher (1.88) and natural farming. Natural farming system
followed by organically cultivated sweetcorn was unable to maintain available N in soil, but
(1.74). Narayanamoorty and Alli (2019) spraying of dhravajeevamrutham at 15 days
expressed that role of ZBNF in boosting crop interval could fulfill plant needs to some
yields is not yet conclusive. extent. The available phosphorus balance
showed that P is accumulating in inorganic
The quality parameters, crude protein in and INM farming. While the available K,
sweetcorn recorded higher in INM (15.7%) resulted reduction in all the treatments
and inorganic farming (15.5%). These were indicates plant uptake is greater than K applied
followed by organic (13.5%) and natural to the soil.
farming (13.4%), unlike the crude fat resulted
higher in inorganic (13.8% ) followed by

Table 1: Yield and Quality parameters as influenced by organic, Natural and

inorganic farming in maize sweet corn (Madhuri) during Rabi (Pooled for 3 years)

Green
Cob yield
fodder Crude Crude fat Carbohyd
Characteristics (Without
yield Protein (%) (%) rates (%)
husk)(t/ha)
(t/ha)
Organic farming 6.59 8.14 13.5 10.9 64.5
Inorganic farming 9.06 13.81 15.5 13.8 57.8
INM farming 9.46 14.91 15.7 11.7 61.3
Control 4.12 5.29 13.3 11.9 62.1
Natural farming 4.90 5.98 13.4 12.1 63.3
S.Em+ 0.33 0.70
C.D. (5%) 1.00 2.13

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
CONCLUSION sustainability in developing Asian
countries. Philosophical Transactions of
The impact of organic farming in sweet the Royal Soceity, Biological sciences
corn indicated 30.3 & 45.4% less cob & green 363: 877-891. DOI: 10/1098. rstb. 2007.
fodder yield respectively with organic farming 2189.
over INM. While, the natural farming Lal, R. 2008 Soils and sustainable agriculture:
treatment recorded 48% & 59.9% decreased A review. Agronomy for sustainable
cob & green fodder yield over INM. Under development 28: 57–64. DOI:
economics, if the organic & natural farming 10.1051/agro:2007025.
sweet corn are sold at 200% premium price Lal, R. 2009. Soils and world food security.
than conventional price, than the net returns Soil and Tillage Research. 102: 1–4.
and B:C ratio are higher than the INM or DOI:10.1016/j.still.2008.08.001
inorganically raised sweet corn. Narayanamoorthy, A. and Alli, P. 2019. Is
zero budget natural farming working?
REFERENCES:
The Hindu Bisinessline, Daily sept 13,
Kesavan, P.C. and Swaminathan, M.S. 2008. 2019.
Strategies and models for agricultural

51
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Evaluation of natural farming practices in cotton in northern transition zone of

Karnataka
MADHUMATI S. PUJERI1 AND S. A. GADDANAKERI2
1
PhD Scholar, Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580005,
Karnataka, India
2
Principle Scientist Agronomy, Head, AICRP-Cotton, Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad-
580007, Karnataka, India
Natural farming is an agro ecological Ghanjeevamrit(G) + Jeevamrit (J) + Mulching
approach that minimizes dependence on (M) + Intercropping (I), T3: Natural Farming
agricultural inputs like fertilizers and (NF): Mulching (M) + Intercropping (I), T4:
pesticides. There are four main principles of Natural Farming (NF): Ghanjeevamrit (G) +
natural farming viz., beejamrit, jeevamrit, Jeevamrit (J) + Mulching (M) + Intercropping
mulching and whaphasa (soil aeration which (I), T5: Natural Farming (NF): Beejamrit (B) +
results from the application of jeevamrit and Mulching (M) + Intercropping (I), T6: Natural
mulching). Indigenous pesticide decoctions of Farming (NF): Beejamrit (B) + Ghanjeevamrit
leaves with cow urine such as neemastra, (G) + Jeevamrit (J) + Intercropping (I), T7:
agniastra and bramhastra are introduced. Natural Farming (NF): Beejamrit (B) +
Even though natural farming renders benefits Ghanjeevamrit (G) + Jeevamrit (J) + Mulching
like replenishing soil health and reduced cost (M), T8: Organic farming (OF), T9: Integrated
on inputs somewhere we have to sacrifice for Nutrient Management- natural farming plant
total crop yields. The practice of natural protection (INM-NFPP), T10: Integrated
farming system over a large-scale without Nutrient Management- conventional farming
scientific evaluation might affect the nation’s plant protection (INM-CFPP) and T11:
agricultural production levels and may threaten Recommended Package of Practices (RPP).
food security. The data collected from the experimental field
were subjected to statistical analysis as
OBJECTIVES described by Gomez and Gomez (1984) and
the mean values were subjected to DMRT.
To study the effect of natural farming,
organic farming and integrated nutrient RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
management practices and RPP on yield and
economics of cotton The different farming practices had
significant effect on seed cotton yield and
METHODOLOGY economics of cotton and the data is furnished
in Table 1.
The investigation was carried out at
Institute of Organic Farming (AI-NPOF), RPP recorded significantly higher seed
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad cotton yield (1020 kg ha-1), gross returns (Rs.
during 2020-21. Cotton (CO-14) was grown as 61226 ha-1) and net returns (Rs. 26529 ha-1)
rain fed crop during kharif season with spacing and was on par with INM-CFPP (1005 kg ha-1,
of 60 cm x 30 cm. The experiment was laid out Rs. 60280 ha-1 and Rs. 21811 ha-1). The higher
in randomized complete block design with gross returns was due to higher seed cotton
eleven treatments and three replications. yield which in turn was due to better growth of
Treatment details: T1: Control, T2: Natural cotton as the nutrients were available in
Farming (NF): Beejamrit (B) + sufficient quantity. Similar results were

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
observed by Kuri (2014) who recorded higher were reduced in natural farming treatments,
sugarcane yield, gross returns and net returns the net returns was higher in these treatments.
under RPP compared to other nutrient The drastic reduction in cost of cultivation
management practices mainly due to the could compensate the income from reduced
application of nutrients in the form of chemical yield in natural farming practice.
fertilizers along with FYM which was
benefitted by the better availability of nutrients REFERENCES
for crop. OF (881 kg ha-1 and Rs. 52868 ha-1)
Gomez, K. A. and Gomez, A. A., 1984,
and INM-NFPP (912 kg ha-1 and Rs. 54716 ha-
1 Statistical procedures for agricultural
) were on par with each other with respect to
research, An International Rice Research
seed cotton yield and gross returns. Net returns
Institute Book, Wiley- Inter Science
of NF treatments were found to be on par with
Publication, New York, USA, pp. 139-
RPP, which was mainly due to reduced cost of
141.
cultivation in these treatments (Table 1).
Kuri, S., 2014, Response of sugarcane
Significantly lower net returns was obtained
genotypes to organic nutrient
with OF (Rs. 5742 ha-1) where in cost of bulky
management practices with special
organic inputs was found to be expensive.
reference to jaggery production and
Similar results were quoted by Vinay et al.
quality. M. Sc. (Agri.) Thesis, Univ.
(2020) in maize.
Agric. Sci., Dharwad (India).
Among natural farming practices, Patil, B. O., Chandrashekara, C. P. and
NF:B+G+J+M+I (788 kg ha-1) recorded Manjunatha, S. B., 2021, Economics of
significantly higher seed cotton yield and was chickpea as influenced by natural
on par with NF:G+J+M+I, NF:B+G+J+I and (ZBNF) organic and conventional
NF:B+G+J+M. Significantly lower seed cotton farming practices in northern transitional
yield was obtained with NF:M+I and zone of Karnataka. Agri-innovations to
NF:B+M+I due to absence of ghanjeevamrit combat food and nutrition challenges In:
and jeevamrit as nutrient sources in these Extended Summaries of 5th International
treatments. A similar trend of gross returns Agronomy Congress. The Indian Society
was noticed in NF treatments (Table 1). of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi, 4:
However, net returns in all NF treatments were 2089-2090.
on par with each other due to reduced cost of Vinay, G., Padmaja, B., Reddy, M. M.,
cultivation (Table 1). Similar work was Jayasree, G. and Triveni, S., 2020, Effect
reported by Patil et al. (2021) in chickpea. of natural, organic and inorganic farming
methods on microorganisms and
CONCLUSION enzymes activity of maize rhizosphere.
Int. Res. J. Pure App. Chem., 21(6): 11-
The present study indicated that even 16.
though the seed cotton yield and gross returns

53
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table1: Effect of different treatments on seed cotton yield, cost of cultivation, gross and net returns.

Seed cotton Cost of

Gross returns Net returns
Treatments yield cultivation
-1 (Rs. ha-1) (Rs. ha-1)
(kg ha ) (Rs. ha-1)
f bc
T1: Control 629d 21506 37760 16254
b-d a
T2: NF: B+G+J+M+I 788c 26035 50845 24810
e ab
T3: NF: M+I 696cd 23192 44687 21495
c-e a
T4: NF: G+J+M+I 753c 26032 48628 22596
de ab
T5: NF: B+M+I 699cd 23195 45123 21928
b-e a
T6: NF: B+G+J+I 758c 25081 48987 23906
de ab
T7: NF: B+G+J+M 767c 24138 45997 21859
bc d
T8: OF 881b 47126 52868 5742
b c
T9: INM-NFPP 912b 39101 54716 15615
a ab
T10: INM-CFPP 1005a 38469 60280 21811
a a
T11: RPP 1020a 34697 61226 26529
S.Em.± 29 - 1803 1803
B: Beejamrit, G: Ghanjeevamrit, J: Jeevamrit, M: Mulching, I: Intercropping, NF: Natural Farming,
OF: Organic Farming, INM: Integrated Nutrient Management, CFPP: Conventional Farming Plant
Protection, NFPP: Natural Farming Plant Protection and RPP: Recommended Package of Practices.
Means followed by the same letter (s) within a column are not significantly differed by DMRT
(P=0.05)

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Performance of natural farming in northern transitional zone of Karnataka

CHANDRASHEKARA, C. P., MANJUNATHA S. B.,PATIL, B. O., GIRISH V. P., SANKALPA, C.
P., NARGIS FATIMA AND SHIVANAND GOUDRA
Natural farming Operational Research Project Zone -8 (Agriculture)
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad- 580005
Corresponding author email: chandrashekharcp@uasd.in

The farmers are under stress due to locally available biodegradable materials and
practices in modern agriculture loaded with combines scientific knowledge of ecology and
chemicals whose productivity declined over modern technology with traditional farming
years and have several negative consequences. practices based on naturally occurring
Our farmers are exposed to harmful chemicals biological processes (Bishnoi and Bhati,
leads to incurable diseases. Farmer’s 2017). Natural Farming (NF): it releases
indebtedness keeps increasing as they buy nutrients locked in the soil by triggering
inputs with barrowed resources and are unable microbial activities and bring the earthworms
to pay it back due to changed climate vagaries. activities back and encourage plants to fix the
This industrial model of agriculture is not moisture from the air just like a rain forests do.
sustainable. Finally consumers end up with NF is regenerative; it increases the carbon
foods lazed with harmful chemicals. So we content in the soil and reverses ongoing
have to transform agricultural practices to be desertification. Increasing carbon content
more ecologically sustainable (Anon.2020). allows us to retain more water in soil creating
Natural Farming (NF) is a set of farming life in the soil with humus which increases the
methods, and also a grassroots peasant fertility of the soil. Mulching in NF reduces
movement, which has spread to various states negative effects of radiation on soil biota like
in India. It has attained wide success in microbes and earthworms (Palekar, 2006).
southern India, especially the southern Indian Government of Karnataka sponsored a project
state of Karnataka where it first evolved to evaluate the performance of natural farming
(Anon., 2020). ‘Natural farming’ refers to a in comparison with established organic and
farming approach that emphasizes the conventional farming practices in different
importance of co-production of crops and zones of Karnataka since 2018. The objectives
animals so that synergistic effects of different of the project were to 1. Evaluation of natural
parts of the system can be used, relying on farming system for its productivity and
easily available ‘ingredients’ to produce crops profitability in different crops and cropping
on-farm and microorganisms to build the systems of Zone 8. 2. To assess the soil
fertility of the soil (Palekar, 2006). Natural physical, chemical and biological properties in
farming is a holistic agricultural practice that Natural farming fields and 3. To workout the
encounters the commercial expenditure and economics and livelihood security of the
market dependency of farmers for farm inputs. natural farming.
Here, soil is supplemented with the microbial
consortium like Beejamrutha and Jeevamrutha METHODOLOGY
to accelerate the proliferation of soil micro
Field experiments were conducted in
flora and indigenous pesticide decoctions of
all crops and cropping systems of zone -8 like
leaves with cow urine are used as plant
green gram, black gram, soybean, maize and
protection measures. This practice involves
inter cropping systems like maize + soybean,

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
red gram + soybean, red gram + maize, cotton cultivation, and attracting better product price.
+ groundnut systems during Kharif season at B: C ratio improved significantly owing to less
zone-8 (Agri), UAS, Dharwad from 2018-19 to input cost and attracting premium price for
2021-22. Three farming practices were chemical-free produce. The report put forward
adopted such as, Conventional Farming suggestions like natural farming as an
Practices (CNF); Organic farming (OF) and alternative option for the producers and the
Natural Farming (NF) indifferent blocks and consumers for chemical-free produce (Anon.,
quadratic sampling methods were followed to 2020).
draw samples and plant observations.
CONCLUSION
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Natural Farming is being adopted by
Among the different crops selected for several farmers, whose experience shows
the study under NF practice showed reduction reduced cost of production and crop can be
in the yield compared to conventional farming grown in arid and low rainfall areas.
practices (CNF). The yield reduction were less Chemicals can be reduced in plant protection
in green gram to the extent of 27%, black gram can bring down the chemical residues in food
(-26%), soybean (-22%), cotton + groundnut (- and their ill effects. Based on results of the
24 & -5%, respectively) as compared to high experiments in different crops, the following
input demanding crops like maize (-62%), crops are suitable for cultivation under natural
wheat (-35%), chickpea (-34%), rabi sorghum farming practices Green gram, Black gram,
(-37%), and inter cropping systems like maize Groundnut, Soybean, Hence, during 2022-23,
+ soybean (-53% & -22%, respectively), red the Department of Agriculture, Government of
gram + soybean (-40% & -19%, respectively), Karnataka has initiated adoption of natural
red gram + maize (-38 & -63%, respectively), farming practices in 5000 acres in different
chickpea + linseed (-36 & -45%, respectively). agro-climatic zones of Karnataka in different
crops and cropping system. Natural farming
The cost of production saved was about 10 to has several benefits like higher income, better
36% in sole crops and 20 to 35% in health, improved soil fertility and lower costs.
intercropping systems under NF over So we have to encourage such natural farming
conventional farming. About 20 to 55% farmers as climate heroes and expand to all the
material/input costs were saved under NF in states and union territories in India.
selected crops over CNF practice. Net return is
concerned; except Kharif black gram and REFERENCES
maize all other crops showed positive net
returns under NF. Net return under NF was Anonymous, 2020, https://naarm.org.in/ wp
lesser than CNF in green gram (39%), soybean content/uploads/2021/07/2020_NITI_
(-18%), wheat (-80%), chickpea (-52%), Natural-Farming_ NAARM-CRIDA-
sorghum (-32%) and in inter cropping systems 1.pdf
like maize + soybean (-48%), red gram + Bishnoi and Bhati, 2017, An overview: Zero
soybean (-29%), red gram + maize (-67%), Budget Natural Farming. Trends in
cotton + groundnut (-5.6%), chickpea + Bioscience, 10(46): 9314-9316.
linseed (-57%). Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka Palekar, S., 2006, Shoonya Bandovalada
and Maharashtra field survey and personal Naisargika Krushi(Zero budget natural
interview reveals that the natural Farming may farming), Published by Swamy Anand,
not enhance the yield but helped in improving Agri Prakashana, Bangalore, pp.145-158.
farmers’ income by reducing cost of

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Studies on genetic divergence of cherry tomato in NE India

N.B. CHANU1*, P. SARMA2 AND B.N. HAZARIKA2
1- KrishiVigyan Kendra, Piprakothi, Dr. RPCAU, Bihar-845429
2- College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh-791102
*Corresponding author’s email: bidyakvkpiprakothi22@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION: genotypes arises for maximum gene
introgression upon crossing two diverse parent
Tomato is the most widely grown genotypes. D2 derived divergence studies is a
solanaceous crop over the globe. Cherry powerful method to judge genetic diversity for
tomato, botanically Solanumlycopersicumvar. different individuals in a population. This
cerasiformae is the living progenitor of current method allows distinctive study on genetic
day tomato species (Solanumlycopersicum). distance derived from the clusters formed by
The photoperiodic response of this crop Torcher’s method described by Rao, 1952.
corresponds to be day neutral in nature. While Further it also measures individual distance
the breeding system existed as self-pollination within a cluster as intra cluster distance and
majorly and to the minute extend as cross among individuals of clusters as inter cluster
pollinated. It thrives well in warm climatic distance. Greater the distance higher is the
conditions free from frost and the best observed value and hence more is the diversity
temperature for development of lycopene and vice versa. Relatively distant clusters with
pigment was reported to be in the range of 21- superior traits are more considerable for
24˚C. Cherry tomatoes are most versatile crossing programme in any crop improvement
vegetable as it has wider forms in culinary schedule. Considering the above stated facts,
consumptions. It is most preferred as salads in the experiment on determining extend of
raw form, the matured fruits are often diversity in cherry tomato was formulated with
processed into sauce, ketchup, puree, paste, the set objectives to assess diverse genotypes
powder, soup, canned and raisins after drying based on twenty-two morphological traits
whole fruits. linked to yield.
The base for crop improvement OBJECTIVES: To study genetic divergence
programmes with respect to quantitative and of cherry tomato genotypes of NE India.
qualitative aspects lies in ample availability of
genetic resources holding potential traits of METHODOLOGY:
choice. North-east India harbours ample
genetic resources of cherry tomato holding the The experiment was conducted at CHF,
potential sources to various yield and quality CAU, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh during the
aspects. The primary crop breeding aims in year 2019 and 2020. Twenty-five genotypes
improving crop yield, which is a complex trait (Table 1) and twenty-two morphological traits
governed by several genes. For execution of (Table 2) were considered for the divergence
any effective selection, traits tightly linked study.The morphological data were generated
with yield can be positively considered. As as per guidelines of ‘Tomato’ descriptor,
formulated by Harrington (1940), higher the IPGRI, Rome, Italy. Using the mean data of
diversity more is the chance for higher yield. the traits statistical analysis were formulated as
Hence, the importance for screening diverse below:

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Genetic divergence: 3. Intra cluster distance
1.Mahalanobis D2 analysis The intra cluster distances were calculated by
Mahalanobis (1936) D2 statistical analysis was the formula given by Singh and Chaudhary
used for assessing the genetic divergence (1977).
among the test entries. The generalized Square of intra cluster distance
distance between any two populations is given ∑ Di2
by formula. = n
D2 = ∑∑λijSiSj Where, ∑Di2= The sum of distance between all
possible combinations
Where,D2 = Square of generalized distance, N = Number of all possible combinations.
λ ij= Reciprocal of the common dispersal 4. Inter cluster distance
matrix The inter cluster distance were calculated by
Sai = (μi 1 - μi2), Saj = (μj 1 - μj2), μ = General the formulae described by Singh and
mean Chaudhary (1977).
The D2 values were obtained as the ∑ Di2
Square of inter cluster distance =ni×nj
corresponding uncorrelated (Ys) values of any
two genotypes as per procedure illustrated by Where,
Rao (1952). ∑Di2 = The sum of distances between
all possible combinations
2. Clustering of D2 values (ninj) of the entries included in
All then (n (n-1)/2) D2 values were clustered the cluster study.
using Tocher’s method as described by Rao
(1952).
ni = Number of entries in cluster I, nj =
Number of entries in cluster j

Table 1: Genotypes code under the experiment

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2: Twenty-two traits for genetic divergence study

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: divergence are presented in Figure 1.Among

all the traits considered, hundred seed weight
Genetic divergence (D2 analysis) (47.33%) contributed highest percent towards
genetic divergence which was followed by
1. Mahalanobis generalized genetic distance
number of fruits per plant (20.67%), number of
(D2):
seeds per fruit (10.33%), size of core (8.67%)
The selected traits were subjected for and thickness of pericarp (6.00%) respectively.
the analysis and observed data in terms of This indicates the importance of these traits
percent contribution towards genetic
as an important criterion to be association with the results of Srivastava et al.
considered for assessing variability in cherry (2013).
tomato lines. The findings are in close

Figure 1: Percentage contribution by morphological traits towards genetic divergence

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
2. Cluster Analysis segregating populations, this result was also
suggestively presented by Thakur et al. (2020).
Clustering of twenty-five genotypes
were performed following Tocher’s method The D2 value derived nearest and
described by Rao, 1952. D2 values were furthest distance between individual cluster are
generated statistically using sum of squares presented in table 3. Cluster I reported nearest
from Y values of each morphological trait and to Cluster VII (123.71) and farthest with
the values observed were employed for Cluster XI (324.51). Cluster II was found to be
clustering resulting in eleven notable clusters nearest with Cluster VIII (139.96) and furthest
(figure 2). Cluster I holds the maximum with Cluster XI (641.91). Cluster III recorded
genotypes (11), Cluster IV ranked the second nearest distance and furthest distance with
largest group comprising of four genotypes Cluster V (66.04) and Cluster VIII (380.23)
followed by Cluster II. Rest of the clusters are respectively. Cluster IV recorded nearest
represented by single genotype. The cluster distance with Cluster III (115.5) and farthest
representing individual genotypes holds quite with Cluster XI (479.32). Cluster VII (58.44)
unique traits and are source of potential lines. and Cluster VIII (413.84) represents nearest
Furthest distance was recorded among Cluster and furthest cluster from Cluster V. Cluster
XI and Cluster VIII (763.68) followed by VII (100.87) and Cluster VIII (432.58)
Cluster X and Cluster VIII (653.75), hence represents nearest and furthest cluster from
genotypes under these clusters can be Cluster VI. Cluster V (58.44) and Cluster VIII
exploited as diverse lines in hybrid production. (376.87) represents nearest and furthest cluster
While, narrow distance infers low diversity from Cluster VII. Cluster II (139.96) and
and hence individuals under such clusters must Cluster XI (763.68) represents nearest and
positively avoid for taking up crossing furthest cluster from Cluster VIII. Cluster III
programme. Further, there were no close (66.74) and Cluster VIII (365.80) represents
association of the geographical place of nearest and furthest cluster from Cluster IX.
collection with the clustering pattern observed Cluster VII (78.37) and Cluster VIII (653.75)
from the study, this observation was in close represents nearest and furthest cluster from
coordination with the findings of Srivastava et Cluster X. Lastly, Cluster X (93.38) and
al. (2013). Moreover, the genotypes falling Cluster VIII (763.68) represents nearest and
under cluster XI and VIII showed widest furthest cluster from Cluster XI. Higher the
genetic distance revealing high divergence. observed value more is the diversity and vice
This diverge clusters can be fully exploited for versa. Relatively distant clusters with superior
developing novel hybrids through traits can be considered for breeding crosses in
hybridization programme by utilizing crop improvement programme.
economic recombination resulted from the

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Figure 2: Dendrogram generated by Tocher method for morphological traits

3. Cluster distance clusters. Maximum inter cluster distance was
exerted between individuals of Cluster VIII
Genetic diversity expressed as genetic distance
and Cluster XI (D2= 763.68) followed by
are observed under average values of inter and
Cluster VIII and Cluster X (653.75), Cluster II
intra cluster distances (table 4). Intra cluster
and Cluster XI (641.91) and Cluster II and
distance represents the distance within
Cluster X (547.75). However, the least inter
individuals of each cluster in the study. The
cluster distance was exhibited by Cluster V
observed intra cluster distances are exhibited
and Cluster VII (58.44) followed by Cluster III
diagonally in the table 4. Maximum intra
and Cluster V (66.04), Cluster III and Cluster
cluster was observed for Cluster IV (D2=
IX (66.74) and Cluster VII and Cluster IX
82.37) holding four genotypes which is
(73.14). The genotypes under distant intra and
followed by Cluster I (D2= 72.82) having
inter cluster values are genetically distant
eleven genotypes and Cluster II (D2= 41.46)
lines. These lines can potentially be exploited
having two genotypes. Intra cluster value
for crop improvement programme via
corresponding to D2 value of 0.00 are those
hybridization. The resulting progeny will tend
cluster possessing single genotype, hence no
to hold great extent of vigour which is highly
distance was observed for these clusters.
beneficial for the breeders to obtain a novel
Inter cluster distance represents the
variety of the crop.
genetic distance among individuals of the

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 3: D2 value indicating nearest and furthest distance between the clusters
Cluster D2 value for nearest cluster D2 value for furthest cluster
Cluster I Cluster VII (123.71) Cluster (324.51)
Cluster II Cluster VIII (139.96) Cluster XI (641.91)
Cluster III Cluster V (66.04) Cluster VIII (380.23)
Cluster IV Cluster III (115.50) Cluster XI (479.32)
Cluster V Cluster VII (58.44) Cluster VIII (413.84)
Cluster VI Cluster VII (100.87) Cluster VIII (432.58)
Cluster VII Cluster V (58.44) Cluster VIII (376.87)
Cluster VIII Cluster II (139.96) Cluster XI (763.68)
Cluster IX Cluster III (66.74) Cluster VIII (365.8)
Cluster X Cluster VII (78.37) Cluster VIII (653.75)
Cluster XI Cluster X (93.38) Cluster VIII (763.68)

Table 4: Average inter and intra cluster distances (D2) for eleven clusters

CONCLUSION: crucial role in crop improvement programme.

Higher the degree of genetic distance more is
The genetic distance formulated from the diversity present. The traits contributing
2
D value indicating genetic diversity among maximum diversity can be
different individuals of the cluster holds a
utilized as a diversity deciding factor in cherry REFERENCES:
tomato. Further, the cluster representing
individual genotypes carries unique traits and Harrington, J. B. (1940). Yielding capacity of
can potentially be exploited as notable lines in wheat crosses as indicated by bulk
crop improvement programme. Crossing hybrid tests. Canadian Journal of
among furthest cluster will result in optimum Research, 18(11), 578-584.
positive heterosis. Mahalanobis, P.C. (1936). On the generalized
distance in statistics. Proceedings of
National Academic Sciences. 2: 55-79

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Rao, C.R. (1952). Advanced Statistical for yield and bits component traits in
Methods in Biometrical Research. John tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.). Plant
Wiley and Sons, New York. 357-369. Arch., 13(1): 105- 112.
Singh, R.K. and Chaudhary, B.D. (1977). Thakur, S., Sharma, P., Mehta, D. and Thakur,
Biometrical methods in quantitative R. (2020). Studies on genetic divergence
genetic analysis. Kalyani Publishers, in tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.)
New Delhi, pp, 266. under mid hill conditions of Solan
Srivastava, K., Kumari, K., Singh, S.P. and District of Himachal Pradesh. J. Pharma.
Kumar, R. (2013). Association studies Phyto., 9: 1957-1960.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Influence of different farming practices on biotic stresses, nutrient status and

yield evaluation in the banana intercropped with ginger followed by French bean-
A horti-silviculture eco-system study
HONGAL S*, MAHESWARAPPA H P, GURAV S G, RAGHAVENDRA K S, SOWJANYA T
V, DIVYA BHAT AND PHATAK R
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka- 587104
*- Corresponding author: shivuhort@gmail.com
ABSTRACT diversity and abundance natural farming was
Field experiments were conducted to found to be the best followed by organic
evaluate the effect of different farming system farming. Natural and organic farming systems
against insect pests and diseases infesting were found to be safe to natural enemies and
banana, ginger and French bean in a Horti- have optimistic effect on the earthworm
Silviculture system. The study was done at population. The overall order of safe farming
College of Horticulture, Sirsi, Uttar Kannada system to the beneficial insects, soil micro-
(Hilly Zone of Karnataka, India) (14.60757N, flora and fauna were, natural farming =
74.84718E) over a period of three years (2019- organic farming > chemical farming = RPP.
20 to 2021-22). Three farming practices viz., The cost of plant protection measure was also
chemical farming, organic farming and natural least in these farming systems which indicates
farming were evaluated against pests, diseases the socially and economically acceptable
and compared with recommended package of farming practices which can be easily adopted
practices (RPP) as a standard check. Among for the sustainable crop production under the
the different modules tested, chemical farming present scenario of climate change and
recorded least insect pest and disease incidence pesticide residue problems.
throughout the experimental period and was at Keywords: Bio-efficacy,Natural farming,
par with standard check (RPP). Whereas, Diversity index, Soil arthropods and Natural
organic farming and natural farming recorded enemy.
moderate level of pest infestation and disease
incidence. The overall order of different INTRODUCTION:
farming system based on insect pest and
Natural and organic farming system
disease control were, chemical farming =
uses environmentally friendly pest and disease
RPP > organic farming = natural farming.
management practices. In contrast to chemical
Natural farming and organic farming have
farming, it avoids use of synthetic fertilizers,
recorded significantly higher general and
pesticides and fungicides and hence, offers an
beneficial micro-flora and thereby enzyme
alternative way for the eco-friendly pest
activity. The soil pH and EC were found
management for the sustainable crop
statistically non-significant among the
production under the changing climatic
treatments; however soil organic carbon
conditions. Both the faring systems depend on
content was significantly high in organic
plant and cow based bio-pesticides for the
farming which was on par with natural farming
management of biotic stresses. All the three
and lowest was observed in chemical farming.
crops in the present study viz., Banana, Ginger
The highest and lowest available nitrogen,
and French bean are infested by wide range of
phosphorus and potassium contents in soil
insect pests and diseases. To manage these
were recorded in RPP and natural farming,
pests, farmers mainly rely on synthetic
respectively. With respect to soil arthropod
chemical pesticides having adverse effects on

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
environment and human beings. Hence, using the standard protocols. The data
present experiment was conducted over a associated with the experiment were confirmed
period of three years to evaluate alternate to the assumptions of the analysis of variance
farming systems for the pest and disease (single factor ANOVA) through WASP
management in a Horti-silviculture eco- software® (developed by ICAR Research
system. complex, Goa, India) and means were
compared at < 5% probability using Duncan’s
METHODOLOGY: Multiple Range Test (DMRT) (Duncan, 1951).
Three farming systems viz., chemical RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
farming, organic farming and natural farming
(NF) were evaluated to manage the biotic The pooled data of three years
stresses in an eco-friendly manner and presented in the table 1, clears that all the
compared with standard check i.e farming systems were effectively manages
recommended package of practices (RPP). The insect pests of all the three crops. Among the
field experiment was laid out in a randomized different pest management systems chemical
block design with five replications comprising farming involving use of novel synthetic
of four treatments. Plants were well chemical pesticides recorded significantly
maintained with all the agronomic practices as lowest pest load and was at par with standard
per University's recommendations except for check, RPP. Organic and natural farming
the plant protection measures against insect involving pest management using plant and
pest and diseases. For each treatment, five cow based bio-pesticides recorded moderate
plants per replication were tagged with red level of insect pest population and their
ribbons and further observations were recorded damage.
Table 1: Consequences of farming systems against different insect pests of crops
Farming Banana pest* Ginger pest* French bean pest*
system A B C D E F G
1.60a±0. 2.07 a
±0. 3.53 a
±0. 2.80a±0.
T Chemical 4.40a±0.87 5.47a±0.43 3.47a±0.31
29 27 43 40
1 farming (2.06) (2.33) (1.85)
(1.24) (8.21) (10.77) (9.55)
b b b b b
5.30 ±0. 10.60 ±0.8 7.60 ±0. 8.20 ±0. 11.53 ±0.4 5.80b±0.
T Organic 8.40b±0.58
51 1 39 39 3 37
2 farming (2.89)
(2.29) (3.25) (15.98) (16.62) (3.40) (13.91)
3.90b±0. 10.20b±0.8 7.93c±0. 9.20b±0. 12.87b±0.7 10.20c±0.2 7.87c±0.
T Natural
56 6 12 67 9 9 44
3 Farming
(1.96) (3.18) (16.35) (17.61) (3.58) (3.20) (16.26)
a a a
1.50 ±0. 3.00 ±0. 4.00 ±0. 3.00a±0.
T 6.00a±0.89 6.27a±0.76 3.00a±0.42
RPP 35 37 15 37
4 (2.42) (2.48) (1.72)
(1.18) (9.89) (11.52) (9.90)
S.Em± 0.13 0.18 0.39 0.53 0.11 0.11 0.49
CD @ 5% 0.40 0.56 1.23 1.79 0.31 0.29 1.51
Note: A- Banana leaf eating caterpillar, B- cent pod borer damage. *- Pooled data of three
Banana skipper, C- Per cent dead heart by years, Figures with same alphabetical
ginger shoot borer,D- Per cent rhizome fly superscripts are statistically non-significant
infestation, E- Aphid population per five (p<0.05) by DMRT.
plants, F- Leaf miner per five plants, G- Per

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
In the present study, chemical farming highest yield per ha in banana, it was
and RPP recorded significantly least insect statistically on par with Chemical farming and
pest incidence which might be due to chemical the natural farming recorded the lowest yield
pesticides having quick knock down effect on levels. As the banana was grown under the
target pest. Kaniuczak and Matosz (1998) forest trees, shading effect might have resulted
stated that, imidacloprid can be potentially in the reduced yield levels, irrespective of the
used in the IPM of faba beans, Meena et al., farming system. As far as the yield of ginger is
2020 inferred that different chemical concerned, the recommended package of
pesticidesviz., acetamiprid 20 SP (0.4g/l), practice resulted in maximum rhizome yield
imidacloprid 17.8SL (0.33 ml/l), quinalphos which was statistically superior over other
25EC (2.0 ml/l), thiamethoxam 25WG (0.5g/l) treatments. The higher yield levels in organic
were effective against the against cluster bean farming compared to the chemical farming
aphid. The same trends of results were also might be due to the better response of the
reported by various workers viz., Ganapathy ginger for organic manures compared to the
and Durairaj (2000), Lakshmi (2002), chemical fertilizers. As the ginger is a heavy
Dharmendar Singh et al., 2016 and feeder crop, lesser nutrition in Natural farming
Satyanarayana and Arunakumara (2017). might have resulted in lowest yield levels in
Organic farming and natural farming which Natural farming practice. The data pertaining
utilizes locally available plant and cow based to the yield of French bean revealed the
bio-pesticides are moderately effective against significant difference in the yield levels under
various insect pests. The plant based bio- different farming systems. Recommended
pesticides viz., neem oil, pongamia oil, package of practice recorded the maximum
neemastra, agniastra, bhramastra and ginger- yield of French bean which was significantly
garlic paste can be used as alternative to superior over the other practices. The results of
chemical pesticides for the effective present study are in compliance with the
management of insect pests. Grdisa and Grsic, reports of Shivamurthy and Patil (2010),
2013 reported that neem binds to acetylcholine Prabhakar etal. (2011), Rajan and Murugesan
receptors thereby disrupting the nervous (2012), Kumbar et al.(2015), Kumar and
system and has different chemical properties Devakumar (2016) for the yield levels in
viz., repellence, feeding deterrence, inhibition different crops.
of oviposition, egg hatching and moulting. The
same trends of results were also reported by Table 2: Yield levels of the crops under
Tomlin, et al. (2007); Yadav et al. (2021) and different farming systems
Bhushan, et al. (2011). Cow urine and cow
dung having high urea content in it Farming
Banana Ginger
French bean
which is toxic to most of organisms, the pests yield yield
system yield (t/ ha)
(t/ ha) (t/ ha)
and insects etc. (Kumawat, et al., 2014) can be Chemical
effectively used for the pest management along T1 9.21 7.34 7.04
farming
with plant-based bio-pesticides. The same Organic
T2 8.02 8.29 7.94
opinion were also given by (Gupta 2005) farming
against aphids and (Deka et al. 2016) against Natural
T3 7.03 5.73 7.72
tea mosquito bug. Farming
T4 RPP 9.64 11.01 9.56
There was a significant difference S.Em± 0.52 1.16 0.24
among the farming systems for the yield of the CD @ 5% 1.59 3.57 0.75
crops tested (Table 2). Though the
recommended package of practice recorded

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
REFERENCES: Organic Farming. Popular Kheti, 2(2):
237-242.
Bhushan S, Singh RP, Shanker R. (2011) Kumbar, B., Devakumar, N. and Sheshadri, T.,
Bioefficacy of neem and Bt against pod 2015, Influence of Farm Yard Manure,
borer, Helicoverp aarmigera in chickpea, Jeevamrutha and Panchagavya on growth
Journal of Biopesticides; 4(1):87-89. and yield of French bean (Phaseolus
Deka, M.K., Rajkhowa, D., Rokozeno, Kalita, S. vulgaris L.). Mysore J. Agric. Sci., 50(2):
(2016). Growth regulatory effects of 279-283.
Pongamia pinnata and Lantana camara Lakshmi, P.S.R., Sekhar, P.R. and Rao, V.R.S.
extracts on Tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis (2002). Bio efficacy of certain insecticides
theivora Waterhouse. Annals of Plant against spotted pod borer on urdbean.
Protection Sciences, 24(2):213-216. Indian Journal of Pulses Research,
Dharmendar Singh, Singh, C. K., Singh, R. K. 15:201-202.
and Chaudhary, A. K., 2016. Efficacy of Meena, R.K., Meena, R.K., Singh, U. and
insecticides against shoot borer on Meena, M.L. (2020). Bio-efficacy of some
turmeric crop in North-East India. insecticides against bean aphid, Aphis
Progressive Research – An International cracivora koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in
Journal, 11(1): 79-81. Satyanarayana, C. clusterbean. Pesticide Research Journal,
and Arunakumara, K. T., 2017. Biology 32(1): 159-164. Ganapathy, N. and
and biorational management of ginger Durairaj, C. (2000). Bio-efficacy of some
shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis newer insecticides against pod borers of
Guenee. The Journal of Rural and blackgram. Pestology, 24: 43-45.
Agricultural Research, 17(2): 65-70. Prabhakar, M., Hebbar, S. S. and Nair, A. K.,
Grdiša, M. and Gršiš, K. (2013). Botanical 2011, Growth and yield of French bean
insecticides in plant protection. (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under organic
Agriculturare conspectus scientificus, 2: farming. J. Applied Horti, 13(1):71-73.
85-93. Rajan, M. R. and Murugesan, P., 2012, Influence
Gupta, M.P. (2005). Efficacy of neem in of vermiwash on germination and growth
combination with cow urine against of cow pea (Vigna ungiculata) and rice
mustard aphid and its effect on coccinellid (Oryza sativa). IOSR J. Pharmacy
predators. Natural Product Radiance, 4(2): Res.,2(6):31-34.
102-106. Shivamurthy, D. and Patil, B. N., 2010, Effect of
Kaniuczak, Z. and Matosz, I. (1998). The effect method of planting and seed treatment on
of insecticidal seed dressings upon the performance of wheat genotypes under
broad bean weevil (Bruchus rufimanus rainfed condition. Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.,
Boh.) in the cultivation of the field bean. 19(4):781-784.
Journal of Plant Protection Research. 38: Tomlin, C. (2007). The Pesticide Manual, 11th
84-88. Edition. British crop protection council, 49
Kumar, B. and Devakumar, N., 2016, Effect of Downing Street, Farham, Survey
Jeevamrutha and Panchagavya on French GU97PH, UK.
bean. Advances in Life Sci, 5(9): 3619- Yadav, S.P., Singh, B., Satyajeet and Kumar, H.
3623. (2021). Eco-friendly management of aphid
Kumawat, N., Shekhawat, P.S, Kumar Rakesh (Lipaphiserysimi Kalt) in Indian mustard
and Sanwal, R.C. (2014). Agricultural, variety RB-50 under late sown conditions.
Formulation of Biopesticides for Insect J. Entomol. Zool. Stud., 9(1): 1882-1886.
Pests and Diseases Management in

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Influence of different organic formulation on yield and economics of gram in South-

Eastern Rajasthan
PRATAP SINGH1, B.S. MEENA2*, SUSHEELA KALWANIYA3 AND GAJENDRA NAGAR4
1
Directorate of Research, AU, Kota
2, 3
Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj-Kota
4
College of Agriculture, Ummedganj-Kota
Agriculture University, Kota-324001
*Corresponding author- psd427@rediffmail.com

Organic systems rely on management Indiscriminate and continuous use of chemical

of organic matter to enhance the soil fertility fertilizers also show adverse effect on soil
and productivity. Availability of appropriate physical, chemical and biological properties
organic sources of nutrients for organic there by affecting the sustainability of crop
farming of crops is a challenge therefore; there production, besides causing environmental
should be promotion of organic input pollution. Balanced nutrients supply by
production at farm itself. It can be achieved application of different organic formulation
through using different sources of nutrients (solid & liquid organic manure and NPK liquid
which have different nutrient release pattern consortia) is an alternate option for improving
and deficiency. Combined application of soil health and sustainable production. Hence,
organic formulation mainly FYM, an experiment on organic chickpea production
vermicompost and NPK Consortia produced has been conducted in the present study to find
higher yield apart from improving soil health out suitable organic nutrient management
(Babalad et al. 2009). Further, the liquid practices.
organic manures meet the nutrient requirement
of crops with greater nutrient use efficiency METHODOLOGY
and also correct the deficiency as and when
A field experiment was conducted
noticed under organic production system
during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 to 2021-22
(Shwetha, 2009).Chickpea is considered to
at Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj,
have medicinal effect and it is used for blood
Kota from 2017-18 to 2021-22 at fixed site in
purification. Chickpea contains 21.1% protein,
organic block under Maharshi Parashar Krishi
61.5 per cent carbohydrate, 4.5% fat. It is also
Sodh Peeth to study the impact of different
rich in calcium, iron and niacin. It is used for
organic formulation on yield and economics of
human consumption as well as for feeding to
gram in South-Eastern Rajasthan. The
animals.
treatments consisted of 8 nutrient management
Chickpea being legume derives its
practices viz., M1:100% N-FYM fb 10% Cow
greater nitrogen requirement through
urine spray at 25, 50 and 75 DAS, M2:50% N-
biological nitrogen fixation, which can be
FYM + 50% VC fb 10% Vermiwash spray at
harnessed by providing good soil physical and
25, 50 and 75 DAS, M3:100% N-FYM + NPK
chemical condition. The edaphic environment
Consortia @1250 ml/ha as a soil, M4:75% N-
under organic production system will be more
FYM + NPK Consortia @1250 ml/ha as a soil,
congenial for good crop growth and
M5: 75% N-FYM + NPK Consortia @1250
application of organics regularly maintains it at
ml/ha as a soil fb 10% Cow urine spray at 25,
optimum level. Studies have shown that the
50 and 75 DAS, M6: 75% N-FYM + NPK
legume crop productivity can be enhanced and
Consortia @1250 ml/ha as a soil + 25% N by
sustained under organic production system.
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
inorganic, M7:Jeevamrut @ 500 litre/ha (3 B:C ratio (4.46) of wheat were recorded
times), M8: Ghanjeevamrut @ 500 kg/ha (3 under the application of 50% N by FYM +
times) were laid out in randomized block 50% N by inorganic nutrient management
design with 3 replication. The experiment soil practice.
was clay loam having medium in organic A positive effect of different organic nutrient
carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus and management strategies was observed in
high in available potassium. Gram was sown available nutrients status in soil at the end of 4
as rabi season in the second week of October years crop cycle. However, the highest
respectively years and harvested in the available organic carbon (0.67%), phosphorus
respectively years after attaining maturity. (65.20 kg/ha), potassium (435.2 kg/ha),
Solid organic manures were incorporated sulphur (29.41kg/ha) and zinc (0.90 mg/ kg
uniformly over the field before last ploughing soil) in the soil were recorded with the
and NPK liquid consortia applied as soil application of 50% N by FYM + 50% N by
application at sowing time mixed with organic vermicompost with 3 vermiwash spray (10%)
manures and liquid organic formulation at 25,50 and 75 DAS (able 1) The combined
sprayed on standing crop at different growth use of organic manures, liquid organic
stages. All the agronomic and plant-protections manures and their combinations is important to
technique were carried out uniformly as and maintain and sustain higher level of soil
when required. Yield attributes and yield of fertility and nutrient availability to crop.
gram were workout as per standard procedure Further, it helps to build soil organic matter
whereas, economics was worked out on the status besides minimizing the cost of
basis of @ 40% higher rate of MSP in cultivation.
respectively year.
CONCLUSION
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Based on results of five years
A perusal data revealed that among experimentation, it may conclude that among
organic nutrient management strategies, organic nutrient management either application
application of 75 % RDN by FYM + NPK of 75 % RDN by FYM (3ton/ha) + soil
consortia of bio-fertilizers @1250 ml/ha as soil application NPK consortia of bio-fertilizers
application and cow urine spray (10%) at @1250 ml/ha enriched with 100 kg FYM and
25,50 and 75 DAS produced higher seed yield cow urine spray (10%) at 25,50 and 75 DAS or
of chickpea (2270 kg/ha) closely followed by 50% RDN by FYM (2ton/ha) + 50% RDN
50% N-FYM + 50% N by vermicompost + (1ton/ha) by vermicompost + vermiwash
vermiwash spray @ 10 % at 25,50 and 75 spray @ 10 % at 25,50 and 75 DAS produced
DAS and 100 % N-FYM+NPK consortia of higher seed yield and net return of organic
bio-fertilizers @1250 ml/ha.The highest net chickpea and improving nutrient availability
return (Rs.120004/ha) and B:C ratio (4.06) of and soil health as compared to rest of
chickpea was obtained under the application treatments . Growing green manuring crops
of 100 % N-FYM+NPK consortia of bio- and incorporating into the field in conversion
fertilizers @1250 ml/ha closely folowed by 75 period and adopt crop rotation.
% RDN by FYM + NPK consortia of bio-
fertilizers @1250 ml/ha and cow urine spray REFERENCES
(10%) at 25,50 and 75 DAS and 50% N-FYM Babalad, H.B., Kambale, A.S., Bhat, S.N.,
+50% VC + vermiwash spray @ 10 % at 25,50 Patil, R.K., Math, K.K., and Shivanalli,
and 75 DAS. Whereas the highest seed yield G. (2009). Sustainable groundnut
(2479 kg/ha), net return (Rs 130920 /ha) and
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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
production through organic approach. system. Journal of Soil and Crops9(1):8-
Journal of Oilseeds Research 26: 365- 13.
367.
Shwetha, B.N., Babalad, H.B. and Patil, R.K.
(2009) Effect of combined use of
organics in soybean - wheat cropping
Table 1. Influence of different nutrients management practices on seed yield, economics and soil
health after harvest of chickpea (Pooled data of 5 years)
Treatments Seed Gross Net B:C OC Available nutrients (kg/ha)
yield Return Return ratio (%)
(kg/ha) (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) P2O5 K2O S Zn
(mg/
kg)
M1: 100% N-FYM
fb10% CU spray at 2182 144333 114623 3.85 0.65 63.20 430.6 26.23 0.85
25,50 and 75 DAS
M2: 50% N-FYM +
50% VC fb 10%
2258 149418 119175 3.93 0.67 65.20 435.2 29.46 0.90
Vermiwash spray at
25,50 and 75DAS
M3: 100% N-FYM +
NPK Consortia @ 1250 2265 149489 120004 4.06 0.64 61.59 428.3 25.66 0.84
ml/ha as soil
M4: 75% N-FYM +
NPK Consortia @1250 2158 142520 113435 3.89 0.62 60.95 426.9 24.48 0.80
ml/ha as soil
M5: 75% N-FYM +
NPK Consortia @1250
ml/ha as soil fb 10 % 2270 149106 119271 3.99 0.63 61.68 427.4 24.96 0.78
CU spray at 25,50 and
75 DAS
M6: 75% N-FYM +
NPK Consortia @1250
2429 158118 128471 4.32 0.64 63.18 428.4 25.90 0.76
ml/ha as soil +25% N
by inorganic
M7: Jeevamrut @ 500
2077 136877 107517 3.66 0.60 59.01 425.8 22.84 0.74
litre/ha (3 times)
M8: Ghanjeevamrut @
2054 135319 105959 3.60 0.62 60.15 427.4 23.76 0.75
500 kg/ha (3 times)
SEm ± 98.10 6020 6020 0.20 0.006 0.78 4.63 0.22 0.006
C (P=0.05) 280.19 16886 16886 0.57 0.018 2.190 NS 0.617 0.017

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Management of diseases under natural farming practices involving green

gram-rabi sorghum cropping system in northern dry zone of Karnataka
JAMADAR, M. M1., H. B. BABALAD2, SOUMYA PATIL3 AND
GURUDEVI V. NAVALI4
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad -580 005, Karnataka, India
1
Professor and Head, Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101
2
Dean (Agri.) and Principal Investigator (Natural Farming), College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101
3
Research Associate (Natural Farming), College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101
4
Research Associate (Natural Farming), College of Agriculture, Vijayapur-586 101
Corresponding author1s Email:jamadarmm@uasd.in
Natural Farming (NF) is a low-input in conventional farming, carbendazim @ 2
system, a climate resilient model which is g kg-1 seed treatment was done in chemical
in harmony with nature and depends on farming system and finally Beejamrutha,
scientific and traditional knowledge Trichoderma, Rhizobium and PSB @ 4 g kg
involving crop residues, bio-fertilizers, seed-1 in intensive natural farming. The per
compost, green manures, bacterial cent disease index were calculated for
inoculants, botanical extracts to maintain foliar/necrotic diseases while per cent
soil fertility as well as legume based inter incidence (%) was calculated for systemic
and sequential cropping systems and pest (viral or soil borne) fungal infections.
and disease management through bio-
pesticides (Babalad, 2020). With this Treatments Products used for foliar
background; the study was undertaken spray
focusing on important disease management T1=Natural Shuntiashtra (5 %) and
of greengram-rabisorghum cropping system farming sour buttermilk (5 %) at 15
days interval
in the Northern Dry Zone (Zone 3) of
Karnataka. T2=Organic Trichoderma harzianum (5
farming g/l) and sour buttermilk (5
MATERIAL AND METHODS %) @ 15 days interval
The field experiment was conducted T3=Conventional Propiconazole 25 EC (0.5
during kharif, 2019-20 to 2021-22 at farming ml/l) and wettable sulphur
College of Agriculture, Vijayapur, UAS, 80 % WP (3 g/l) @ 15
Dharwad (Karnataka) under rainfed days interval
situation in randomized complete block T4=Chemical Carbendazim (1 g/l) and
design (RCBD) with five treatments along farming wettable sulphur 80 % WP
with four replications. The treatments of (3 g/l) @ 15 days interval
disease management under different T5=Integrated Trichoderma harzianum (5
farming systems are detailed as under. natural g/l) + Shuntiashtra (5 %)
The seeds were treated with farming and Trichoderma
Beejamrutha as per natural farming harzianum (5 g/l) + sour
treatment while Trichoderma, Rhizobium buttermilk (5 %) @ 15
and PSB @ 4 g kg-1 seed were used in days interval
organic farming treatment, whereas
Trichoderma, PSB @ 4 g kg-1 seed and
carbendazim @ 2 g kg-1 seed were applied

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION practice (T1) as compared to other practices
on rabi sorghum with respect to sorghum
Over the years of experimentation rust (Puccinia purpurea) (8.43%, 14.37% at
involving greengram-rabisorghum farming 90 DAS and 105 DAS respectively) as well
system the results on greengram (Table 1) as leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) of
indicated that, all the diseases recorded sorghum; at various growth stages (2.42%,
significantly higher incidence viz. 9.89% and 14.53% at 45 DAS, 75 DAS and
Cercospora leaf spot (4.34%, 10.0% at 45 105 DAS respectively).
and 60 DAS respectively), powdery mildew
(22.84%), and yellow mosaic (2.85%)in REFERENCES:
natural farming practice (T1) as compared
to conventional farming (T3) as well as Babalad H B, Guggari A K, Chogatapur S
chemical farming (T4). In contrast, higher V, Renuka B, Gurudevi V N and
seed yield (928 kg/ha) was recorded in Hiremath R, 2020, Comparative
integrated natural farming practice (T5) evaluation of zero budget natural
while, the B:C ratio (2.41) emerged as farming systems in green gram.
highpoint in natural farming practice (T1) National Conference on Climate
which was significantly superior over other Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable
practices. Production and Nutritional Security
Similarly higher disease severity UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, (1-2,
(Table 2) continued in natural farming February 2020) Pp-163

Table 1: Management of greengram diseases under green gram-rabi sorghum cropping system
evaluated under natural farming practices over years (2019-20 to 2021-22)
Treatments Cercospora leaf spot Powdery Yellow Yield B:C
(PDI %) mildew (PDI mosaic virus (kg/ha) Ratio
45 DAS 60 DAS %) (% Incidence)
T1-Natural 4.34 10.00 22.84 2.85 808 2.41
farming (2.31)* (3.32) (4.86) (1.96)
T2-Organic 4.40 8.98 19.14 2.45 817 2.10
farming (2.32) (3.16) (3.48) (1.86)
T3- 2.75 5.22 13.98 1.78 923 2.28
Conventiona (1.94) (2.49) (3.87) (1.67)
l farming
T4-Chemical 2.63 5.44 14.83 1.73 643 2.39
farming (1.90) (2.54) (3.96) (1.65)
T5-Integrated 4.75 9.36 21.22 3.28 928 2.01
natural (2.40) (3.22) (4.71) (2.07)
farming
S. Em.+ 0.02 0.03 0.31 0.03 10.0 0.03
LSD (0.05) 0.07 0.10 0.95 0.09 32.0 0.08
*Figures in parenthesis are [x+1] square root transformed values

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2: Management of sorghum diseases under green gram-rabi sorghum cropping system
evaluated under natural farming practices over years (2019-20 to 2021-22)
Treatments Sorghum rust Leaf blight of sorghum Yield B:C
(Puccinia purpurea) (Exserohilum turcicum) (PDI (kg/ha) Ratio
(PDI %) %)
90 DAS 105 DAS 45 DAS 75 DAS 105 DAS
T1-Natural 8.43 14.37 2.42 9.89 14.53 1010 1.84
farming (3.07)* (3.92) (1.85) (3.30) (3.94)
T2-Organic 6.81 12.10 2.81 9.14 12.97 1183 1.84
farming (2.81) (3.62) (1.95) (3.18) (3.74)
T3- 3.17 7.47 1.21 5.91 8.75 1328 2.09
Conventiona (2.04) (2.91) (1.48) (2.63) (3.12)
l farming
T4-Chemical 4.60 7.75 1.22 4.94 7.05 1258 2.27
farming (2.37) (2.96) (1.49) (2.44) (2.84)
T5-Integrated 6.37 13.39 2.64 8.22 11.27 1094 1.80
natural (2.71) (3.79) (1.91) (3.04) (3.50)
farming
S. Em.+ 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.02 43 0.11
LSD (0.05) 0.07 0.06 0.10 0.09 0.07 131 0.34
*Figures in parenthesis are [x+1] square root transformed values

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Microbial identification of jeevamrutha microbiota for regenerative

agriculture
G. SREENIVASULU1, H.B. BABALAD2 AND DEEPA1

1. Department of Agricultural Microbiology 2. Department of Agronomy

College of Agriculture Vijayapura, Karnataka, India-586101
Correspondence: dpa.chavan@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT biotechnological implications while
reviewing in-depth the uses of bacilli in
Jeevamrutha provides a good source industry and agriculture.
of beneficial microorganisms. The inclusion
of nitrogen fixing bacteria and phosphate Keywords: Jeevamrutha, Biocontrol,
solubilizing bacteria was the main focus. In Biopesticide, Bacillus, Sustainable
this study, Jeevamrutha was prepared agriculture
asepectically, the general and beneficial
micro flora was analyzed. The colony INTRODUCTION
forming unit CFU/ml is higher in the early
Traditional Indian farming practices
days of preparation, between 7th to 10th
were replaced by modern equipment and
days. Biochemically confirmed potential
artificial fertilizers with the arrival of the
isolate were sequenced and identified as
green revolution. There was an increase in
Bacillus nakamurai .The group bacilli
food production at first, but it proved to be
represent the Gram-positive ubiquitous
unsustainable and destructive to the
bacteria. The applications they could have
ecosystem in the long term. Due to a
in agriculture, biotechnology, the
decrease in organic content and microbiota,
environment, and medicine were greatly
a rise in soil salinity, a disruption in soil pH,
enhanced by their variety, adaptability, and
and other factors, overuse of fertilizers
capacity to produce a wide range of
rendered the soil unproductive. Toxic
secondary metabolites, including enzymes.
chemicals accumulate in soils as a result of
One of the bacterial groups that have
the use of these chemical inputs. Most crops
received the most attention is the bacilli,
take up chemical substances from the soil.
which play an important role in boosting
Several synthetic fertilizers, such as
plants' ability to withstand biotic and abiotic
hydrochloride and sulfuric radicals, contain
challenges as well as in the promotion of
acid radicals, which raise soil acidity and
plant growth and the biocontrol of
harm soil and plant health. Some plants can
numerous diseases. The jeevamrutha is the
also absorb highly recalcitrant chemicals.
best alternative to synthetic fertilizer and
Humans may get systemic illnesses if they
our bioenhancer could be potent source to
consume such crops on a regular basis.
strengthen soil health and productivity. The
Members of the genus Bacillus
creation of goods to promote green
produce a vast array of bioactive
biotechnology in agriculture and industries
metabolites that have potential applications
requires a deeper understanding of the
in agriculture, fisheries, medical, and
biology, ecology, and mechanism of action
veterinary sciences (Sharp et al., 1992). An
of the helpful strains of bacilli. This
appealing area of research with significant
research explored the possibilities for the
commercialization potential is the mass
development of new goods with
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
manufacture of metabolites by species of various organisms by 16s rRNA
Bacillus, such as cyclic peptides, sequencings.
polyketides, and bacteriocin (Stein et al.,
2005). Use of bacteria as a biological MATERIALS AND METHODS
control agent for biotic illnesses is one of
On selective medium and under
the promising uses of bacteria in agriculture
various growing conditions, the diversity
.It is estimated that Bacillus alone makes up
and density of bacteria in the jeevamrutha
half of the bacteria-based biological control
were counted. To count beneficial
agents that are commercially accessible.
microorganisms the diluted samples were
They come from a group of microorganisms
spread plated on specific agar media (Hi
that have been extensively studied and have
media, India) Different dilutions of samples
been employed to combat phytopathogenic
were spread plated on Nutrient agar
bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, nematodes,
medium and incubated at 24 and 48 hours at
and insects (Islam et al., 2016). In order to
30°C, the bacterial counts were observed
keep up with the world population's rapid
and expressed as log CFU/ml. Further
growth, agricultural production must
Biochemically and morphologically
urgently be intensified. The agricultural
confirmed isolates were subjected for DNA
community was forced to utilize synthetic
extraction and amplification. Genomic
fertilisers and pesticides in order to meet
DNA was isolated from overnight grown
this increased production objective, making
cultures in Minimal Salt Broth medium; by
the entire agro-ecosystem more
cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide method
unsustainable than ever. These organisms
(Ausubel et al., 1999).Based on sequencing
are well activated and maintain soil
maximum like hood method phylogenetic
productivity after jeevamrutha was
tree was constructed and identified the
incorporated into the soil (Manjunatha et al.
organism.
2009). reported that using jeevamrutha-
treated organics improves the physico- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
chemical and biological properties of soil.
Jeevamrutha is low-cost liquid biological The current study used a culture-based
manure that is an excellent source of natural method to examine the microbial diversity of
carbon, beneficial microorganisms. Thus, jeevamrutha samples for 5 days of
the use of Jeevamrutha is the best organic incubation, as several microorganisms,
alternative to chemical fertilizer and including bacteria, fungi, beneficial and
improved bioenhancer to improve soil proteolytic organisms were found in
fertility and increase sustainable crop panchagavya. All of the jeevamrutha
productivity, efficiency, profitability, solutions had a lower initial microbial
nutrient use efficiency, and resource use population at the beginning of their
efficiency. Farmers in India are gradually preparation, although this increased over
turning to organic amendments and time as the incubation progressed. In our
composts to improve soil health, with study we found rise in microbial count on
positive crop output benefits. Liquid 10th day further resulting in decrease. Similar
organic manure formulations such as findings were reported by (Joshi, M, 2012).
Jeevamrutha, Panchagavya are particularly In comparison to the original count in cow's
popular in India. In the current study we urine and dung, found a 5–7-fold increase in
formulated jeevamrutha performed a nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing
microbial analysis and identified of the bacteria in jeevamrutha.Further One of the

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
potential bacterial isolate was selected for In order to support Zero hunger, the second-
the 16s rRNA based molecular identification. most significant Sustainable Development
The 16s rDNA gene-based analysis in the Goal established by the UNO, there are
Phylogenetic tree (Kumaret al.,2018) growing calls for the use of environmentally
showed that NFBDS_1isolate was clustered safe and sustainable pest control agents like
and identified as Bacillus nakamurai and Bacillus spp. Regarding this, a number of
submitted in the database of the National Bacillus strains have shown the potential to
center for Biotechnology with accession be employed as plant growth-promoting
no.MW560473. An interesting area for bacteria (PGPB) and have shown to have
research would be the effect of Bacillus antagonistic activity against a number of
species in reducing plant infections, phytopathogenic microbes more than ever,
improving their resistance to different biotic the entire agro ecosystem is unsustainable.
and abiotic stresses, and increasing
productivity. The identification of Bacillus REFERENCES
spp. top strains holds great promise for
Sharp, R.J, Riley, P.W, White, D,
commercialization and management of biotic
1992; Heterotrophic Thermophilic
and abiotic challenges to enhance crop
Bacilli. In: Thermophilic
output. Recent developments in genomes and
Bacteria. Kristjanssono, J.K., Ed.CRC
post genomics investigations have
Press, Inc.: Boca Raton; pp. 19–50.
illuminated the molecular processes of the
Stein, T, 2005; Bacillus Subtilis Antibiotics:
Bacillus species' bio-control of plant diseases
Structures, Syntheses and Specific
.The quality of jeevamrutha-based fertilizers
Functions. Mol. Microbiol, 56, 845–
has enhanced, as has the potential of
857.
microorganisms existing in the soil where it
Manjunatha GS, Upperi SN, Pujari BT,
was implemented, according to the
Yeledahalli NA, Kuligod VB, 2009;
assessment of enzyme activity and
Effect of farm yard manure treated
microorganisms. As a result, the
with jeevamrutha on yield attributes,
involvement of microorganisms is crucial for
yield and economics of sunflower
the long-term viability of organic agriculture.
(Helianthus annuus L.). Kar. J Agril.
Also impacts on the health and fertility of the
Sci; 22(1):198-199.
soil. Jeevamrutha provides significant
Islam, M, Laatsch, H, von
advantages to farmers, including lower costs,
Tiedemann,2016; A. Inhibitory
ease of adoption by poor farmers, increased
Effects of Macrotetrolides from
crop productivity, protection of the
Streptomycin spp. on
environment, and effective farming
Zoosporogenesis and Motility of
practices. Farmers generally use only fresh
Peronosporomycete Zoospores are
preparations of liquid organic formulations
Likely Linked with Enhanced ATPase
because they do not know the shelf life of
Activity in Mitochondria. Front.
liquid organic formulations. We can keep
Microbiol, 7, 1824.
jeevamrutha for a week. Stored material also
Ausubel FM, Brent R, Kingston RE, Moore
has advantages such as increased nitrogen,
DD, Seidman JG, Smith JA, et al.,
micronutrients, EC, and so on. We must use
1999,Current protocols in molecular
organic fertiliser to get a good crop yield and
biology. New York, NY: John Wiley
a healthy crop quality.
& Sons, Inc.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Joshi, M. 2012, New Vistas of Organic K.2018,MEGAX:MolecularEvolution
Farming. Scientific Publishers, New aryGeneticsAnalysisacross
Delhi, 140. computingplatforms.Molecular
Kumar, BiologyandEvolution, 35:1547-1549.
S,StecherG,LiM,KnyazC,andTamura

350
293
300
250
200 180
143 Jeevamrutha
150
100 Jeevamrutha
50 10 5 5 Jeevamrutha
0
Jeevamrutha
Jeevamrutha

Fig.1.Microbial analysis of jeevamrutha

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Studies on utilization of unconventional feeds for low-cost ration formulation

based on nutritional status and suitability of complete feed blocks for pigs
RAJAT BURAGOHAIN*
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry
Central Agricultural University (Imphal)
Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram – 796015
* Presenting author, Email: drrajat57@gmail.com
Utilization of UCFs can In the second phase, botanical identification
substantially reduce feeding cost as the later and nutritional analysis (AOAC, 1995) of
constitutes nearly 2/3rd of total the total UCFs were carried out. Assessment of
expenditure in piggery for soaring prices of nutritional status of pigs were done
conventional feed ingredients in the recent following standard protocols. Substitutes
years. Piggery is livelihood for the people for conventional protein and energy feed
of Mizoram and is inseparable avocation to ingredients were identified and balanced
rural communities. Pig farming plays rations were formulated. In the third phase,
pivotal role in income and employment feeding trial with Mikania micrantha L.
generation throughout Mizoram. The main (Japan hlo in Mizo) meal as substitute of
constraint faced by pig farmers in Mizoram soyabean meal and suitability of complete
is high prices of ingredients/compound feed block for pigs were carried out. The
feeds for dependence to other states coupled data generated were analyzed following
with topographical constraints. Pig farmers standard methods of Snedecor and Cochran
utilize many UCFs, but the nutritional (1994).
quality and feeding values are yet to be
exploited. Assessment of nutritional status RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
of pigs is also important for economic
Total 14 numbers of commonly
feeding adopting precise feeding strategy
utilized UCFs were identified. The DM, CP,
with balanced feeding. In the present study,
EE, CF, NFE, TA (% on DM basis) and DE
therefore, nutritional status of pigs under
varied from 5.77±0.50 to 41.03±1.14,
existing feeding management was assessed,
4.77±0.17 to 29.14±0.49, 0.46±0.04 to
locally utilized UCFs were identified,
2.69±0.48, 2.52±0.13 to 28.67±0.31,
nutritional potentialities were evaluated and
40.11±0.53 to 81.59±0.64, 7.10±0.58 to
feeding strategies with feed formula with
17.63±0.77, and 432.65±25.57 to
UCFs and suitability of complete feed block
3798.69±24.66 Kcal/kg, respectively.
for pigs was studied.
Under feeding system of composite feed
METHODOLOGY (home-made cooked feed) to pigs by
farmers, DM intake was recorded lesser
The study comprised of three than requirement, protein level
phases. In the first phase, extensive surveys (18.65±0.84%) was found adequate, energy
were carried out to assess about rural pig level (2888.16±86.89 Kcal DE/kg) was
feeding system and to identify and collect lesser than the recommendations (ICAR,
UCFs in five rural development blocks of 1985). Mikania micrantha, Spilanthes
Mizoram comprising total 125 pig farmers. acmella, Vernonia cinerea, Manihot

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
esculenta, Garcinia anomala, up to 15% level for LWY growing pigs.
Tabernaemontana divaricata, and Biden The UCFs could be utilized in preparation
biternata were suggested as substitutes of of complete feed block and was acceptable
conventional protein ingredients; and to pigs. It was further concluded that
Spilanthes acmella, Manihot esculenta, utilization of UCFs could curtail feeding
Colocasia esculenta, Ipomoea batatas, cost without compromising performance of
Polygonum chinense and Bidens biternata pigs in Mizoram.
as substitutes of conventional energy
ingredients. REFERENCES

CONCLUSION AOAC.1995. Official methods of analysis,

AOAC international, 16thEdn, Vol. 2,
Findings of the study revealed that Arlington, Virginia, USA.
UCFs might play promising role in ICAR.1985. Nutrient requirements of pigs,
economizing the feeding of pigs in Indian Council of Agricultural
Mizoram. The farmers need to assess their Research, New Delhi.
feeding practice and to adopt scientific Snedecor, G.W. and Cochran, W.G. 1994.
standards for optimum performance of their Statistical methods, 1st East-West
pigs. The Mikania micrantha L. meal could Press Ed., Affiliated East-West
be utilized as substitute of soyabean meal Private Ltd., New Delhi.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1. Suggested feed formula with unconventional feeds for growing pigs.
Ingredients Grower feed formula Finisher feed formula
I II III I II III
Yellow maize 50 54 45 54 60 52
Rice polish 12 13 12 13 15 13
Soyabean meal 9 15 7 4 12 2
Fish meal 4 7 3 2 5 1
Bidens biternata meal 22 - 22 24 - 24
Garcinia anomala meal - - - - 5 -
Manihot esculenta leaf - 8 - - - -
meal
Vernonia cinerea meal - - 8 - - 5
Dicalcium phosphate 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40
Trace mineral mixture 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Salt 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Vitamin mixture 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Molasses* 4.70 - 23.00 2.00 - 5.00
Complete feed block with Mikania micrantha L. meal and Musa paradisiaca leaf meal was
found acceptable for growing pigs with adaptation period of 7-days. Feeding trial with Mikania
micrantha L. (21.76% CP and 1708 Kcal DE/kg) meal as substitute of soyabean meal revealed
that it can be incorporated up to 15% level without any effect on performance of LWY growing
pigs.

Table 2. Performance of LWY growing pigs fed Mikania micrantha L meal (MM).
Parameter T-I (0% T-II (5% T-III (10% T-IV (15% p-value
MM) MM) MM) MM)
Initial body weight (kg) 20.20±3.52 20.63±3.75 20.10±3.24 20.45±4.21 1.00
Final body weight (kg) 56.57±4.35 55.18±5.10 53.45±4.93 53.28±5.47 0.96
Body weight gain (kg) 36.38±1.19 34.55±2.13 33.35±2.43 32.83±1.29 0.55
Feed conversion ratio 3.07±0.30 3.21±0.33 3.16±0.28 3.14±0.34 0.99
Total feed intake (kg) 112.32±13.5 111.13±14.45 105.77±13.7 104.13±14.9 0.97
3 4 6
Feed cost/kg gain (Rs.) 94.01±9.06 93.20±9.69 85.16±7.48 79.28±8.57 0.60

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Enhancement of soil fertility status through natural farming in pigeon pea

under northern dry zone of Karnataka
VIDYAVATHI, G. Y, BABALAD H.B, SARASWATHI, YADAHALLI G.S., RAJANAND
HIREMATH, SHILPA C, SAGAR DHAGE AND GEETA KALAGHATAGI
Natural farming project, zone-3, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur, University of Agricultural
Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka 586 101, India,
Email: yadahallivg@uasd.in
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajana Mill) is experiment was laid out in Randomized
an important pulse crop after chickpea in Complete Block Design with five different
India grown predominantly under rainfed farming system mainly Natural farming,
conditions. It occupies an area of about 3.90 Intensified natural farming, Organic
m ha with a total production of 3.17 MT farming, Recommended dose of fertilizers +
with an average productivity of 813 kg/ha FYM (Conventional farming), Chemical
(Tiwari, 2016). Karnataka is one among the Farming (RDF) replicated four times. Soil
important states in the country cultivating of the experiment was alkaline in reaction
pigeon pea and contributing 16% to area with pH 8.30, non-saline (EC 0.45 dSm-1),
and 12% to the production. It is most low in organic carbon (2.50 g kg-1),
important pulse crop of Karnataka state available N (186.99 kg ha-1), medium in
grown in area of 0.58 mha with a production available P2O5 (20.72 kg ha-1) and high in
of 0.26 mt and productivity of 448 kg ha-1. available K2O (471.75 kg ha-1).
Inadequate and imbalance fertilization as
well as continuous use of inorganic RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
fertilizers decreased the productivity of
The pooled data of three years’
crop, sustainability, soil health and finally
experimentation revealed that the
affect the environment (Singh, 2007).
significantly higher pigeon pea grain yield
Continuous use of organics helps to build-
and net returns (Table 1) was recorded in
up soil humus and beneficial microbes
conventional farming systems (1551 and Rs.
besides, improving the soil physical
63973 ha-1 , respectively) over other
properties. Adequate manuring not only
farming systems practices. There was
improves the crop yield but also sustains the
improvement in soil fertility status after
soil health and productivity. Therefore,
harvest of pigeon pea under different
integration of different organic manures
farming systems. Soil pH over three years
with bio fertilizers is essential in realizing
reduced towards neutrality in intensified
the higher yield and reducing cost of
natural farming followed by natural farming
cultivation of pigeon pea. Keeping these
and organic farming systems (Fig.1).
facts into account, the current investigation
Similarly total soluble salts (EC) also
was carried out to know the productivity of
decreased over the years in above said
Pigeon pea and enhancement of soil fertility
farming systems. This reduction in soil pH
status under different farming systems
and EC favours the availability of essential
METHODOLGY nutrients to the crop. The soil organic
carbon increased over three years in all
A field experiment was carried out farming systems except chemical farming.
during 2019 to 2021 at College of SOC content of 0.32, 0.20 and 0.28 g kg-1
Agriculture, Vijayapur, UAS, Dharwad, was found to build up in intensified natural
Karnataka to study the performance of farming, natural farming and organic
different farming systems on soil fertility farming systems, respectively at the end of
and productivity on pigeon pea. The

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
third year experimentation over the initial CONCLUSION
value.
Intensified natural farming, natural
In pooled data of three years (Table farming and organic farming systems are
1), the available nitrogen, phosphorus and superior in getting good yield and returns.
potassium was significantly higher in Also soil fertility status gets enhanced.
intensified natural farming (180, 31.52 and
550 kg NPK/ha, respectively) followed by REFERENCES
organic farming (178, 29.47 and 548.92 kg
Vidyavathi G S, Dasog, Babalad H B, Hebsur
NPK/ha, respectively) and natural farming
N S, Gali S K, Patil S G and
(176, 27.64 and 548.52 kg NPK/ha,
AlagawadiA R,2012, Nutrient status
respectively) over its initial values. Addition
of soil under different nutrient and
of ganajeevamrutha, FYM, vermicompost,
crop management practices.
mulching with green manures, crop residue
Karnataka Journal of Agricultural
incorporation and spraying of liquid organic
Science, 25(2):193-198.
manures directly resulted in increases of
organic carbon content of the soil, while Tiwari, A.K. (2016). Pulses in India:
increases in nitrogen content was as a result Retrospect and Prospect, Govt. of
of organically bond nitrogen converted to India, Ministry of Agri. & Farmers
mineralizable from nitrogen, phosphorus as Welfare, Directorate of Pulses
a results of organic materials reducing Development, Vindhychal Bhavan,
phosphorus fixing capacity of the soil and Bhopal, MP.
available K due to release of non-
exchangeable K from the soil. This is due to
more addition of organic carbon to soil,
which increases the activity of
microorganisms and interns the biological
fixation of atmospheric N by rhizobium,
increases the nitrogen to the plant and also
fix in the soil.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Pigeonpea yield and soil available nutrient status at harvest as influenced by different
farming systems (Pooled data of 2019-2021).

Treatment Pigeon pea Net return Available Available Available

yield (kg/ha) (Rs./ha) N (kg/ha) P2O5 (kg/ha) K2O (kg/ha)
T1:Natural Farming 1018 51770 173 25.73 543
T2:Organic farming 1208 54150 175 27.47 545
T3: Conventional Farming 1551 63973 175 27.10 545
T4:Chemical farming 1187 49676 160 20.98 523
T5:Integrated NF 1117 54002 177 29.43 547
S.Em.± 54 3654 3.59 0.70 1.02
LSD (0.05) 165 11258 11.06 2.16 3.13

pH SOC EC

9 0.6
pH, EC(dS/m) and SOC (g kg-1)

8
0.5
7

EC (dSm-1)
6 0.4
5
0.3
4
3 0.2
2
0.1
1
0 0
Natural Farming Organic Farming Conventional Chemical Intigrated Natural
Farming Farming Farming
Farming Systems

Fig.1: Soil pH, EC and SOC status after three years of experimentation under different farming
systems

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Productivity and profitability of soybean-wheat cropping system under different

farming systems in northern dry zone of Karnataka under irrigated condition
G. S. YADAHALLI1, H. B. BABLAD1, SAGAR DHAGE S1, M. B. PATIL1, RAJANAND
HIREMATH1, G. Y. VIDYAVATHI2, AND SARASWATHI 2
1
Department of Agronomy, 2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,
College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
- 586101
E-mail: guruyadahalli@uasd.in
Cropping system based approach to METHODOLOGY
agro-technology development has gained
momentum during the past decade after A field trial was conducted during
realization of higher productivity. In which kharif and rabi seasons of 2018-19 to 2021-
selection of crops in sequence is also a key 22 at Agricultural Research Station,
component in the nutrient management Arabhavi, University of Agricultural
strategies. In recent times, soybean-wheat Sciences, Dharwad. The soil of
sequential cropping has emerged as a experimental site is classified as Vertisol
predominant cropping system in northern (TypicHaplustert) with montmorillionite as
dry zone of Karnataka (Zone-3) under the dominant clay mineral. The soil of the
irrigated condition. Intensification of experimental site is clayey in texture
agriculture had led to considerable adverse (TypicHaplusterts). The soil was slightly
environmental impacts, soil degradation, alkaline in reaction (8.39), medium in
eutrophication of land and water bodies, organic carbon (4.25 g kg-1), low in
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and available N (170.27 kg ha-1), medium in
biodiversity losses (Evenson and Gollin, available P2O5 (23.25 kg ha-1) and high in
2003), that led to the yield stagnation or available K2O (473.5 kg ha-1).The
declining yield trends. Contrastingly, experiment was laid out in Randomized
Natural Farming (NF) is a unique chemical- Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four
free farming method that is considered to be treatments replicated five times. The C.D
an agroecology-based diversified farming values presented were from Duncan’s
system, which integrates crops, trees and Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The
livestock, allowing functional biodiversity treatments compromised, T1- Natural
(Rosset and Martinez-Torres, 2012). This Farming (NF), T2- Organic Farming (OF),
approach restores and sustains soil health T3- Recommended Package Practice (RPP),
and productivity in the long run besides and T4- Chemical Farming (CF).
meeting the nutritional deficiencies. Hence,
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
a field trial was undertaken to study the
productivity and profitability of soybean- System productivity and profitability
wheat cropping system under different varied significantly due to different farming
farming systems in Northern Dry Zone of systems in soybean–wheat sequence.
Karnataka under irrigated condition. Significantly higher system productivity was
recorded with conventional farming (21.93 kg
ha-1 day-1), which was on par with organic
farming (20.68 kg ha-1 day-1) and natural
farming (19.15 kg ha-1 day-1). Significantly

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
lower system productivity was recorded with Evenson, R. E. and Gollin, D., 2003.
chemical farming (18.08 kg ha-1 day-1) (Fig. Assessing the impact of the green
1). The higher system productivity under revolution, 1960– 2000. Science, 300,
organic and natural farming might be due to 758–762.
application of organic manures which results Rosset, P. M. and Martinez-Torres, M. E.,
improved microbial and nutrient dynamics in 2012, Rural social movements and agro
rhizosphere of both crops for promotion of ecology: Context, theory and process.
crop growth. Singh et al. (2018) recorded Ecology and Society, 17(3).
higher system productivity of soybean-wheat Singh, R.K., Dhar, S., Dass, A., Sharma, V.K.,
cropping system under integrated nutrient Kumar, A., Gupta, G. and Kumar, B.,
application for both the crops. Significantly 2018. Productivity and profitability of
higher system profitability was recorded with soybean (Glycine max) and wheat
conventional farming (301.83 Rs. ha-1 day-1), (Triticum aestivum) genotypes grown in
which was followed by natural farming sequence under system of crop
(286.89 Rs. ha-1 day-1) and lowest with intensification. Indian Journal of
chemical farming (259.42 Rs. ha-1 day-1)(Fig. Agricultural Sciences, 88(9): 1407-1412.
2). The higher system profitability under
conventional farming and natural farming
might be due to enhanced net returns.
Billoreet al. (2005) recorded higher system
profitability under soybean-wheat cropping
system in integrated nutrient management
practices.
CONCLUSION
The productivity of soybean and
wheat crops increased over the years in
natural farming and organic farming systems.
Natural farming system not only enhanced the
productivity, it also resulted in higher
profitability.Besides the increased yield and
returns, natural farming systems significantly
enhanced SOC and nutrient availability.
REFERENCES
Billore, S.D., Vyas, A. K. and Joshi, O.P.,
2005.Effect of integrated nutrient
management on productivity, energy-use
efficiency and economics of soybean
(Glycine max-wheat (Triticum aestivum)
cropping system. Indian journal of
Agricultural Sciences, 75(10): 644-646.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

25 A A
System productivity A B
(kg ha-1 day-1) 20

15

10

0
NF OF CoF CF
Farming systems

Figure 1: System productivity of soybean – wheat cropping system as influenced by different

farming systems (pooled data of 3 years)

400
B A
System profitability

350 C
D
(Rs. ha-1 day-1)

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
NF OF CoF CF
Farming systems

Figure 2: System profitability of soybean – wheat cropping system as influenced by different farming
systems (pooled data of 3 years)

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Impact of different organic formulation on yield and economics of wheat in

South-Eastern Rajasthan
B.S. MEENA1*, PRATAP SINGH2, GAJENDRA NAGAR3 AND SUSHEELA KALWANIYA
1,
Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj-Kota
2
Directorate of Research, AU, Kota
3
College of Agriculture, Ummedganj-Kota
Agriculture University, Kota-324001
*Corresponding author- bhawanidamria@gmail.com

Organic farming as a sustainable which is challenging task. Under the present

production management system provides situation, balanced nutrients supply by
long-term benefits to people and the different organic formulation sources with
environment. It is not new in India but it has management practices is best option or
been practiced since immemorial. Organic increasing wheat production without
farming is a unique production management deterioration soil fertility. Hence, an attempt
system which promotes and enhances agro- has been made in the present study to develop
ecosystem health including biodiversity, efficient crop and soil management
biological cycles and soil biological activity techniques for profitable and sustainable
and this is accomplished by using on-farm wheat production through improving soil
agronomic, biological and mechanical health.
methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm
inputs (viz. fertilizers, pesticides, hormones METHODOLOGY
and feed additives) and to the maximum
extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop A field experiment was conducted
residues, animal manures, off-farm organic during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 to 2021-
waste, mineral grade rock additives and 22 at Agricultural Research Station,
biological system of nutrient mobilization and Ummedganj, Kota at fixed site in organic
plant protection (Raahinipriya and Rani, block under Maharshi Parashar Krishi Sodh
2018). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a Peeth with the objective to develop natural
native of South West Asia and stood one of and organic farming management
the most important staple food crops (Parewa technologies for sustainable production
et al., 2019) that has been labeled as ‟King of through improve soil health and income
Cereals”. Wheat is a good supplement for security to the farmers. The treatments
nutritional requirement of human body as it consisted of 8 nutrient management
contains 8.0-15.0 per cent protein, 60-68 per practices viz., M1:100% N-FYM fb 10%
cent starch, 1.5-2.0 per cent fat, 2.0-2.5 per Cow urine spray at 25, 50 and 75 DAS,
cent cellulose and 1.5-2.0 per cent minerals. M2:50% N-FYM + 50% Vermicompost
India is the second largest wheat producer (VC) fb 10% Vermiwash spray at 25, 50
country in the world. It is the second most and 75 DAS, M3:100% N-FYM + NPK
important crop in India after rice, both in Consortia @1250 ml/ha as a soil, M4:75%
terms of area and production. Whereas one N-FYM + NPK Consortia @1250 ml/ha as
hand imbalanced nutrient supply especially a soil, M5: 75% N-FYM + NPK Consortia
NPK, is the major reason responsible for low @1250 ml/ha as a soil fb 10% Cow urine
yield and other hand organic wheat demand in spray at 25, 50 and 75 DAS, M6: 75% N-
present scenario is increasing year by year FYM + NPK Consortia @1250 ml/ha as a

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
soil + 25% N by inorganic source, (1.77) of wheat was obtained under
M7:Jeevamrut @ 500 litre/ha at sowing 25 application of 75% N-FYM + NPK
and 50 DAS, M8: Ghanjeevamrut @ 500 consortia @1250 ml/ha as a soil + 25%N by
kg/ha at sowing 25 and 50 were laid out in inorganic, while among organic nutrient
randomized block design with thrice sources treatments, B: C ratio (1.69) of
replicated. The experiment soil was loamy wheat was obtained higher under
clay having medium in organic carbon, application of jeevamrut @ 500 litre/ha at
available nitrogen and phosphorus and high sowing, 25 and 50 DASowing to lower cost
in available potassium. Wheat was sown as of integration of organic formulation. The
rabi season in the second week of results corroborate with the findings of
November respectively years and harvested Parewa et al., (2019) and Ranva et al.,
in the respectively years after attaining (2022).
maturity. Solid organic manures were
incorporated uniformly over the field before Soil health improve result revealed that
last ploughing and NPK liquid consortia of significantly higher organic carbon (0.66%),
bio-fertilizer applied as soil application at available phosphorus, potassium and
sowing time mixed with organic manures sulphur (63.94, 432.8 and 28.21 kg/ha) and
and liquid organic manure formulation available zinc (0.90 mg/kg) were recorded
sprayed on standing crop at different growth with application of 50% N-FYM + 50% VC
stages as per treatment. All the agronomic fb 10% vermiwash spray at 25, 50 and 75
and organic plant-protection practices were DAS over rest of the treatments in pooled
carried out uniformly as and when required. basis. SOC and nutrients concentrations in
Yield attributes and yield of wheat were soil were probably enhanced by continuous
workout as per standard procedure whereas, application of carbon inputs from FYM and
economics was worked out on prevailing vermicompost, higher root biomass and
organic market prices in local market which stubbles, rhizo depositions and
was 40-50% higher over MSP of wheat in mineralization of organic sources and
receptively year. solubilization by microbes from native
source and also more microbial population
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION that hastened decomposing of root biomass
leading to higher accumulation of carbon in
A perusal data revealed that humified carbon fractions of soil, similar
application of different organic nutrient finding was reported by Bairwa et al.,
sources significantly influenced the seed (2021).Presumably solid and liquid organic
yield and economics of wheat. Further manure such as farmyard manure,
pooled data inferred that significantly vermicompost and vermiwash increased the
higher seed yield (3756 kg/ha), gross return micro nutrient content by supplying
( 100605/ha) and net return ( 60352/ha) complexing agents, which formed stable
obtained with the application of 50% N- complexes with these micronutrients.
FYM + 50% VC fb 10% vermiwash spray
at 25, 50 and 75 DAS over jeevamrut and CONCLUSION
ghanjeevamrut and remained statistically on
par with75% N-FYM + NPK consortia Based on results of five years
@1250 ml/ha as soil + 25% N by inorganic experimentation, it may conclude that
source and at rest of organic application of 50% N-FYM + 50% VC fb
treatments.However, the highest B: C ratio 10% vermiwash spray at 25, 50 and 75
DAS obtained significantly higher seed

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
yield (3756 kg/ha) and gross return ( Parewa, H.P., Ram, M., Jain, L.K.,
100605/ha) of wheat as compared to rest of Choudhary, A. and Ratnoo, S.D.
treatments. Significant and maximum net 2019. Impact of organic nutrient
return ( 63020/ha) and B: C ratio (1.77) of management practices on yield
wheat were obtained under application of attributes, yield and economics of
75% N-FYM + NPK consortia @1250 wheat (Triticum aestivumL.).
ml/ha as soil + 25% N by inorganic source, International Journal of Bio-resource
while among organic treatments, jeevamrut and Stress Management 10(3): 257-
@ 500 litre/ha at sowing, 25 and 50 DAS 260.
gave higher B: C ratio (1.69) of wheat due Raahinipriya, P. and Rani, R.J. 2018.
to low cost of cultivation. Consumers’ purchasing behaviour
towards organic products in Karur
REFERENCES district, Tamil Nadu. International
Bairwa, J., Dwivedi, B.S., Rawat, A., Journal of Farm Sciences 8(3): 96-98.
Thakur, R.K. and Mahawar, N. 2021. Ranva, S., Singh, Y.V., Jain, N., Bana, R.S.,
Long-term effect of nutrient Bana, R.C., Aseri, G.K., and
management on soil microbial Elansary, H.O. 2022. Impact of safe
properties and nitrogen fixation in a rock minerals, mineral fertilizers, and
vertisol under soybean–wheat manure on the quantity and quality of
cropping sequence. Journal of the the wheat yield in the rice–wheat
Indian Society of Soil Science 69(2): cropping system. Plants 11(2): 183.
171-178.

Table 1. Impact of different organic formulation on yield, economics and available nutrients after
harvest of wheat (pooled data of 5 years)
Treatments Seed Gross Net B:C OC Available nutrients (kg/ha)
yield Return Return ratio (%)
(kg/ha) (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) PO KO S Zn
2 5 2
(mg/kg)
M1: 100% N-FYM + CU @ 10%
3511 92573 55523 1.49
spray at 25,50 and 75 DAS 0.64 61.91 429.4 25.81 0.83
M2: 50% N-FYM + 50% VC +
Vermiwash @ 10% spray at 25,50 and 3756 100605 60352 1.50
0.66 63.94 432.8 28.21 0.90
75DAS
M3: 100% N-FYM + NPK Consortia
3412 91393 54568 1.48
@ 1250ml/ha as soil 0.63 60.55 427.0 25.11 0.82
M4: 75% N-FYM + NPK Consortia
3332 89425 55000 1.59
@1250 ml/ha as soil 0.61 60.41 425.5 24.01 0.80
M5: 75% N-FYM + NPK Consortia
@1250 ml/ha as soil+ CU@ 10% 3398 91029 55854 1.64
spray at 25,50 and 75 DAS 0.62 60.75 426.4 24.61 0.77
M6: 75% N-FYM + NPK Consortia
@1250 ml/ha as soil +25% N by 3739 98522 63020 1.77
0.63 62.27 427.0 25.01 0.75
inorganic
M7: Jeevamrut @ 500 litre/ha at
2961 79297 49797 1.69
sowing, 25 and 50 DAS 0.60 58.39 424.9 22.11 0.73
M8: Ghanjeevamrut @ 500 kg/ha at
2892 77378 48478 1.58
sowing, 25 and 50 DAS 0.61 58.98 425.9 23.11 0.75
SEm ± 155 3716 3716 0.11 0.006 0.55 4.24 0.22 0.005
C (P=0.05) 435 10455 10455 NS 0.016 1.563 NS 0.607 0.014

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of graded dose of vermicompost & panchagavya spray on nutrient content

and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice (CAU-R1) in Mizoram, NE-India
L. DEVARISHI SHARMA, RAHUL SADHUKHAN, SHRI DHAR, MUTUM RONALDO
SINGH AND SHITALJIT NINGOMBA
Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, Mizoram-
796186, India
Corresponding author: ldsharma85@yahoo.com
In south east Asia rice is a key METHODOLOGY
component is cereal based cropping system.
So, north east India especially Mizoram is not The experiment was conducted in the
the exception. The area of rice cultivation in foothills of College of Horticulture, Thenzawl,
NE-India is 3.51 million ha. which occupies Mizoram during Kharif season of 2022-23.
for > 80% of total cultivated area of NE-India. Field experiment were laid out in Split plot
According to Pattanayak design with three replications. There were
et al., 2006 total production of rice in NE- three (3) main plots with four (4) sub-plots.
India is estimated to be 5.50 million tones The details of the treatment were F1= 60%
with a mean productivity level of 1.57 t/ha. Recommended Dose of Vermicompost; F2=
Area of cultivation of rice in India is 45.1 m 80% Recommended Dose of Vermicompost
ha (2021 FY) and total rice production: and F3= 100% Recommended Dose of
130.29 million tonnes (2021-22). Therefore Vermicompost. The Recommended Dose of
NE is lagging behind in terms of Limited area Vermicompost was 10 t/ha for rice was taken
and production. For boosting the production into account. The sub-plots treatment were
level of rice in NE-India emphasis should be P0= No Panchagavya spray; P1= 50%
given to grow rice organically by adopting Panchagavya spray; P2= 75% Panchagavya
natural farming components like utilization of spray and P3= 100% Panchagavya spray.
Panchagavya, Jeevamruta, Neemastra and Taken into account 400 lt./ha of recommended
vermiwash etc. As we are aware that dose of Panchagavya spray. The grain samples
injudicious utilization of chemical fertilizers of the harvested rice were air-dried to bring
may deteriorate soil health, fertility and the moisture content upto 12%. The plant
environment. It is evident that organic carbon materials are pulverized through grinder and
status of the soil should be at least 1% for passed through the 40 mesh sieve for
initiating organic cum natural farming. It has determining N, P & K content.
been established that integrated use of
RESULTS:
vermicompost, FYM, Panchagavya, and
Jeevamruta are able to increase soil organic The primary essential nutrient
carbon in a long term basis. Awareness among elements like nitrogen, phosphorus and
the farmers concerning organic cum natural potassium play a crucial role in grain and
farming is pivotal in NE-India to boost the straw yield of direct seeded rice (CAU-R1).
production of rice. Henceforth, our present The nutrient content of enriched
motive is to ascertain the impact of vermicompost is 1.5 % N, 0.6 % P2O5 and 1.2
panchagavya on growth and yield of direct % K2O. So it is evident that dose of organic
seeded rice (CAU-R1). manure is much more higher than inorganic
fertilizer which compensates the nutrient

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
requirement of direct seeded rice besides its REFERENCES
lesser nutrient content. Apart from that
enriched vermicompost also contains 3% Ca Pattanayak A, Bujarbaruah KM, Sharma YP,
which improves soil structure. Table 1 & 2 Ngachan SV, Dhiman KR, Munda GC,
revealed that increasing the doses of Azad Thakur NS, Satapathy K. K. and
vermicompost from 60 % to 100% markedly Rao M. V. 2006. Technology for
increased the N, P, & K content and uptake of increased production of upland rice and
direct seeded rice Similarly, increasing the lowland waterlogged rice. In:
levels of panchagavya spray leads to Proceedings of Annual Rice Workshop.
significantly increased the nutrient content Hyderabad,April pp. 9-13.
and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice. Sadhukhan, Rahul., Bohra, J. S., Kumar,
Contrastingly, there was no influence on K Dinesh and Sen, Suman. 2018. Effect of
content of direct seeded rice straw by the fertility levels and cow urine spray on
application of vermicompost and pachagavya nutrient uptake by rice. In: XXI Biennial
spray levels. National Symposium of Indian Society
of Agronomy. MPUAT, Udaipur,
CONCLUSION Rajasthan, October pp. 176-177.
Upadhyay, P K; Sen, Avijit; Prasad, S
So, it can be inferred that application K; Singh, Yashwant. 2018. Effect of
of100% Recommended Dose of Panchagavya and Recommended
Vermicompost (10 t/ha) and 100 % dose of fertilizers on growth, nutrient
Panchagavya Spray (400 lt/ha) had content and productivity of
siginificantly positive influence on increase in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)
N, P, & K content in grain but only under middle gangetic plain of India.
siginificant effect on increase in N & P International Journal of Agricultural
content of straw which ultimately leads to Sciences 88(6): 931-936.
increase nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice. Yadav, B.K. and Christopher L. 2006.
Effect of organic manures and
Panchagavya spray on yield
attributes, yield and economics of
rice. Crop Research 31(1): 1-5.

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table. 1. Effect of Vermicompost and Panchagavya foliar spray on total N, P and K content (%) of
direct seeded rice (CAU-R1)
RDV= Recommended dose of Vermicompost
Treatment N content (%) P content (%) K content (%)
Grain Straw Grain Straw Grain Straw
Vermicompost levels
60% RDV 1.332 0.379 0.394 0.098 0.318 1.254
80% RDV 1.387 0.473 0.485 0.105 0.327 1.246
100% RDV 1.462 0.545 0.543 0.112 0.345 1.331
C.D. 5% 0.086 0.025 0.014 0.009 0.020 NS
Panchagavya
Spray (PGS)
Control 1.346 0.417 0.248 0.105 0.314 1.205
50% PGS 1.434 0.440 0.257 0.108 0.317 1.257
75% PGS 1.416 0.477 0.265 0.105 0.325 1.312
100% PGS 1.423 0.504 0.272 0.111 0.350 1.315
C.D. 5% NS 0.019 0.007 0.006 0.017 NS

PGS= Panchagavya Spray

Table. 2. Effect of Vermicompost and Panchagavya foliar spray on N, P and K uptake

(kg ha-1) by grain and straw of direct seeded rice (CAU-R1)

Treatment N uptake (kg ha-1) P uptake (kg ha-1) K uptake (kg ha-1)
Grain Straw Grain Straw Grain Straw
Vermicompost levels
60% RDV 64.517 26.274 11.843 7.171 15.012 89.936
80% RDV 71.503 39.005 12.900 8.807 16.630 107.945
100% RDV 77.286 45.641 14.647 9.861 18.724 108.309
C.D. 5% 5.52 3.21 2.56 1.14 1.66 7.97
Panchagavya Spray (PGS)
Control 70.686 32.554 12.507 7.358 14.999 91.440
50% PGS 71.381 35.080 12.661 8.205 16.735 94.717
75% PGS 74.445 39.113 13.256 8.654 17.073 105.724
100% PGS 76.152 43.601 14.493 8.902 18.811 109.911
C.D. 5% 2.82 3.46 1.90 1.03 1.05 7.18

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Natural farming practices in District Shravasti: Its adoption and impact on

farmers' income and improvement in soil health.
RAM BHAROSE, VINAY KUMAR, A.P.S DOHARE, UMESH BABU AND SANJEEV
KUMAR
K.V.K. Shravasti U.P.
A. N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP)

ABSTRACT
Natural farming popularly known as confirm these studies, and there remain gaps in
zero budget farming is an innovative farming literature concerning how Natural Farming
approach. It is low input based, climate resilient changes foods capes, ecological health and
and low cost farming system because all the farmer well-being, including the well-being of
inputs (insecticide, fungicides and pesticides) women and landless laborers. The results
are made up of natural herbs and locally indicated that a crop production, farmer yield,
available inputs there by reducing the use of ecosystem and soil health improvement. It is
chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Cow-based found in study that Natural Farming was cost
natural farming and utilization of modern savings from not using chemical fertilizers and
technology is the need of the hour to enhance pesticides, insecticide and fungicide as well as
agricultural productivity and benefit the crop higher benefit for intercropping. Intercropping
growers the most. The farmers should shift to with leguminous crops is considered as one of
horticulture, vegetable farming and mixed the most important components of natural
cropping to meet the current market demand and farming as it increases crop productivity and
compatibility of agro-climatic zone". There are soil fertility through the atmospheric nitrogen
most popular 4 pillars of Natural farming i.e. fixation. Natural farming emerged as a is a
Jivamrita ,Bijamrita , Acchadana and Whapasa, distinctive method of farming requiring no
which we will discuss later. Natural Firming is monetary investment especially for purchase of
contemplated by its protagonist as one of the key agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers and
most potential crop cultivation methods to plant protection chemicals from the market or
drastically cut down production costs by other sources. It has been observed that in recent
reducing dependence on market for purchase of time farmer grown hardy local varieties of crops
critical inputs. Intensive crop cultivation using without application of chemical inputs
broadly using imbalanced fertilizer, high (fertilizers and insecticide, fungicides and
nutrient mining through monoculture, decline in pesticides). Using conventional techniques in
organic matter status, deficiencies of secondary agriculture is like cancer to our soil and health.
and micronutrients in soil. The high input The word ‘budget’ refers to credit and expenses
systems which characterize Indian agriculture thus the phrase Zero budget Natural Farming
can lead to negative financial, environmental means without using any credit and without
and social outcomes from which many farmers spending any money on purchased inputs.
seek reprieve. Farmer suicides, outmigration, Natural Farming use of mulching, soil
and soil degradation are all severe consequences protection techniques, natural pesticides and
from conventional farming which threaten food fertilizers. The principal methods of Natural
security and are tied to rural well-being in India. Farming include crop rotation, green manures
While some early indicators of Natural farming and compost, biological pest control, and
effect on finances and yield are positive, long- mechanical cultivation.
term and system-wide data must be collected to

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Constraints associated with natural rubber farming in North East India: A

diagnostic study
SANJENBAM SHER SINGH1AND RAJKUMAR JOSMEE SINGH2
1
Ph.D. Scholar (Agril. Extn.), SSS, CPGS-AS, CAU (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya,
2
Asstt. Prof. (Agril. Extn.), CPGS-AS, CAU (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya
ABSTRACT constraints viz., (i) Instability on price of
rubber, (ii) Vagaries due to Climate Change,
Natural farming poses a challenge in (iii) Knowledge and skills associated on
Indian agriculture and allied enterprises, rubber plantation, (iv) Underdeveloped
particularly on the remunerative infrastructure, (v) Feeble rubber market chain,
entrepreneurship development. However, and (vi) Invisible Government policies on
India's natural rubber industry is becoming natural rubber plantation. Garrett Raking
more significant as a result of having one of method of prioritization was administered to
the fastest growing rubber businesses ascertain the most profound constraints
worldwide with the recognition of 6ththe sixth apropos of the specified 6 (six) heads.
largest producers of natural rubber and
2ndlargest consumer in the world. The study Key words: Natural rubber plantation,
has undertaken 300 natural rubber farmers as Garrett Raking method, and
respondents, 100 each from the state of remunerative entrepreneurship
Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. The scientific development
inquiry examines the following domains of

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Zero budget natural livestock farming

T. GYANESHORI DEVI, K. MERINA DEVI AND N. BHUMAPATI
Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production Management,
Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Farm Complex,
Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Gyanecology& Obstetrics,
COVSC&AH, Jalukie, Nagaland, India

ABSTRACT natural livestock farming, where they are

maintaining under free range system with
Zero budget natural livestock farming holistic management ability to exhibit their
which mean zero external inputs, such as natural behavior. Under free ranging system
growth promotors, feed additives, antibiotics, the cow dung and urine from one desi cow is
genetically modified feed and vaccine or any sufficient to cultivate 30 acres of land which
other supplements. The term Zero Budget improves the nutritive value of the soil and
Natural Livestock Farming (ZBNLF’s) refers thereby enrich the soil fertility. Unlike the
to livestock with zero inputs cost. Natural conventional method of farming, the
livestock farming can be initiated with ZBNLF’s involve negligible cost of
integrated livestock farming where different investment with zero inputs cost. The
component of livestock and agriculture are produces and products obtained from the
been utilized for eco recycling of agriculture livestock is free from environmental and
residues/by product/ waste to generated health hazard. ZBNLF’s improve animal
income throughout the year. The indigenous health and wellbeing- leading to improved
breed being more adapted and disease quality product, animal wellbeing, farm
resistant can be selected for sustainable income and eco- friendly environment.
REFERENCES
https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/zero-budget- https://www.the hindu.com>sci-tech
natural-farming/ https://www.fao.org>detail
https://sbi.co.in>zero+budget+natural+farmin https://www.slideshare.net>zero-budget-
g natural-farming

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Bee forage and floral calendar of natural farming system of Kyrdemkulai,

Meghalaya
NGANGOM UMA DEVI AND U. K. BEHERA*
College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai – 793105,
Meghalaya
*Corresponding author’s email: ukb2008@gmail.com

Honey bees foraging plants which is supply both nectar and pollen abundantly and
the source of nectar and pollen were surveyed some produce plenty of nectar but little or no
continuously for two years (2020 to 2021). To pollen and they are called honey plants. Some
identify the Apis cerana himalaya foraging plants produce plenty of pollen but only a
plants, develop floral calendar, determine the trace or no nectar are known as pollen plants.
honey flow and floral dearth period in In order to survive, prosper and be productive,
Meghalaya, the 63 foraging plants of A. honeybee colonies must have a supply of both
cerana himalaya were recorded in nectar and pollen in adequate quantities. Plant
kyrdemkulai. The maximum bees’ flora species and blooming period varies from place
blooms during January to May and December to place due to variation in topography,
whereas minimum bee’s flora blooms during climate and other cultural practices (Harugade
Jun to August. Therefore, honey flow season and Chaphalkar, 2013).
identified from January to May and December Honey flow period refers to the time when
whereas Jun to August was identified as lean bees get abundant blossoming bee floral
season in kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya. Therefore plants while floral dearth refers to that time
month of February, March and April was when honeybee suffers from scarcity of nectar
identified as most suitable time for honey and pollen due to unavailability of blooms of
harvesting. bee flora. The extensive knowledge about
local floral calendar is a key for successful
Keywords: Apis cerana himalaya, Foraging beekeeping and play vital role to make
plants, Honey flow season, Lean season profitable entrepreneurship. Every region has
its own honey flow and floral dearth periods.
Pollinators are the vital parts of a Since the practice of modern beekeeping is
healthy environment. Apis cerana himalaya relatively new in India, the compilations of
which is native to North East state are the bee-flora list are still far from complete. Study
most important group of pollinators. Varieties on bee flora, honey flow period and floral
of plants grown under natural farming system dearth have been neglected. Hence, the
will form an important food resource for present study has been undertaken to study the
honey bees. Pollinators are a diverse group of bee flora in natural farming system of
insects. It provides an important service in our Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya for determining the
environment by pollination of cross pollinated honey flow season, build up season and floral
plants and ensures the growth of seeds and dearth or lean season and also develop floral
fruits. Native plants are undoubtedly the best calendar of different existing plants in and
source of food for bees. Bees’ flora is around natural farming site.
important for sustainable beekeeping. All
foraging plant species do not contribute equal
amount food source for beekeeping. Some

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A survey was carried out to identify The natural farming sites of
prevailing bee-flora resources which serve as Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya is endowed with
nectar and pollen sources to A. cerana diverse flora; 63 flora of A. cerana himalaya
himalaya and their blooming period. The with various blooming period which show
study was accomplished at Kyrdemkulai, great promises for beekeeping. The present
Meghalaya. The visual observations were study can be concluded as per blooming
made on the basis of collection of nectar or period of bees’ flora, honey flow season was
pollen or both from flowers by A. cerana determined from month of January to May
himalaya. The observations were recorded at and December; dearth season or lean period
weekly interval during January 2020 to from June to August and September to
December 2021. Observations were made as November was determined as build up season.
per visual observation, especially on those Therefore, the month of February, March and
plants blooming periods which were visited April was identified as most suitable time for
by honeybees. The floras were categorised honey harvesting in this region.
into nectar producing and pollen producing or
both nectar and pollen producing flora.

Figure1. Beekeeping in natural farming sites of Kyrdemkulai

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Honey Flow Season

Build Up Season
Lean Season

Figure2. Floral calendar of natural farming sites of Kyrdemkulai

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of natural farming practices on yield and yield attributes of fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare Mill) under sub-humid Southern Plains and Aravali Hills of
Rajasthan
PINKY YADAV AND S.K. SHARMA
College- Rajasthan college of Agriculture, MPUAT,Udaipur-313001
Gmail-py715271@gmail.com
ABSTRACT m x 8.6 m. Nine practices were examined in
this study: T1 (Control) T2Complete NF (1.
Natural Farming (NF) is considered to Beejamrit +Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit; 2.
be agro ecology based diversified farming Crop residue mulching; 3. Intercropping; 4.
system, which integrates crops, trees and Whapasa)T3NF without 1 (Beejamrit +
livestock, allowing functional biodiversity Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit)T4 NF without 2
(LVC, 2010 and Rosset) to drastically cut (Crop residue mulching)T5NF without 3
down production costs by replacing the (Intercropping)T6NF without 4
chemical fertilisers and pesticides with home- (Whapasa)T7AI-NPOF packageT8Integrated
grown product like Jeevamritham, Crop Management (50 % nutrient application
Beejamritham, Neemastra, etc., and adopting through organic manures and 50% nutrient
intercropping and mulching (Palekar, 2005; application through inorganic sources with
2006) Initially, a Japanese farmer, Masanobu use of Neemaster, Agniaster for pest
Fukuoka proposed natural farming, which is management)T9Integrated Crop Management
based on the philosophy of working with (50 % nutrient application through organic
natural cycles and processes of the natural manures and 50% nutrient application
world (Fukuoka, 1987). With growing through inorganic sources with application of
environmental concern, demand for safe need based pesticides for pest management).
healthy food, the sole dependence on The NF practices included crop rotation,
chemical inputbased agriculture is being application of biofertilizer, reduced tillage,
replaced by organic and natural means. In and mulching with plant residue. It resulted
this context, natural farming has been well in higher fennel seed observed in complete
accepted by farmers of some States in India natural farming practices, as compared to
as an economical, cost effective and Integrated Crop Management (50 % nutrient
sustainable method of farming. This application through organic manures and
investigation was conducted at an 50% nutrient application through inorganic
experimental field established in rabi season sources with use of Neemaster, Agniaster for
2020-21 & 2021-22 at organic farming unit pest management), Integrated Crop
(Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Management (50 % nutrient application
Agriculture, Udaipur which is located in through organic manures and 50% nutrient
South Eastern part of Rajasthan at an altitude application through inorganic sources with
of 581.16 meter above mean sea level with application of need based pesticides for pest
24035’ N latitude and 72042’ E longitude and management) and AI-NPOF package.
this area falls under agro-climatic zone IV- a
(Sub-humid Southern Plains and Aravali
Hills) of Rajasthan. The experiment was
conducted in random block design with 3
replications. The individual plot size was 9.0

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
REFERENCES Movement, Amravati, Maharashtra,
India.
Palekar, S. 2005. The Philosophy of Spiritual La Via Campesina 2010. Sustainable Peasant
Farming I, 2nd Ed. Zero Budget and Family Farm Agriculture can feed
Natural Farming Research, the World, La Via Campesina, Jakarta,
Development & Extension Movement, Indonesia
Amravati, Maharashtra, India. Rosset, P. M. and Martinez-Torres, M. E.
Palekar, S. 2006. Zero Budget Natural 2012. "Rural Social Movements and
Farming: Five Layers Palekar's Model Agroecology: Context, Theory and
(Part I). Zero Budget Natural Farming Process", Ecology and Society 17(3).
Research, Development and Extension

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Growth and yield of upland paddy (Oryza Sativa L.) as influenced by lime and
poultry manure application in acid soils of Meghalaya
SABYASACHI MAJUMDAR1*AND U. K. BEHERA2
1
Assistant Professor (Soil Sc. &Agril. Chemistry), College of Agriculture, CAU (Imphal)
Kyrdemkulai - 793105, Meghalaya, India
2
Dean, College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, CAU (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai - 793105,Meghalaya,
India
*Corresponding author’s email:sabyasachiuasd@gmail.com
Majority of acid soils (54%) are The region has humid climate with more than
concentrated in North Eastern Region (NER) 1500 mm annual rainfall of which more than
of India where more than 90 per cent area is 80% occurs during June to September. The
affected by soil acidity, with around 65% of soil was moderately acidic in nature (pH =
the area being under extreme forms of soil 5.2). The experiment was conducted by taking
acidity (pH below 5.5) (Sharma and Singh 6 main factors (treatments), 3 sub-factors
2002). Application of lime is the most (varieties) and 3 replications. The three
desirable and effective practice for varieties chosen were CAU R2, Sahabhagi
management of soil acidity. However, the Dhan and IURON 514. The details of
application rate of conventional liming treatments are: 1) T1 – Lime @ 0.5 t ha-1, 2)
materials is very high which ultimately leads T2 – Lime @ 1.0 t ha-1, 3) T3 – Poultry
to higher production cost per unit area. Hence, Manure @ 2.5 t ha-1, 4) T4 – Poultry Manure
the need of the hour is to focus research on @ 7.5 t ha-1, 5) T5 – Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t
development of locally available resources for ha-1 + Lime @ 0.5 t ha-1 and 6) T6 – Control.
managing soil acidity. In India, there has been The treatments were laid out in a split plot
a demand for effective utilisation of poultry design with three replications in a fixed plot
manure (PM) in order to avoid environmental size of 8.0 m2. The upland paddy varieties
pollution (Behera 2009). Poultry manure is a were sown on 25thJune, 2021 with the onset of
relatively cheap source of both macronutrients the monsoon at 20 cm line spacing and
(N. P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients harvested in 20th October, 2021. Application
(Cu, Fe, Mn, and B) and can be used as an of poultry manure was made before sowing of
alternative for management of acid soil. upland paddy on over-dry weight basis as per
Therefore, by keeping this in view, the present treatment. The lime was applied to the plots in
study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the form of calcium silicate (CaSiO3). The
lime and poultry manure at different rates on observations were recorded on yield of grain
growth and yield of upland paddy under hill and straw from a net plot area of 4m2. The
ecology of Meghalaya. crops were harvested manually 6-8 cm above
the ground and the entire harvested
METHODOLOGY biomasswas removed from the plots of each
treatment. The treatment comparisons were
A field experiment was conducted at the
made by t-test at the p ≤ 0.05 level of
farm of the College of Agriculture, CAU
significance.
(Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya during
Kharif 2021-22 from June to October on a RESULTS
fixed layout. The site is situated at an altitude
approximately 700 m above mean sea level This study revealed that there were
(MSL), 91.87 Longitude and 25.57 Latitude. significant differences in grain yield, straw

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
yield, biological yield and harvest index per panicle, and no of panicle/m2. However,
among the varieties. Among the varieties, the test weight was not significantly influenced by
maximum grain yield was recorded in CAU different treatments. Among the different
R2 (2.20 t ha-1) followed by IURON 514 (1.96 treatments, it was observed that the highest
t ha-1). This study also indicated that the panicle length, no of chaffy grains per panicle
different treatments in managing acid soil has and total grains per panicle and no of
significantly improved the grain yield, straw panicle/m2 was noticed in T4 (application of
yield, biological yield and harvest index. poultry manure @ 7.5 t ha-1). however, the
Among the different treatments, it was results were not statistically significant with
observed that maximum grain yield was respect to test weight. It was also observed
recorded in T4 (application of poultry manure that the interaction between variety and
@ 7.5 t ha-1) (2.24 t ha-1) followed by T2 treatment was found to be significant with
(application of lime @ 1.0 t ha-1) (2.16 t ha-1). reference to all the yield attributing
Similarly, among the different treatments, the parameters of upland rice cultivars except test
maximum straw yield was recorded in T4 weight. (Table 2).The increase in grain yield
(application of poultry manure @ 7.5 t ha-1) and its yield attributes with the application of
(7.96 t ha-1) followed by T3 (application of poultry manure could be attributed to the fact
poultry manure @ 2.5 t ha-1) (5.96 t ha-1). that PM contains high ammoniacal nitrogen
Likewise, among the different treatments, the (NH4-N) and uric acid which is capable of
maximum harvest index was recorded in T2 converting a large percentage of N to nitrate-
(application of lime @ 1.0 t ha-1) (0.31), N (NO3-N) within a week as uric acid
however, it was not statistically significant. It metabolizes rapidly to NH4-N in soil and
was also observed that the interaction between becomes available for plant uptake. Moreover,
variety and treatment was found to be the poultry birds are fed limestone as a
significant with reference to grain yield, straw supplement to improve egg-shell hardness,
yield, biological yield and harvest index. and therefore their manure characteristically
(Table 1). contains considerable amounts of calcium
carbonate which is responsible for increasing
The results of this experiment also soil pH and helps in managing the acid soil.
indicated that there were significant This clearly indicated that PM is superior
differences in panicle length, no of filled compared to lime in improving the grain yield
grains per panicle, no of chaffy grains per and associated attributes of upland rice.
panicle, no of total grains per panicle and
number of panicle/m2 among the varieties. CONCLUSION
Among the varieties, the maximum panicle
length, no of filled grains per panicle, no of However, this study indicated that PM
total grains per panicle, no of panicle /m2 and could be used as a viable alternative to lime
test weight was noticed in IURON 514, for managing the soil acidity and improving
whereas, highest number of chaffy grains per the yield and associated attributes of upland
panicle and no of panicle/m2 was noticed in paddy under hill ecology of Meghalaya.
CAU R2. This study also indicated that the
different treatments (viz., application of
poultry manure and lime) in managing acid
soil has significantly improved the panicle
length, no of filled grains per panicle, no of
chaffy grains per panicle, no of total grains

102
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
REFERENCES Sharma, U. C. and Singh, R. P. 2002. Acid
soils of India:their distribution,
Behera, U. K. 2009. Organic manuring for soil management and future strategies for
biological health and productivity of a higher productivity. Fertilizer News47:
wheat-soybean cropping system in the 45-52.
Vertisols of central India. Crop and
Pasture Science60: 382-393.

Table 1: Grain yield (t ha-1), straw yield (t ha-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index of
upland rice cultivar (Bhalum V) as influenced by lime and poultry manure application

Grain yield Straw yield Biological

Treatments Harvest index
(t/ha) (t/ha) yield (t/ha)
CAU R2 T1 1.53 2.82 4.35 0.35
CAU R2 T2 2.35 3.72 6.07 0.39
CAU R2 T3 2.48 4.25 6.73 0.37
CAU R2 T4 2.55 5.36 7.91 0.32
CAU R2 T5 2.37 3.12 5.49 0.43
CAU R2 T6 1.92 3.55 5.47 0.35
Sahabhagi Dhan T1 0.87 2.86 3.73 0.23
Sahabhagi Dhan T2 1.64 5.17 6.81 0.24
Sahabhagi Dhan T3 1.37 9.20 10.57 0.13
Sahabhagi Dhan T4 1.77 11.46 13.23 0.13
Sahabhagi Dhan T5 1.46 9.09 10.54 0.14
Sahabhagi Dhan T6 1.52 4.31 5.83 0.26
IURON 514 T1 1.44 4.41 5.86 0.25
IURON 514 T2 2.48 5.66 8.14 0.30
IURON 514 T3 2.07 4.45 6.52 0.32
IURON 514 T4 2.41 7.05 9.45 0.25
IURON 514 T5 1.61 5.60 7.21 0.22
IURON 514 T6 1.76 5.50 7.25 0.24
Sem± 0.12 0.45 0.49 0.02
CD (p≤0.05) 0.34 1.29 1.40 0.05

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2: Yield attributing parameters of upland rice cultivars as influenced by lime and poultry
manure application

No of filled No of chaffy No of No of Test

Panicle
grains/panic grains/panicle total panicle/m2 weight
Treatments length
le grains/p (g)
(cm)
anicle
CAU R2 T1 20.62 91.99 39.05 131.05 164.67 25.22
CAU R2 T2 21.69 108.36 37.78 146.14 166.67 26.22
CAU R2 T3 20.89 116.75 27.80 144.55 241.67 25.89
CAU R2 T4 25.66 128.86 37.33 166.18 251.67 25.96
CAU R2 T5 20.27 101.57 19.63 121.20 208.33 27.07
CAU R2 T6 20.49 81.41 30.73 112.14 146.67 26.14
SD T1 18.39 66.47 18.49 84.96 173.33 22.58
SD T2 19.55 76.20 13.54 89.74 193.33 24.17
SD T3 18.41 58.23 25.21 83.44 173.33 21.83
SD T4 18.96 65.40 22.87 88.27 240.00 22.43
SD T5 18.83 68.67 19.20 87.87 246.67 22.10
SD T6 18.25 73.30 20.90 94.20 170.00 22.51
IURON 514 T1 23.18 95.37 25.23 120.60 160.00 28.12
IURON 514 T2 23.14 111.49 38.44 149.93 178.33 29.06
IURON 514 T3 22.53 108.47 26.77 135.23 186.67 30.04
IURON 514 T4 23.77 124.69 44.20 168.89 185.00 29.90
IURON 514 T5 24.16 118.90 28.20 147.10 151.67 29.61
IURON 514 T6 22.97 92.68 21.33 114.01 145.00 30.64
Sem± 0.69 8.92 3.34 10.09 11.87 0.77
CD (p≤0.05) 1.99 25.65 9.59 29.00 34.11 NS

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Influence of lime and poultry manure on growth and yield of upland paddy
(Oryza sativa L.) in acid soils of Meghalaya
SABYASACHI MAJUMDAR1*AND U. K. BEHERA2
1
Assistant Professor (Soil Sc. &Agril. Chemistry), College of Agriculture, CAU (Imphal)
Kyrdemkulai - 793105, Meghalaya, India
3
Dean, College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, CAU (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai - 793105,Meghalaya,
India
*Corresponding author’s email:sabyasachiuasd@gmail.com

Majority of acid soils (54%) are (MSL), 91.87 Longitude and 25.57 Latitude.
concentrated in North Eastern Region (NER) The region has humid climate with more than
of India where more than 90 per cent area is 1500 mm annual rainfall of which more than
affected by soil acidity, with around 65% of 80% occurs during June to September. The
the area being under extreme forms of soil soil was moderately acidic in nature (pH =
acidity (pH below 5.5) (Sharma and Singh 5.2). In this study, seven treatments consisted
2002). Application of lime is the most of 2 different sources at varying rates, viz.,
desirable and effectivepractice for lime at 0.5 and 1.0 t ha-1 and poultry manure
management of soil acidity. However, the (PM) at 2.5 and 5.0 t ha-1 were used. In
application rate of conventional liming addition to this, two treatments involved
materials is very high which ultimately leads integrated use of PM at 2.5 and 5.0 t ha-1 with
to higher production cost per unit area. Hence, lime at 0.5 and 1.0 t ha-1, respectively. The
the need of the hour is to focus research on treatments were laid out in a randomized
development of locally available resources for block design (RBD) with three replications in
managing soil acidity. In India, there has been a fixed plot size of 10.5 m2. The upland paddy
a demand for effective utilisation of poultry (Bhalum V variety) was sown in 25thJune,
manure (PM) in order to avoid environmental 2021 with the onset of the monsoon at 20 cm
pollution (Behera 2009). Poultry manure is a line spacing and harvested in 30thOctober,
relatively cheap source of both macronutrients 2021. Application of poultry manure was
(N. P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients made before sowing of upland paddy on over-
(Cu, Fe, Mn, and B) and can be used as an dry weight basis as per treatment. The lime
alternative for management of acid soil. was applied to the plots in the form of calcium
Therefore, the present study was undertaken silicate (CaSiO3). The observations were
to evaluate the effect of lime and poultry recorded on yield of grain and straw from a
manure at different rates for improving the net plot area of 4m2. The crops were harvested
productivity of upland paddy in acid soils of manually 6-8 cm above the ground and the
Meghalaya. entire harvested biomasswas removed from
the plots of each treatment. The treatment
METHODOLOGY comparisons were made by t-test at the p ≤
0.05 level of significance.
A field experiment was conducted at
the farm of the College of Agriculture, CAU RESULTS
(Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya during
Kharif 2021-22 from June to October on a This study indicated that the different
fixed layout. The site is situated at an altitude treatments (viz., application of poultry manure
approximately 700 m above mean sea level and lime) in managing acid soil has

105
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
significantly improved the grain yield, straw and therefore their manure characteristically
yield and biological yield (Table 1) of upland contains considerable amounts of calcium
paddy. Among the different treatments, it was carbonate which is responsible for increasing
observed that application of poultry manure soil pH and helps in managing the acid soil.
(PM) at 5.0 t ha-1 has significantly recorded This clearly indicated that PM is superior
the maximum grain yield (3.11 t ha-1) compared to lime in improving the grain yield
followed by combined application of lime at and associated attributes of upland rice.
0.5 t ha-1 and PM at 2.5 t ha-1 (2.71 t ha-1). The
study indicated that the grain yield of upland CONCLUSION
paddy was influenced significantly by
Application of lime is the most widely
different levels of poultry manure (PM) in
used practice for the management of soil
comparison to control and lime application
acidity. However, this study indicated that PM
(Table 1).
could be used as a viable alternative to lime
The panicle length, no of panicles per for managing the soil acidity and improving
plant, no of total grains per panicle and test the yield and associated attributes of upland
weight of upland paddy increased with paddy under hill ecology of Meghalaya.
increasing rates of PM compared to control
REFERENCES
and was maximum with application of PM at
5.0 t ha-1 (Table 2).The increase in grain yield Behera, U. K. 2009. Organic manuring for soil
and its yield attributes with the application of biological health and productivity of a
poultry manure could be attributed to the fact wheat-soybean cropping system in the
that PM contains high ammoniacal nitrogen Vertisols of central India. Crop and
(NH4-N) and uric acid which is capable of Pasture Science60: 382-393.
converting a large percentage of N to nitrate- Sharma, U. C. and Singh, R. P. 2002. Acid
N (NO3-N) within a week as uric acid soils of India:their distribution,
metabolizes rapidly to NH4-N in soil and management and future strategies for
becomes available for plant uptake. Moreover, higher productivity. Fertilizer News47:
the poultry birds are fed limestone as a 45-52.
supplement to improve egg-shell hardness,

106
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Grain yield (t ha-1), straw yield (t ha-1), biological yield (t ha-1) and harvest index of
upland rice cultivar (Bhalum V) as influenced by lime and poultry manure application

Grain Straw yield Biological Harvest

Treatments
yield (t/ha) (t/ha) yield (t/ha) Index
Control 1.07 3.72 4.78 0.22
-1 1.52 5.98 7.49 0.20
Lime, 0.5 t ha
-1 1.09 5.92 7.01 0.16
Lime, 1.0 t ha
-1 2.43 10.23 12.65 0.19
PM, 2.5 t ha
-1 3.11 11.69 14.79 0.21
PM, 5.0 t ha
-1
Lime, 0.5 t ha + PM, 2.5 t 2.71 11.83 14.54 0.19
ha-1
Lime, 1.0 t ha-1 + PM, 5.0 t 1.93 7.71 9.64 0.20
ha-1
SEm± 0.044 0.105 0.125 0.025
CD (P≤0.05) 0.135 0.324 0.386 NS

Table 2: Yield attributing parameters of upland rice cultivar (Bhalum V) as influenced by lime
and poultry manure application

Panicle No. of No. of Test

Treatments Grains/panicle
length (cm) panicles/plant panicles/m2 weight (g)
Control 20.64 2.00 117.40 266.67 23.81
-1 17.43 3.23 71.97 271.00 27.12
Lime, 0.5 t ha
-1 19.77 3.67 118.33 259.67 24.93
Lime, 1.0 t ha
-1 23.48 4.27 99.90 345.67 26.46
PM, 2.5 t ha
-1 24.24 4.64 177.96 341.33 29.77
PM, 5.0 t ha
-1
Lime, 0.5 t ha + PM, 2.5 t 21.24 4.20 134.06 408.33 25.03
ha-1
Lime, 1.0 t ha-1 + PM, 5.0 t 21.06 3.73 86.80 459.67 27.53
ha-1
SEm± 0.282 0.173 5.319 11.135 0.146
CD (P≤0.05) 0.870 0.533 16.391 34.309 0.449

107
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Sustainable livelihood through wetland resources for household food security

with adaptation to climate change: An empirical analysis from Ranikor in
Meghalaya
RIZWAN AHMED

Ph.D Scholar, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, CAU(I), Umiam,
Meghalaya, rizwan.mos@gmail.com
ABSTRACT some extent. The main indicators of food
insecurity being low harvest (32.86%) and
Wetland ecosystems are the most when people buy locally grown food items
diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth (15.71%). Most households felt food secure
and include marshes, lakes, rivers, flood when they had perennial crops, or adequate
basins, estuarine deltas, ponds, rice fields, and money to buy food. The prevalence of food
marine water areas where the depth at low tide insecurity was significantly lower among
does not exceed 6 m (Convention on Wetlands households with older and better educated
1971). Wetland ecosystems are very much household heads. Over 80% of the
important from conservation and sustainable respondents reported that wetland resources
management. Tangible and intangible diverse provide products and services that contribute
resources and products of wetland functions enormously to their household food security.
such as fodder, fishes, fuelwood, non-timber Besides, they also indirectly contribute to food
forest products, ecotourism, and flood control security by providing services that foster food
have historically provided a source of income production. Furthermore, climate change
and livelihood for human beings. The present adaptation is becoming crucial but local
study investigated the participation of local knowledge regarding climate change
groups in wetland conservation, and assessed adaptation is not well focused. Moreover, the
socioeconomic factors that affect dependency study revealed crop diversification, re-digging
on wetlands along with the use of number of of canal, construction of embankments and
livelihood tools in food security assessment poultry rearing among many as the adaptive
along with the adaptive strategies to climate measures in the face of climate change having
change by the wetland dwellers. A total of 70 merits which needs special consideration and
wetland resource-user households residing continuous research. The study recommends a
around Ranikor, Meghalaya were surveyed need to design appropriate food production
with the help of household questionnaire. Data technologies that ensure sustainable use of
were analyzed using simple percentage, wetland resources for food security as
multiple regression, t-test and Garrett ranking increasing population coupled with climate
technique. The wetland resources change will have drastic impact on the
contributed significantly to the household households relying on wetland for food
economy of the local people. Each security and income unless alternative
household extracted wetland resources on a livelihood options are provided.
monthly basis. Although the people
maintained a positive attitude towards
wetland conservation, their participation in
conservation efforts was inadequate. The
results also indicate that about 43% of the
households experienced food insecurity to
108
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
REFERENCE
Convention on Wetlands. (1971). Convention
on wetlands of international
importance especially as waterfowl
habitat. Adopted by the International
Conference on the Wetlands and
Waterfowl at Ramsar, Iran. UNESCO,
Paris, France, Accessed on 23rd
November, 2022.

109
 THEME B
CLIMATE CHANGE-
ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION
STRATEGIES
 SUB-CONTENT

THEME B: CLIMATE CHANGE- ADAPTATION & MITIGATION STRATEGIES

SL AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE

NO. NO.
Keynote Speakers
1 Pulses as candidate crops for NEH region of India 110-113
Praharaj CS, Raghavendra Singh, Ummed Singh and Umakant Behera
Lead Presentations
2 Climate change impact and mitigation strategies in Seed Spices 114-117
Gopal Lal
3 Climate resilient strategies for sustainable spices production 118-124
Thankamani CK, Kandiannan K, Krishnamurthy KS and Srinivasan V
4 Climate smart practices for moisture stress mitigation and improving resource-use efficiency in 125-128
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Choudhary RL, Jat RS, Singh HV, Dotaniya ML, Meena VD, Meena MK and Rai PK
5 Traditional gully control structure practiced by the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh 129-134
Pattanaaik SK, Debnath P, Bikram Singh, Jayashree Mohanty and Hazarika BN
Oral Presentations
6 Farmers’ perception and adaptation to climate change in Manipur 135-137
Nivetina Laitonjam, Ram Singh and Victor L
7 Alleviating agricultural drought stress in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) through soil microbes 138-140
Choudhary RL, Vikram KV, Sangeeta Paul, Jat RS, Singh HV, Dotaniya ML and Rai PK
8 Factors of physiological challenge during heat stress in pigs: A meta-analysis 141-143
Jaya, Satish Kumar, Souvik Paul, Kalyan De, Salam Jayachitra Devi, Mohan NH, Das BC and
Vivek Kumar Gupta
9 Climate change and emergence of winter coccidiosis in pigs 144-145
Souvik Paul, Juwar Doley, Kalyan De, Satish Kumar, Jaya, Jayachitra Devi S and Gupta VK
10 Daytime rhythmicity of core temperature in neonatal piglet under tropical monsoon zone 146-148
Kalyan De, Nitin M Attupuram, Salam Jaya Chitra Devi and Gupta VK
11 Metagenomic diversity in gastrointestinal samples of pigs reared under backyard production system 149-151
Nitin M Attupuram, Kalyan De, Rajib Deb, Thomas R, SR Pegu, Islam R, Mohan NH and
Gupta VK
Poster Presentation
12 Soil organic carbon sequestration under Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) plantation in Mizoram, India 152-154
Lalrempuii Hrahsel, Jitendra Ahirwal, Uttam Kumar Sahoo
13 Microbial consortia usage to reduce ammonia volatization and denitrification losses in a wheat 155
field
Sibananda Darjee, Renu Singh, Manoj Shrivastava, Shivdhar Mishra and Pooja LR
14 Reference evapotranspiration prediction using various heuristic approaches. 156
Hamtoiti Reang
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Pulses as candidate crops for NEH region of India

CS PRAHARAJ*, RAGHAVENDRA SINGH, UMMED SINGH AND UMAKANT BEHERA
ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India208024
*Email: cspraharaj@hotmail.com
Key words: Agro-ecologies, North East Hill region, Productivity, Pulses, Rainfed region, Rice fallows
The North East Region (NER) of India and time bound initiative undertaken by ICAR-
comprising of 8 states, namely Arunachal Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR),
Pradesh, Asom, Manipur, Meghalaya, Kanpur in association with AICRPs on
Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, Chickpea, Pigeonpea, MULLaRP, Arid
covers about 8.3% geographical area with legumes, and the NEH Institutes/Universities to
approximately 4% populations of the country. promote the pulses in NEH region during
Out of the total 26.27 million hectares of 2014-17 and beyond is discussed.
geographical area of NER of India, around
77% are hills and senile plateau, while only METHODOLOGY
12% net area is under cultivation.NER is
In NER, the growth rate in terms of
unique in its climatic condition, physiographic
productivity of crops including pulses is low
location, crop(s) suitability, food habits of
due to many intricate and interrelated
people and market access. The people in NER
constraints/factors right from soil/climate
are predominately agrarian and practice
related limitations to technological and
subsistence agriculture. Despite having
extension based tribulations. Accompanied
tremendous scope and greater opportunities for
with rapid growing population pressure,
profitable crop based enterprises, the
increasing food/nutritional demand, and
productivity of mostly rice based
shrinkage in land holdings, poor soil health is
crops/cropping system is low. Therefore,
the key impediment to sustainable
development of sustainable cropping/farming
crop/cropping systems here. Poor soil health is
systems is the key to prosperity of this region
primarily attributed to soil acidity, aluminum
and requires crop diversification by involving
toxicity, undulated topography and sloppy
pulses, the soil builders through biological N
terrains especially in these NEH region. Yet
Fixation, leaf falls, and soil residual N etc. And
these crops (and their associated cropping
thus, pulses with great potential could act as
systems) can be profitable cultivated under the
candidate crops for these strategic region
existing agro-climatic situations. In fact, these
(Praharaj and Singh, 2019; Singh et al., 2016).
soil building crops(pulses) can become
In this context, three important steps candidate crops so far both raising crop
which could have the major role more productivity and maintaining soil fertility are
appropriately towards promoting pulses in concerned. Although cultivating and raising
these region included (i) Assessing largely the productivity of pulses in diverse agro-ecologies
suitability of different pulse crops in a of North East Hill region of India is a bit
particular agro-eco-region, (ii) Evaluating difficult, yet it can be possible through
efficiently a suitable variety and other agro- continuous and consistent involvement of
technologies for it, and (iii) Stepping modern technologies and improved cultivars
up/Promoting the same through seed (<10 years old). In addition, keeping further
multiplication and its distribution through with pace, systematic seed production and
strategic extension. In this paper, a renewed extension awareness could amalgamate current
production and productivity in pulses. In this
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context, a renewed and time bound initiative popular here. Currently grown in around 0.267
undertaken by ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses million hectares with production of around
Research (IIPR), Kanpur recently in 0.233 million tons (Table 1), the productivity
association with AICRPs on Chickpea, of these (with one ton/ha) crops could be
Pigeonpea, MULLaRP, Arid legumes, and the significantly raised to 1.2-1.5 tons/ha in many
NEH Institutes/Universities to promote the pulses including chickpea, pigeon pea, field
pulses in NEH region during 2014-17 and peas, rajmash, mungbean, and lentils (and to
beyond revealed that this could be similar extent in minor crops, such as urdbean,
possible/achievable to a large extent. Popular mungbean, and ricebean).
varieties of winter season pulses viz., chickpea,
field peas and lentil, and that of mungbean in The current study showed that successful
summer were indented from the breeders and amalgamation of suitable varieties and
given to 8 centres namely, Basar (Arunachal appropriate agronomic management even in
Pradesh), ICAR centre, Imphal (Manipur), presence of abiotic and biotic stresses is the
Kolasib (Mizoram), Medziphema (Nagaland), key to optimum performance of agricultural
Tadong (Gangtok), Central Agricultural crops including pulses and their performance
University (CAU), Imphal (Manipur), stability in NEH region of India. This could
Lembucherra (Tripura) and Shillong ani certainly influence the total output and
(Nagaon, Assam). The test varieties of these distribution of pulses in the country as a whole
pulses were evaluated along with their seed and the NEH region in particular. The study
production. This is discussed herein as under. across 5-7 locations in NEH region further
revealed that higher crop performance in terms
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION of grain yield and other attributes was recorded
with chickpea ‘PUSA372’ followed by ‘IPC
Pulses are smart food and play an 97-67’; lentil ‘DPL 62’;fieldpea ‘AMAN’ and
important role in achieving Sustainable ‘TRCP 9’ (under local condition); Fababean
Development Goals of UN. These are an ‘Patna 6’; and mungbean (in at least three NEH
essential source of dietary protein for a large locations) ‘HUM 12’ and ‘IPM 2-14’. This was
population of the country, especially for further reinforced with adequate seed
vegetarian masses. Apart from being a potent production/distribution under different NEH
source of energy by way of higher protein, programmes.
carbohydrate, and fat contents,
supplementation of pulses with cereals in diets The major Indian NEH states including
helps in amino acid balance. Therefore, with Asom, Nagaland, and Manipur could adopt
greater food value of pulses, these have played modern know-hows in cultivation of pulses
a crucial role in food and nutritional security by with ease and efficiency (including in areas of
alleviating protein hunger and malnutrition rice/maize fallows). The NER has overall
prevalent amongst the poor. Pulses have a deficit of 75.4% in pulses, ranging from 50.6%
unique ability to fix atmospheric N (40-60 kg in Arunachal Pradesh to 83.7% deficit in
of N/ha) in their root nodules (Bhat and Assam. The Nagaland is the only state which
Umesh, 2016), thereby improving fertility of has self-sufficient in pulses and have a surplus
soil through its carry-over effects. Thus, of 5.7 thousand tons. To reduce this demand-
inclusion of pulses in the cropping system (as a supply gap, various programmes, like
candidate crop) reduces the need for synthetic integrated scheme of oilseed, pulses, oil palm
fertilizers, consequently reducing greenhouse and maize (ISOPOM), national food security
gas emissions and raising carbon sequestrations mission (NFSM) and front-line demonstrations
(Venkatesh et al., 2013). NEH region is no (FLD) programme in pulses have been
exception. Therefore, these are becoming launched/operational. Still, prime attention is
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required especially in pulse production to meet Praharaj, C.S., Singh, Ummed, Singh, S.S. and
the challenges/demand of increasing Kumar, N. 2018. Tactical water
population. management in field crops: the key to
resource conservation. Current
CONCLUSION Science115 (7): 1262-1269.
Praharaj, C.S.and Singh, N.P. 2019. Raising
Twin strategies concerning R & D
productivity of pulses in diverse agro-
efforts through productivity enhancement and
ecologies of North East Hill region of
sustainable intensification have led the
India - A case study. Journal of Food
country's pulses production to an adequate and
Legumes32(2): 90-96.
stable level during the last half-a-decade. The
current study inferred that when new and
Singh, N. P., Praharaj, C. S. and Sandhu, J.
improved technologies inclusive of varieties
S.2016.Utilizing untapped potential of
and seed production/extension were
rice fallow of East and North-east India
adopted/promoted/amalgamated, this could go
through pulse production. Indian Journal
a long way in raising the production and
of Genetics and Plant Breeding 76: 388-
productivity of pulses even in these constraint
98.
areas of the country, and so also meeting food
Venkatesh M.S., Hazra, K.K., Ghosh, P.K.,
and nutritional needs of its masses (Praharaj et
Praharaj, C.S. and Kumar, N. 2013.
al., 2018). The most daunting concern for
Long-term effect of pulses and nutrient
global food security including pulses, is
management on soil carbon sequestration
accomplishing stable productions under more
in Indo-Gangetic plains of India.
severe (biotic & abiotic) production constraints
Canadian Journal of Soil Science
including those related to the robust climatic
93:127–136.
change. And yes, these efforts need to be
continued further in order to achieve self-
sufficiency in pulses sector in time to come
with NEH region of India of no exception.
REFERENCES
Bhat, Shripad and Umesh, K.B.
2016.Estimating Positive Externalities of
Nitrogen Fixation by Pulses. Estimating
Positive Externalities of Nitrogen
Fixation by Pulses. Agricultural
Economics Research Review29: 201-
209.

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Table 1. Area, production and yield of different pulses in NEH region in India (2019-20)*

State Area Production Yield Pulses % deficit/

(x000 ton) (kg/ha) requirement
(000 ha) Surplus
(x000 ton)

Arunachal Pradesh 13.35 14.15 1060 28.7 -50.6

Asom 143.96 106.07 737 649.8 -83.7
Manipur 27.45 25.19 918 56.4 -55.4
Meghalaya 8.32 12.02 1444 61.4 -80.4
Mizoram 4.05 5.48 1353 22.6 -75.8
Nagaland 40.31 46.78 1161 41.1 +13.9
Sikkim 5.24 5.04 962 12.6 -60.0
Tripura 24.57 18.67 760 76.1 -75.5
Total 267.25 233.4 1049 948.7 -75.4

*https://statisticstimes.com/demographics/india/indian-states-population.php

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Climate change impact and mitigation strategies in seed spices

GOPAL LAL
Cauvery Water Management Authority, Ministry of Jal Shakti, New Delhi

INTRODUCTION occurrence of frost and wide variation in

day and night temperature all are the
Seed spices are the important effects of climate change. Most of the
segment and played an important role in horticultural crops including seed spices
horticulture GDP. India is endowed with are annual in nature and it seems that these
diverse soil and agro-climatic conditions crops will be most affected due to climate
which favour cultivation of an array of change. Climate change is serious
seed spice crop. Seed spices comprise of a constraint, which accounts for enormous
wide variety of plants that produce volatile losses in terms of seed yield and quality of
and non-volatile food additives and are seed spice crops. Hence, there is an
known as gold in arid and semi-arid areas immediate need to focus our attention on
of India (Lal and Verma, 2018). All these studying the impacts of climate change on
crops (coriander, fennel fenugreek, ajwain, adaptability, growth, development, yield
celery, nigella, dill, anise) mostly grown in and quality of seed spice crops (Sastry,
rabi season. Seed spices cultivation is 2017).
mainly concentrated in India, China,
Turkey and Syria, jointly cultivate on 90% IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON
area, producing 83 percent of world’s total SEED SPICES
seed spices. India is the largest producer of
these crops, alone contributes 77 percent The possible impacts of global
of world area and 74 percent of world’s warming on seed spices production will
seed spice production (FAOSTAT, depend not only on climate per se but also
2020).In India, spices occupy about 2.0% on the internal dynamics of production
of gross cropped area, which has increased systems, including their ability to adopt to
from 7.98 lakh ha to 21.50 lakh ha (269%) the changes like frost, cold winds,
and production from 4.79 lakh tonnes to unseasonal rains, relative difference in
20.60 lakh tonnes (430%) from 2001 to maximum and minimum temperature etc.
2020.India meets ~50% of the world due to all these factors there may be
demand exporting more than 115 decline in productivity and quality,
countries. More than 4.8 Lakh tones harboring new pest and diseases, new
(23.3% of production) of seed spices physiological disorders. These crops are
exported from India valued more than Rs. more susceptible to alterations in normal
5666 Cr. (DASD, 2020-21). climatic conditions as compared to their
arable crops.
Climate change is very likely to affect 1. All the seed spices are very sensitive
food security at the global, regional, and to temperature and these affect the
local level. Climate change can disrupt production and quality and there is
food availability, reduce access to food, need of specific day and night
and affect food quality (Brown et al., temperature for germination, growth
2015). Climate change is not only increase and seed development.
in temperature or increase in greenhouse
2. Plant genetic resources (PGR)
gasses, it also accounts uncertainty in time, represent the diverse gene pools
amount and intensity of rainfall, (IPGRI, 1993). The distribution of
occurrence of hailstorms, cloudiness and germplasm their relatives which are
fog during entire day, high speed winds,

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vital for the breeding of crops may be (Asitand Neenu, 2012; Karmakar, et
affected relentlessly. al., 2016).
3. The adoptability and suitability of 9. Irregularity in rain due to climate
present cultivars of seed spices may be change increased possibility of
changed due to increase in the occurrence of drought and reduced the
temperature because the particular availability of water.
variety required specific temperature 10. More variation in day and night
for its growth and development. The temperature and cloudy conditions during
area under seed spices cultivation may January and February favor the aphids to
be changed due to incident of extreme develop faster. Seed midge is another
major pest of coriander and fennel, its
weather condition and occurrence of
population observed high when
diseases which will reduce the crop temperature goes down. In case of disease
production. in seed spices cumin wilt and blight is a
4. In case of seed spice crops, uncertain major challenge against changing climatic
rains will be expected during conditions.
February-March during which all the 11. Under the changing climatic situations
seed spices crops will be in seed existing fungal pathogen, bacteria,
setting and maturity stage. If this viruses may cause more damage.
rainfall occurred there will be huge Some of the minor pests may become
crop losses in terms of yield and major pests in future.
quality.
5. Increased heat stress will affect ADAPTIVE & MITIGATION
production, yield and quality of seed STRATEGIES
spices, oil quality and its chemical profile.
6. Increase in the average temperature Climate change is serious
leads to faster the growth and constraint, which accounts for enormous
development and crop will mature losses in terms of seed yield and quality of
before time. Plant sensitivity to salt seed spice crops. Hence, there is an
stress is reflected in loss of turgor, immediate need to focus our attention on
growth reduction, wilting, leaf studying the impacts of climate change on
abscission, decreased photosynthesis adaptability, growth, development, yield
and loss of cellular integrity. and quality of seed spice crops. In view of
7. Change in the climate may be a vast these problems, horticulturists will have to
threat to pollination services due to play a significant role in the climate
reduced activity of pollinating agents. change scenario and proper strategies have
Among all the climatic factors, to be envisaged for saving spice growing
increase in temperature has highest areas to sustain the production and export
adverse effect on pollinator chain. Bellow written measures can make
interactions. In the same way due to the seed spice growers more resilient to
climate change event of cloudiness, changing climatic scenario.
fog, cold winds may hamper the 1. There is urgent need in the cut of CO2
pollinators in their regular pollination emission and many countries promise
activities. to cut the emission of CO2 like China
8. Climate change affects the formation pledges deep cup cut of CO2 emission,
of soil with important implications for EU wants to cut carbon emission 60%
their development, use and by 2050, India 35% by 2030, Japan
management perspective with 35% by 2030 etc. in Paris Climate
reference to soil structure, stability, Change Conference held in November
top soil water holding capacity, 2015.
nutrient availability and erosion

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

2. The increase in global warming may base of seed spices to create more
destroy much germplasm line and variability in terms of adaptability,
their wild relative so, intensive resistance to pest and diseases.
germplasm collection is needed to use Therefore, breed such types varieties
it in future as per need. There is an which can tolerant heat stress and in
urgent need to widen the genetic base the high productive and can produce
of seed spices to create more good yields. Some of the varieties
variability in terms of adaptability, developed at ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer
resistance to pest and diseases. are showing tolerance/resistance and
3. Since the seed spice crops are having adoptability to climate variations
very narrow genetic base, hence there (Table 1).
is an urgent need to widen the genetic
Table1. List of some varieties tolerant to biotic/abiotic stresses.
S. Crop Variety/rootstock Character(s)
No.
1 Coriander ACr-1& 2 Resistant to stem gall
2 Cumin GC-4 Resistance to wilt
3 Fenugreek AFg-4 Resistant to powdery mildew
4 Ajwain AA-93 Drought tolerant, short duration
5 Celery ACel-1 Early maturity
6 Coriander for green Ajmer Green Suitable for summer cultivation
leaf Coriander-1

4. Protected cultivation needs focus to precautionary measures to protect

save the crops from weather against crop pests and disease.
aberrations. In tall crops like fennel, 7. To reduce the effect of climate change
dill use of high walk in tunnel and low and to increase the profitability of
walk in tunnels made of polythene farmers, diversification is important.
sheet or insect proof net house are With dwindling arable land and
advisable. It will also advance the increased demand of seed spices the
crops for 30 days compared to open less input requiring crops, more land
cultivation. Apart from protection area will not be available exclusively
from frost these structures also protect for cultivation of such crops.
seed spice crops from uncertain rains Therefore a strategy is needed to
and hailstorm. incorporate these crops into regular
5. The judicious water utilization in the agricultural systems (Lal and Verma,
form of drip, mist and sprinkler will 2018).
be a key factor to deal with the 8. The use of molecular markers as a
drought conditions. In management of selection tool provides the potential
frost use of raised bed, drip irrigation for increasing the efficiency of
with acid fertigation will reduce the breeding programs by reducing
damage by keeping plant with environmental variability, facilitating
sufficient water. earlier selection and reducing
6. In order to manage crop against subsequent population sizes for field
various pests and diseases it is testing.
necessary to develop forecast models
based on prevailing weather
conditions. There is need to develop
forecast models specific to region,
specific to crop so that farmer can take

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Brown, M.E., J.M. Antle, P. Backlund, E.R.

9. Farmers should have the facilities to Carr, W.E. Easterling, M.K. Walsh, C.
protect the crop and they can create Ammann, W. Attavanich, C.B. Barrett,
facilities for preliminary and M.F. Bellemare, V. Dancheck, C. Funk,
secondary processing to enhance the K. Grace, J.S.I. Ingram, H. Jiang, H.
income. Focus on secondary Maletta, T. Mata, A. Murray, M.
agriculture like packaging and Ngugi, D. Ojima, B. O’Neill, and C.
processing is needed (Lal, and Mehta, Tebaldi. 2015. Climate Change, Global
2013; Lalet al., 2015. Food Security, and the U.S. Food
System. 146 pages.
CONCLUSION DASD (2020-21). Directorate of Arecanut&
Spices Development,
Seed spices are annual culinary Calicut.https://www.dasd.gov.in/index.
herbs require very less inputs than the php/statistics.html
other arable crops and India is having IPGRI (1993) Diversity for development.
commanding positions on the globe in the Rome, Italy: International Plant Genetic
area and production of the crops with good Resources Institute.
quality produce. The impact of climate has Karmakar, R., I. Das, D. Dutta and A.
also been seen in these crops like other Rakshit (2016). Potential Effects of
crops. The climatic and weather Climate Change on Soil Properties: A
aberrations led to loss of plant growth, Review. Sci. Int., 4: 51‒73.
development, reduction in yield levels with Lal, G. and Mehta, R.S. (2013).Post harvest
poor quality produce. Adaptation and handling, processing and value addition
mitigation strategies are short and long- of seed spices. In: Souvenir of Nat.
term changes to human activities that Seminar on production, productivity
respond to the effects climate change. and quality of spices. Published by
Adaptation will require cost-effective Director, NRCSS, Ajmer and Director,
investments in water infrastructure, DASD, Calicut.
emergency preparation for and response to Lal, G. and Verma, A.K. (2018). Seed species
extreme weather events. Effective research for diversified agriculture to enhance
work is needed to widen the genetic base, farmers income. In: Shod Chintan:
to bred suitable varieties resistance to Intensification and Diversification in
biotic and abiotic stresses. In recent years Agriculture for Livelihood and Rural
adoption of protected cultivation Development. Vol. 10: 214-219.
technologies like temporary vertical walls, Lal, G.,Mehta, R.S., Sharma, B.K.,Bhati, A.
walk-in tunnels, insect proof net, shade and Barolia, B.M. (2015). Influence of
nets etc. played crucial to save the crops storage period and packaging practices
from biotic as well as abiotic stresses. on essential oiland organoleptic quality
REFERENCES of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)
seed. International J. Seed Spices 5, 74-
Asit, M. and S. Neenu, 2012.Impact of 78.
climate change on soil biodiversity- a Sastry, E.V.D. (2017). Climate Resilient
review. Agri. Rev., 33: 283-292. Plant for Seed Spices. Curr Trends
Biomedical Eng&Biosci., 3(3): 555

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Climate resilient strategies for sustainable spices production

C.K. THANKAMANI, K. KANDIANNAN, K.S. KRISHNAMURTHY AND
V. SRINIVASAN
ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode
INTRODUCTION mainly confined to western part of the
country in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Saffron
The spice is one of the earliest is from Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim is
traded commodities in the world, the the largest producer of large cardamom.
history of the cultivation and played an There are efficient production zones within
important role in the evolution of human these regions, for example, relative spread
civilizations. India is a ‘Land of Spices’ and yield of black pepper are high in
and spice trade is ancient and has rich Idukki and Wyanad districts in Kerala, The
history. The fast-growing food industry Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu and Kodagu
world over depends largely on spices to and Chickmagalur districts in Karanataka.
diversify taste and flavour in their stuff. In Similarly, efficient production zones are
India, spices are grown in an area of 4.48 there for other spice crops that have to be
million ha with a production of 11.03 demarcated.
million tonnes. Cumin, chillies, coriander,
garlic, mint, turmeric, black pepper, ginger STRATEGIES FOR CLIMATE
and fenugreek occupies major area. In RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE
terms of production garlic, ginger, chillies, SPICES PRODUCTION
turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek,
tamarind, fennel, black pepper and mint i) Delineation of Efficient Production
are contributing maximum for total spices Zones
production. Spices also import natural Crop mapping and zonation are important
colours to food that preferred by health- for efficient planning and better utilization
conscious consumers in developed of resources. There are efficient zones
countries than cheap synthetic ones. Thus, exists within the particular geographical
spices play a key role in the food industry area or administrative units (state / district)
world over. where crops are produced. These efficient
zones have to be demarcated by using
Spices are grown in a wide range indices like relative spread index (RSI) and
of climates - from tropical to sub-tropical relative yield index (RYI) (Kanwar 1972).
to temperate, almost all spices grow
splendidly in our country and grown as RSI= {Area of particular crop expressed
rainfed crop in high rainfall areas and as as % of total cultivable area in the District
irrigated crops in less rainfall areas. Like ÷ Area of
any other crop, spices yield is also a Particular crop expressed as % of total
function of factors like weather, soil type cultivable area in the State} × 100
and its nutrient status, management RYI= {Mean yield of a particular crop in a
practices and pest and diseases attack. The District (kg/ha) ÷ Mean yield of the crop in
black pepper and cardamom are the State} × 100
predominantly grown in Western Ghats
and adjacent regions, whereas chillies,
ginger and turmeric grown throughout the
country in more than200districts, the seed
spices like cumin, fennel, fenugreek

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Criteria for efficient cropping zone

Relative Yield Index (RYI) Relative Spread Index (RSI)
>125 High >100 High
75-125 Medium 75-100 Medium
<75 Low <75 Low

Based on combined RYI and RSI, the crop production zones were categorized as given below
Zone RYI RSI Category
1 High High Most efficient zone
1a High Medium Most efficient zone with variation
2 High Low Efficient zone
2a Medium High Efficient zone with little year to year variation
2b Medium Medium Efficient zone with medium year to year variation
2c Medium Low Efficient zone with great year to year variation
3 Low High Not efficient zone with greater variation
3a Low Medium Not efficient zone with medium year to year variation
4 Low Low Not efficient zone with little variation

We have classified zones for black pepper, on sensitivity index, exposure index,
small and large cardamom and cumin that adaptive capacity index and vulnerability
would help in planning and index (Rama Rao et al. 2013) and reported
implementation of developmental schemes that out of 572 districts 115, 115, 114, 114,
considering the production efficiency. 114 districts are falls in very high, high,
medium, low and very low vulnerability
VULNERABILITY AREAS DUE TO category, respectively. The status of North
CLIMATE CHANGE East listed below (Table 1) Vulnerability is
more seen in Rajasthan (25 districts),
National Initiative on Climate
Gujarat (14) Karnataka (14), Madhya
Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) has
Pradesh (14), Maharashtra (12), Uttar
categorised the vulnerability of districts in
Pradesh (12) and North East is relatively
Indian States for changing climate based
less.
Table 1. Degree of vulnerability in the districts of North Eastern States due to climate change
(2021 -50)
State Very High Medium Low Very Total
high Low
Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 5 9 14
Assam 1 1 1 7 13 23
Manipur 0 0 3 3 3 9
Meghalaya 0 0 1 3 3 7
Mizoram 0 0 1 7 0 8
Nagaland 0 0 0 3 5 8
Sikkim 0 0 0 2 2 4
Tripura 0 0 0 0 4 4
North East Total 1 1 6 30 39 77
All India 115 115 114 114 114 572

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ii) Identification of Climate Analogue management plans for spices have been
Sites standardized for organic farming systems
and organic packages have been developed
Climate analogues tool, a web-based tool for black pepper, ginger and turmeric and
developed by the Research Programme on to some extent in seed spices integrating
climate change, agriculture and food composts, oil cakes, biofertilizers/ PGPRs
security (CCAFS) helps to identify, and biocontrol agents. Soil solarization
connect and map sites with statistically coupled with PGPR application showed
similar climates across space and good control of bacterial wilt of ginger
time(Climate analogue 2011). The even in sick field conditions. Similarly,
geographical coordinates of efficient zones integrated management involving
under the crop in India based on relative application of site specific nutrient
spread index and relative yield index can management, PGPRs and micronutrient
be used as the input/reference site for application helped in sustaining the yield
finding the analogues sites. Rainfall and of virus affected black pepper plantations.
temperature are the main climate variables Anentomo pathogenic fungus,
used for the study under SRES (Special Lecanicillium psalliotae, effective in
Report on Emissions Scenarios) A1B controlling the cardamom thrips was
(balanced across energy sources) emission potentially identified and evaluated for
scenario. Similarity index with 0.75 to 1.0 agro-climatic conditions in Kerala and
could be climate analogue site as highly Karnataka. The technology is ideal for
likely areas and 0.5 to 0.75 as may be adoption in organic farming.
moderately likely areas for cultivation of Organically grown turmeric recorded the
spices under study in future (year 2020 to highest oleoresin and curcumin contents in
2049) with climate change. all the years studied. The studies also have
The potential area for future changing climate shown that varieties like IISR Suguna,
scenario (2020 to 2049), we could identify Sudharsana and IISR Pragati showed
climate analogues sites for black pepper, excellent performance under pure organic
cardamoms, cumin with similarity value of based management system and their
0.750 to 1.0 and .50 to 0.749 in 390 taluks quality profile showed increase in quality
distributed in 133 districts in 17 states of India attributes. The sustainability index of the
for black pepper, 236 taluks distributed in 104 soil measured with nutrient index,
districts in 19 states of India for small microbial index and crop index compared
cardamom, 234 taluks distributed in 112 under different management systems for
districts in 15 states of India for large cardamom and turmeric showed that the
cardamom and 453 districts in 25 states of nutrient index (NI) was highest in
India for cumin cultivation where cultivation
conventional management system (1.22)
of these crops is not reported at current
situation. whereas the microbial (MI) and crop
indices (CI) were higher under fully
iii) Soil resilience and organic farming: - organic (1.23) and integrated systems
Soil health is the key factor that (1.19), respectively.
determines the resilience of crop iv) Climate resilient varieties: The Indian
production under changing climate. Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR)
Practice of organic farming would enhance and National research Centre on Seed
the resilience in the farming system, Spices (ICAR-NRCSS) are under ICAR
ensures better soil health with ecosystem dedicated to the research on major spice
services as a result sustainability in the crops and holds the world biggest spices
spices production. germplasm collection. These institutes
Organic farming depends on the organic in conserve national accredited germplasm
puts for its sustainability. Nutrient

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(NAG) in the country and maintain the Kerala. The experiments at Regional
world’s largest germplasm collection of Station, ICAR-IISR, Appangala in Coorg
spices about 7000 accessions in spices revealed that basin irrigation with 50-60 L
involving 38 centers of AICRPS, develops per vine after harvest from March 15th –
production technologies for different agro May 15th at fortnightly intervals increased
climatic zones for 24 states of the country. the uniform emergence of new leaves and
The institutes have developed and released spikes in mid May-June and full spike
more than 40 improved varieties and over setting by June. Irrigation with seven to ten
150 varieties through AICRPS system in litres/vine/day through drip during summer
all major spice crops with high yield, months (October to March) recorded higher
quality and resistance to pests and yield of pepper. Similarly, in the multi-
pathogens (Nirmal Babu et al. storeyed cropping system of black pepper
2022).Climate resilient varieties of trained on coconut and arecanut, the ETc
turmeric viz., IISR Pragati (short duration values of black pepper ranged from 0.31 to
variety overcoming drought) and NDH98 0.42 mm/day and the crop coefficient of
(saline tolerant, stable yield across the black pepper ranged from 0.07 to 0.10.
country), ginger variety-IISR Mahima These values will help in the estimation of
(nematode tolerant), cumin variety-GC4 water requirement of black pepper in
(wilt tolerant), dual purpose varieties of different cropping systems.
coriander and determinate types of
fenugreek (suitable for mechanized vi) Scientific crop production:-The
harvesting) played an important role in technologies such as seed priming, seed
increasing the income of farmers. hardening and encapsulation helps early
germination, better growth, vigour and
v) Water harvesting and irrigation: drought tolerance; transplanting techniques
Spices are cultivated both in rainfed and to reduce the main field duration and save
irrigated lands. Ground water depilation is the seed, drip-fertigation to enhance the
at an alarming rate and urgent need for fertilizer use efficiency and save water,
community-based groundwater bio-control application for residue free
management and an understanding of how spices etc., has to be used on regular basis
to build and maintain the aquifers that hold for sustaining the production. Spraying
and supply groundwater. Water harvesting lime @1.5% or spraying Kaolin @2.0%
and recycling should be integral part of protects the black pepper crop preventing
spices production particularly in rain fed leaf fall and defoliation due to sun
production system. Practice of mulching scorching. Providing sprinklers for
conserves the moisture in rain fed system. evaporative cooling or shade net also
In irrigated system one should adopt reduces the heat load on plant.
efficient water management practices by Transplanting techniques for rhizomatous
using drip and sprinkler systems etc. spices also useful technology for climate
Experiments conducted at Ludhiana with resilient spices production. The studies on
drip irrigation of turmeric indicated that the performance of transplanted system of
irrigation at 100% ETo(Reference turmeric and ginger for commercial
evapotranspiration) recorded maximum cultivation in comparison to conventional
processed turmeric yield which was planting showed that the yield in the field
statistically at par with that drip irrigation did not vary significantly and the quality
at 80% ETo but significantly better than parameters in the rhizomes of conventional
60% ETo. Basin irrigation of vines with and transplant systems were also
100 L once in 10 days per vine at IW/CPE comparable, signifying the suitability of
ratio of 0.25 from December to March single sprout transplant system by
increased the yield of black pepperin considering the reduction in seed rhizome

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

quantity and eventually reduced cost on cost and easy handling and transport, no
seed rhizomes, without significant harmful byproducts, storage at normal
reduction in yield and quality (Prasath et temperature with enhanced shelf life.
al. 2018). Besides, this encapsulation technique can
The emergence and early growth of ginger be used to deliver all kinds agriculturally
is inherently slow and weed growth can important microorganisms. Seed spices
impact on yield. A field experiment have major constraints like low
comprising different organic mulch viz., germination, slow initial growth and high
paddy straw, coir pith compost, dried susceptibility to diseases and frost. Seed
coconut leaves, Glycosmis pentaphylla coating technology using PGPR is a novel
leaves (farmer’s practice), Lantana process of coating efficient strains of
camara leaves, cowpea plants and plastic PGPR on seed spices such as coriander,
mulch black, ash and white colour were cumin, fennel and fenugreek. The seeds
compared with non-mulched ginger grown coated with PGPR exhibited longer shelf
under rainfed condition. Maximum weed life and germination and remained intact
control efficiency (72%) was recorded by even after1 year of storage.
the treatment application of one season old
paddy straw along with green leaf mulch. viii) Protected cultivation & Canopy
Application of dried coconut leaves alone architecture modification: In spices, the
at the time of planting recorded maximum poly house / net house structures are used
benefit cost (B: C) ratio (2.04) followed by mainly for raising quality planting
the application of one season old paddy materials. However, many farmers taken
straw. Application of dried coconut leaves up cultivating ginger, coriander etc., in
as a mulch for suppressing weeds in ginger commercial scale using protected
is a viable technology which can be cultivation techniques. It is useful for
practiced in places where coconut is being commercially important low volume and
grown in India (Thankamani et al. 2016). high value spices crop cultivation.
Majority of soils in the spice growing Experiments are underway on turmeric
areas are encountering fertility issues due vertical farming.
to acidity, nutrient imbalances and
Spices like black pepper and nutmeg
deficiencies of secondary and
exhibits dimorphic branching with straight
micronutrients that becomes yield limiting.
growing orthotropic and side branch
Crop specific, soil test / pH-based
plagiotropic shoots. The planting materials
micronutrient mixtures for foliar in spice
from side branches will grow like a bush
guarantees significant increase in yield and
and suitable for high density planting.
quality have also been developed.
Normal spacing for filed grown pepper
vii) Plant health management: Plant spacing is 2.5 – 3.0 x 2.5 – 3.0 m, (1100
health management is an important input plants per ha) whereas, bush pepper can be
to reduce the persistent problem of planted at 2 x 1 m spacing to
insecticide/ fungicideresidues and increase accommodate more plants. The yields of
the food safety of spices. normal field grown individual plants will
always be more than individual bush
Use of biologicals and biocontol agents pepper. By growing more plants per unit
like Trichoderma harzianum, Pochonia area we can reduce this production gap.
chlamydosporia, a biocontrol agent against These bush types suitable for homestead,
nematodes are highly relevant in this terraces, bunds and pots, also add aesthetic
context. Adoption of novel and smart values of the premises.
delivery of biocontrol agents through
encapsulation need to be popularised. This ix) Cropping system(CS)/ Integrated
encapsulation process is simple, reduced Farming System (IFS): Spices are highly

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amenable for different cropping systems. for different agro-climatic regions of India
Practice of cropping system is always is available that has to be adopted to
better option than monoculture and it is a sustain the production and survival of
way to protect the farmers from vagaries marginal and poor farmers. ICAR-IISR has
of weather / pest and diseases / market developed and demonstrated spices-based
fluctuation. When two or more crops IFS model suited for small and marginal
grown along with main crop, under farmers involving spices, coconut,
unforeseen situations, even one crop fails, vegetables, fruits, tuber crops, animal
some income or produce could be obtained component and fishery, with a profit of Rs.
from other crops in the intercropping 1.23 lakhs per annum from one-acre plot.
system. Under favourable condition Spices as mixed/ inter cropping in the
farmers will get additional income or other home gardens of south India, not only
economic produces like vegetable, fodder, sequester C in biomass and soil, but also
green manure, etc. The crop based reduce fossil-fuel burning by promoting
husbandry alone will not generate wood fuel production, and
adequate employment and income to small Conserve agrobiodiversity. In addition,
and marginal farmers in the context of they help in the conservation of C stocks
climate change. It is essential to integrate in existing natural forests by alleviating the
crops with animal husbandry, bee keeping, pressure on these areas. Moreover, there is
mushroom production, sericulture, etc.., no complete removal of biomass from the
There are several improved farming home gardens having multi species
systems model for different agro-climatic cropping systems. The home garden
regions of India is available that has to be system, thus, is remarkably resilient,
adopted to sustain the production and which is an added advantage. Conservation
survival of marginal and poor farmers. of agrobiodiversity is yet another
Horti-horti three-tier system suitable are advantage and the production of timber
Areca nut + black pepper +ginger/ and non-timber products offsets the
turmeric/ pineapple/Assam lemon and pressure on natural forests for these goods
Silvi-horti-three tier system are MPT + and services. Mixed cropping under home
black pepper + ginger/turmeric/pineapple gardens thus not only provides a win–win
are the better systems for north eastern hill strategy for small-scale farmers in climate
(NEH) regions (Jhaet al. 2017). Ginger change mitigation and adaptation
and turmeric are the potential horticultural initiatives but also in agrobiodiversity
crops for NEH region and suitable to grow conservation.
mid-hill region (<800m). In an agri-hort-
silvi-pastoral system, the highest rice CONCLUSION
equivalent yield (REY) of 2006.5 kg was
recorded with Capsicum-Turmeric (REY) Spices are high value and low
cropping system. In the silvi-horticultural volume crops, grown in an area of 4.2
system of NEH region, the lower terrace million ha with a production of 9.89
was utilized turmeric +bottle gourd, million tonnes. Cumin, chillies, coriander,
turmeric + pumpkin cropping systems. garlic, mint, turmeric, black pepper, ginger
The crop based husbandry alone and fenugreek occupies major area. In
will not generate adequate employment terms of production garlic, ginger, chillies,
and income to small and marginal farmers turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek,
in the context of climate change. It is tamarind, fennel, black pepper and mint
essential to integrate crops with animal are contributing maximum for total spices
husbandry, bee keeping, mushroom production. India exported around 1.76
production, sericulture, etc.., There are million tonnes of spices and value-added
several improved farming systems model products to the value of around

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Rs.31,000crores during 2020-21. The Kanwar JS. (1972). Cropping patterns,

demand for spices and its products are scope and concept. In: Proceedings
increasing and sustaining their production of Cropping Patterns in India, pp.
in the era of climate change is a great 11–38. Indian Council of
challenge. The temperature is raising Agricultural Research, New Delhi,
temperature, rainfall is erratic and India.
frequency of extreme weather is Nirmal Babu K, Srinivasan V, Kandiannan
increasing. Identification of efficient K, Krishnamurthi KS. (2022).
climate analogue sites, creating soil Technological interventions for
resilience, practice of organic farming, increasing sustainability and
growing climate resilient varieties, water profitability in spices. In: Singh, R.,
harvesting and recycling, efficient houdhary, S., Verma, A.K., Meena,
irrigation systems and fertilizer use R.D. and Chaudhary, N. (eds.).
techniques, use of bio-controls, growing Compendium of Winter School on
multiple cropping with integrated farming Crop Diversification with Low
system, following crop advisories for Volume High Value Seed Spices and
timely operations, protected cultivation for Horticultural Crops for Doubling
off-season production, mechanization for Farmer’s Income.ICAR-National
planting, intercultural operations and Research Centre on Seed Spices,
harvesting and institutional support would Ajmer.
help the sustainable spices production in Prasath D, Kandiannan K, Srinivasan V,
the changing climate in India. Leela NK, and Anandaraj M (2018).
Comparison of conventional and
REFERENCES transplant production systems on
yield and quality of ginger (Zingiber
Climate Analogue (2011). CIAT, CCAFS, officinale). Indian Journal of
Walker Institute, Climate Impacts Agricultural Sciences 88 (4): 615–
Group (University of Leeds), Future 620.
Earth. Climate Analogues. Rama Rao CA, Raju BMK, SubbaRao
Copenhagen, Denmark: CGIAR AVM, Rao KV, Rao VUM,
Research Program on Climate Kausalya Ramachandran,
Change, Agriculture and Food Venkateswarlu B and Sikka AK
Security (CCAFS). (2013). Atlas on vulnerability of
(http://www.ccafs- Indian agriculture to climate
analogues.org/tool/). Change.Central Research Institute
Jha AK, Rymbai H, Verma VK, for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad
Deshmukh NA, Talang H, Ruth p116. http://www.nicra-
Assumi S, Devi MB. (2017) Role of icar.in/nicrarevised/images/publicati
horticulture in jhum improvement ons/Vulerability_Atlas_web.pdf
and rehabilitation In: Prakash N, Roy Thankamani CK, Kandiannan K, Hamza S,
S S, Ansari M A, Sharma S K, and Saji KV (2016). Effect of
Punitha P, Sailo B and Singh I M. mulches on weed suppression and
(eds). Jhum Improvement for yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale
Sustaining Farm Livelihood and Roscoe). Scientia Horticulturae, 207:
Natural Resource Conservation in 125–130.
North Eastern Hill Region: Vistas
and Frontiers. ICAR Research
Complex for NEH Region,
Meghalaya, India. pp. 89–103.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Climate smart practices for moisture stress mitigation and improving

resource-use efficiency in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
R.L. CHOUDHARY*, R.S. JAT, H.V. SINGH, M.L. DOTANIYA, V.D. MEENA,
M.K. MEENA AND P.K. RAI
ICAR-ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur- 321303, Rajasthan, India
*Corresponding author’s email: rl.choudhary@icar.gov.in

India is the fourth largest vegetable develop the drought mitigation strategies
oil economy at the global level after USA, for increasing the productivity and
China and Brazil, with 6.5% share in profitability of the rapeseed-mustard.
world’s oilseeds production; 3.7% of Climate resilient conservation agriculture-
vegetable oil production; 5.4% of oil meal based production system along with
production; 2.5% of oil meal export; superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), and
18.8% of oil import and 11.3% of the stress alleviating chemicals like plant bio
world’s edible oil consumption, during regulators (PBRs) to enhance plant’s built-
2019–20 (Chauhan et al., 2021). in defence could be better options to adapt
Nevertheless, to meet the existing deficit and mitigate the impact of water stress and
in edible oils (55-60%), India is currently reduce the cost of cultivation, and enhance
importing around 13 million tonnes at a the sustainability and profitability of the
cost of Rs. 1.17 lakh crore to the mustard production system. Therefore, the
exchequer. Oilseed Brassica achieved present study was conducted with the
significant growth in India accounting objectives i) to mitigate the impact of
about 23.3% area and 28.0% production of deficit moisture stress in Indian mustard
the total oilseeds in the country during and ii) to study interactive response of
2020-21. However, productivity of the different moisture stress mitigating
crop is still low due to large cultivation strategies on resource-use efficiency,
under rain fed situation, further productivity and profitability of Indian
accentuated by biotic and abiotic stresses. mustard.
Drought stress, as the most important METHODOLOGY
factor limiting growth and yield of crops,
affects about 40 to 60 % of global Afield experiment was conducted
agricultural lands (Godarzi et al., 2017). at ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard
Water stress, an extended period of low Research, Bharatpur during 2021-22with
water availability/ precipitation, affects Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in
almost 40% of the 6–7 million hectares of kharif crops-mustard cropping system.
farmland in India (Rani et al., 2021). Four treatment combinations of tillage,
Water stress during growing season in cropping systems, and moisture regimes
rapeseed-mustard could reduce the i.e., i) conventional tillage practices in
production by 17 to 94 % (Chauhan et al., pearl millet–mustard cropping system
2011). Further, water stress at the under deficit moisture stress (CT+PM-
important critical stages of the crop has led M+MS); ii) conservation agricultural
to a drastic decline in growth and yields of practices in pearl millet–mustard cropping
Indian mustard (Choudhary et al., 2021; system under moisture stress (CA+PM-
Langadi et al., 2021). As the country’s M+MS); iii) CA-based permanent bed
population increases, so does the demand planting in maize–mustard cropping
for oilseed crops. Therefore, in view of the system under moisture stress (CA+Mz-
current and future demand of edible oil, M+MS); and iv) CT in fallow–mustard
limited water supply conditions and ever- cropping system under normal moisture as
increasing production costs trigger to farmers’ practice (CT+F-M+NS) were

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
taken inmain-plot, and six treatment The maximum values of dry matter
combinations of plant bio-regulators production and main shoot length were
(PBRs; salicylic acid, SA 100 ppm; also recorded with SAP+SA which were
thiourea, TU 0.1%; potassium nitrate, PN on par with SAP+TU and SAP+PN but
1.5%) and superabsorbent polymer-pusa significantly higher than rest of the
hydrogel (SAP 2.5 kg/ha) were assigned to treatments. Similarly, SAP+SA resulted in
sub-plots of a split-plot design with three the highest number of siliquae on main
replications. Standard packages and shoot as well as highest number seeds per
practices of CA and CT systems were siliqua than the other treatments. The
followed to establish the crops. interaction effects between combinations
superabsorbent polymer was drilled in the of tillage, cropping system and moisture
furrow at the time of sowing and plant bio- regimes, and moisture stress mitigation
regulators were sprayed at the flowering options showed that use of SAP+SA in
and siliquae formation stages of the CA-based maize- mustard cropping
mustard. Moisture stress regime was systems under moisture stress conditions
created by with-holding the 2nd irrigation. increased the mustard seed yield by 2.3-
Data on different growth and yield 17.1% over the normal irrigated CT-based
parameters were recorded and analyzed F-M cropping system. The lowest seed
using the standard methods and protocols. yield (1.88 t/ha) was recorded in the CT-
based PM-M cropping system under
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION moisture stress regime with control
(without SAP or PBRs). Further CA-based
All the growth and yield permanent bed planting in mustard along
parameters of the mustard were influenced with SAP+SA under moisture stress
significantly due to different moisture enhanced the net returns by 17.7-49.7%,
regimes and stress mitigation options. In and reduced the total cost of cultivation by
general, imposing of post-flowering Rs 16505/ha with remarkable saving in
moisture stress condition in Indian mustard labour cost (46.0%), fuel cost (83.7%)and
reduced the plant height 4-8%, dry matter water use (62.5%)over the CT-based
production by 6-17%, main shoot length normal irrigated mustard production
by 7-14%, number of siliquae on main system.
shoot by 4-12%, number of seeds/ siliqua
by 3-11% and 1000-seeds weight by 2-9% CONCLUSION
over the normal moisture regime (Table 1).
Under normal moisture condition, the Based on the present investigation,
maximum values of plant height, dry the combined use of conservation
matter production per plant, main shoot agriculture-based permanent bed planting
length, number of primary branches per system, superabsorbent polymer and
plant, number of siliquae on main shoot, salicylic acid not only mitigated the deficit
seeds per siliqua and 1000-seed weight moisture stress but also improved the
were recorded with CT-based fallow- productivity and profitability and resource-
mustard cropping system. However, under use efficiency as compared the
moisture stress conditions, CA-based Mz- conventional tillage-based normal irrigated
M cropping system recorded the higher mustard production system. Therefore, the
values of these parameters over the CT said technology can be recommended and
systems (Table 1). Among the moisture scale-out for sustainable mustard
stress mitigation options, SAP+SA being cultivation, and to boost the mustard oil
on par with other treatments of SAP and production and profits of the farmers in
PBRs resulted the tallest plants than fragile rainfed agro-ecologies.
control (without SAP or PBR) treatments.

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REFERENCES Godarzi, A., Bazrafshan, F., Zare, M.,
Faraji, H., Langeroodi, A.R.S. 2017.
Chauhan, J.S., Singh, K.H., Singh, V.V. Studying the effect of drought stress
and Kumar, S. 2011. Hundred years on yield and physiological
of rapeseed-mustard breeding in characteristics in genotypes of
India: accomplishments and future canola (Brassica napus L.). Helix8:
strategies. Indian Journal of 1250-1258.
Agricultural Sciences81(12): 1093– Langadi, A.K., Choudhary, R.L., Jat, R.S.,
1109. Singh, H.V., Dotaniya, M.L., Meena,
Chauhan, J.S., Choudhury, P.R., Pal, S. M.K., Premi, O.P. and Rai, P.K.
and Singh, K.H. 2021. An overview 2021.Effect of superabsorbent
of oilseeds and oil scenario, seed polymer on drought Mitigation, and
chain and strategy to energize seed enhancing productivity and
production.Indian Journal of profitability of Indian mustard (B.
Agricultural Sciences91(2): 183–92. juncea).Journal of Oilseeds
Choudhary, R.L., Langadi, A.K., Jat, R.S., Research38(2): 179–186.
Anupama, Singh, H.V., Meena, Rani, P., Saini, I., Singh, N., Kaushik, P.,
M.D., Dotaniya, M.L., Meena, M.K., Wijaya, L., Al-Barty, A., Darwish,
Premi, O.P. and Rai, P.K. 2021. H. and Noureldeen, A. 2021.Effect
Mitigating the moisture stress in of potassium fertilizer on the growth,
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) physiological parameters, and water
through polymer.Journal of oilseed status of Brassica juncea cultivars
Brassica12(1): 21–27. under different irrigation
regimes.PlosOne16(9): e0257023.
Https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.
0257023

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Table 1. Effect of tillage, cropping system& moisture regimes, and moisture stress mitigation
options on growth, yield attributes and seed yield of Indian mustard
Treatment Plant Dry matter Length of No. of No. Seed
height production main siliqua on of yield
(cm) (g/plant) shoot (cm) main seeds/ (t/ha)
shoot siliqa
Tillage, cropping system & moisture regimes
CT+PM-M+MS 183.3 90.4 70.0 52.3 15.4 2.19
CA+PM-M+MS 185.7 97.7 71.0 54.0 16.2 2.41
CA+Mz-M+MS 191.5 102.5 76.1 57.5 16.7 2.70
CT+F-M+NM 199.5 109.2 82.1 59.6 17.2 2.87
LSD (p=0.05) 8.6 3.8 5.8 2.8 1.0 0.15
Moisture stress mitigation options
SAP 188.7 97.2 73.9 54.6 16.1 2.45
SAP+TU 193.0 104.7 75.4 59.1 17.1 2.73
SAP+PN 190.5 102.8 78.0 58.1 16.6 2.63
SAP+SA 194.6 109.3 78.9 61.7 17.9 2.89
Water spray 186.5 93.0 71.7 51.0 15.3 2.30
Control 186.6 92.8 71.0 50.4 15.1 2.26
LSD (p=0.05) 6.0 9.4 4.78 4.0 0.8 0.14

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Traditional gully control structure practiced by the Tribes of

Arunachal Pradesh
S.K. PATTANAAIK1, P. DEBNATH2, BIKRAM SINGH3, JAYASHREE
MOHANTY4 AND B.N. HAZARIKA5
1
Associate Professor & Head, Agricultural Engineering, Department of Natural Resource
Management
2
Professor, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Department of Natural Resource Management
3
Associate Professor, Department of Silviculture & Agro-forestry
.4Field-cum-Laboratory Assistant, Department of Basic Sciences
5
Dean
College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
Email:spattanaaik@gmail.com

ABSTRACT population is 0.8 million. The State is

ranked second among States and UTs in
The Adi tribe of Arunachal terms of area under forest cover. The net
Pradesh is very rich in indigenous sown area is 209 thousand hectares,
traditional knowledge in conserving culturable wasteland is 67 thousand
natural resources by constructing various hectares and a fallow land is 110
soil and water conservation structures. thousand
The Rango, is such traditional structure, hectares.Leastforestcoverexistswithanaltit
which is specifically used for reducing udebelow500maboveMSL.Climateofthest
gully erosion. This increases per collation ate varies from temperate in the northern
of run off to recharge ground water and part to warm and humid to southern part
moisture profile. The people of the with average annual rainfall
watersheds of East Siang district have rangingfrom2000mmto8000mm.Theinten
their traditional clarification for design sityof rainfall has recorded more than
&constructionofthisstructure.Thishelpsins 10mm/hr. The torrential rain causes
tabilizinggulliesandimproveslandforpossi considerable soil erosion causing gullies
ble cultivation of crops. in agricultural lands. The gullies make
the cultivation of crops difficult and also
Keywords: Adi Tribe , Rango, Dibang, cause danger to the existence of houses in
Bhuluka and Korang the villages.
INTRODUCTION Erosion is the gradual washing
away or removal of the top-most surface
Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the of the earth’s crust. This removal is
dawn-lit mountains is located in the north caused by erosive agents in particular to
–eastern corner of the country. The total the region where it occurs. it refers also
geographic area of the state is 83,743 to a local loss of water, nutrients and
km2, which is 2.5% of the country’s organic matter (1to500kg/ha/year on
geographic area. Main rivers of the state weeded crops). Erosion is a concept
are Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and covering many processes that show great
Trip which slope down to the plains of spatio-temporal variation. Consequently,
Assam. The human population of the different soil conservation strategies must
state is 1.09 million (0.1% of the be employed in different places and
country’s population) out of which rural among different peoples. Geological
population constitutes 79.6% of the erosion is generally as low process,
state’s population. The livestock although catastrophic phenomena such as

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landslides that level hillsides can occur potatoes, ginger, turmeric, pineapple,
suddenly. Accelerated erosion now cassava, vegetables, etc. are also grown in
occurs in relation to the following human both the seasons. Mostly fields are fallow
activities: overgrazing, cutting of forests, during the winter season except where
jhum cultivation, poor cultivation irrigation facilities are available.
practices, and reduced fallow. Torrential
rainfall and steep land slopes cause Traditional methods of water
runoff and further soil erosion. The management including gully erosion
people living in these areas have control consist of harnessing the hill
developed management strategies to streams during monsoon by constructing
conserve land and water resources temporary check dams on stream bed for
preserving the local environment since diversion and conveyance of water through
time immemorial. This is also cited by split bamboo pipe, earthen channel, etc.
Eric Roose, 2008. Therefore, rural Boulder, timber and earthen dams are used
communities have progressively to build across the stream to raise the level
developed over the centuries various of water for diversion. Indigenous water
strategies (26 observed in the Moroccan management practices with Yetbung
mountains) well adapted to their Lingang and Linkum are widely used in
conditions in order to manage water and East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh
soil nutrients on steep hill slopes. since longback. There are abundance of
Traditional conservation practices are stones, boulders, bamboo and tokopata
limited to stone walls if the soil is stony which are meticulously utilized for raising
(on sandstone, quartzite and amphibolite) these two structures used for storing of
or to stone lines, grass strips or cut- water, irrigating the crop, laying of pipe,
branch lines in the Sudano-Sahelian checking erosion loss, erecting a
Areas of Western Africa (Eric Roose, temporary small bridge, etc.(Pattanaaik, et.
2008) al., 2012) There is a tradition of such
irrigation practices being followed by
Water is one of the key inputs to village/community as a whole in carrying
agriculture for obtaining high crop yield. water from streams over large distances.
Either excess or deficit of water in plant Based on long experience under existing
root environment constraints optimal crop soil and climatic conditions as well as
production. Northeast India, being a high availability of large number of hill
rainfall area coupled with steep streams, farmers in certain areas have
topography experiences excessive surface developed typical systems of water
run off and floods during monsoon period management, which are very effective
and acute water shortage for irrigation and under the existing condition of topography
drinking purposes during winter season. and terrain. Some of these systems are
Due to hilly nature of the terrain, major bamboo drip irrigation system in
and medium irrigation projects are more Meghalaya, Zabo system in Nagaland,
or less absent. As the irrigated areas lies Apatanis ystemin Arunachal Pradesh, etc.
on the terraces of hill slopes and few in Indigenous water conservation technology
valley lands proper water management is was investigated, studied and documented
needed. However, the water management in Sumari village of Pauri district,
component has not been given due Uttaranchal by R. Kala &C.P. Kala in
importance. Community based land tenure 2006. Traditional knowledge, wisdom and
system dominates in the region. Rice is experience are quite rich to conserve
the main kharif crop grown in both natural resources (Sharma, 1998).
lowland and upland conditions in the Conservation of biodiversity and other
region. Maize, millets, soybean, natural resources over a long period of
groundnut, linseed, pea, tapioca, mustard, time has been possible because of the
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cultural, spiritual and other social irrigation purposes and overall

institutions that have guided the management of natural resources. The
relationship of local communities with Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were
resources (Gupta, 1991 and Chandrakanth, followed to discuss the location specific
2004). suitable natural resource management
practices so that a consensus score can be
METHODOLOGY derived for the further analysis and
The study was carried out in East interpretation of data.
Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The
district is dominated by Adi tribe. Debing RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Sigo Korong watershed was selected for
the study. The complete list of villages Traditional structure of gully
falling in each selected water sheds was erosion control is documented with
prepared with the help of information scientific viability. The name of the
collected from the local district rural structure is “Rango”. The word “Rango”
development agency, block, revenue is an Adi word. Adi is a dominated
department, district agriculture offices. dialect of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribe
Thereafter, the complete enumeration of has its own clarification for the
number of households in each village was construction of the structure. The
made. As per the established procedure structure is constructed by community
20% of the existing households were participation. The detail information
considered in the two water sheds for the given by tem regarding construction is
study. The data collection was made given below in the heading ‘scientific
through rapport building with the village rationality’. The structure is constructed
headman (Gaon-burha), primary school from bamboo variety called “Bhaluka”
teachers, extension workers, village priests (Bambusa balcooa) and “Dibang”
and members of local committees. A (Bambusa tulda). The broad leaf of
transect walk with the help of village “Tokopatta” (Livistona jenkinsiana
elders was made. Family heads/ elders Griff) is used at the upstream side of the
from the selected households were structure to prevent the passage of the
interviewed with the help of questionnaire sediment by water towards downstream
which was approved by the competent side. This layer of Tokopatta helps for
authority. The questionnaire was translated the continuous deposition of sediment at
to Adi language for the better the upstream side. This heals the gully
understanding of the respondents of the at its upstream side. “Korang” is
village. With the help of Project Assistant provided at the downstream side. This
and the labour to learn about ecosystems prevents the structure from collapse
and the traditional methods of land and from the unexpected torrential runoff
water management for both domestic and flow. The construction of “Rango” is
shown in figure 1.

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Fig.1(a) Cross section of “Rango”

Fig.1(b)Driving of posts made of Bhaluka into gully bed

Fig.1(c)Support to Bhaluka frame by Dibang across gully bed

Fig.1(d)Arrangement of Tokopatta on the u/sside of “Rango”&Making of Korang

From Dibang

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Fig.1(e)“Korang”filled with local stones driven at d/sside of “Rango”protect sit

From collapse

Fig.1(f) Complete “Rango” protects gully from erosion

SCIENTIFIC RATIONALITY diameter and 1-2 m in length are placed

into the holes, across the floor of the
The “Rango” is nothing but gully to a depth of 0.5-0.6m. The spacing
brushwood check dam. The main between the posts is 0.5m. Brushwood or
objective of brushwood check- dams is to Dibang bamboo pieces and to kopatta
hold fine materials carried by flowing leaves are packed between the posts. The
water in the gully. Small gully heads, no height of the posts in the centre should
deeper than one meter, are stabilized by not exceed the height of the spill way
brush wood check dams. They are otherwise the flow will be blocked and
temporary structures and should not be water may be forced to move to the gully
used to treat ongoing problems such as sides. The structure is anchored at its
concentrated run-off from roads or downstream side with the help of
cultivated fields. This type of brushwood “Korang”, which is scientifically sound.
check-dam is suited where the rate of This avoids the collapsing of the structure
runoff is moderate i.e. less than 1 m3/sec. against torrential flow in rainy season.
The construction of the dam starts with The dimension of Korang is kept that its
an excavation in the floor and into the diameter is 0.3m per metre length of
sides of the gully to a depth of 0.3-0.5 m. Rango and its length is kept about 1m.
Single or two rows of posts made of well The pointed end in inserted into the soil
grown bhaluka bamboo, 5-10 cm in at downstream side.

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CONCLUSION REFERENCES
Indigenous gully control structure Chandrakanth, M.G., Bhatt, M.G.&
“Rango” has been widely used in East Accava, M.S., Socio economic
Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh since changes and sacred grooves in
long back. There are abundance of stones, south India: Protecting a
boulders, bamboo, canes and tokopata community-based resource
which are meticulously utilised for management institution, Natural
constructing these structures, which are Resource Forum, 28, (2004), 102-
used for protecting gullies, increasing 111.
infiltration and percolation of runoff, Gupta, Anil K., Sustainability through
checking erosion loss, etc. Local Adi biodiversity: Designing Crucible of
tribe have their traditional wisdom for culture, creativity and conscience,
constructing and using them, which International conference on
corroborates the science behind their biodiversity and conservation,
thoughts. Torrential rainfall coupled with Copenhagan, November 8, (1991),
erosive nature of light textured soil of 8-10.
undulating topography requires such KalaR & Kala C.P., Indigenous Water
constructions to conserve and utilize the Conservation Technology in
natural resources like soil and water. Sumari Village of Uttaranchal,
Generally financial assistance for erecting Indian J Tradit Knowledge, 5(3)
and maintaining such structures are not (2006), 394-396.
provided by the Government and other Pattanaaik, S.K., Sen, D., Moyong, O.,
organised sectors. In this situation, Kumar, Naresh and Debnath, P.,
“Rango”, created in holistic way with Traditional System of Water
community participation has become the Management in Watersheds of
lifeline of the local people in the remote Arunachal Pradesh, Indian Journal
area of Arunachal Pradesh. of Traditional Knowledge, (2012),
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 11(4):719-723.
Roose, Eric, Soil Erosion, Conservation
Local people of the watershed are and Restoration: A few Lessons
sincerely thanked by the authors for from 50 Years of Research in
providing valuable information enriching Africa, Advances in Geo Ecology
the study. Financial assistance from the 39, (2008) pp: 159-180.
Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Sharma K.N., Water-The fulcrum of
Manipur for conducting the study is duly ancient Indian socio religious
acknowledged. traditions, Proc. International
conference on water, a looming
crisis at the beginning of the 21st
century, UNESCO, Paris (1998),
471-476.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Farmers’ perception and adaptation to climate change in Manipur
NIVETINA LAITONJAM1, RAM SINGH2 AND VICTOR L.3
1
Project Associate, ICAR-RC NEH Region,Umiam, Meghalaya
2
Professor (Agricultural Economics), Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Meghalaya
3
Research Scholar, Department of Economics, D.M. University, Imphal, Manipur

INTRODUCTION of fertilizer, insecticide and weedicide, re-

sowing or re-planting, etc.
In recent years climate change has
become one of the major environment threats RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
faced by the world. There were instances of
drought in the North Eastern Region (NER) Majority of the farmers perceived
although it fall under high rainfall zone. In reduction in duration (67.71%) and occurrence
2006 and 2009, the whole NER were severely of erratic (94.79%) annual rainfall in IE
affected by unprecedented drought like district of Manipur. The farmers also
situation (Das et al., 2009). Despite the fact perceived that the summer season has
that there was occurrence of drought in NER, extended (65.63%) in the last 10 year. During
there were also evidences of flood. Out of the summer season, the farmers experienced
eight states in NER, flood mainly occurs in increase in temperature (94.79%) while the
Assam, Manipur and Tripura in large coldness declined (70.83%) during winter
magnitude and high frequency and mainly season.
affects the agriculture sector in the economy
(Zutshi and Verma, 2017). Water stress during drought on one
hand and excess water during heavy rainfall on
The changing climate mostly affect the other hand were the major stress faced by
the agriculture sector as it is very sensitive to the rice growers of Manipur. About 88% of
climate change but adaptation can reduce the farmers experienced both submergence and
negative impact of climate change (Reilly, water stress while the remaining 12% of
1999). Some of the adaptation strategies farmers reported occurrence of water stress in
adopted by the Indian farmers were change in rice field. To cope up the negative impact of
sowing and transplanting time, change in crop climate change, the rice farmers follow a
cultivar, change in harvesting time (Rymbai, combination of adaptation strategies during
2016). Thus, the paper attempt to study the drought and flood. About 52% and 38% of rice
adaptation strategies of the rice farmer and to farmers adopt change in transplanting and
work out the cost and benefit of adaptation harvesting time + Soil and plant health
strategies in rice farm (Strategy D1) and change in transplanting and
harvesting time (Strategy D2), respectively
METHODOLOGY during drought years. During heavy rainfall or
flood, about 45%, 35% and 16% of farmers
Primary data was used to meet the follow re-sowing + change in transplanting
objectives of the present study. A sample of 96 and harvesting time (Strategy F1), change in
farmers from Imphal East district of Manipur transplanting and harvesting time (Strategy
were selected and data were collected through F2) and re-sowing + change in transplanting
personal interview with the help of pre-tested and harvesting time and soil and plant health
and well-structured schedule. (Strategy F3).
Tabular analysis was used to study the CONCLUSION
possible adaptation strategies followed by the
rice farmers like the plantation of different As climate change has been perceived
crops, change in the crop variety, use of and reported by the rice growers which has
irrigation system, change transplanting and impacted rice production in varied way from
harvesting time, change in farming practices, place to place, area specific adaptation
change in the amount and time of application strategies should be popularised in the state by
the concern authorities.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
REFERENCES

Das, A., Ghosh, P.K., Choudhury, B.U., Patel, Reilly, J. (1999). What does climate change
D.P.,Munda, G.C., Ngachan, S.V., and mean for agriculture in developing
Chowdhury, P. (2009). Climate countries? A comment on Mendelsohn
change in North-East India: Recent facts & Dinar.World Bank Res. Obs., 14:
and events-worry for agricultural 295–305.
management. Proceeding of workshop Rymbai, D. (2016). Adaptation to climate
on Impact of Climate Change on change: An economic study of cereal
Agriculture.Pp. 32-37, December 17-18, crops in Eastern Himalaya. Ph.D.
2009, Ahmedabad, India. Thesis, Submitted to College of Post
Zutshi, B., and Verma, R.K. (2017). Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural
Community response, preparedness and University, Umiam, Meghalaya, India.
disaster risk- reduction: A case of
Manipur floods, 2015. Eur. Sci. J.,
Special edition, 322-346.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Drought

Change in transplanting and

3% harvesting time + Soil and plant
4% health (Strategy D1)
3%
Change in transplanting and
harvesting time (Strategy D2)

52%
38% Irrigation + Change in transplanting
and harvesting time (Strategy D3)

Irrigation + Change in transplanting

and harvesting time + Soil and plant
health (Strategy D4)
No adaptation

Fig. 1: Adaptation strategies adopted by the rice farmers during drought

Flood
Re-sowing + Change in
transplanting and harvesting time
4% (Strategy F1)
16%
45% Change in transplanting and
harvesting time (Strategy F2)

35%
Re-sowing + Change in
transplanting and harvesting time +
Soil and plant health strategies
(Strategy F3)
Re-sowing (Strategy F4)

Fig. 2: Adaptation strategies adopted by the rice farmers during flood

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Alleviating agricultural drought stress in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
through soil microbes
R.L. CHOUDHARY1*, K.V. VIKRAM2, SANGEETA PAUL2, R.S. JAT1, H.V. SINGH1,
M.L. DOTANIYA1 AND P.K. RAI1
1
ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur- 321 303 (Raj.), India,
2
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110012, India
*Corresponding author’s email: rl.choudhary@icar.gov.in

Agricultural drought stress is the METHODOLOGY

most disparaging abiotic stresses that
occurred frequently in intensity over the past A field experiment was conducted at
decades affecting world’s food security. ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard
Mustard an important edible oil crop Research, Bharatpur during 2020-21 with
contributes around 27% of total oilseeds Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Three
production in India is mainly grown in soil microbial formulations (Bacillus sp.
marginal lands under rainfed ecosystem strain MRD 17, B. sp. strain MRD 17 with
where it encounters with frequent low water different chemical ingredients, and a
availability (soil and atmosphere), and consortia of B. sp. strain MRD 17 + B.
resulted into low seed yield (Choudhary et casamancensis strain MKS 6), compared
al., 2021; Langadi et al., 2021). To adapt or with no inoculation along with three
mitigate the agricultural drought, several moisture regimes i.e., severe moisture stress,
strategies have been advocated including the moderate moisture stress (50% deficit
soil microbes. There are different ways by irrigation) and no moisture stress under split
which soil microorganisms can enhance plot design with three replications. Plot with
plant resistance to drought such as two irrigations was considered as the normal
production of polysaccharides that improve moisture regime i.e., no moisture stress
soil structure and water holding capacity, condition, while plot with one and no
synthesis of deaminase, indole acetic acid, irrigation was considered as moderate stress
and proline content, which induce drought and severe stress conditions, respectively.
stress tolerance in plants and improved Mustard seeds were treated with the
water circulation through fungal mycelia respective liquid microbial bio formulations
(Milosevic et al., 2012).The plant growth and then sown in the field. Data on different
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and fungi growth and yield parameters were recorded
(PGPF) by colonizing the root areas are and statistically analyzed using the standard
known to contribute towards the plant methods and protocols.
adaptive mechanism in order to help the
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
plant to survive the adverse effects of
drought stress (Bogati and Walczak, 2022). Results revealed that under moderate
Therefore, the present study was undertaken to severe moisture stresses, significant
with the objective to enhance the drought reduction in plant height (0-5%), dry matter
tolerance in Indian mustard through accumulation (DMA)/plant (8-26%),
microbes. number of primary (9-39%) and secondary
(19-34%) branches/plant, number of
siliquae/plant (5-17%), seeds/siliqua (5-

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
20%) and 1000-seed weight (6-12%) were REFERENCES
recorded as compared to no moisture stress.
Seed inoculation with consortia of microbes Bogati, K. and Walczak, M. 2022. The
significantly improved the aforesaid growth impact of drought stress on soil
and yield parameters over no inoculation. microbial community, enzyme
The seed and stover yields were activities and plants. Agronomy 12:
significantly decreased by 36.3 and 9.1% 189.
under severe moisture stress, and 10.4 and https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy1201
6.8% under moderate moisture stress 0189
conditions over no moisture stress,
Choudhary, R.L., Langadi, A.K., Jat, R.S.,
respectively. Microbial consortia improved
Anupama, Singh, H.V., Meena, M.D.,
the seed (12.2%) and stover (7.3%) yields
Dotaniya, M.L., Meena, M.K., Premi,
over the no inoculation, across the moisture
O.P. and Rai, P.K. 2021. Mitigating
regimes. Interaction effect showed that
the moisture stress in Indian mustard
microbial formulation, irrespective of strains
(Brassica juncea) through polymer.
increased the mustard seed yield
Journal of oilseed Brassica12(1): 21–
significantly under moderate moisture stress
27.
(7-19%) and severe moisture stress (9-17%)
compared to no inoculation, and saved 60- Langadi, A.K., Choudhary, R.L., Jat, R.S.,
80mm irrigation water/ha (Fig. 1). Singh, H.V., Dotaniya, M.L., Meena,
M.K., Premi, O.P. and Rai, P.K. 2021.
CONCLUSION
Effect of superabsorbent polymer on
The present study highlighted that the use of drought Mitigation, and enhancing
microbial consortia can save the irrigation productivity and profitability of Indian
water and alleviate the agricultural drought, mustard (B. juncea). Journal of
and enhance the productivity of Indian Oilseeds Research38(2): 179–186.
mustard in the rainfed conditions.
Miloševi´c, N.A.,Marinkovi´c, J.B.
andTintor, B.B. 2012. Mitigating
abiotic stress in crop plants by
microorganisms. Proc Nat Sci Matica
Serpska Novi Sad123: 17–26.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Contol MRD-17 (B1) MRD-17 (B2) Consortium (MRD-17+MKS-6)

4.0
Mustard seed yield (t/ha)

3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Severe stress Moderate stress No stress
Soil moiture regimes

Fig. 1. Effect of soil microbes on moisture stress mitigation in Indian mustard.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Factors of physiological challenge during heat stress in pigs: A meta-
analysis
JAYA, SATISH KUMAR, SOUVIK PAUL, KALYAN DE, SALAM JAYACHITRA
DEVI, MOHAN N.H., B. C. DAS* AND VIVEK KUMAR GUPTA
ICAR-National research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam-781131
*Corresponding Author: bikash67@rediffmail.com
The increase in global temperature heat stress because of absence of sweat
due to climate change causes heat stress in glands, presence of thick layer of adipose
pigs, which adversely affects the tissue and limited ventilatory mechanism.
productivity and economic efficiency of The present meta-analysis was conducted
pig production system. The disruption of to explore different factors that possess a
physiological well-being during thermal significant physiological challenge mainly
discomfort compromises health and due to heat stress in pigs.
welfare in pigs. The present meta-analysis
was conducted to study the factors METHODOLOGY
affecting physiological homeostasis in heat
A meta-analysis was conducted on
stressed pigs during summer season. The
research papers available in Pubmed
analysis revealed that all categories of pigs
database and the terms like pigs, climate
irrespective of physiological stage, age,
and stress were used to filter the papers.
sex and breed were affected by heat stress.
Subsequently, individual papers were
The production losses were mainly due to
studied to collect data on country of study,
decreased weight gain, poor carcass
their climatic zone, category of pigs,
quality and low reproductive performance.
breeds, factors under study, association
Hence, ameliorative measures to combat
with heat stress and their ameliorative
the detrimental effect of heat stress should
measures.
be adopted to decrease the production loss
due to heat stress. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Environmental extremes like high The number of researches on heat
temperature, increased humidity and stress in pigs showed an increasing trend
chilling cold weather adversely affects the after 2008 which continues to increase
productivity pig farming. With the thereafter (Figure 1). The problem of heat
increasing global warming coupled to the stress in pigs are reported by major pig
climate change, the negative effect of these rearing countries like Australia, Brazil,
factors is predicted to worsen every year. Canada, China, France, Japan, Korea,
Pigs form an important livestock Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain,
commodity worldwide and is associated Uganda and USA including India. Thus,
with socio-economic well-being of women heat stress is a challenge in both tropical
and tribal population especially in North- and temperate regions, with 45 % studies
East India (Bharati et al., 2022). Increase on heat stress being reported from tropical
of ambient temperature beyond of 35 °C and 55 % from temperate countries. All the
for extended periods induces heat stress in categories of pigs, were adversely affected
livestock, which is a complex phenomenon by heat stress during summers season,
triggering pro-inflammatory responses, as irrespective of their physiological stage,
dissipation of metabolic heat becomes age, breed and sex, which resulted in
impossible (Bharati et al., 2017). Pigs are decrease in overall productivity of a pig
physiologically restricted to cope up with farm (Podder et al., 2022). Pigs cope up

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
with environmental stress with various Transportation during peak summer and
kinds of adaptive responses like poor housing conditions aggravated the
physiological, behavioral, neuroendocrine, physiological discomfort during heat
metabolic, along with the molecular and stress, which proved fatal to genetically
cellular responses (Figure 2).The major susceptible pigs. Other factors incurring
parameters affected included piglet birth challenge during heat stress includes
weight, feed intake, body weight gain, pre- increased vector dynamics, low quality
weaning mortality, anti-oxidant profile, feed and water.
hormonal dysregulation, carcass quality
and reproductive efficiency (Moturi et al., CONCLUSIONS
2022). Heat stress compromised the health
In order to mitigate the negative
and welfare of all categories of pigs.
economic impact as the consequence of
Piglets suffer during cold season due to
heat stress, mitigation strategies like
absence of brown fat and non-shivering
selective breeding for stress tolerance,
thermogenesis, due to which high piglet
feeding of anti-oxidants and vitamin
mortality was reported during winters.
supplements along with climate-smart
However, it can be prevented with proper
management practices are need of an hour.
neonatal care and managemental
interventions. Immunosuppression along
with decreased intestinal integrity and
increased endotoxin permeability were
evident in heat stressed pigs.

Figure 1. The number of publications on heat stress in pigs during timeline 1970-2022

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Figure 2. The different adaptive strategies and challenges in pigs

REFERENCES
Bharati, J., Dangi, S.S., Chouhan, V.S., Moturi, J., Hosseindoust, A., Tajudeen, H.,
Mishra, S.R., Bharti, M.K., Verma, Mun, J.Y., Ha, S.H. and Kim, J.S.,
V., Shankar, O., Yadav, V.P., Das, 2022. Influence of dietary fiber
K., Paul, A. and Bag, S., 2017. intake and soluble to insoluble fiber
Expression dynamics of HSP70 ratio on reproductive performance of
during chronic heat stress in sows during late gestation under hot
Tharparkar cattle. International climatic conditions. Scientific
journal of biometeorology, 61(6), Reports, 12(1), pp.1-13.
pp.1017-1027. Podder, M., Bera, S., Naskar, S., Sahu, D.,
Bharati J, De K, Paul S, Kumar S, Yadav Mukherjee, J. and Patra, A.K., 2022.
AK, Doley J, Mohan NH, Das BC. Physiological, blood-biochemical
Mobilizing Pig Resources for and behavioural changes of
Capacity Development and Ghoongroo pigs in seasonal heat
Livelihood Security. In Agriculture, stress of a hot-humid tropical
Livestock Production and environment. International Journal
Aquaculture 2022 (pp. 219-242). of Biometeorology, 66(7), pp.1349-
Springer, Cham. 1364.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Climate change and emergence of winter coccidiosis in pigs
SOUVIK PAUL, JUWARDOLEY, KALYAN DE, SATISH KUMAR, JAYA,
S. JAYACHITRA DEVI AND V.K. GUPTA

ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig

INTRODUCTION December 2021 to February 2022. Total

93 samples were collected from Kamrup
Coccidiosis is a gastrointestinal (R), of which 42 were from farms and 51
parasitic infection caused by various were from backyard piggery. The samples
members of phylum Apicomplexa, which were processed through Di-Ethyl ether
includes Eimeria spp, Cystoisospora spp., centrifugation to remove the excess fat,
Cryptosporidium spp., Sarcocystis spp., and then concentrated by Sugar-Salt
Tyzzeria spp. Coccidiosis is one of the flotation and finally analyzed
most common causes of diarrhoea in quantitatively using Mc Master Technique
piglets, the intensity and duration of (Joachim et al., 2018). For identification of
symptoms varies according to the initial species of various coccidian parasites
infective load, immune and stress status of sporulation time of oocysts and
the animal, age of the animals and morphological micrometry was employed.
environmental condition like temperature
and humidity. Coccidiosis is more RESULTS
common in the suckling piglets but
occasionally growers, finishers and boars The incidence of coccidiosis was
are also affected when they are introduced about 38% in samples collected from
into endemically infected areas or heavily farms. Highest incidence was in 0-15 days
infected pens (Bawm et al., 2022). age group followed by 30-45 days age
Coccidiosis in winter among piglets is not group and the lowest incidence was seen in
very common due to less relative humidity 15-30 days age group. Samples collected
that prevails during that time. Coccidiosis from backyard piggery units showed a
in piglets is mostly seen during rainy greater incidence of coccidiosis (45%).
season. Among the backyard piggery units, the
incidence was almost similar across all age
OBJECTIVE group. Cystoisopora suis was mainly
found in the 0-15 days age group and was
The study was intended to observe associated with moderate to severe
the incidence of winter coccidiosis among symptoms. Whereas in older animals
piglets and to observe any change thereof Eimeria spp. were more common, and
from previous year due to rain in winter always a mixed infection with different
season this year. species were observed. Although in cases
MATERIAL AND METHODS where the intensity of diarrhoea was
greater more number of oocysts of E.
Faecal samples from diarrhoeic debliecki, E. scabra, and E. spinosa were
piglets were collected from farms as well found.
as backyard piggery units during

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
DISCUSSION CONCLUSION

Although coccidian infections are The emergence of winter

asymptomatic, but diarrhoea, weight loss, coccidiosis in pigs may be due to the
and even death have been reported in increased rains in winter season, which
weaned piglets. Although Eimeria spp. are resulted in higher relative humidity and
not severely pathogenic, C. suis is greater propagation of the disease.
pathogenic and has huge impact on health
of suckling piglets. Cystoisosporiasis is REFERENCES
now considered as one of the most Bawm S, Chel HM, Khaing Y , Hmoon
common causes of diarrhoea in neonatal MM, Thein SS, Win S W, Soe NC,
piglets, with high prevalence rates all over Thaw YN, Hayashi N, Win MM,
the world. The results of the current study Htun LL, Nonaka N , Katakura K
clearly indicated that the incidence of and Nakao R. (2022). The strong
winter coccidiosis among piglets were on influence of management factors on
the higher side because we have seen coccidian infections in smallholder
similar rates of incidence during rainy pig farms and the first molecular
season in our previous studies. This identification of Cystoisospora suis
indicates that this increase in the incidence in Myanmar. Parasite 29, 1 (2022)
of coccidiosis during winter. As relative
humidity is the greatest single factor Joachim A, Ruttkowski B and Sperling D.
contributing towards the incidence of (2018). Detection of Cystoisospora
coccidiosis and persistence of infection in suis in faeces of suckling piglets –
the environment, therefore the only when and how? A comparison of
plausible explanation for this phenomenon methods. Porcine Health
could be the increase in rains during the Management (2018) 4:20
last winters. This finding clearly suggests
Gong QL, Zhao WX, Wang YC, Zong Y,
the change in disease pattern brought about
Wang Q , Yang Y , Yang Y , Shi K ,
by climate change. More number of such
Li JM, Leng X, Du R and Zhao
studies are required on climate change and
Q.(2021). Prevalence of coccidia
change in pattern of parasitic diseases.
in domestic pigs in China
between 1980 and 2019:
a systematic review and meta-
analysis. Parasites Vectors (2021)
14:248

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Daytime rhythmicity of core temperature in neonatal piglet under tropical
monsoon zone
KALYAN DE*, NITIN M. ATTUPURAM, SALAM JAYA CHITRA DEVI AND
V.K. GUPTA

ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani-781131, Assam, India

*Corresponding author: Kalyna De, Livestock Production and Management Laboratory,
ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani-781131, Assam, India, Tel: +91361-2847195;
Fax: +91361-2847195; email: kalyande2007@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION bulb temperature (WBT) and relative
humidity (RH) were also recorded in the
Pig plays an important role in the shed at the time of recording of RT. The
urban and peri-urban livelihood of the data of RT were evaluated for rhythmicity
tropical monsoon region of India and by repeated-measures analysis of variance
Southeast Asia. In pigs, the neonatal and by the cosinor procedure.
period is crucial for development, health
and subsequent performance (Carroll et al., RESULT AND DISCUSSION
2012). Approximately 15-20% of deaths
occur during the early period (Baxter and The environmental temperature and
Edwards, 2018); As many as 60-80% of humidity or a combination of both
deaths occur within the first two to three influence the livestock (da Silva et al.,
days (Andersen and Pedersen, 2016). 2017). In the present study, the neonatal
Hypothermia is a crucial concern for piglets remained between 38.2-38.83° C in
neonatal mortality of piglets their early life. A temperature range of 38-
(Kammersgaard et al. 2011). 39°C indicates thermal homeostasis in
Unfortunately, piglets do not possess a piglets up to 24 h post-birth (Berthon et al.
well-developed thermoregulatory center. 1993; Herpin et al. 1994). The RT of
Moreover, there is a need to relate the piglets increased (P<0.05) with the age.
changes in core temperature with The improvement of RT with the progress
environmental factors. Therefore, this of age might be attributed to the intake of
study aimed to evaluate the day time colostrum (Muns et al. 2016) and
rhythmic patterns of rectal temperature in behavioural adjustments in body posture
neonatal piglets in respect to ambient (Guerrero-Legarreta et al., 2020).
temperature under tropical monsoon zone. Agreeably, Vande Pol (Vande Pol et al.,
2020) and Pederson et al (Pedersen et al.,
MATERIALS AND METHODS 2016) observed higher RT in neonatal
piglets provided with an extra heat source.
The present study was conducted at
the experimental animal farm of at ICAR- The present study showed that the changes
National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, in RT of neonatal piglets at different time
Assam, India. The study was conducted on points of the day maintain circadian
one hundred neonatal piglets, including rhythmicity (P<0.01) with a mesor 38.20,
fifty male and fifty female piglets. The 38.65 and 38.83 in all three days of early
rectal temperature (RT) was measured life. The amplitude of daily oscillation of
from each healthy newborn piglet from the RT also reduces as the neonates become
second day of life for consecutive 3 days at older. This reflects the gradual
2 h intervals for 10 consecutive hours from development of thermal control of neonatal
morning 6:00 h to evening 16:00 h each piglets. In accordance with our findings,
day. Dry bulb temperature (DBT), wet studies on small mammals and birds

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
showed a higher amplitude of oscillation in M.M., Asensio, L.A.B., Façanha,
cold than thermoneutrality(Refinetti, D.A.E., 2017. Daily rhythmicity of
2020). the thermoregulatory responses of
locally adapted Brazilian sheep in a
In the present study, the core semiarid environment. Int J
temperature of neonatal piglets was Biometeorol 61, 1221–1231.
positively (P<0.01) correlated with the https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-016-
DBT and THI. Furthermore, in the present 1300-2
study, a negative correlation of RH with Guerrero-Legarreta, I., Napolitano, F.,
the RT of neonatal piglets is in agreement Cruz-Monterrosa, R., Mota-Rojas,
with the findings of Jia et al. (2020). D., Mora-Medina, P., Ramírez-
Bribiesca, E., Bertoni, A., Berdugo-
CONCLUSIONS
Gutiérrez, J., Braghieri, A., 2020.
The present study suggests that River buffalo meat production and
neonatal piglets maintain a rhythmicity in quality: Sustainability, productivity,
their core temperature in the early days of nutritional and sensory properties.
life in daytime. The ambient temperature Journal of Buffalo Science 9, 159–
of the day influences the core temperature 169.
of neonates in the early days of life. Herpin, P., Damon, M., Dividich, J.L.,
Therefore; the newborn piglets need 2002.Development of
special attention during the initial days thermoregulation and neonatal
after farrowing till the body mechanism survival in pigsq.Livestock
adapts to achieve homeothermy. Production Science 21.
Jia, G., Li, W., Meng, J., Tan, H., Feng,
REFERENCES Y., 2020. Non-Contact Evaluation of
Pigs’ Body Temperature
Andersen, H.M.-L., Pedersen, L.J., 2016. Incorporating Environmental
Effect of radiant heat at the birth site Factors.Sensors 20, 4282.
in farrowing crates on hypothermia https://doi.org/10.3390/s201542827,
and behaviour in neonatal piglets. 2026–
Animal 10, 128–134. 2034.https://doi.org/10.1017/S17517
https://doi.org/10.1017/S175173111 31113001778
5001913 Kammersgaard, T.S., Pedersen, L.J.,
Baxter, E.M., Edwards, S.A., 2018. Piglet Jørgensen, E., 2011. Hypothermia in
mortality and morbidity: Inevitable neonatal piglets: Interactions and
or unacceptable?, in: Advances in causes of individual differences.
Pig Welfare. Elsevier, pp. 73–100. Journal of Animal Science89,2073–
2085.
Carroll, J.A., Burdick, N.C., Chase, C.C., https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2010-3022
Coleman, S.W., Spiers, D.E., 2012. Muns Vila, R., 2013. Welfare and
Influence of environmental management strategies to reduce pre-
temperature on the physiological, weaning mortality in
endocrine, and immune responses in piglets.UniversitatAutònoma de
livestock exposed to a provocative Barcelona.
immune challenge. Domestic Animal Pedersen, L.J., Larsen, M.L.V.,
Endocrinology 43,146–153. Malmkvist, J., 2016. The ability of
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend. different thermal aids to reduce
2011.12.008da Silva, W.E., Leite, hypothermia in neonatal
J.H.G.M., de Sousa, J.E.R., Costa, piglets1.Journal of Animal Science
W.P., da Silva, W.S.T., Guilhermino, 94,2151–2159.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2015- Ellis, M., 2020.Effect of drying
0219 and/or warming piglets at birth on
Refinetti, R., 2020. Circadian rhythmicity rectal temperature over the first 24 h
of body temperature and metabolism. after birth. Translational Animal
Temperature7,321–362. Science 4, txaa184.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.20 https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa184
20.1743605
Vande Pol, K.D., Tolosa, A.F., Shull,
C.M., Brown, C.B., Alencar, S.A.S.,

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Metagenomic diversity in gastrointestinal samples of pigs reared under
backyard production system
NITIN M. ATTUPURAM, KALYAN DE, RAJIB DEB, R. THOMAS, S.R. PEGU, R.
ISLAM, N.H. MOHAN AND V.K. GUPTA
Animal Nutrition, ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam
INTRODUCTION pig saliva and rectal samples using
commercially available Qiagen DNA Mini
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal Kit and Qiagen stool DNA Kit. DNA
role in animals’ health and disease. In a samples were sequenced on the
healthy state, the gut microbiota has IlluminaNovaSeq6000 platform shotgun
myriad positive functions, including metagenomic library protocol (Illumina
energy recovery from the metabolism of DNA Prep). A diagrammatic
non-digestible components of foods, representation of bioinformatics workflow
protection of a host from pathogenic is given in fig 1.
invasion, and modulation of the immune
system ( Bull& Plummer,2014). Hence the
information on microbial diversity in pigs
is critical. Most of the reported studies in
this direction were conducted on organized
pig farms with intensive pig production
systems. Since most pigs in India,
especially in northeast India, are largely
household-based knowledge of the
gastrointestinal microbial diversity of such
animals is a matter of special interest.
Current analyses of the intestinal
microbiota are largely based on sequence-
based methodology, avoiding the time-
consuming culture-based analysis of
intestinal microbiota.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For the present study, ghungroo
pigs were reared under the backyard Fig 1: Diagrammatic representation

system of pig production. The animal of bioinformatics workflow

experiment was conducted in the Kamrup

district of Assam state, with a subtropical
monsoon climate and the sample
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
collections were made during the month of
March when the animals were in the The taxonomic abundance analysis
grower stage (120 days old). of the gastrointestinal samples reveals a
Gastrointestinal samples were collected 56% abundance of the known bacterial
using sterile rectal swabs. The samples genome while archaea and eukaryotes
were labelled and stored in 2 mL cryovials contributed 0.09 and 0.04 % respectively.
for immediate shipment for shotgun Genus wise the sphingo bacterium,
metagenomic analysis in dry ice. flavobacterium, Chryseo bacterium,
Metagenomic DNA was isolated from the Candida sachchari bacterium etc., were

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
having more abundance. The results are genetic factors. PNAS.
shown in Fig 2., via a pie diagram and 2010;107:18933–8.
Cronaplot. Blekhman R, Goodrich JK, Huang K, Sun
Q, Bukowski R, Bell JT, et al. Host
CONCLUSION genetic variation impacts
microbiome composition across
In general, the development of gut
human body sites. Genome Biol.
microbiota is influenced by host genetic
2015;16:191
variation (Blekhman et al, 2015;
Bull MJ, Plummer NT. Part 1: The Human
Camarinha-Silva et al , 2017), microflora
Gut Microbiome in Health and
of grower pigs reared under environmental
Disease. Integr Med
factors, and stochastic events (Benson,
(Encinitas).2014Dec;13(6):17-
2010). The data provide insights into the
22.PMID:26770121;
diversity in gastrointest household
PMCID:PMC456643
backyard farming systems of northeast
Camarinha-Silva A, Maushammer M,
India.
Wellmann R, Vital M, Preuss S,
REFERENCES Bennewitz J. Host genome influence
on gut microbial composition and
Benson AK, Kelly SA, Legge R, Ma F, microbial prediction of complex
Low SJ, Kim J, et al. Individuality in traits in pigs.
gut microbiota composition is a Genetics.2017;206:1637–44.
complex polygenic trait shaped by
multiple environmental and host

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Fig. Taxonomic abundance of metagenomic reads

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Soil organic carbon sequestration under Hevea brasiliensis (rubber)
plantation in Mizoram, India
LALREMPUII HRAHSEL*, JITENDRA AHIRWAL AND UTTAM KUMAR SAHOO
Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India-796004
*Corresponding author e-mail: lalrempuii.h@gmail.com

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an METHODOLOGY

essential component of soil that has an
impact on the physical, chemical and The present study was carried out
biological properties that is imperative for at the Rubber plantation sites at
the establishment and growth of the plants Sakawrtuichhun, AizawlDistrict, Mizoram
and soil microbes. It can differ spatially (23°77’N, 92°65’E). Area has a
and temporally due to the climate, flora subtropical humid climate with dry
and fauna, topography and lithological winters. The temperature ranges from
factors; these influence the loss and gain of 19°C to 24°C in summer and between 8°C
the carbon in soil. Anthropogenic activities to 24°C in the winter. It typically receives
such as deforestation and land use change rainfall about 2500 mm to 3000 mm every
caused a detrimental impact on soil carbon year, which is mostly brought by the
storage. Many tropical forests are southwest monsoon. The high amount of
converted to plantation or agricultural land rainfall during the month of May to
and recharge the carbon sources. As September Soil of the area is acidic and the
reported by Food and Agriculture pH is usually in the ranges from 4.5 to 5.6.
Organisation (FAO) in 2010, India Soil is mainly sandy loamy or clay loamy
contributes 0.68 million hectares (Mha) of and is rich is organic carbon.
rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation, out
The main criteria for site selection
of the 10 Mha across the globe. According
was the age of the plantation. It neither has
to The Rubber Board (2013), 0.8 million
to be too young nor too old. The age of the
hectares of land in India is presently under
site is approximately 15 years. Figure 1
rubber plantation and the area is increasing
shows the study site and how soil is taken
annually at 3%. Rubber has an important
using corer method.
economic value throughout the world, as it
has industrial, technological and domestic
uses. Rubber plantations have a large
potential to sequester atmospheric carbon
into biomass and soil. The rubber
plantation in degraded fallow lands have
shown to contribute higher amount of
carbon sink (Brahma et al. 2017). Many
studies India and elsewhere have shown
that there is an increase in SOC stock
along with the age of plantation
(Choudhury et al. 2016; Brahma et al.
2017; Nath et al. 2018). Thus, the present
study aims to estimate the soil organic
carbon and selected soil properties to
better understand the potential of rubber Figure 1 Rubber plantation in Aizawl,
plantation to sequester carbon in soils. Mizoram.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Five plots of 25m x 25m were selected increases with soil depth. The SOC content
randomly in the field. Soil samples were was found to decrease as depth increases.
collected from five random locations This could be due to the annual leaf litter
within the sample plots at two depths of 0- addition in soil, which assists in build-up
15cm and 15-30cm, respectively with a of organic matter. A comparative
soil corer of known volume. Samples were assessment of SOC, pH, bulk density of
collected 1m distance away from the trees. natural forest and plantation forest with the
Bulk density was measured using corer study site is given in Table 2. The SOC
method where undisturbed soil cores were content is observed as natural forest >
collected and were taken to the laboratory plantation forest > rubber plantation. The
to be kept in the oven at 105°C for 72hours SOC content is highest in natural forest
or till the constant weight achieved. The due to higher net primary productivity in
soil samples were air dried and passed forest ecosystem compared to plantation,
through a 2mm sieve taken for analysing hence their input to the soil may also be
the physicochemical properties. Soil pH higher. The decline in SOC content with
was measured using soil-water suspension increase in depth can be caused by decline
at the ratio of 1:2 using a digital pH meter. in inputs from forest litter as these tend to
Soil moisture content was estimated by occupy the top layers and minute
drying 10g of fresh soil at 105°C for 24 quantities penetrating deeper into the soil.
hours. Soil organic carbon was analysed SOC concentration can be higher in natural
using (Walkley and Black, 1934). The forests due to differences in root growth
SOC stock was determined by considering and soil texture (Ahirwal et al, 2022).
SOC concentration, bulk density These variations showed SOC is highly
(corrected for coarse fraction) and soil dependent on land management practices.
depth using the following equation:
CONCLUSION
SOC stock (Mg ha−1 )
= [SOC% The study showed that rubber
× corrected BD (Mg m−3 ) plantations have a significant impact on
× T (m) × 104 (m2 ha−1 )] the soil properties and particularly the
/100 SOC concentration. Rubber plantations
may be a potential sink of carbon but it
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS could not be compared to natural forests.
Our study shows us that converting forest
The differences in soil properties lands for plantation use may not always be
along the soil depth is given in Table 1. beneficial. The older the rubber plantation,
The pH of soil showed moderately acidic the carbon content increases due to
soils. Decomposition of organic matter can biomass being returned by decomposition
play a role as pH regulation. The moisture of leaves and branches. Rubber plantation
content of the soil was nearly 30% in both has a high potential for sequestering
the soil depth. The thick litter layer and carbon as seen by the SOC stock in this
shade of the matured rubbed trees retains study. Thus, as the plantations mature,
moisture in the soil. It is estimated that there is greater potential for carbon
with the age of plantation, the moisture sequestration due to the higher values of
content will also increase (Das et al, SOC.
2021). Bulk density of rubber plantation

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
REFERENCES Plantations of Tripura. Journal of the
Indian Society of Soil Science, 48-
Food and Agricultural Organization. 260.
(2011). Global forest resource Kennedy, O., Singh, B. R., & Øystein, D.
assessment. Rome: Food and B. (2015). Effects of Land Cover
Agricultural Organization of the Changes on Soil Organic Carbon and
United Nations,. Total Nitrogen Stocks in the Eastern
Ahirwal, J., Sahoo, U. K., Thangjam, U., Mau Forest Reserve. Sustainable
& Thong, P. (2022). Oil palm Intensification to Advance Food
agroforestry enhances crop yield and Security.
ecosystem carbon stock. Sustainable Nath, A. J., Brahma, B., Sileshi, G. W., &
Production and Consumption, 478– Das, A. K. (2018). Impact of land
487. use changes on the storage of soil
Brahma, B., Sileshi, G. W., Nath, A. J., & organic carbon in active and
Das, A. K. (2017). Development and recalcitrant pools in a humid tropical
evaluation of robust tree biomass region of India. Science of the Total
equations for rubber tree (Hevea Environment, 908-917.
brasiliensis)plantations in India. Walkley, A., & Black, A. I. (1934). An
Forest Ecosystem. examination of the degtjareff method
Choudhary, B. K., Majumdar, K., & Datta, for determining soil organic matter
B. K. (2016). Carbon Sequestration and a proposed modification of
Potential and Edaphic Properties chromic acid titration method. Soil
Along the Plantation Age of Rubber Science, 29-38.
in Tripura, Northeastern India. Wicke, B., Dornburg, V., Junginger, M., &
Current World Environment, 756- Faaij, A. (2008). Different palm oil
766. production systems for energy
Das, S., Deb, S., Banik, B., & Deb, D. purposes and their greenhouse gas
(2021). Estimation of Soil Organic implications. Biomass Bioenergy,
Carbon Pools and Biomass Carbon 1322-1337.
Stocks in Different Aged Rubber
(Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

Table 1 Soil properties of rubber plantation in study site

Depth Moisture Bulk Density
pH SOC (%)
(cm) (%) (Mg m-3)
0-15 5.54 ± 0.13 29.22 ± 0.78 1.15 ± 0.51 1.76 ± 0.19
15-30 5.72 ± 0.15 29.68 ± 0.64 1.27 ± 0.57 1.15 ± 0.02

Table 2 Comparison of study site with natural and plantation forest

Depth SOC Bulk Density SOC Stock

Site pH
(cm) (%) (Mg m-3) (Mg ha-1)
0-15 6.1±1.3 5.6 ± 0.3 0.8 ± 0.2 73.2
Natural forest*
15-30 4.3 ± 0.8 5.5 ± 0.3 0.9 ± 0.1 58.1
0-15 3.9 ± 0.5 5.3 ± 0.3 0.9 ± 0.1 52.6
Plantation forest*
15-30 3.5 ± 0.5 5.0 ± 0.3 1.0 ± 0.1 52.5
0-15 1.8 ± 0.2 5.5 ± 0.1 1.1 ± 0.5 29.7
Rubber
15-30 1.1 ± 0.0 5.7 ± 0.1 1.2 ± 0.6 19.8

Source: *Kennedy et al., 2015

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India
Microbial consortia usage to reduce ammonia volatization and
denitrification losses in a wheat field
SIBANANDA DARJEE1, RENU SINGH1, MANOJ SHRIVASTAVA1, SHIVDHAR
MISHRA2 AND POOJA LR1
1
Divison of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
110012, India
2
Divison of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012,
India
ABSTRACT of soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC)
and soil microbial biomass nitrogen
Nitrogen is among the most crucial (MBN). Tram showed MBC and MBN
elements for wheat growth and harvest. In value 146.9 mg kg-1 and 45.2 mg kg-1
addition to lowering soil fertility and respectively. In plot vigorous root growth
agricultural output, nitrogen losses from was recorded, which helped in increasing
the soil and plant system can have negative the uptake of soil available nutrient
effects on the ecosystem. The main ultimately it was reflected in higher
sources of nitrogen losses in nitrogen content in wheat straw and grain.
agroecosystems are denitrification and The soil urease activity at flowering was
ammonia volatilisation. In order to found to be 24.4 mg urea g-1 soil h-1 for
enhance the nutrient delivery system by Tram which is significantly higher
including the usage of recommended compare to Tr and Tc. The cumulative
dosage fertilisers in conjunction with emission from ammonia flux varied from
biofertilizer and lowering nitrogen losses, 10.4 to 10.6 kg ha-1 and denitrification
the integration of biofertilizers with losses varied from 2.4 to 2.5 kg ha-1inTram
inorganic fertiliser is considered necessary. plot which is recorded minimal compare to
The purpose of this study is to analyse the the plot receiving Tr treatment. The yield
impact of microbial consortia on nutrient obtained under Tram plot recorded as 6.4 t
losses in wheat crop and determine how it ha-1 which is higher as compare to plot
affects wheat crop output. Eight different receiving treatment Tr i.e., 5.8 t ha-1. Thus,
treatments were used in this study, integration of microbial consortium with
including (unfertilized, Tc), Azotobacter inorganic fertilizer practices proved to be
(Ta), Mycorrhiza (Tm), Azotobacter + reducing nitrogen losses as well as
Mycorrhiza (Tam), NPK Recommended increases crop yield compare to
(Tr), NPK Recommended +Azotobacter conventional agriculture practices.
(Tra), NPK (Recommended) + Mycorrhiza
(Trm), NPK Recommended +Azotobacter Keywords-Ammonia volatization,
+ Mycorrhiza (Tram). An upsurge in soil Denitrification, Microbial biomass carbon,
microbial activity was reflected in the form Microbial biomass nitrogen.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Reference evapotranspiration prediction using various heuristic

approaches
HAMTOITI REANG
M. Tech. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering (SWCE)
GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, 263145
SUMMARY wind speed and solar radiation) having the
least gamma value to avoid the time-
The accurate estimation of consuming and tedious trial and error input
reference evapotranspiration (ET 0) has selection methods. The qualitative and
paramount importance and is crucial in quantitative performance evaluation
irrigation planning and scheduling, criteria were done by visual interpretation
watershed hydrology and hydrologic and using statistical and hydrological
balance studies, drought forecasting and indices such as coefficient of
monitoring, effective water resource determination (R 2 ), root mean square
development and utilization, water error (RMSE), coefficient of efficiency
resource management and planning, (CE) and Will mott index (WI), which
environmental assessment, crop were used for assessing the prediction
sustainability, and other agricultural water accuracy of developed models. Based on
management issues, etc. The daily climatic the comparison of the model, the results
data such as mean temperature (T mean), revealed that the WANN-11 model
mean relative humidity (RH mean), wind performed the best as compared to ANN-8,
speed (W s ), sunshine hour (S h )were
collected for the period of 9 years (2012- ANFIS-02 (trap-2) and MNLR models for
2020) from Guwahati station (Assam), a prediction of reference evapotranspiration
Northeastern region of India. The present of the study area. The sensitivity analysis
study used the standard FAO-56 based was also carried out to detect the most
Penman-Monteith (PM) method to sensitive variable for daily reference
estimate daily ET 0 which was considered evapotranspiration prediction. It was
an output to assess the models. The indicated that mean relative humidity is the
applicability of different soft computing most sensitive variable for daily reference
and statistical techniques such as artificial evapotranspiration prediction.
neural network (ANN), wavelet coupled
artificial neural network (WANN), Keywords:
adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system
(ANFIS) and multi non-linear regression Reference evapotranspiration (ET 0),
models were analyzed for the prediction of artificial neural network (ANN), wavelet
daily reference evapotranspiration of the coupled artificial neural network
study area. Gamma test (GT) was used to (WANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference
determine and select the best input system (ANFIS), multi non-linear
combination of climatic parameters (i.e., regression, Gamma test (GT), Sensitivity
mean temperature, mean relative humidity, analysis
.

156
 THEME C
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
 SUB-CONTENT

THEME C: BIO- DIVERSITY CONSERVATION

SL. AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE

NO NO.
Lead Presentations
1 Genetic diversity of spices and its suitability to North Eastern Region 157-166
Sharon Aravind, Saji KV and Prasath D
2 Diversity of underutilized horticultural crops of North East India and their exploitation potential 167
Hazarika BN
Oral Presentations
3 Nutritional analysis and bioactives potential of edible species of Momordica L. from across 168-170
India
Chubasenla Aochen, Lemnaro Jamir, Emica Gatphoh, S. Ruth Assumi, Suma A, Joseph
John, Harish GD and Siyang Borang
4 Characterization and stability study in core set of rice bean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi 171-176
and Ohashi)
Philanim WS, Amit Kumar, Banshan Iangrai, Umakanta Ngangkham, Aochen C and
Sandeep Jaiswal
5 A special emphasis on animal genetic resources of North Eastern parts of India and their 177-178
conservation strategies
Govindarajan Bhuvana Priya, Milton AAP and Behera UK
6 Collection and characterization of citron (Citrus medica) of Sikkim 179-181
Yamuna Pandey, Pandey AK and Prasanga Limbu
7 Diversity of chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) in India 182-189
Sanajaoba Singh L and Namgey N
8 The oil yielding cucurbits: Nature reserve plant for the future 190-191
Vanlalneihi Loino B, Chishi K, Lalhmingsanga and Shri Dhar
9 Distribution of wild underutilized crops at Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya - A critical component of 192-194
natural farming system
Premi Devi M, Sarma P and Behera UK
Poster Presentations
10 Application of landscape genomics in biodiversity conservation of indigenous breeds of India 195-196
Meera K , Pranab Jyoti Das and Galib Uz Zaman
11 Biodiversity of insects pest of rice crop in integrated farming system of College of Agriculture, 197-202
Kyrdemkulai
Ngangom Uma Devi, Yengkhom Venus, Aman kumar and Behera UK
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and
under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Genetic diversity of spices and its suitability to North Eastern Region

SHARON ARAVIND, K. V. SAJI AND D. PRASATH

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode 673012, Kerala
Spices are high value and low officinale Rosc., Zingiberaceae), turmeric
volume commodities of commerce in the (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae) and
world market and have great potential in tree spices such as nutmeg (Myristica
increasing the farmer’s income fragrans Houtt, Myristicaceae),clove
substantially. Spices are the basic (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr &
building blocks of flavor in food Perry, Myrtaceae) and cinnamon
preparations in addition to their use as (Cinnamomum verum Brecht & Presl,
functional foods, nutraceuticals and Lauraceae) have been collected and
sources of many high value conserved at the field gene bank of
phytochemicals. India, known as the National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS)
‘Land of Spices’, grows as many as 70 at ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode. These
spices out of 109 spices listed by ISO. collections include wild accessions, land
However, under the act of Parliament, a races, exotic collections and local
total of 52 spices are cultivated cultivars of different spices which are
extensively. The Western Ghats and the harnessed for crop improvement
North Eastern Regions of India are the programmes. ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode is
centre of diversity for most of the spices. the custodian of the world’s largest
The humid tropical evergreen forests of repository of germplasm in its mandate
South India contributes to the world both spice crops.
the king and queen of spices namely
black pepper and cardamom. It is also a BLACK PEPPER
secondary centre of origin of cinnamon.
The genus Piper has over 1000
Owing to the change in climate, depletion
species of which about 110 are of Indian
of the forest area, destruction of the forest
origin (Ravindran et al., 2005). The two
trees, changes in micro climate there is a
independent centres of diversity of black
sharp decline in the populations of wild
pepper are south western region and
pepper and cardamom and their related
north eastern region of India. About 16
taxa, and there is a need to collect and
related species are distributed in the
conserve the genera before it is extinct
forests of western ghat and the remaining
forever.
species in the north eastern region
Research and developmental activities in
(Ravindran et al., 2005). Extensive
humid tropical spices are mainly
survey in these hotspots has led to the
undertaken by ICAR- Indian Institute of
identification of five new taxa from
Spices Research (ICAR-IISR),
Kerala, namely, P. silentvalleyensis, P.
Kozhikode with the support from sister
nigrum var. hirtellosum (Ravindran et
institutions like ICAR- All India
al.,1987) and P. pseudonigrum from
Coordinated Research Project on Spices
Silent Valley biosphere reserve
(ICAR-AICRPS) which have centres at
(Velayudhan and Amalraj, 1992) and P.
various SAUs. A remarkable living
sugandhi and P. sugandhi var. brevipilis
catalogue of genetic diversity comprising
from Wayanad, Kerala (NirmalBabu et
over 5000 unique collections of black
al.,1993) Kumar and Mathew (2013)
pepper (Piper nigrum L., Piperaceae),
renamed P. pseudonigrum as P.
cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum
velayudhani. Lekhak et al. (2012, 2014)
Maton, Zingiberaceae),ginger (Zingiber
reported two new species, viz., P.relictum

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

and P. dravidii, from the northern Systematic surveys of all pepper growing
Western Ghats region at Maharashtra. areas, forests of the Western Ghats and
The important Piper species North Eastern regions have led to the
occurring in North East (NE) India establishment of black pepper germplasm
includes P. acutistigmum C. DC., P. conservatory at ICAR-IISR,Kozhikode.
haridasanii Gajurel, Rethy et Kumar Presently, ICAR- IISR holds the largest
(distributed in Arunachal Pradesh), P. germplasm collection of black pepper in
attenuatum Hamex Miq., Piper lonchitis the world consisting of 3465 accessions
Roem.et Sch., P. longum L. (distributed comprising of 1799 cultivars, 1659 wild
in all NE states), P. arunachalensis accessions and 9 exotic collections.
Gajurel et Rethy (reported from Twenty improved varieties of black
Arunachal Pradesh), P. aurantiacum pepper have been released for
Wall. (distributed in Assam and commercial cultivation. Panniyur-1,
Meghalaya), P. betleoides C. DC. Panniyur-3, Panniyur-8 and Panniyur 10
(distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam are hybrid revolved at the Pepper
and Sikkim), P. betle L.(distributed in Research Station, Panniyur (Kerala
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Agricultural University). IISR Girimunda
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and and IISR Malabar Excel are the two
Meghalaya), P. boemeriae folium (Miq.) hybrids released from ICAR-Indian
C. DC.(distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode,
Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Kerala. Phytophthora foot rot is one of
Tripura and Meghalaya), P. diffusum the major constraints in pepper
Vahl, Enum., P. griffithi C. DC. cultivation and crop improvement
(distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam programmes has resulted in development
and Meghalaya), P. hamiltonii C. DC. of three varieties viz., IISR Shakti, IISR
(distributed in Assam and Manipur), P. Thevam and Panniyur 8 which are field
khasianum C.DC. (distributed in tolerant to this disease. Pournami is
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, tolerant to root knot nematode
Tripura and Meghalaya) (Saji et al., (Meloidogyne incognita). Drought is one
2019) of the limiting factors in black pepper
Cultivar diversity is one of the cultivation and varieties viz., Panniyur 6
principal components of diversity in the and Panniyur 8 are field tolerant to water
genus Piper. The cultivars are evolved stress. Quality of black pepper is
directly from the wild P. nigrum. Natural measured in terms of piperine, oil and
selection and conscious related diversity selection by humans for various traits
in cultivars. Over 75cultivars of black have coleoresin contents. PLD 2, high
pepper are being cultivated in India. quality variety contains oleoresin 15.45%
Karimunda is the most popular cultivar in and essential oil 4.8%. Sreekara and
Kerala. The other important cultivars are Subhakara are rich in essential oil with
Kottanadan (South Kerala), Narayakodi 6.0 and 7.0% respectively. Besides these
(Central Kerala), Aimpiriyan (Wayanad), varieties developed by the Research
Neelamundi (Idukki), Kuthiravally Stations and SAUs, there are over ten
(Kozhikode and Idukki), Balancotta, farmer’s varieties that got registered with
Kalluvally (North Kerala), Malligesara PPVFRA (Protection of Plant Varieties
and Uddagare (Karnataka). Kuthiravally and Farmers’ Rights Authority).
and Balancotta exhibit alternate bearing
habit. In terms of quality, Kottanadan has The North Eastern India, Andaman &
the highest oleoresin (17.8%) content Nicobar Islands, Odisha, West Bengal
followed by Aimpiriyan (15.7%). etc., are then nontraditional areas having
potential for black pepper cultivation in

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

India. The arecanut plantation in Garo E.cardamomum, and it is the only

hills of Meghalaya and Assam offers a economically important species being
tremendous scope for black pepper used as a spice. Its closest species is the
cultivation in these regions (Mathew Sri Lankan wild cardamom E. enssal.
2007). Generally, in NER, Panniyur -1 However, earlier workers recognised two
and Karimunda is found to be performing botanical varieties in E. cardamomum
well with consistently good yield. Over namely var. major Thw. and var. minor
16 released varieties of black pepper Walt. But now var. major is treated as a
were introduced for evaluation in North separate species E. ensal. E. longituba
East states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh (Ridl) Holt. And E. aquatilis are other
and Meghalaya through ICAR-AICRPS. species endemic to Malaysia and
The black pepper varieties that have high Indonesia (Madhusoodanan et al. 2002).
yield potential and suitable for North Based on adaptability, nature of
Eastern Regions (NER) includes panicle, shape and size of capsules, three
Panniyur 1 (2253 kg ha-1), Panchami morphotypes of cardamom have been
(2828 kg ha-1), Pournami (2333 kg ha-1), identified viz.,Malabar,Mysore and
IISR Sakthi (2253 kg ha-1), IISR Thevam Vazhukka. The Malabar cultivar, with
(2148 kg ha-1), IISR Girimunda (2880 kg prostrate panicles (panicles spreading on
ha-1), IISR Malabar Excel (1440 kg ha-1), ground), is widely grown in Karnataka,
ArkaCoorg Excel (3150 kg ha-1). The while the Mysore cultivar, characterized
high-quality varieties of black pepper with erect panicles, is cultivated in
viz., IISR Sreekara and IISR Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. The
Subhakarathat have high essential oil cultivar Vazhukka, which is a natural
content of 6.0 and 7.0% respectively are hybrid between Malabar and Mysore
found suitable to NER. types, with a distinct semi-erect (pendent)
Further, there is a great scope for panicle, is the most popular cultivar in
growing pepper in tea gardens taking Kerala. Besides these morphotypes,
shade trees as standards. It is estimated variability is observed for multiple
that about 3 lakhs ha. land is available in branching of inflorescence, fruit shape,
NE States along with North Bengal as tea size and colour among the cultivars. In
gardens. The shade trees of the tea multiple branching types, the central
estates are at present under exploited. peduncle undergoes further branching of
Tea estates in north east can secondary and tertiary branches
accommodate more than one million producing compound panicle types.
pepper stands. If at least 30-50 shade Survey, collection and conservation of
trees/ha is planted with pepper the cardamom genetic resources has led to
country will be able to meet the the establishment of filed genebank of
international requirement. cardamom at ICAR-IISR Regional
Station, Appangala. Also the germplasm
SMALL CARDAMOM have been maintained at various ICAR-
AICRPS centres viz.,Indian Cardamom
Small cardamom (Elettaria Research Institute, Myladumpara,
cardamomum Maton) is Queen of Spices Cardamom Research Station,
belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. It Pampadumpara (Kerala Agriculture
is indigenous to evergreen forests of University); Regional Research Station,
Western Ghats in South India. Willis Mudigere and Horticultural Research
(1984) reported seven species in this Station, Yercaud (Tamil Nadu
genus which is distributed in the Indo- Agriculture University).
Malayan and Indonesian regions. But Crop Improvement programmes in
only one species is occurring in India, cardamom has led to the development of

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

18 varieties which are good in different most important cash crop cultivated in
attributes. Mudigere 1 and Mudigere 2 the sub Himalayan state of Sikkim and in
varieties are suitable to high density the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It
planting. Appangala 1(IISR Suvasini) is is also cultivated in northeastern states
suitable for high production technology and neighbouring countries, Nepal and
and responds well for nutritional inputs. Bhutan.
Katte disease of cardamom is one of the
very important diseases and it leads to The genus Amomumis the second largest
reduction in the yield. There are two genus of the family Zingiberaceae with
improved varieties/hybrids with 150 species (Thomas et al., 2009). This
resistance to katte virus. IISR Vijetha is species is indigenous to moist deciduous
the first katte virus resistant variety and and semi-evergreen forests of sub-
Appangala 2 is the first hybrid tolerant to Himalayan tracts at an altitude ranging
katte virus. IISR Avinash suitable to from 500- 2000 m. (Sharma, 2009). The
cardamom growing regions of Karnataka presence of wild species such as A.
and Wyanad of Kerala is tolerant to delbatum, A. aromaticum, A. kingir, A.
rhizome rot. Thrips is one of the major lingriformi, A. corynostachum and the
pests in cardamom and it affects the variability within the cultivated species
appetence and ultimate market value of support the view of its origin in Sikkim
capsules. Research work is in progress (Singh and Singh, 1996).There are
for the development of varieties tolerant mainly six popular cultivars of large
to thrips and some of the genotypes are cardamom viz., Ramsey (suited to high
under field evaluation. ICRI-5, ICRI-6 altitude), Ramla, Sawney and Varlangey
and Appangala 3 are the varieties tolerant (suited to medium and high altitude),
to drought. Market value of cardamom is Seremna and Dzongu Golsey (suited to
decided by its appearance and size. low altitude). Several other cultivars
Malabar types are characterised by include Chivey, Ramsey, Gardo Seto
globose-oblong shaped capsules and Ramnag, Madhusey, Seto Golsey, Slant
Mysore types are of ovoid, bold and dark Golsey, Red Sawney, Green Sawney and
green capsules. Apart from these there Mingney.
are over 20 farmers’ varieties of Survey was conducted by
cardamom which are popular among the Regional Station of ICRI (Indian
cardamom growers. Njallani green gold Cardamom Research Institute) at Sikkim
is one of the popular farmer’s varieties to different places of Sikkim (Sumsing,
which is high input responsive variety. Chingsa, Riew Long key) and Arunachal
Some of the farmers varieties are under Pradesh (Upper Siangin) for collection of
AICRPS multilocation evaluation trial to germplasm and at present about 60
test the suitability. genotypes have been conserved in the
germplasm of ICRI, RRS at Gangtok.
LARGE CARDAMOM There are two high yielding varieties
released by ICRI viz., ICRI Sikkim 1
Large cardamom (Amomum (suitable to medium (1500 m amsl) to
subulatum Roxb.) or black cardamom, high (1650 m amsl) altitudes) and ICRI
indigenous to moist deciduous and Sikkim 2 (suited to medium (1500 m
evergreen forests of sub-Himalayan amsl altitude). Peliminary observations
tropics, is a highly priced aromatic spice from the trial at Kohima, Nagaland
belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. showed that Varlangey cultivar of large
The dried ripe fruit is the spice of cardamom has better productivity (103.6
commerce and the seeds have similar g clump-1) as compared to Golsey
properties as those of small cardamom cultivar (48.3 g clump-1). Varlangey also
(Elettaria cardamomum Maton). It is the

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

showed better dry recovery (22%) in ‘Rio-de-Janeiro’ have also become very
comparison with the Golsey (16%). Oil popular among cultivators.
profiling of 10 cultivars of large The ex situ gene bank of ginger at
cardamom from ICRI, Gangtok showed ICAR-IISR conserves 675 accessions
that ICRI Sikkim 2 has the highest oil which consist of 632 cultivars, 9 wild
content (2.8%) and SCC-234 (Seremna) accessions and 36 exotic collections. All
has lowest oil content (1.6%) while the accessions are being maintained in
rest of the cultivar has the oil content in cement tubs to protect them from
the range of 2.0-2.4 percent. The diseases and also to maintain the purity
principle component of essential oil in of the genotypes. Besides ICAR-IISR,
large cardamom is 1,8- Kozhikode, AICRPS centres are also
cineole which forms 70.0-77.0 percent of maintaining a sizable number of
total available oil content, while A- germplasm. Clonal selection, somaclonal
thuene contribute the least (in range of variants and mutation breeding has
0.19-0.35 %) in cultivated accessions played important role in ginger
(Muhammed & Akshitha, 2016). improvement. Thirteen improved
varieties of ginger are developed by
GINGER different crop improvement methods.
Varieties viz., Suprabha, Himgiri and
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) IISR Varadahave low fibre and are
(Family: Zingiberaceae) is a herbaceous suitable for fresh ginger. Essential oil is
perennial, the rhizomes of which are used one of the major quality character of
as a spice. Maximum variability in ginger and varieties developed as
cultivated ginger is found in Indian and somaclonal variants, such as Athira,
the adjoining countries of South East Karthika and Aswathy are rich in
Asia. In India, North Eastern States and essential of >2%. Also, IISR Vajrahas
Kerala are the principal regions of high essential oil and zingiberene
variability. Species diversity and varietal content. IISR Mahima is a nematode
diversity are the principal components of tolerant variety.
biodiversity in ginger (Mohanty and The released varieties of ginger
Sharma 1979; Sasikumar et al. 1999). were introduced and popularized in
The family, Zingiberaceae Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram and
contains only one genus, Zingiber. Meghalaya through ICAR-AICRPS. Six
Gamble (1925) reported seven species genotypes of ginger viz.,Aizol Ada
from South India. Sabu (1991) described (Myanmar), Shing Bukir (Garo Pahar),
eight species from the Western Ghats and Moran Ada, Am Ada/ Mango ginger
adjacent areas viz., Zingiber roseum. (Curcuma amada), Nadia (Karbi
Rosc., Z. nimmonii Dalz., Z. wightianum Anglong), Nadia (Nagaland) were
Thaw., Z. zerumbet (L) Smith., Z. collected and planted at Kahikuchi centre
neesanum (Graham) Ramamoorthy (syn. for evaluation and multiplication. Ten
Z. macrostachyum Dalz.), Z. cernum vegetable type bold gingers from Nepal
Dalz., Z. purpureum Roscoe (syn. Z. were introduced to Meghalaya, Mizoram,
cassumunar Thw.) and Z. officinale Rosc. Nagaland and 15 from Arunachal
Several cultivars of ginger are grown in Pradesh. A unique genotype of black
different ginger growing areas in India ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) collected
and they are generally named after the and multiplied at Nagaland centre of
localities where they are grown. Some of ICAR-AICRPS. The ginger varieties that
the prominent indigenous cultivars are have high yield potential and suitable for
Maran, Kuruppampadi, Ernad, Wayanad, NER includes IISR Varada (22.6 t ha-1),
Himachal and Nadia. The exotic cultivar IISR Mahima (23.2 t ha-1), IISR Rejatha

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

(22.4 t ha-1) Suprabha (16.6 t ha-1 fresh), hybridization. Clonal selection is the
GCP-49 /Mohini (14 t ha-1) and Himgiri most common and successful method for
(13.5 t ha-1). The evaluation of the ginger crop improvement in turmeric. Mutation
genotypes under NER revealed that and polyploidy breeding is for creation of
Himgiri and Nadia performed well in variability. Due to rare seed set and
Mizoram, Suravi and Nadia in Pasighat sterility development of varieties through
while IISR Mahima, Maran and Nadia hybridization is very difficult. Thirty four
were best in Meghalaya whereas improved varieties of turmeric developed
Gorubathan and Bhaise are the best by Research Institutes. Of these IISR
ginger varieties for Arunachal Pradesh. Prabha and IISR Prathiba are the only
varieties developed by open pollinated
TURMERIC progeny selection. Suguna, Sudarshana,
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a and IISR Pragati are short duration
rhizomatous spice propagated mainly varieties with high yield and over 5%
through rhizomes. The genus Curcuma curcumin. They are also reported to be
(family Zingiberaceae) comprising over tolerant to rhizome rot. Curcumin is one
80 species of rhizomatous herbs is of the important quality parameters and
endowed with widespread adaptation varieties rich in curcumin content are
from sea level to altitude as high as 2000 Roma, Suroma, IISR Prathiba, IISR
m in the Western Ghats and Himalayas. Prabha, Megha turemric-1, IISR Alleppy
Having originated in the Indo-Malayan Supreme and IISR Pragati.
region, the genus is widely distributed in Twenty four high yielding
the tropics of Asia to Africa and released varieties were introduced in to
Australia. Species diversity, morphotype Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and
diversity and varietal diversity are Arunachal Pradesh through ICAR-
characteristic of this genus (Sasikumar AICRPS and three new collections of
2005). Cultivar diversity of cultivated Curcuma were made from Arunachal
turmeric is highest in India. In India, Pradesh. The turmeric varieties that have
Southern India, Odisha and North East high yield potential and suitable for NER
States are rich in varietal diversity. A includes IISR Prathiba (39.12 t ha-1),
good number of varieties also exist in IISR Alleppy Supreme (35.4 t ha-1), IISR
other producing countries such as Kedaram (34.5 t ha-1), IISR Pragati(33.19
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Nepal, t ha-1), BSR-2 (32.7 t ha-1 fresh), Roma
Myanmar, South Pacific Islands, (20.7 t ha-1), Suranjana (29.0 t ha-1),
Malagasy, etc. Megha Turmeric - 1 (23.0 t ha-1)and
More than 70 turmeric cultivars Rajendra Sonia (42.0. t ha-1Pot. Yield).
are known to be under cultivation in Megha Turmeric -1 was found to be the
India. Most of these cultivars go by local best for Meghalaya and NDH-98 gave
names derived mostly from the place of maximum rhizome yield (22.64 t ha-1) in
cultivation. Ex situ gene bank of Arunachal Pradesh. In Mizoram, turmeric
Curcuma established at ICAR- IISR, varieties viz.,Megha Turmeric -1,
Kozhikode, consists of 1358 accessions Pratibha, NDH 1 and Duggirala red were
including 1342 cultivars and 16 wild the best for yield while Rajendra Sonia,
accessions of related taxa. The NBPGR, NDH 1, BSR 2, Duggirala red and
Regional Station, Trissur, Kerala, is also Megha were the best for curcumin. A
maintaining about 650 accessions of demonstration-cum-seed production unit
turmeric besides various AICRPS of pure block of curcumin rich turmeric
centres. Breeding approaches followed in variety Megha Turmeric and curcumin
turmeric are clonal selection, mutation stable turmeric variety IISR Pragati was
breeding, polyploidy breeding and established in all the ICAR- AICRPS

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

centres located in the NE region like nutmeg is also conserved at NBPGR,

ICAR Res Complex for NE Region, Regional Station, Thrissur,Kerala;
Barapani, Mizoram and Gangtok, ICRI, Horticultural Research Station,
RRS, Tadaong, CAU, Pasighat, AAU, Pechiparai (Tamil Nadu Agricultural
Kahikuchi and SASRD, Medziphema to University)and College of Agriculture,
facilitate the availability of pure seeds of Dr.Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi
Megha Turmeric and IISR Pragati. Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra.
Major constraint in nutmeg breeding is
NUTMEG perennial nature and dioecious habit. This
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans can be exploited by selection and
Houtt, family Myristicaceae.) is an hybridisation. Five varieties are
important tree spice, yielding two spices, developed by clonal selection. Konkan
namely, the nutmeg (dried seed) and the Sugandha and Konkan Sanyuktais a
mace (dried aril surrounding the seed). bisexual variety. IISR Viswashree is a
Nutmeg is indigenous to the Moluccas high yielding and high-quality variety of
islands in Indonesia, introduced to India nutmeg. IISR Keralashree was developed
during the eighteenth century by the through Farmers Participatory Breeding
British East India Company. The family Approach, which is the first of its kind in
Myristicaceae has about 18 genera and the development of varieties in tree
300 species which are found in the spices. Apart from these there are many
rainforests of Asia, Africa, Madagascar, farmers’ selections which are popular
South America and Polynesia. India has 4 among the nutmeg growers. Some of
genera (Horsfieldia, Gymnacranthera, these selections are also under AICRPS
Knema and Myristica) and 15 species. multilocation evaluation.
They occur in the evergreen forests of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, CINNAMON
Meghalaya and the Western Ghats.The
True Cinnamon is obtained from
Myristica swamps are dominated by
Cinnamomum verum belonging to
members of Myristicaceae. Myristica
Lauraceae is a native of Sri Lanka and
swamp is a special type of habitat. These
southern Western Ghats of India .The
swamps are found in the valleys of
genetic diversity of Cinnamomum
Shendurney, Kulathupuzha and Anchal
occurring in South India is Cinnamomum
forest ranges in the southern Western
filipedicallatum Kosterm, C. goanse
Ghats. Myristica swamps are also
Kosterm, C. macrocarpum Hook, C.
reported in Uttara Kannada district of
malabatrum (Burmat) BI., C.
central Western Ghats in Karnataka.
nicolsonianum Manilal & Shylaga, C.
These swamps are isolated and situated in
perottetti Meisson, C. riparium Gamble,
localities from near sea level to about 450
C. keralense Kosterm, C. travancorium
m altitude. The northernmost swamp
Gamble, C. verum Brecht & Presl, C.
known is associated with a sacred grove
wightii Meisson, C. sulphuratum Nees,
in the Satari Taluk of Goa. Myristicaceae
C. heynianum Nees, C. gracile Hook f.,
was the most dominant family of the
C. chemungianum Mohan & Henry and
swamps forming 32%of the total number
C. walaiwarense Kosterm (Ravindran,
of trees.
1999).
The germplasm collections of nutmeg are
conserved at various research stations in The ex-situ gene bank of ICAR-IISR
their germplasm repositories. At ICAR- comprises of 239 accessions of cultivars,
IISR, 510 accessions of nutmeg are 58 accessions of wild relatives and 14
conserved which includes 466 cultivated exotic collections totalling to 311
and 34 wild accessions. Germplasm of accessions. Evaluation and selection

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

based on high quality bark and oil have potential to expand spices production.
led to the release of two varieties, viz. Efforts must be focused on production of
Nithyashree and Navashree from ICAR- quality planting material of the improved
IISR, Kozhikode. A few accessions are varieties besides disseminating the
also conserved at the Horticultural information on scientific cultivation
Research Station, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu among the farming community. The
and Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, SAUs/CAUs located in the region may
Maharashtra. take up research on spices, especially for
evolving varieties specifically suited to
CLOVE the local condition along with the
location specific agro techniques. All
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.)
these will augment the efforts for greater
belonging to the family Myrtaceae is a
production and productivity of the spices
native of Moluccas islands from where it
in NER and thereby improving the
has spread to many tropical countries.
financial conditions of North Eastern
The British planters introduced the first
farming community. The high-quality
trees of clove to Courtallam and Nilgiri
rich spices produced from North Eastern
areas of Tamil Nadu. Clove of
regions of India can be labelled/ branded
commerce is the dried unopened flower
as “NER spices” which should be one of
buds. Genetic base of clove in the
the visionary development of spices in
country is very narrow because the
North East.
original number of introductions was
very few and the crop is self-pollinated. REFERENCES
There is only one improved variety
available in the country i.e., PPI(CL) 1 Gamble, J. S. 1925. Flora of the
developed by TNAU, Tamil Nadu. presidency of madras (Vol. II).
Research organisations have collected Calcutta: Botanical Survey ofIndia.
few variants in clove from different Kumar, E. S. S., & Mathew, S. P. 2013.
plantations. Those variants are dwarf Piper velaudhanii (Piperaceae), a
clove with bushy spreading habit, king New Name for P.pseudonigrum
and Madagascar clove with bigger flower Velay. &Amalraj. Journal of
buds. Scientific Research, 5(3), 579–580.
Lekhak, M. M., Kambale, S. S., &Yadav,
CONCLUSIONS S. R. 2012. Piper relictumsp.nov.
(Piperaceae) from northern Western
Good amount of variability of Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of
spices are collected, conserved and being Botany, 30, 571–574.
utilized besides registering the unique Lekhak, M. M., Kambale, S. S., &Yadav,
accessions. Trait specific collection and S. R. 2014 A new Piper from the
conservation of cultivated diversity of northern WesternGhats and notes
spices are still in progress. Crop on economic potential of Piper
improvement programmes utilizing the section Muldera. Genet Resour
indigenous and exotic germplasm Crop Evol.(Published online- 15
conserved at ICAR-IISR and ICAR- May, 2014).
AICRPS is in progress for the last three Madhusoodanan, K. J., Pradip Kumar,
decades. This has led to the development K., &Ravindran, P. N. 2002.
of 125 improved varieties of spices which Botany, crop improvement and
are capable of doubling the farmer’s biotechnology of cardamom. In P.
income. The North Eastern Regions of N. Ravindran& K. J.
India blessed with suitable climate and Madhusoodanan(Eds.),Cardamom
other production parameters have good

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

The genus Elettaria(pp. 11–68). History and achievements of spices

New York: Taylor & Francis. research in India sice
Mathew, B. 2007. Black pepper- a independence. Agrobios 983p.
potential intercrop for arecanut Sabu, M. 1991. A taxonomic and
plantations of Garo Hills. Spice phylogenetic study of South Indian
India, 20 (7).pp 32-33. Zingiberaceae. Ph.D Thesis,
Mohanty, D. C., & Sharma, Y. N. 1979. University of Calicut, Kerala.
Genetic variability and correlation Saji, K.V., Sasikumar B., Rema, J.,
for yield and other variables in Sharon Aravind and Nirmal Babu.
ginger germplasm. Indian Journal K. 2019. Spices Genetic Resources:
of Agricultural Science, 49, 250– Diversity, Distribution and
253. Conservation. In. (Eds.) P.E.
Muhammed Nissar, V. A. and Akshitha, Rajasekharan and V. Ramanatha
H. J. (Eds) (2016) Annual Report Rao. Conservation and Utilization
2015-16, ICAR-All India of Horticultural Genetic Resources,
Coordinated Research Project on Springer, Singapore, p:283- 320
Spices, ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode, Sasikumar, B. 2005. Genetic resources of
Kerala, India, 120p. Curcuma: Diversity,
Nirmal Babu, K., Naik, V. G., characterization and utilization.
&Ravindran, P. N. 1993. Two new Plant Genetic Resources –
taxa of Piper (Piperacea) from Conservation and utilization, 3,
Kerala, India with a note on their 130–151.
origin and interrelationships. Sasikumar, B., Krishnamoorthy, B., Saji,
Journal of Spices & K. V., Johnson George, K., Peter,
AromaticCrops, 2, 26–33. K. V., &Ravindran, P. N. 1999.
Ranjanan R., Mathew K. M. and Spices diversity and conservation
Remashree A. B. 2022. Agro- of plants that yield major spices in
morphological and genetic diversity India. Plant Genetic Resource
of Indian large cardamom cultivars Newsletter, (118), 19–26.
(Amomum subulatum Roxb.) in the Sharma, G., R. Sharma and E. Sharma.
sub-Himalayan tropics 2009. Traditional knowledge
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic system in Large Cardamom
.2022.1339.4 farming: biophysical and
Ravindran, P. N. 1999. Genetic diversity management diversity in Indian
of major spices and their mountainous regions. Indian
conservation in India.In: Journal of Traditional Knowledge.
Biodiversity, conservation and 8(1):17-22.
utilization of spices, medicinal and Singh,V.B. and Kirti Singh. 1996. Large
aromatic plants (pp. 16–44). cardamom. Spices published by
Calicut: Indian Institute of Spices Indian Institute of Plantation
Research. Management, Bangalore and New
Ravindran, P. N., Nair, M. K., & Nair, R. Age International publishers, New
A. 1987. Two taxa of Piper Delhi pp 52-57.
(Piperaceae) from Silent Valley Thomas, V.P., M. Sabu and U. Gupta.
Forests, Kerala. Journal of 2009. Taxonomic studies on
Economic & Taxonomic Botany, cultivars of Amomum subulatum
10, 167–169. (Zingiberaceae). Rheedea. 19:25-36
Ravindran P N, Nirmal Babu K, Shiva K
N & Johny A Kallupurackal (Eds.)
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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Velayudhan, K. C., &Amalraj, V. A.

1992. Piper pseudonigrum– A new
species from WesternGhats.
Journal of Economic & Taxonomic
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Willis J C 1984 Dictionary of flowering
plants and ferns. Cambridge:
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(Revised).

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Diversity of underutilized horticultural crops of North East India and their

exploitation potential
B.N. HAZARIKA
Dean, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Pasighat
-7911102, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Email: bnhazarika13@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT ecological knowledge among farmers.

People of region have their own culture,
The North Eastern region occupy 7.7 tradition and medicinal system of treatment
% of total geographical area of country and and knowledge acquired through close
harbors 50 % of Indian flora (8,000 species) observation of nature. Its ethnic people
of which about 4 % is endemic (2,526 living in the remote forest areas still depend
species). The North-East India the richest to a greater extent on the forest ecosystems
reservoir of plant diversity in India and is for their livelihood They collect different
one of the ‘biodiversity hotspots’ of the medicinal plants and use them in traditional
world supporting about 50 % of India’s ways to cure their health-related forms. The
biodiversity. The distinct tribes in the region minor and wild fruits are mostly used to cure
have rich indigenous knowledge system on various gastrointestinal disorders,
the use of components of biodiversity for respiratory problems, cardiovascular
their daily sustenance like food, fodder, compliance, muscular illness, bone diseases,
shelter and healthcare. The region has gynaecological problem, cancers, snake bite,
several unique features such as fertile land, allergy and malaria etc. by local people of
abundant water resources, evergreen dense the region. This indigenous system of
forests of about 66%, high rainfall, and treatment based on such fruits is still an
agriculture-friendly climate. Its unique important part in social life and culture of
phyto-geographical positions, topography the tribal people. However, this traditional
and high degree of precipitation are some of knowledge of the local people has been
the important factors which are mainly transferred from generation to generation
responsible for its enormous biological without proper technological interventions.
diversity. As a result, an array of diverse This paper will discuss the potentialities of
plants are grown across the region ranging diverse underutilized horticultural crops of
from tropical to alpine. A large number of North-East India.
diversity in fruits belonging to the genera
Artocarpus, Annona, Averrhoa, Garcinia,
Musa, Passiflora, Phyllanthus, etc. are
reported from the region. Besides diverse
vegetables particularly wild leafy
vegetables, rare genotypes of cucurbits,
solanaceous vegetables, chilli, ginger,
turmeric, etc. are there with some unique
quality because of their locational
advantage. The region has a great ethno-
cultural diversity with major and sub-tribes,
which explains the wealth of traditional

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Nutritional analysis and bio-actives potential of edible species of

Momordica L. from across India
CHUBASENLA AOCHEN, LEMNARO JAMIR, EMICA GATPHOH, S. RUTH
ASSUMI, SUMA A*, JOSEPH JOHN*, HARISH GD** AND SIYANG BORANG#*
ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umiam - 793103, Meghalaya
* ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station-Thrissur – 680656, Kerala
**
ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi - 110012
#
State Horticulture Research & Development Institute, Chimpu-791111, Itanagar

EXTENDED SUMMARY RESULT

The genus Momordica consists of Total Ascorbic acid ranged from
60 species native to Africa and Asia of 0.75 to 5.9 mg g-1fw in fruits, 0.9 to 2 mg
which seven species have been reported g-1fw in leaves. Total flavonoids ranged
from India (Joseph and Antony, 2010), from 0.77 to 5.3 mg QE g-1fw in fruits,
two monoecious (M. charantia, M. and 1.7 to 6.4 mg QE g-1fw in leaves.
balsamina) and four dioecious (M. Total Potassium Ferricyanide Reducing
dioica, M. denudata, M. cochinchinensis Antioxidant Potential (PFRAP) ranged
and M. subangulata) and M. sahyadrica a from 2 to 4.7 in fruits, and 2.3 to 5.1 mg
dioecious species is a recent addition AAE g-1fw in leaves. DPPH scavenging
(Joseph and Antony, 2007).Apart from potential ranged from 66 to 92.8% in
bitter gourd all other Momordica species fruits and 53.7 to 87.6 % in leaves
are important as wild relatives of bitter (Ascorbic Acid reference 96.6%). On an
gourd. With their direct utility of leaves average fruit exhibited more Ascorbic
and fruits as nutritious vegetable and acid and Scavenging potential as
multipurpose medicinal plants, they have compared to leaves. For antidiabetic
great potential to be exploited as studies, fruits of M. sahyadrica and M.
alternative crops. The study aims to dioica at 200 µg/ml exhibited higher α-
enrich the database of the collected amylase inhibitory activity at 29.65 and
Momordica species across India, 31%, respectively with IC50 at 620 to
especially North Eastern region, with 825 µg/ml, respectively. While the fruits
nutritional data and the potential of of M. sahyadrica and M. dioica exhibited
bioactives present in the species. lower α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at
3.4 mg/ml in comparison to leaf extracts,
METHODOLOGY the IC50 derived from linear regression
was the highest in fruits (> 3 mg/ml).
A total of 24 collections of This may indicate the higher capacity of
different Momordica spp. from across leaves to inhibit α-amylase and α-
India were evaluated for different glucosidaseactivities at lower
nutritional and bioactives analyses. concentrations as compared to fruits.
Proximate analyses were done in oven- Adequate β-carotene content was also
dried samples in leaves and fruits as per exhibited in these collections.
AOAC (1995), while bioactives studies
of shade dried leaf and fruits were
undertaken in methanolic extracts as per
prescribed protocols.

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Table 1: Biochemical and antioxidant properties of Momordica spp.

PFRAP Inhibition
Total Ascorbic Flavonoids -
Collection No. Tissue -1 -1 (mg AAE g of DPPH
acid (mg g fw) (mg QE g fw) 1
(%)
fw)
3.736 + 81.95 +
Momordica spp. (HJ/19-24) Fruit 5.938 + 1.81 4.713 + 0.006
0.14 0.99
4.706 + 78.38 +
Momordica spp. (HJ/19-26) Fruit 3.350 + 0.21 4.891 + 0.04
0.03 1.71
2.075 + 83.42 +
Momordica spp. (61) Fruit 3.020 + 0.13 5.328 + 0.006
0.13 1.80
3.198 + 66.65 +
Momordica spp. (HJ/19-44) Fruit 5.346 + 0.09 4.949 + 0.02
0.15 0.09
M. charantia var. muricata Leaf 4.989 + 80.55 +
0.892 + 0.05 5.232 + 0.14
(JH/mis-19-107) clippings 0.03 1.77
M. charantia var. muricata Leaf 5.112 + 78.95 +
1.119 + 015 6.366 + 0.25
(HJ/19-61A) clippings 0.21 3.77
M.charantia var. muricata Leaf 4.629 + 87.60 +
1.036 + 0.13 3.333 + 0.61
(HJ/19-61) clippings 0.08 0.67
M. charantia var. muricata Leaf 4.981 + 80.99 +
1.555 + 0.63 6.463 + 0.53
(HJ/19-83A) clippings 0.14 3.65
M. cochinchinensis (KB-SG- Leaf 4.567 + 74.52 +
2.146 + 0.57 2.522 + 0.12
3) clippings 0.39 0.85
M. subangulata subsp.
renigera [Hybrid between IC
Leaf 3.223 + 56.03 +
597084 (Cachar, Assam) X 1.430 + 0.03 1.829 + 0.08
clippings 0.20 2.21
IC 553771 (Andaman &
Nicobar Islands) ]
Leaf 2.343 + 61.64 +
1.511 + 0.03 1.721 + 0.07
clippings 0.45 2.82
M. dioica (SBJ/28)
4.212 + 92.86 +
Fruit 0.930 + 0.26 1.105 + 0.06
0.52 0.94
Leaf 3.729 + 53.74
1.547 + 0.01 3.419 + 1.46
clippings 0.07 +1.81
M. sahyadrica (SBJ/02-07)
2.336 + 92.28 +
Fruit 0.755 + 0.16 0.772 + 0.07
0.06 1.27
96.64 +
Ascorbic acid (reference standard) - - -
0.11
Values are means of triplicates + SD

CONCLUSION also observed. A higher capacity of

leaves to inhibit α-glucosidaseactivities
Variations in the nutritional and as compared to fruits at lower extract
bioactives potential was observed among concentrations was also determined.
the collections. Momordica species
exhibited adequate ascorbic acid (Vit C) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
and β-carotene content. High flavonoid
content and antioxidant potential was This study is funded by DBT
Twinning Program on Momordica.

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

REFERENCE
AOAC (2000). Official methods of morphology, germination
analysis. Association of Official behaviour and propagation
Analytical Chemists International. efficiency in three edible
Maryland, USA. Momordica (Cucurbitaceae)
Joseph, J.K., Antony, V.T., Jose, M. and species of India. Genet Resour
Karuppaiyan, R. (2009). Tuber Crop Evol 56: 861- 868.

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Characterization and stability study in core set of rice bean

(Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi)
PHILANIM W.S.1*, AMIT KUMAR1, BANSHAN IANGRAI1, UMAKANTA
NGANGKHAM2, C. AOCHEN1AND SANDEEP JAISWAL1
1
CAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103
2
ICAR Research Complex North Eastern Hill Region, Manipur centre, Lamphelpat,
Imphal, Manipur-795004
3
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
*Email: philanim09@gmail.com

Ricebean [(Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) poorly in one environment but better in a

Ohwi and Ohashi)], earlier known as different environment (Dwivedi et al.
Phaseolus calcaratus, an underutilized 2020) and, therefore, some may be the
diploid (2n=22) grain legume, is grown case of ricebean. The AMMI method is a
mostly in the North-Eastern Himalayan popular statistic used in stability analysis
regions of India which is considered as as it is well-suited for data with many
one of the biological hotspots and is environmental influences, deciphers
integral to the region (Barthakur et al. better knowledge of the G×E interaction
2001).Ricebean is rich in protein content establishes patterns of relationships
(25%) consumed whole as it cannot be between genotypes and environments,
processed into dal, and also used as and provide accurate trait estimates
fodder and green manure to enrich soil. (Gauch 1988; Zobel et al., 1988; Crossa
Ricebean is known to tolerate harsh et al., 1990). Ricebean improvement for
conditions of acidic soil, drought and yield can be achieved by utilizing good
water logging alongside its innate performing stable genotypes in crossing
nitrogen-fixing capacity that adds to soil programmes. Therefore, the present study
fertility that makes it ideal for the north- was conducted to characterize ricebean
eastern region of India. The twinning landraces collected from different north
habit of rice bean makes them suitable to eastern states and to the identify stable
intercrop with maize, sorghum and and high yielding ricebean genotypes
millets or pearl millet. Characterization across the environments for north east
provides description of the germplasm. hill region of India.
Proper characterization helps in
unambiguous discrimination between MATERIALS AND METHODS
accessions, detecting redundancies and in
The materials included landraces
monitoring genetic change during
collected from Manipur, Mizoram,
maintenance. Characterization is central
Meghalaya and some accessions procured
to effective management of plant genetic
from NBPGR, Shimla. They were grown
resources. Grain yield, being a
at Upland Plant Breeding farm, ICAR-
quantitative trait, is highly influenced by
Research Complex for North Eastern Hill
the environment, so a breeder should
Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The field
identify a variety that is less influenced
experiments were conducted in three
by environment, i.e., a stable one. For
growing seasons viz., 2018, 2019 and
consistent performance of a genotype
2020 in Randomised Complete Block
over locations, any deviation in the
Design (RCBD) using three checks,
performance is termed as genotype-
namely, PRR1 (G9), PRR2 (G10) and
environment interaction. Due to specific
RBL6 (G27) in three replications with 45
adaptation, some genotypes may perform

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

cm row to row spacing and 15 cm per plant (SYPP) across the years was
between plant to plant in all the years, analysed, taking the years as random
respectively. Data were recorded on yield effects and genotypes as fixed effects.
and yield attributing traits from each plot The results show that the genotypes (G),
on five randomly selected plants. environmental (E) and interaction (GEI)
Standard agronomic practices for effects being highly significant (p<0.01)
ricebean were followed during all the for all the traits studied, indicating the
years. prominence of all the three types of
effects which is merely not random or
MEASURES OF STABILITY USED due to chance. The G×E interaction
IN THE STUDY component was partitioned into first two
interaction principal components (IPCA),
The AMMI based stability
which was found non-significant. The
parameters (ASTABs) such as AMMI
IPCA1 explained 90.4% and IPCA2
stability value (ASV) as per Purchase
explained 9.6% of the G x E interaction,
(2020), sums of the absolute value of the
thus the first two principal components
IPC Scores (SIPC) and averages of the
could explain 100% of the G×E variation
squared eigen value (EV) as proposed by
(Table 2).ASV, ZA and WAAS
Sneller et al. (1997), absolute value of
parameters commonly selected Ukhrul-
the relative contribution of IPCs to the
13, BSKB-28, EC018171 and Bete-4 as
interaction (ZA) as per the procedure of
the most stable genotypes with relatively
Zali et al. (2012) and Weighted Average
high mean yield and G14 as the most
of Absolute Scores (WAAS) according to
unstable genotype. Stability measures
Olivoto et al. (2019) were calculated.
SIPC and EV selected Bete-4 as the most
MULTI-TRAIT GENOTYPE- stable genotype with high mean yield and
IDEOTYPE DISTANCE INDEX IC0075376, IC002567 and Ukhrul-12 as
(MGIDI) the most unstable genotypes. Bete-4
could be introduced as the most
The multi-trait genotype-ideotype favourable genotype with high mean
distance index (MGIDI) was used to rank yield and stability as inferred by all the
the genotypes based on information of five stability indexes.
multiple traits as proposed by Olivoto
and Nardino (2020). Statistical analysis CONCLUSION
for all the stability-related parameters
Genotypes performing well in
was performed by functions available in
number of environments can be
the ‘metan’ package (v. 1.16.0) (Olivoto
considered for wide adaptation. Lines
and Lucio 2020) in R version 3.6.1
with high yield and low stability score
(http://www.r-project.org/).
can be considered for location-specific
Characterisation for morphological and
adaptation.
biochemical traits on genetic resources
selected from the core set was also done. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The authors express their gratitude to
Department of Science and Technology
The performances with respect to
(SERB under EMEQ scheme) for the
yield and yield-related traits viz., number
financial support for this research.
of seeds per pod, number of pods per
plant and seed yield per plant is presented REFERENCES
in Table 1. Combined ANOVA for
number of seeds per pod (SPP), number Barthakur M., Sarma B. K., Annadurai A.
of pods per plant (PPP) and seed yield and Verma D. K. 2001.

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under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Performance of rice bean genotypes Olivoto T., Lúcio A. D., da Silva J. A.,
in mid-altitude conditions of Marchioro V. S., de Souza V. Q.
Meghalaya. Indian J. Hill Farming, and Jost E. 2019. Mean
14(1): 150-152. performance and stability in
Crossa J., Gauch H. G. and Zobel R. W. multi‐environment trials I:
1990. Additive main effect and Combining features of AMMI and
multiplicative interaction analysis BLUP techniques. J. Agron.,
of two international maize cultivar 111(6): 2949-2960.
trials. Crop Sci., 30: 493-500 Purchase J. L., Hatting H. and Van
Dwivedi A., Basandrai D. and A.K. Deventer C. S. 2000. Genotype x
Sarial A.K. 2020. AMMI biplot environment interaction of winter
analysis for grain yield of basmati wheat (T. aestivum) in South
lines (Oryza sativa L.) in North Africa: Stability analysis of yield
Western Himalayan Hill regions. performance. S. Afr. J. Plant Soil.,
Indian J. Genet. Plant Breed., 17: 101-107.
80(2): 140-146 DOI: Sneller C. H., Kilgore-Norquest L. and
10.31742/IJGPB.80.2.3. Dombek D. 1997. Repeatability of
Gauch H. G. and Zobel R. W. 1988. yield stability statistics in soybean.
Predictive and postdictive success Crop Sci., 37: 383-390.
of statistical analyses of yield trials. Zali H., Farshadfar E., Sabaghpour S. H.
Theor. Appl. Genet., 76: 1-10. and Karimizadeh R. 2012.
Olivoto T. and Metan: An R package for Evaluation of genotype ×
multi-environment trial analysis. environment interaction in chickpea
Methods Ecol. Evol., 11(6): 783- using measures of stability from
789.Lúcio A. D. C. 2020. AMMI model. Ann. Biol. Res., 3:
Olivoto T. and Nardino M. 2021. 3126-3136.
MGIDI: toward an effective Zobel R. W., Wright M. J. and Gauch H.
multivariate selection in biological G. 1988. Statistical analysis of a
experiments. J. Bioinform., 37(10): yield trial. J. Agron., 80: 388-393.
1383-1389.

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Table I. Mean performance of yield and yield related traits in 30 rice bean genotypes
evaluated for three years
S.No Genotype Pods per plant Hundred seed weight Seed yield per plant
G1 EC000843 61.09 6.51 37.21
G2 EC012436 31.28 5.69 16.30
G3 EC014075 76.56 5.63 38.44
G4 EC016136 62.74 5.61 31.20
G5 EC018171 47.51 6.53 24.81
G6 EC018181 78.23 8.49 56.90
G7 IC002074 86.90 6.28 51.30
G8 IC002567 91.42 7.68 60.67
G9 IC007537-6 111.48 7.43 72.76
G10 IC469202 65.24 5.40 30.66
G11 IC469203 56.66 5.57 30.41
G12 IC469204 56.94 7.57 33.76
G13 Ukhrul-6 111.72 14.47 127.83
G14 Ukhrul-12 102.70 8.62 72.03
G15 Ukhrul-13 50.70 11.40 51.64
G16 Ukhrul-14 137.03 18.47 141.93
G17 Ukhrul-15 125.07 7.68 84.20
G18 Ukhrul-16 78.33 12.60 67.74
G19 Ukhrul-17 124.92 7.43 76.97
G20 Ukhrul-19 76.51 8.46 62.08
G21 Bete-4 116.69 7.17 68.03
G22 Bete-6 113.98 8.41 85.08
G23 Bete-9 30.54 10.70 26.49
G24 LRGP-3 111.88 7.43 68.68
G25 LRGP-4 65.31 7.57 37.53
G26 LRGP-5 68.48 9.44 56.29
G27 LRGP-7 84.44 6.61 44.27
G28 BSKB-13 144.60 9.04 120.98
G29 BSKB-28 148.81 8.31 122.40
G30 BSKB-29 64.74 9.40 61.14

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Table II. Additive Main effects and Multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance
for seed yield per plant (g) across three years
Source Df Sum Sq Mean Sq Pr(>F) Proportion Accumulated Explained
SS (%)
ENV 2 22803.2 11401.6** 0.000257 5.9
REP(ENV) 6 1547.557 257.9261** 1.87E-07
GEN 29 272288.2 9389.248** 3.87E-131 70.5
GEN:ENV 58 41923.99 722.8274** 1.48E-55 10.9
IPCA1 30 37887.09 1262.903 90.4 90.4
IPCA2 28 4036.902 144.1751 9.6 100
Residuals 174 5745.39 33.01948
Total 327 386232.3 1181.139
*significance at p≤0.05 **significance at p≤0.01

Fig I. AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplot of 30 ricebean genotypes for seed yield per plant across
three years

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G28 G2
G29 G5
G17 G23
G13 G12

G22 G25

G19 G18

G9 G10

G21 G4

G24 G11

G14 G16

G8 G1

G20 G3
G30 G27
G6 G15
G7 G26

Fig II. Multitrait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index for genotype ranking and selection of
genotypes considering 10% selection intensity

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A special emphasis on animal genetic resources of North Eastern parts of

India and their conservation strategies
GOVINDARAJAN BHUVANA PRIYA1, A.A.P. MILTON2 AND U.K. BEHERA1

1
College of Agriculture, CAU(I), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya
2
ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya
North East India, a richest farmers in NE states of India, which are
biodiversity hotspot having more than described as indigenous local. Despite
60% forest coverage, also represent a their enormous potential contribution to
enormous diversity in animal genetic sustainable development and to reducing
resources like Mithun (Bos frontalis), hunger and poverty, animal genetic
Yak which are also domesticated and resources for food and agriculture are
wild animal species like Asian elephants, underutilized and under conserved.
one-horned rhinoceros, brow-antlered
deer (Sangai), wild water buffalo, leaf Animal production contributes
deer and Tawang macaque. The NE about 40 per cent of the total value to
region comprises of 3,624 species of agriculture globally and they provide
insects, 236 fishes, 541 birds, 160 abroad variety of meats, milk and eggs,
mammalian species etc, making it rich in together with a broad range of other
the diversification of species apart from goods and services, such as draught,
the floral diversity. Livestock fibre, hides, skin, manure, etc.,
biodiversity is integral to our culture, Considering future trends in demand and
history, environment, and economy. supply of livestock products and services,
Thousands of livestock breeds have the conservation of livestock genetic
evolved over time to suit particular resources and maintenance of diversity
environments and farming systems. and the substantial increase in rate and
Livestock biodiversity is essential to food efficiency of livestock production is the
and livelihood security, particularly in the challenging task as the changing climate
developing world. At present, much of scenarios will have dramatic effects on
the world’s animal genetic diversity is livestock production. The global climate
maintained by the farmers and herders of changes such as heat stress, inadequate
developing countries. Some of the availability of feed, water and fodder,
registered animal genetic resources of vectors that transmit diseases will have a
this region are swamp buffalo, Siri cattle, serious impact on reproduction and poses
Lakhimi cattle, Masilum cattle, Thutho a major threat to many traditional
cattle, Bonpala sheep, Garole sheep, indigenous breeds of NE region to further
Tibetan sheep, Manipuri pony, Bhutia genetic erosion. New programmes for
pony, Sumi-Ne goat, Assam hill goat, breeding and exchange of animal genetic
Niang Megha pig, Tenyi Vo pig, Zovawk resources after identifying valuable
pig, Mali pig, Doom pig, Ghoongro pig, adaptive traits at all levels (phenotypic,
WakChambil pig, Aunachali Yak, Miri genotypic, DNA/RNA levels) will help in
fowl, Daothigir fowl, Kaunayen chicken, adaptation of adaptation of livestock to
Chittagong fowl, Pati/Desi duck, low capacity management conditions,
Nageswari duck. Still, there are many ability to survive, regularly reproduce
many uncharacterized farm animal and produce for long periods of time,
breeds/populations are reared by tribal allows people to keep livestock under a
wide variety of environmental conditions.

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Hence, Conservation of these prevent the genetic dilution due to

animal genetic resources in NE region crossbreeding. The animal genetic
relies on demographic characterization resources possess substantial genetic
and correct breeding schemes. diversity; however, documented works
Conservation of these indigenous animal involving comprehensive study of
genetic resources of this region is to be different genetic variants of different
focused and should be utilized in a species is limited. Therefore, the policy
sustainable manner. Conservation for conserving indigenous germplasm
strategies like Insitu (conservation of the and livestock development activities
breeds/populations, cryopreservation of should be promptly undertaken which
semen, ova, embryos, skin, blood, DNA may be different for different species and
fragments etc.,) and Exsitu (Cryo- it might vary from state to state.
conservation) should be adopted to

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Collection and characterization of citron (Citrus medica) of Sikkim

YAMUNA PANDEY, A. K. PANDEY AND PRASANGA LIMBU

College of Horticulture Bermiok, Sikkim-737134
Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Email: yamunapandey1988@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION mostly acted as the male parent (Nicolosi

et al. 2000).
Sikkim covering just 0.2 % of the
geographical area of the country has OBJECTIVE
tremendous biodiversity and has been
identified as one of the HOT-SPOT in the To collection and characterization
Eastern Himalayas. The State is endowed of different accessions of Citrus medica
with rich floral and faunal diversity. found in Sikkim.
Nature has been particularly generous in
her gift of sylvan treasures to the state of METHODOLOGY
Sikkim. Luxuriant forest, abound in all
An exploration trip was
part of state and variety of fruit plants,
undertaken to collect the different
medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs, bamboos
germplasms of Citrus medica (citron)
and trees growing in state is truly rich. In
from different areas of Sikkim during
Sikkim Citrus reticulata (Sikkim
November, 2021. General field
mandarin) is one of the important
observations, status of natural
commercial fruit crops and Sikkim state
populations and indigenous knowledge
is also a treasure home other
on importance and use of the species
advantageous citrus species such as
were recorded during exploration with
Citrus maxima, Citrus limonia, Citrus
the help of local people. Collections of
jambhiri, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon,
different types of medica was done
Citrus reshni, Citrus autantifolia and
following selective sampling strategy and
Citrus medica. Out of the different citrus
each type was given an indigenous
species Citrus medica has become one of
collection number (IC number) and
the endangered species of citrus found in
treated as individual accession.
Sikkim. The wild populations of citron in
Morphological characterization of leaf,
the region have undergone rapid decline
fruit and seed was done using descriptors
due to natural and anthropogenic
developed for Citrus by International
disturbances and most of the remaining
Plant Genetic Resources Institute
individuals of citron are found in
(IPGRI), Rome, Italy. Quantitative data
fragmented natural forests and home
was statistically analysed in triplicate and
gardens in the region. Citron fruits are
recorded as mean ± standard deviation
widely used in local medicinal practices
(SD). Information on indigenous
and are a socioeconomically important
technical knowledge regarding
genetic resource of the region. Citron is
importance and use of these species
considered to have been a parental
recorded by personal interview with local
contributor to several
people.
cultivated Citrus accessions, and has

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These efforts should go along with the

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION major emphasis on developing methods
for propagation, multiplication and
Collection and characterization regeneration of these species under in situ
and ex situ conditions to facilitate their
A total of four different
effective utilization in Citrus
accessions of Citrus medica were found
improvement programmes.
in northern and western parts of Sikkim
with distinct variability. The quantitative REFERENCES
and qualitative data for fruit and seed
character of different accessions of citron Nicolosi, E. , Deng Z. N., Genetile A., La
are presented in Table 1& 2. Variability Malfa S., Ciontinella G., and
is found in all the accessions of Citrus Tribulata E.. 2000. Citrus
medica collected from different areas of phylogeny and genetic origin of
Sikkim. Highest fruit weight was important species as investigated
observed in the accession no. MDP-21/20 by molecular markers. Theor. Appl.
i.e., 1388 g and minimum fruit weight Genet. 100:1155–1166.
(110 g) was observed in MDP-21/15. Chadha K.L. 1995. Status report of
Fruit length, fruit diameter, no. of tropical fruit species in south Asia.
segment and rind thickness was also In: Arora R.K and Ramanatha Rao
observed highest in MDP-21/20 and V. (eds), Proceedings of Expert
minimum was recorded in MDP-21/15. Consultation on Tropical Fruit
Seed number was counted maximum (69) Specially Asia, MARDI Serdang,
in MDP-21/20 and minimum was on Kuala Lumpur. IPGRI Office for
MDP-21/15 i.e. 6. Similarly, 10 seed South Asia, New Delhi, pp. 45–60.
weight, seed length, and seed diameter Singh I.P. and Singh S. 2003.
was found to be maximum in MDP-21/20 Exploration, collection and
and lowest was recorded in MDP-21/15. mapping of citrus genetic diversity
in India. Technical Bulletin No.7,
CONCLUSIONS National Research Centre for
Citrus, Nagpur.
Citrus medica is one of the
Upadhyay R.C. and Sundriyal R.C. 1998.
important citrus species having maximum
Crop gene pools in the Northeast
genetic variability. Erosion of genetic
Indian Himalayas and threats. In:
resources of citron is due to various
Pratap T. and Sthapit B. (eds),
biotic and abiotic factors which has
Managing Agrobiodiversity-
resulted in loss of gene pools from nature
Farmers Changing Perspective and
and as well as from different centres of
Institutional Responses in the
collections ultimately that causes loss to
Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region.
farmers. In view of the importance of this
ICIMOD & IPGRI, Kathmandu,
species a conservation strategy has to be
Nepal, pp. 167–173.
initiated to protect such valuable species.

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Table 1. Physical characteristics of different accessions of Citrus medica fruit.

Accessions Fruit weight Fruit dia Fruit length Rind No. of

(g) (mm) (mm) thickness segment/
(mm) fruit
MDP-21/15 110 ± 0.65 45.4± 0.42 105.6± 0.32 9.5±0.01 8±0.03
MDP-21/20 1388 ± 0.44 104.4± 0.21 194 ± 0.23 33±0.07 13±0.09
MDP-21/24 192 ± 0.26 66.8 ± 0.11 95.4± 0.33 11±0.09 10±0.02
MDP-21/28 270 ± 0.33 83.2± 0.16 96.8± 0.36 12±0.06 10±0.04

Table 2. Physical characteristics of different accessions of Citrus medica seed.

Accessions No of seed/fruit 10 seed wt. Seed length Seed dia (mm)

(gm) (mm)
MDP-21/15 6±0.6 1.58±0.2 8.4±0.01 6.15±0.02
MDP-21/20 69±1.06 1.92±0.01 10.64±0.01 7.46±0.021
MDP-21/24 9±0.44 1.69±0.03 9.20±0.03 7.02±0.03
MDP-21/28 7±0.78 1.66±0.2 10.33±0.01 6.22±0.02

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Diversity of chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) in India

L. SANAJAOBA SINGH1 AND N.N AMGEY2
1
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Krydemkulai, CAU(I)
2
School of Crop Protection, College Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Science,
Umiam, Meghalaya, CAU(I)

INTRODUCTION viruses and become the most limiting

factors affecting pepper production.
Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is one of Generally, chilli is susceptible to large
the most important spice crops of India number of viruses and few are very
belonging to the Solanaceae family. It common in India. Presently, 75 viruses
was introduced by the Portuguese in are known to infect chilli, of which
India during the 15thcentury. It is used as International Committee on Taxonomy
vegetables, seasonings or as medicinal (ICTV) has recognised 37 of them and 6
crops. Capsaicin, the main component for are the tentative species (Thomas et al.,
pungency, was very quick to adapt on the 2021).Out of the 22 viruses infecting
taste buds of Indians alongside the black chilli, mosaic and leaf curl disease are the
pepper. most devastating causes substantial losses
in yield by infecting the crop at all stages
Out of the four cultivated species
of growth. The chilli leaf curl disease
of Capsicum, C. annuum is the most
(CLCD) is the most dangerous to the
commercial cultivated species followed
chilli crop as it can cause up to 90-100%
by C. baccatum, C. chinense and C.
loss to the marketable fruits. Recently,
frutescens which are gaining popularity
ChiLCD has emerged as a serious
for their importance in food and
constraint of chilli in the Indian sub-
pharmaceutical industries (Dhaliwal et
continent. The severity of the ChiLCD
al., 2014). Globally, India is one of the
increases when it occurs in mixed
main contributors to red chilli and its
infection with thrips or mites and also
export with the production of over 38.02
considered the most severe disease of
million tons of green chilli. It shared
chilli and is known to cause 100% losses
around 42.81% of the total world area of
to the marketable fruits (Kumar et al.
chili cultivation (FAO, 2021;
2011., Thakur et al., 2018). In India, the
http://www.fao.org/faostat/). In 2019–
first report of the occurence of Tomato
2020, the production of red chilies was
leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV)
around 1.7 million tons from a cultivated
was demonstrated by Khan et al. (2006).
area of around 0.68 million hectares as
per the second advance estimate (NHB, THE CHILLI LEAF CURL VIRUS
2020).
Occurrence and history
India is a land of diverse climatic
conditions ranging from harsh arid desert The disease, CLCD was first
to cold temperate snow-capped mountain reported in India by Vasudeva, 1957.
barriers, covering the country with Earlier, it was thought to be caused by
tropical, subtropical and temperate mites or thrips and natural occurrence
regions. Among the various biotic agents, was of chilli leaf curl was first reported
various virus diseases have emerged as by Mishra et al. 1963 caused by the
major plant pathogens as 47% of all TLCV. In India, ChiLCV associated with
emerging infectious diseases of plants ChiLCD is distributed in different states
have been reported tobe caused by
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viz., Haryana, West Bengal, Bihar, disease are in the tropical or sub-tropical
Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, regions of our country with climatic
Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat and conditions favourable for the spread of
Maharashtra (Kumar et al., 2015). The virus through insect vector (Bemisia
states reporting the incidence of this tabaci). The climatic conditions
like a sudden rise in temperature, rainfall and DNA-B (Ito et al., 2009., Roy et al.,
and relative humidity along with the 2019). Bipartite or monopartite genomes
intensification of the cropping system of begomoviruses are made up of 2.6-2.8
and presence of the alternate host kb of genomic components known as the
enhances the vector population which DNA-A and DNA-B or single 2.6-2.8 kb
leads to rapid spread of the virus and of monopartite which is found to be
disease incidence (Kenyon et al., 2014). homologous to the DNA-A of bipartite
The new biotypes of B.tabaci emerging viruses. Most New World (NW)
due to the rapidly increasing international begomoviruses are bipartite in nature,
market leads the spread of vector to whereas the Old World (OW) viruses are
different countries along with the virus known to be monopartite(Zerbiniet al.
distribution by the introduction of novel 2017). The old world begomoviruses
crops in new agricultural areas can result consist of six genes in their genome
in the emergence of new begomovirus (DNA-A components) which encodes for
species due to recombination and the complementary sense of the
mutational changes in their genome. replication associated protein,
ChiLCV is transmitted by around 39 transcriptional activator protein,
species of whiteflies (Alemandri et al., replication enhancement protein and (A)
2015). They feed on the phloem tissue of C4 proteins. Majority of the old world
the plants and the viruses are transmitted begomoviruses have ssDNA satellites
in a circulative-persistent manner. The known as beta satellites which are half
begomoviruses have a complex nature the size of their helper begomoviruses
infecting the solanaceous crops in India, and are dependent on it for the
with a diverse β-satellite which results in replication, movement inside the plant
intra-specific recombination associated and transmission between the plants. The
with ChiLCD (Kumar et al., 2015). The beta satellites are highly conserved and it
distribution of ChiLCD geographically, is consists of adenine rich sequence (A-
reported to be parallel with the rich), a satellite conserved sequence
population of whiteflies existing in the (SCR), containing a predicted non-
equatorial regions of the country and also nucleotide TAATATTAC sequence
the world. structure and one single conserved
among the beta satellites gene’s ability to
ABOUT THE PATHOGEN encode more than 118 amino acid
products known as β-C1. (Briddonet al.,
The ChiLCV belongs to 2003).
thebegomoviruses which are classified The majority of CLCD has been
into three different types: reported to be caused by monopartite
a) monopartite begomoviruses which DNA-A viruses with β-satellite
have single DNA genome that is molecules (George et al., 2014) and
analogous to the DNA-A genome of bipartite type of CLCV were limited in
bipartite begomoviruses, b) monopartite causing the disease. The symptoms of the
begomoviruses with satellite ssDNA infection include upward curling of the
designated as β-satellite, and c) bipartite leaves, crinkled appearance, puckering,
begomoviruses with two similar sizes of vein banding, bunchy leaves and severe
ssDNA segments designated as DNA-A stunting of plants (Kumar et al., 2014).

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DIVERSITY OF THE PATHOGEN encapsidation of genome, transcriptional

activation, initiation of replication,
The begomovirus is one of the movement from cell to cell and long-
largest genera under the family distance viral movement are performed
Geminiviridae, including several strains by proteins encoded by the
of viruses. The genome is encapsulated in begomoviruses. The genetic diversity of
a twinned-icosahedral particle (geminate the ChiLCV was ascertained based on the
particle) of 18-30nm in size and is genome sequence of DNA-A, DNA-B
composed of circular ssDNA. The and α and β satellites (Pandey et al.,
encodes a single conserved region of 13- 2022). Additionally, the largest levels of
14 kDa protein known as βC1 in transitional and transversional bias were
complementary orientation with a found in the C4 and REn genes. A
satellite conserved region (SCR) which is maximum of 22 breakpoints for Rep
adenine rich of 150 nucleotides. (AC1) and nine for C1 were identified,
(Briddonet al. 2003). The β satellite is a leaving 49 recombination breakpoints to
pathogenicity-determinant molecule and be estimated in the C1, C2, C4, and V1
serves as a suppressor of RNA areas. For DNA-A and DNA-B and the
interference and also determines the alpha and beta satellites respectively,
symptomatic phenotype through shifting 2,505,419,807 and 1,288 mutations were
the host defense system (Briddonet al., found.Their development in new hosts,
2008). The α- satellite is about 1.4 kb severity, and recombination may have
generally codes for the Rep protein and been promoted by natural mixed
also capable of self-replication which has infections of a bipartite and monopartite.
an important role in the epidemiology of In the Rep gene, 987 mutations were
begomoviruses. The β- satellite do not detected, being the maximum among all
posses any conserved introns and does the open reading frame(ORF). Based on
not share any similarity in the sequence genetic changes and recombination
with α- satellite except for the presence processes, it has been demonstrated that
of stem-loop structure. The variation in the ChiLCV evolved quickly to adapt to
the satellite molecules and variants of different surroundings and work with
ChiLCV tend to have host shifting ability satellite molecules to increase the
which able them to infect other crops diversity and breadth of virus-host
such as solanum tuberosum, Amaranthus combinations across the Indian
species and Solanum lycopersicum subcontinent (Kumar et al., 2015 and
(George et al., 2014). The functions like Pandeyet al., 2022)
virus is transmitted exclusively through
whiteflies (Bemesiatabaci, Order:
Hemiptera, Family: Aleyrodidae (Thakur
et al., 2018). The ChiLCV has α and β
satellites, where the β-staellite is of 1.3
kb and smaller than DNA-A and

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ROLE OF VECTOR IN DISEASES can be converted into dsDNA which can act
DISSEMINATION on amplification and recombination
dependent replication process. The newly
Whiteflies (B.tabaci) are the only replicated viral ssDNA can be converted
vectors responsible for the transmission of into dsDNA which can act as a template for
ChiLCV. For transmission of viruses, another round of replication or transcription,
whiteflies require a minimum of 90 minutes wrapped by the viral movement proteins for
of acquisition and 120 minutes of transportation from the infected cell to the
inoculation feeding periods (Czosneket al., adjacent cells through plasmodesmata, or
2002). Transmission is in circulative- encapsidated into infectious virions for long
persistant manner. When the virus enters the distance virus movement (Hanley-Bowdoin
vector during ingestion, it gets translocated et al. 2013). The begomoviruses depend on
via the digestive system to hemolymph, the the host enzymes for their replication and
salivary glands, and then expelled in the transcription processes, coordinate with
phloem of the plant. The vector possesses several cellular mechanisms to modulate the
many proteinswhich facilitate the vell division, cell cycle and manipulate the
transmission of begomoviruses. The insect host components at various cellular level.
vector delivers viral particles in the uncoated The transmission of monopartite genome
form to the plant and the viral genome is can cause the infection, but if facilitated
transported into the host cell nucleus, during with the presence of DNA-A and DNA-B
the infection process. The viral genome helper genome are known to play important
encodes only a few proteins therefore, for role in variety of symptoms development.
their DNA replication, they largely rely on The proteins of begomovirus have an impact
the cellular DNA replication proteins. on the various host cell pathways including
Begomoviruses particles of 22 x 38nm the changes in plasmodesmata’s functions
possesses two geminate incomplete T = 1 and structure, defence mechanisms and
icosahedral capsid particle containing viral ultimately resulting in the changes in the
CP and each CP is bound by seven bases of gene expression of the infected cells (Peele
viral ssDNA (Heskethet al. 2018). The CP et al., 2001).
plays a role in viral DNA transportation by
interacting with cellular transporter as DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
exemplified by monopartite begomoviruses
(Sharma and Ikegami, 2009). The CP of One of the most significant diseases
several monopartite begomoviruses contains caused by ChiLCVhighly impacted the
a nuclear localization signal and a leucine- global production of chillies, resulting in
rich nuclear export signal and are thus drastic yield reduction. Due to the
localized to the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell polyphagous and mixed cropping systems
periphery. Many interactions have evolved and the dissemination factor of the
between viral proteins and host factors to "whitefly" vector'scharacteristics,
develop the virus proteins host factors to begomoviruses have overlapping host
develop the virus replicative cycle. At first, ranges. ChiLCV infects a variety of hosts,
the viral genome is released from the viral including hibiscus, papaya, tomato, and
capsid, it enters in to the cytoplasm of the eggplant.Examination reports of ChiLCV
host cell and enters the nucleus where it DNA-A's makeup, including its six ORFs
undergoes rolling-circleamplification and and related satellite molecules are the
recombination dependent replication contributing factors behind the disease built
process. The newly replicated viral ssDNA up. By utilising published genomic

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information, this review explains the Chavez et al., 2022). The ChiLCV having a
evolution and variability of the ChiLCV ssDNA as genomic material are prone to
(whole genome and individual ORFs) and recombination and mutation, playing an
related satellite molecules (Zerbiniet al., important role in their diversity genetically
2019). Frequent recombination, which may for infecting new host species. In summary,
significantly speed up their growth by to combat the ever-rising diversity of
increasing and high genetic variability of begomoviruses like ChiLCV, there is
begomoviruses are the two main causes enormous need of more studies related of
concluding mutation and recombination are the evolving nature of ChiLCV. The
major factors for the genetic variability of devastating losses of ChiLCV faced by the
the ChiLCV populations.The pathogenicity farmers will be eased when the agricultural
determinants for monopartite begomoviruses scientists understand the evolution of
are the alpha and betasatellite. It is known begomoviruses and it’s genetic variability
from the reports that the geminiviruses have leading to higher losses in agricultural sector
high nucleotide substitution in their genome, of our country as the possible emergence of
almost similar to the RNA viruses but lesser ChiLCV associated satellites cannot be
than that of ds DNA viruses (Sanchez- neglected.

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Table: Occurrence of Chilli Leaf Curl Virus in India

Virus Species Host State / Country Reference

of origin
Chilli leaf curl Bijnour Capsicum spp. India Garcia-Neria and Ricera-
virus Bustamante, 2011
Chilli leaf curl C. annuum Gujarat Ruhel and Chakraborty,
Ahmedabad virus 2019
(ChiCAV)
Chilli leaf curl Gonda Capsicum spp. Goa Khan and Khan, 2017
Virus (ChiLCGV)
Tomato leaf curl New C. annuum India Hussain et al., 2004
Delhi virus
(ToLCNDV)
Tomato leaf curl C. annuum India Krishnan et al., 2019
Joydepur virus
(ToLCJoV)
Pepper leaf curl C. annuum Pakistan Tahir et al., 2010
Lahore (PepLCLV)
Chilli leaf curl C. annuum Kerala Kumar et al., 2015
Vellanad virus
(ChiLCVeV)
Chilli leaf curl Sri C. annuum Sri Lanka Fongdong, 2013
Lanka virus
(ChiLCSLV)
Chilli leaf curl Salem Capsicum spp. Oman Kumar et al. 2015
virus (ChiLCSV)
Chilli leaf curl virus Amaranthus spp. India George et al., 2014 and
(ChiLCV) Osteopermumfruticosum Shukla et al., 2016

Chilli leaf curl Multan C. annuum Pakistan Kumar et al. 2016

virus (ChiLCMV)
Chilli leaf curl C. annuum Shih et al., 2007
Joydebur virus
(ChiLCJV)
Chilli leaf curl C. frutescens Himachal Kumar et al. 2011
Palampur virus Pradesh
(ChiLCPV)

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Characterization of a new betasatellitesinfectingchili in
Begomovirusandbetasatelliteassociate
the Vellanad region of Kerala, India. New defense in resistant chili plants.
Dis. Rep. 25:20.doi: Appl.Microbiol. Biotechnol. 99,4757–
10.5197/j.20440588.2012.025.020 4770. doi: 10.1007/s00253-015-6415-
Kumar, R. V., Singh, A. K., Singh, A. K., 6
Yadav, T., Basu, S., Kushwaha,N., et Mishra, M., Verma, R. K., Marwal, A.,
al. (2015). Complexity of Sharma, P., and Gaur, R. K.
Begomovirus and (2020b).Biology and interaction of the
betasatellitepopulationsassociated with natural occurrence of distinct
chili leaf curl disease in India. J. Gen. monopartitebegomoviruses associated
Virol. 96, 3143–3158.doi: with satellites in Capsicum annuum
10.1099/jgv.0.000254 from India.Front. Microbiol. 11:2366.
Kumar, Y., Hallan, V., and Zaidi, A. A. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.512957
(2011). Chili leaf curl Palampur virus Oraon, U. B., and Tarafdar, J. (2018).
isa distinct Begomovirus species Occurrence and distribution of
associated with a betasatellite. Plant chillileafcurl complex disease in West
Pathol. 60,1040–1047. doi: Bengal. Biomed. J. Sci. Tech. Res. 3,
10.1111/j.1365-3059.2011.02475. 3515–
Kushwaha, N., Sahu, P. P., Prasad, M., and 3519.doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2018.3.000
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differential expression of genes S. (2010). Management of leafcurl
involved in proteinhomeostasis and disease of chilli (Capsicum annuum

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L.). Intl. J. Virol. 6, 246–250.doi: Shih, S. L., Tsai, W. S., Green, S. K. and
10.3923/ijv.2010.246.250 Singh, D. (2007). First report
Pandey, V., Srivastava, A., Mishra, M., and ofTomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus
Gaur, R. K. (2022). Chilli leaf infecting chilli in India. Plant Pathol.
curldisease populations in India are 56:341.doi: 10.1111/j.1365-
highly recombinant, and rapidly 3059.2007.01540.x
segregated.Biotech 12, 1–12. doi: Tahir, M., Haider, M. S., and Briddon, R.
10.1007/s13205-022-03139-w W. (2010). Chilli leaf curlbetasatellite
Ranjan, K., Siddique, R. A., Bharti, M. K., is associated with a distinct
and Singh, J. (2016). recombinant begomovirus, Pepperleaf
“Geminivirus:Indian scenario,” in curl Lahore virus, in Capsicum in
Plant Viruses: Evolution and Pakistan. Virus Res. 149, 109–
Management, eds R. K. Gaur, 114.doi:
N. M. Nikolay Manchev Petrov, B. L. Patil 10.1016/j.virusres.2009.12.007
and M. L. Stoyanova Thakur, H., Jindal, S. K., Sharma, A., and
(Berlin:Springer), 131–144. doi: Dhaliwal,M. S. (2018). Chili leaf curl
10.1007/978-981-10-1406-2_8 virusdisease: a serious threat for chilli
Senanayake, D. M. J. B., Mandal, B., Lodha, cultivation. J. Plant Dis. Prot. 125,
S., and Varma, A. (2007). Firstreport 239–249.doi:10.1007/s41348-018-
of Chilli leaf curl virus affecting chili 0146-8
in India. Plant Pathol. 56:1513.doi: Venkataravanappa, V., Swarnalatha, P.,
10.1111/j.1365-3059.2007.01513.x Reddy, C. L., Chauhan, N., and
Senanayake, D. M. J. B., Varma, A., and Reddy, M.K. (2016). Association of
Mandal, B. (2012). Virus– recombinant Chili leaf curl virus with
vectorrelationships, host range, enation leaf curldisease of tomato: a
detection and sequence comparison of new host for chili Begomovirus in
Chilli leaf curlvirus associated with an India. Phytoparasitica44, 213–223.
epidemic of leaf curl disease of chilli doi: 10.1007/s12600-016-0510-9
in Jodhpur. IndianPhytopathol. 160,
146–155. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-
0434.2011.01876.x

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The oil yielding cucurbits: Nature reserve plant for the future
B. VANLALNEIHI1 LOINO K CHISHI2, LALHMINGSANGA1 AND SHRI DHAR3
1
Assistant professor, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, CAU (Imphal)
2 rd
3 Year student, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, CAU (Imphal)
3
Dean, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, CAU (Imphal)
Kha-ûm [Hogsonia heteroclita throughout the day. The gritty texture
(Roxb.) Hook f. & Thomson] is a perennial mesocarp has a bitter flavor which induces
oil yielding cucurbits; it is frequently used weight loss, however excess consumption
as food in its natural habitat. The plant is may cause diarrhea. The large sized seed
cultivated since 1970s for its large edible kernels after roasting or baking yields seed
seeds that are extremely rich in oil. This oil (60-77 %) (Hu, 1964; Cai Xitao and
species is thought to have originated in Hangha, 1982) for cooking food and
North-East India, China (western Yunan), preparation of other food items, beverages,
and Malaysia (Hu, Shiu-Ying, 1964). It is etc. In addition, high levels of unsaturated
wildly distributed in the mountain slopes of fatty acids such as arachidic acid, linoleic
Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, and acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid
Nepal between 300 to 1500 metres above and proteins (CSIR, 1959; Sharma, et al.,
sea level (FoC, Shin-hwa Yang, 1981; 1991) are abundantly available in the seed
CSIR, 1986, GRIN,2007) It is known by kernel. The species may serves as the
several vernacular names across tribal hilly resistant source for pests and diseases of
areas of the North East viz., Thebou-lata Cucurbits. However, the Hogsonia sp.
(Assam), Dapuy (Arunachal Pradesh), becomes a rare species in Asia’s tropical
Kathai (Manipur), Mei-soh-mynthar forest as a result of over exploitation for
(Meghalaya), Thaithi, Assa (Nagaland), medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, the tribal
Kha-um(Mizoram),Goolur(Tripura) and communities of NEH India are the main
Kat'hior-pot (Sikkim). Only two species, custodian for maintaining indigenous
Hodgsonia heteroclite (Hook.f. &Thoms.) knowledge of the species. To protect the rich
and its related species H. macrocarpa biodiversity of the Indian NEH region, the
(Cogn.) exist nationally and internationally. time calls for paradigm shift in food habits
(Sharma et al., 1991; GRIN, 2007). that will alter the food gathering habits of
To study the distribution and the tribal people.
ethnobotanical data on H. heteroclita among
the tribal communities in the NEH region, a Key words: Kha-um, kernel oil, weight loss,
semi-structured questionnaire survey energy booster.
method was used. The vine is rapidly
expanding, ferociously huge, woody, REFERENCES
climbing plant that can grow more than 30
metres long and supports itself on other Cai Xitao and Hangha, A study on the
plants with tendrils. The fruit is extensively causes to prematurely dropping of
used by numerous tribal people in the NEH fruit, Hodgsonia heteroclita, collected
region as food and medicine. Upon ripening, research papers on the tropical botany
the nutty kernel is used as alternatives for (Chinesisch), 1982.
meat in Nagaland; it also provides energy

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Council of Scientific and Industrial Hu, Shiu-Ying. "The economic botany of

Research The Useful Plants of India, Hodgsonia." Economic Botany (1964):
Publication &Information Directorate, 167-179.
CSIR , New Delhi (1986). 269-270. Sharma BD, Hore DK and Mandal S,
CSIR, 1959 The Wealth of India- A Hodgsonia macrocarpa- a non-
Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & conventional edible fat and protein
Industrial Products, Publication & source, Indian J Pl Genet Resour,
Information Directorate, Council of 1991, 4(2), 82-85.
Scientific and Industrial Research, Sharma, B. D., Hore, D. K., & Mandal, S.
1959, 5, 102-103. (1991). Hodgsonia macrocarpa–A
Flora of China non-conventional edible fat and
http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ protein source. Indian Journal of Plant
(Accessed on 20, Nov, 2022) Genetic Resources, 4(2), 82-85.
GRIN, Hodgsonia heteroclita information Shin-hwa Yang (1981). A preliminary study
from NPGS/GRIN, Germplasm on the structure of seed shells and fruit
Resources Information Network coats in Hodgsonia macrocarpa Cogn.
(GRIN), United States Department of Plant Diversity, 3(02), 1.
Agriculture, 2007, USA

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Distribution of wild underutilized crops at Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya-

A critical component of natural farming system
MAYENGBAM PREMI DEVI1, PRANABJYOTI SARMA2 AND U.K. BEHERA3
1
Assistant Professor (Horticulture), College of Agriculture (CAU-Imphal),Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya,
2
Professor (Horticulture), College of Agriculture (CAU-Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya,
3
Dean , College of Agriculture(CAU-Imphal),Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya

INTRODUCTION consideration different aspects which will

The natural world has a wealth of enable a transition to allow for an on time and
plants that can sustain human life, yet global at scale substantial progress in all aspects of
food systems are dominated by just three: climate change. Global food demand
wheat, maize, and rice. These species provide continues to grow as the world’s population is
50 percent of the plant-based calories we eat expected to hit the mark of 9.6 bn by 2050.
and occupy 40 percent of the world’s arable IPCC estimates that agricultural land
land. Our global reliance on such a limited set of productivity already decreased by 21%
food crops has wide implications. These few fuelled by climate change. A further 17%
crops alone cannot provide the full range of reduction in yields of coarse grains, oil seeds,
nutrients people need to flourish. The lack of wheat and rice by 2050 has been estimated.
agricultural diversity also has severe Besides being vulnerable to the impact of
consequences on global biodiversity and the climate change, food systems are also a major
natural environment. In fact, the most common contributor to GHG emissions (about one
food species and varieties need substantial third of global emissions). COP27 highlighted
external inputs to thrive in a wide range of on climate smart/sustainable ways of food
environments, sorely straining local resources, production which includes developing
reducing resilience to external shocks, and alternatives, and spurring the shift towards
contributing to environmental degradation, loss more native plants, crops and grains.
of ecosystem services and global emissions. A total of 151 species (49 families
This is why it’s time to turn to “neglected and and 86 genera) wild edible fruits used by the
underutilized species” (NUS) whose Khasi tribes of Meghalaya have been
contributions to sustainable food systems are recorded (Jeeva 2009). Most common and
severely under-valued due to a general lack of potential underutilized edible fruit genetic
awareness and information. NUS have adapted resources occurring naturally in Meghalaya
to local conditions, and require fewer external and NE region have been recorded by
and economic inputs than conventional crops. scientists and researchers (Rymbai et al. 2015;
Many of these can also thrive in marginal areas, Kharshandi et al. 2015; Momin et al. 2016;
in arid soil or on land considered unsuitable for Devi et al. 2018abc). Considering the urgent
other purposes. This makes them an important importance of identifying and conserving the
part of climate-change adaptation strategies, local underutilised horticultural genetic
and economically viable for small-holder resources, the study has been conducted to
producers. Moreover, many underutilised crops identify the edible wild and locally
are highly nutritious and rich in micronutrients domesticated horticultural crop in the
and bioactive compounds (Devi et al. 2018 Kyrdemkulai area of Ri-Bhoi district
a,b,c). Meghalaya, with the aim of identifying the
The incoming presidency of COP27 neglected wild species in the forest area which
(2022) has identified implementation as the can be incorporated in natural farming system
main focus of COP27 aiming at addressing model for nutritional security, biodiversity
climate related transition and transformation conservation and ecosystem restoration in the
through a holistic approach that takes into face of climate change.

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METHODOLOGY: CONSUMPTION PATTERN:

During 2021-22, a village and forest The consumption pattern was

survey was carried out to identify edible wild found to be almost similar to previous
plants in the region. The study was conducted records (Rymbai et al. 2016; Momin et al.
at sub-tropical forest area of Kyrdemkulai of 2015; Kharshandi et al. 2015). Ripe fruits
Umsning Block, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya are mostly eaten raw whereas unripe fruits
during 2021-22. The area lies between E
are used variedly and cooked as
91˚77’30” to E 92˚27’00” Longitude and N
25˚63’00” to N 26˚07’00” Latitude, and at a vegetable, mixed with curry, eaten with
maximum elevation of 1,242 meters above sea salt or cooked with dry fish. Fruits like
level. Informations were gathered by filling Baccaurea sapida, Castanopsis indica,
questionnaire and personal interviews with the Dillenia indica, Elaeagnus latifolia,
village elders and traditional healers residing in Artocarpus chaplasa, Averrhoa
various areas (Jain and Goel 1995), which were carambola etc., are consumed raw.
identified with the help of village Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Momordica
administrators and community leaders. To dioica, Sechium edule, Solanum spp.,
gather more information, weekly market at Begonia roxburghii, etc. are cooked as
Umsning was also visited and interviewed. The
vegetable. The species Myrica esculenta
fruits and flora were identified according to
is extensively used for preparing sauce
existing records and literatures to validate all
information (Hooker 1897; Rymbai et al. and help to generates extra income among
2016). The family-wise, habit-wise the indigenous women. Fruits of
distribution, density, habitat and consumption Baccaurea sapida, Musa spp., Artocarpus
pattern are shown in Figure (s) 1,2,3 and 4. chaplasa, Citrus spp., Docynia indica,
Myrica esculenta, and leafy vegetables
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: such as Centella asiatica and Houttuynia
cordata are sold in the local market at a
Family-wise distribution: large scale. One of the regions of not
being able to popularise these wild
The most frequently used wild fruits species is due to lack of proper storage
are, Euphorbiaceae, Fagaceae, Musaceae,
facilities in the region. Bamboo shoots are
Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberacea,
and Arecaceae and Elaeocarpaceae. The most widely preserved by the traditional
frequently used genera are Castanopsis, Musa, methods.
and Solanum. Rutaceae family were also
recorded highest in Garo hills (Momin et al. CONCLUSION:
2016). Devi et al. (2022) have also reported
four major fagaceous species in Kyrdemkulai Taking account of the diverse edible
area. plants in the region, there is a huge
opportunity for expanding the utilities of these
DENSITY AND HABITAT: crops through scientific and judicious
domestication. These species and land races
The study reveals most of the species need to be given proper attention, not just in
were densely wild followed by sparsely wild, the scientific community but need to be
which are found growing in the forest area, open popularised among the local people. Also,
areas, rive-side and as forest undergrowth. It these crops will be the critical component of
was observed that out of total wild edible natural farming system, which aims at food
species, quarter of the species are under production through local-based resources for
cultivation. Momin et al. (2016) also reported meeting human and ecological needs.
fewer cultivations of wild species.

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REFERENCES: (Parkia roxburghii G. Don) seeds

and pods during storage. Nutrition
COP27 (2022) The Sharm El-Sheikh and Food Science,
climate implementation summit https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-07-
COP27.eg 1 Round table on“Food 2018-0195.
Security”.Accessed on7th November
2https://cop27.eg/assets/files/days/C Hooker JD (1897) The flora of British
OP27%20FOOD%20SECURITY- India, vol 1–7. Secretary of State
DOC-01-EGY-10-22-EN.pdf for India, London Jain SK and
Dev MP, Kencharaddi HG and Behera UK Goel AK (1995) Workshop
(2022) Wild Fagaceous Nuts from exercise I: proforma for field work.
Mid-hill Forest Areas of Ri-Bhoi, In: Jain SK (ed) A manual of
Meghalaya. In: Book of Abstracts of ethnobotany, Scientific Publishers,
National Conference on Jodhpur, pp 142–153.
Underutilized Horticultural Genetic
Resources: Conservation and Jeeva S (2019) Horticultural potential of
Utilization T1:PP19 held during June wild edible fruits used by the Khasi
3-4, 2022. tribes of Meghalaya International
Journal of Horticulture and
Devi MP, Sahoo MR, Kuna A, Deb P, Floriculture, 7 (2): 001-011.
Dasgupta M and Prakash N
(2018a) Influence of Microwave Kharshandi D, Lyngdoh D and Bokolial
Cooking on Proximate, Mineral and D (2015) Minor fruits used by
Radical Scavenging Activities of locals in two hill districts of
Tree Bean Seeds and Pods. Meghalaya, northeast India. Asian
International Journal of Current J Pharm Biol Res, 5(1):4-15.
Microbiology and Applied Science,
7(8): 3909-3917. Momin K Ch, Suresh CP, Momin Baggio
Ch, Singh YS and Singh SK (2016)
Devi MP, Sahoo MR, Kuna A, Deb P, An ethno- botanical study of wild
Dasgupta M and Prakash N plants in Garo Hills region of
(2018b) Effect of gamma Meghalaya and their usage.
irradiation on nutritional properties International Journal of Minor
and antinutrient contents of Citrus Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic
jambhiri Lush. fruits. Journal of Plants, 2(1): 47 – 53.
Pharmacognosy and Rymbai H, Roy AR, Deshmukh NA, Jha
Phytochemistry, 7(4): 2833-2836. AK, Shimray W, War GF and
Devi MP, Sahoo MR, Kuna A, Sowmya Ngachan SV (2016) Analysis study
M, Dasgupta M and Prakash N on potential underutilized edible
(2018c) Hydrogen peroxide pre- fruit genetic resources of the
treatment enhances antioxidant foothills track of Eastern
properties and free radical Himalayas, India. Genet Resour
scavenging activities of tree bean Crop Evol, 63:125–139

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Application of landscape genomics in biodiversity conservation of indigenous

breeds of India
MEERA K1., PRANAB JYOTI DAS2 AND GALIBUZ ZAMAN3
1
PhD Scholar, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University,
2
Principal Scientist, ICAR- National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, 3Professor,
Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural
University

The primary drivers of biodiversity risk; Krishna Valley, Mewati, Pullikulam

loss, which are habitat fragmentation and and Punganur cattle breeds, Chilika and
climate change, are both significant Toda buffalo breeds and Karnah and
problems for conservation biology (Fischer Poonchi sheep breeds under the endangered
and Lindenmayer 2007).Gene flow and status of under risk and Vechur cattle under
migration are impacted by landscape the critical status of risk (Singh & Sharma,
heterogeneity, such as variations in altitude, 2017). All these breeds require immediate
topography, and ground cover, which in turn action for rescue using appropriate
affect genetic structure and variation conservation techniques. From the
(Geissler et al., 2015). The fast-developing perspective of conservation biology, it is
interdisciplinary topic of "landscape thus essential to infer the functional
genomics" is a branch of biology that studies connectivity of populations across
the mechanisms of local adaptation at the landscapes. A key component in these
genomic level while also identifying its conservation efforts could be the
environmental triggers (Grummeret al., incorporation of landscape genomic
2019). This analysis paves the way for more analysis. An increasingly potent way for
useful insights into the conservation drives measuring gene flow across landscapes is
involving the livestock breeds of India. offered by molecular approaches. To use
genetic data to assess population status and
METHODOLOGY fragmentation, it is crucial to comprehend
the landscape features that drive gene flow,
The influence of landscape variables
the spatial scales at which they function, and
on genetic diversity and population structure
the temporal dynamics of their impacts on
is assessed using high-resolution genetic
the population substructure. The generation,
markers, spatial data, and a variety of
maintenance, and distribution of biodiversity
statistical approaches. Genome scans in
can therefore be better understood by
conjunction with genetic sample collection
understanding the interaction between
in different habitat types attempt to identify
landscape factors and genetic differentiation.
molecular markers that are statistically
These insights may be crucial for addressing
related to specific environmental conditions,
traditional evolutionary questions about
indicating adaptive genetic variation.
species adaptation (Nadeau et al., 2016) and
DISCUSSION conservation (Cushman et al., 2006; Castillo
et al., 2014).
Using the FAO criteria, Bargur and
Siri cattle breeds and Attapadi goat breeds
are categorized undether vulnerable status of

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CONCLUSION ecology and biogeography, 16(3),

265-280.
The concept of landscape genomics
applies well in the case of conservation Geissler P, Hartmann T, Ihlow F, Rödder
efforts of indigenous livestock breeds. The D, Poyarkov NA, Nguyen TQ,
assessment of potential population Ziegler T, Böhme W. 2015. The
maladaptation to environmental change can Lower Mekong: an insurmountable
be done using landscape genomic inference. barrier to amphibians in southern
This information is crucial for breed Indochina? Biological Journal of the
conservation and ecosystem management Linnean Society 114: 905–914.
since it is especially useful in the context of
human-induced environmental disturbances, Grummer, J. A., Beheregaray, L. B.,
such as climate change or changes in land Bernatchez, L., Hand, B. K., Luikart,
use patterns leading to habitat loss and G., Narum, S. R., & Taylor, E. B.
degradation. (2019). Aquatic Landscape
Genomics and Environmental Effects
REFERENCES on Genetic Variation. Trends in
Ecology & Evolution.
Castillo JA, Epps CW, Davis AR, doi:10.1016/j.tree.2019.02.013
Cushman SA. 2014. Landscape
effects on gene flow for a climate- Nadeau S, Meirmans PG, Aitken SN,
sensitive montane species, the Ritland K, Isabel N. 2016. The
American pika. Molecular Ecology challenge of separating signatures of
23: 843–856. local adaptation from those of
isolation by distance and
Cushman SA, McKelvey KS, Hayden J, colonization history: The case of two
Schwartz MK. 2006. Gene flow in white pines. Ecology and Evolution
complex landscapes: testing multiple 6: 8649–8664.
hypotheses with causal modelling.
The American Naturalist 168: 486– Singh, P. K., & Sharma, A. (2017).
499. Assessment of degree of
endangerment of livestock breeds in
Fischer, J., &Lindenmayer, D. B. (2007). India. The Indian Journal of Animal
Landscape modification and habitat Sciences, 87(3).
fragmentation: a synthesis. Global

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Biodiversity of insects pest of rice crop in integrated farming system of

College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai
NGANGOM UMA DEVI, YENGKHOM VENUS, AMAN KUMAR AND U. K. BEHERA
College Of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai- 793105,
Meghalaya
*Corresponding author’s email: ngangom.uma@gmail.com.

INTRODUCTION
Rice is the most important source of of insect fauna in rice crop, but still more
food energy for more than half of the global research needs to be undertaken to reliably
human population. It is grown in 114 identify and document the biodiversity in
countries across the world on an area about rice crop ecosystem. Keeping these views in
150 million hectares with annual production mind, the present study was conducted to
of over 525 million tons, constituting nearly know the biodiversity of insect pests of rice
11 percent of the world’s cultivated land crop in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya which
(Rai 2006). It is the most important staple will be helpful in developing pest
food crop grown in north eastern region of management strategies and also as a
India, occupying an area of 3.51 million diagnostic guide for identification of the
hectares which accounts for more than 80% pests species in the region.
of the total cultivated area of the region and
7.8% of the total rice area in India (Ghosh et MATERIALS AND METHODS:
al 2015). In India, about 300 species of
The study was conducted during
insects have been reported to infest the rice
kharif 2020, and the following pests’
crop alone and among them 20 species have
biodiversity was observed from the rice
been considered as major pests causing 21 to
field. During the study each plots were
51% yield loss (Arora and Dhaliwal 1996).
observed carefully and recorded the pest’s
Rice crop in North East region of India is
biodiversity. Rice field ecosystem is the
attacked by large number of insect pests,
main habitat for insects which feeds the rice
viz. yellow stem borer, leaf folder, case
crop as their food source, starting from the
worm, hispa, gundhi bug, swarming
seedlings to the harvesting phase in the rice
caterpillar, thrips, gall midge, and
field. The diversity and abundance of insects
armyworm are the important pests in the
vary in the rice ecosystem as well as the
region (Shylesha et al 2006).
growth stages of the rice crops. Several
Insect pests damage is one of the major pests cause damage and yield loss in
major constraints in rice production in India the crop. The main objective of this study
including North East India. Moreover, North was to determine the diversity of insect pests
East region is considered to be one of the during the growing stages of the rice crop in
biodiversity hot spots in the world which is IFSunit of College of Agriculture,
rich in insect biodiversity. The climatic Kyrdemkulai. The procedure use in this
conditions are highly favourable for insects study includes weekly observation,
development and reproduction. Although identification and collection and counting of
few studies have surveyed the biodiversity

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the insect pests and other available natural

enemies in the field.
RESULT
The organic cultivation of rice
supported a high biodiversity of insects,
represented by 24species in 14 families and
4 orders in the study plots. The orders
comprises of Coleoptera, Orthoptera,
Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. The highest
species diversity was found in the order
Lepidoptera

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Table 1: Image and Biodiversity of insect pests of Rice

Sl. Common name Scientific name Family Pest status Plate

No no.
1 Rice Yellow stem borer Chilopartellus Crambidae Major pest 1
2 Rice earhead bug / Leptocorisa acuta Alydidae Major pest 2
Gundhi bug
3 Rice caseworm Parapoynxstagnalis Crambidae Major pest 3
4 Rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocismedinalis Crambidae Major pest 4
5 Brown plant hopper Nilaparvatalugens Delphacidae Major pest 5
6 Continental swift Parnara ganga Hesperiidae Minor pest 6
7 Common evening Melanitisleda Nymphalidae Minor pest 7
butterfly
8 Rice grasshopper Oxyahylahyla Acrididae Minor pest 8
9 Leaf beetle Monoleptaquadriguttata Chrysomelidae Minor pest 9
10 Green leafhopper Nephotettixnigropictus Cicadellidae Minor pest 10
11 Green leafhopper Nephotettixvirescens Cicadellidae Minor pest 11
12 White leafhopper Cofanalineata Cicadellidae Minor pest 12
13 Rice bug Menida versicolor Pentatomidae Minor pest 13
14 Stink bug Cletus rubidiventris Coreidae Minor pest 14
15 Hopper Bothrogoniatibetana Cicadellidae Minor pest 15
16 Hopper Diostrombussp. nr. carnosa Derbidae Minor pest 16
17 Rice horned caterpillar Melanitisleda ismene Nymphalidae Minor pest 17
18 Rice water weevil Lissorhoptrusoryzophilus Curculionidae Minor pest 18
19 Rice Hispa Dicladispaarmigera Chrysomelidae Minor pest 19
20 Rice green semilooper Narangaaenescens Noctuidae Minor pest 20
21 Rice swarming caterpillar Spodoptera mauritia Noctuidae Minor pest 21
22 Green stink bug Nezaraviridula Pentatomidae Minor pest 22
23 Rice White stem borer Scirpophagainnotata Crambidae Minor pest 23
24 Green beetle Anomala grandis Scarabaeidae Minor pest 24

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Rice Yellow Stem borer Gundhi bug Rice caseworm

Chilopartellus Leptocorisa acuta Parapoynxstagnalis
Plate No. 1 Plate No. 2 Plate No. 3

Rice leaf folder Brown plant hopper Rice Skipper

Cnaphalocrocismedinalis Nilaparvatalugens Parnara ganga
Plate No. 4 Plate No. 5 Plate No. 6

Common evening butterfly Rice grasshopper Leaf beetle

Melanitisleda Oxyahylahyla Monoleptaquadriguttata
Plate No. 7 Plate No. 8 Plate No. 9

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Green leafhopper Green leafhopper White leafhopper

Nephotettixnigropictus Nephotettixvirescens Cofanalineata
Plate No. 10 Plate No. 11 Plate No. 12

Rice bug Stink bug Hopper

Menida versicolor Cletus rubidiventris Bothrogoniatibetana
Plate No. 13 Plate No. 14 Plate No. 15

Hopper Rice horned caterpillar Rice water weevil

Diostrombus sp. nr. carnosa Melanitisleda ismene Lissorhoptrusoryzophilus
Plate No. 16 Plate No. 17 Plate No. 18

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Rice Hispa Rice green semilooper Rice swarming caterpillar

Dicladispaarmigera Narangaaenescens Spodoptera mauritia
Plate No. 19 Plate No. 20 Plate No. 21

Green stink bug Rice White stem borer Green beetle

Nezaraviridula Scirpophagainnotata Anomala grandis
Plate No. 22 Plate No. 23 Plate No. 24

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 THEME D
INTEGRATED FARMING
SYSTEMS
 SUB-CONTENT

THEMED: INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM

SL AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE
NO. NO.
Keynote Speakers
1 Organic farming- one health approach for future 203-
Yashbir Singh Shivay 205
2 Pathway of PDKV towards organic agriculture research, education and extension 206-
Bhale VM 216
Lead Presentations
3 Vegetable waste based silage for economic pig production in NEH region 217-
Barman K, Gupta VK, Thomas R, Pegu SR, Souvik Paul and Barman KC 225
4 Organic oilseeds production –strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats 226-
Kulasekaran Ramesh 229
5 Sugarcane based farming system - A viable option for doubling the income of small and 230-
marginal farmers 234
Geetha P, Tayade AS, Rajula Shanthy T and Palanissami C
6 Antagonism of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic bacillus against Fusarium wilt of 235-
tomato 236
Olivia Devi N and Tombisana Devi RK
7 Can organic farming be sustainable in the long run in the Himalayas? 237-
Dibakar Mahanta 239
8 Effect of rice – fallow system on measurement of soil organic carbon using sentinel-2 derive 240
indices
Priya Das, Singh NJ, Lala IP Ray and Hemochandra L
9 Water Poverty Index (WPI) Estimation under Rain-fed Farming System in Meghalaya 241
Lala IP Ray, Marwein Y, Singh R, Handique BK, Bora PK and Singh LH
Oral Presentations
10 Impact of long term organic nutrient management on soil biological properties and crop yield 242-
under rice-wheat cropping system 245
Joymati Chanu L, Purakayastha TJ and Shivay YS
11 Evaluation of deferent housing system for rearing of indigenous poultry under organic 246-
management system 250
Lokesh Gupta
12 Initiatives of RPCAU towards exploring the natural farming for sustainable crop production, 251
soil health improvement and livelihood security of the farmers
Shankar Jha, Prasad SS, Singh SP, Kumari Sapna, Singh SK, Singh PP and Manna MC
13 Effect of different farming practices on soil health, nutrient uptake and yield of sunflower- 252-
chickpea in semi-arid tropics of northern Karnataka 253
Umesh MR, Pandit Rathod, Altaf KK, Satyanarayana Rao, Desai BK, Avinash, Mallesh and
Shivakumar
14 Performance of Bengalgram under different management practices in north eastern transition 254-
zone of Karnataka 259
Sunil Kulkarni, Satyanarayan Rao, Shobharani M and Ramarao
15 Performance of black gram in different management practices in north eastern- transition zone 260-
of Karnataka 265
Sunil Kulkarni, Satyanarayan Rao, Shobharani M and Ramarao
16 Effect of different farming system practices on soil biological properties, nutrient content 266-
and seed yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajana) in Northern- Karnataka 267
Pandit S Rathod, Umesh MR, Avinash, Satyanarayana Rao, Desai BK, Altaf KK, Mallesh and
Shivakumar
17 Long term evaluation of organic, integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices for 268-
their productivity, profitability and soil fertility in sunflower-rabi sorghum cropping system 271
under rainfed eco-system
Satyanarayana Rao, Kamble Anand Shankar, Basavanneppa MA, Bhat SN and Venkanna R
18 Effect of sulphur on soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency and yield of chickpea 272-
Hadole SS and Sarap PA 284
19 Economics of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) cultivation under natural and organic 285-
farming systems in zone 8 of Karnataka: A partial budgeting technique 287
Anand B Mastiholi, Mallu B Deshetti, Maheswarappa HP, Allolli TB, Shantappa T, Suhasini
Chikkalaki, Sowmy B, Venkatesh Dasar, Shripad Vishweshwar and Suvarna Patil
20 Comparative study of natural and organic farming practices versus conventional farming 288-
practice on yield and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub ) 290
Anand B Mastiholi, Shruti Gondi, Maheswarappa HP, Allolli TB, Mallu Deshetti, Uma V,
Shantappa T, Sowmy B and Arunkumar Bavidoddi
21 Microbial diversification and enzymatic activity of groundnut (Arachis hypogae L.) rhizosphere 291-
under natural and organic farming practices 294
Chandrashekhar CP, Geeta Goudar, Nargis Fathima, Manjuanth SB, Patil BO and
Girish VP
22 Assessment of suitable fixed timed AI protocols for therapeutic management of post-partum 295-
anestrus cow in the foothill of Eastern Himalaya 296
Utpal Boro, Dibyajyoti Talukdar, Lalrintluanga K, Fazal Ali Ahmed and Girin Kalita
23 Effect of vermicompost and panchgavya levels on yield attributes of local maize landrace 297-
(Project Mimpui) in Serchhip district of Mizoram, NE-India 299
Rahul Sadhukhan, Devarishi Sharma L, Shri Dhar, Lalhmingsanga and Sawant CG
24 Impact of bio-fortified maize on silage quality, milk production and economics in mild-tropical 300
humid climate of Tripura
Sanjay Kumar Ray, Anup Das, Animesh Sarkar, Rubai Podder, Vinay Singh, Champak
Bhakak and Deb SM
25 Yield and economic performance of greengram as influenced by different farming systems 301-
in northern dry zone of Karnataka 302
Patil MB, Babladand HB, Sagar Dhage S, Yadahalli GS, Geetha Kalagathagi, Vidyavathi GY
and Saraswathi
26 Impact of integration of different fertilizer sources on growth and yield of cauliflower 303-
Shukla YR, Chhering Youdon, Anamika Walia and Bonde Kuldeep Jagannath 304
27 Rainfall efficiency estimation under upland condition in Meghalaya 305
Jyothi KS, Lala IP Ray, Singh AK and Swami S
28 Bioresources: an eco-friendly arsenal for plant health management 306-
Pranab Dutta, Madhusmita Mahanta, Lipa Deb and Jyotim Gogoi 307
Poster Presentations
29 Water poverty index (WPI) estimation under rain-fed farming system in Meghalaya 308
Lala IP Ray, Marwein Y, Singh R, Handique BK, Bora PK and Singh LH
30 Effect of supplementation of vegetable waste-based silage on production performance of grower 309-
crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) pigs 310
Keshab Barman, Pegu SR, Thomas R and Vivek Kumar Gupta
31 Effect of conservation agricultural practices and phosphorous fertilization on macro-nutrient 311-
concentration, accumulation and phosphorus use efficiency in soybean (Glycine max) 312
Somanath Nayak and Behera UK
32 Effect of organic mulching on performance of lentil varieties 313-
Shirisha K, Lala IP Ray and Parida PK 316
33 Rejuvenating Indian soils through natural farming practices 317-
Choudhary RS 324
34 Development of water production function for garden pea under mid hills of Meghalaya 325-
Konga Swetha, Lala IP Ray and Deep Jyoti Das 328
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Organic farming: One health approach for future

YASHBIR SINGH SHIVAY

Division of Agronomy
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012

promotion and development of organic

Globally, our society faces an farming in the country. Organic food
enormous challenge to feed, house, and products are considered to be much safer
provide a healthy life for the growing and more nutritious than the products
human population while preserving the produced by conventional farming.
environment and natural resources for the Organic farming also helps to restore soil
benefit of future generations. In order to health, protect the environment, enhance
meet these challenges, sustainable food biodiversity, sustain crop productivity and
production and environmental stewardship enhance farmers’ income. Seeing the long-
are paramount and will require a ‘One term benefits of organic farming, the
Health Approach’. One Health is the Government of India has taken many
concept that the health of soils, plants, important steps for its promotion in the
animals, humans, and the environment are country. With the support of all kinds of
inextricably linked. This approach can be stakeholders and the Government, the
applied to food safety, sustainable food scope of the organic farming movement
production, and environmental stewardship has widened tremendously in India.
by bringing together interdisciplinary
teams to create a One Health network to GROWTH
address these challenges. In order to
achieve food security for the global At present, organic farming is
population, preserve natural resources, and practised in 187 countries at about 72.3
improve health through safeguarding food million hectares of agricultural land, which
safety, there is a need for increased is managed by at least 3.1 million farmers
awareness among academics, producers, (2021). The market research company
consumers, and government agencies to ‘Organic Monitor’ estimated the global
fulfill future aspirations, especially market for organic food to have reached
through organic farming practices. 81.6 billion US dollars in 2015. Further,
Organic products are grown under according to the research study, the
a system of agriculture without the use of global Organic Food and Beverages
chemical fertilizers and pesticides with an Market was estimated at USD 220.0
environmentally and socially responsible Billion in 2019 and is expected to reach
approach. This is a method of farming that USD 620.0 Billion by 2026. The global
works at grass root level preserving the Organic Food and Beverages Market is
reproductive and regenerative capacity of expected to grow at a compound annual
the soil, good plant nutrition, and sound growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from 2019 to
soil management, produces nutritious food 2026. As per the available statistics,
rich in vitality and has resistance to India ranks 8 th in terms of the
diseases. Organic farming in India has World's Organic Agricultural land
been reinvented and getting more popular and 1 st in terms of the total number
with each passing day. Farmers, of producers as per 2020 data
entrepreneurs, researchers, administrators, (Source: FIBL & IFOAM Year Book,
policymakers and of course consumers are 2020). This is mainly because of the small
showing increasingly greater interest in the landholdings of each producer. The data

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
on organic production and area in India is Among different states, Madhya
given in Table 1. Pradesh is the largest producer followed by
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and
In recent years, there has been a Uttar Pradesh. In terms of commodities,
considerable increase in certified oil seeds are the single largest category
cultivated areas in the country. It has followed by sugar crops, cereals and
increased from a meagre 0.24 million millets, tea & coffee, fibre crops, fodder,
hectares in 2010–11 to 1.49 million pulses, medicinal/ herbal and aromatic
hectares in 2015–16, an over 6-fold plants, and spices & condiments.
increase in five years. Similarly, the
certified area (including cultivated and Indian as well as global food safety
wild harvest area) under organic farming and security faces numerous challenges as
has grown from 4.43 million hectares in the human population continues to grow.
2010–11 to 5.71 million hectares in 2015– In the twenty-first century, challenges will
16, a 28.9% increase in five years. Organic continue to center on increasing food
production has also increased in the almost security globally with food that is safe and
same proportion as the increase in area nutritious. One Health has the potential to
under organic cultivation in recent years. be a holistic and systematic approach to
For example, the total certified production solving these problems. In order to
(including cultivated and wild harvest accomplish this One Health education and
area) under organic farming has increased outreach are necessary for the public as
from 0.69 million tonnes in 2011–12 to well as policymakers. One Health
1.35 million tonnes in 2015–16, an almost curriculum in agriculture and food systems
two-fold increase in four years. Further, as education programs can be a way to
of 31st March 2021 total area under the engage the next generation in farming, and
organic certification process (registered agriculture and improve public health
under National Programme for Organic through food safety and security. The One
Production) is 4.339 million ha (2020–21). Health approach will enable them to
This includes a 2.658 million ha cultivable acquire the information and develop the
area and another 1.681 million ha for wild skills needed in cooperation, teamwork,
harvest collection. Among all the states, and communication that will be necessary
Madhya Pradesh has covered the largest to address these challenges.
area under organic certification followed
by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Farmers, consumers, researchers,
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, government agencies, and consumer
and Karnataka. advocacy groups play an important role in
influencing food safety policies and
At present, India produced around sustainable food production practices. One
3.497 million tonnes (2020–21) of Health practitioners need to bring
certified organic products which include awareness to these stakeholders and
all varieties of food products namely oil provide them with information that allows
seeds, fibre, sugar cane, cereals & millets, them to make data-driven decisions about
cotton, pulses, aromatic & medicinal food and food practices, and to enact
plants, tea, coffee, fruits, spices, dry fruits, policies and guidelines that protect food
vegetables, processed foods etc. The safety and safeguard environmental
production is not limited to the edible sustainability. To make progress toward
sector but also produces organic cotton finding solutions to these challenges, we
fibre, functional food products etc. must continue to use foundational
(https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/organic scientific research to inform regulations,
/Organic_Products.). and practices and advance technological

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
applications to increase food production Additionally, research, policy, and
through organic farming, improve outreach efforts need to benefit the
sustainable practices, and assess economic well-being of farmers so that
environmental impact. These activities they can continue to produce the food
must be supported through funding required to feed 9.7 billion humans by
innovative research and collaborations 2050. The increased demand for safe foods
which provide new information, and agricultural products through organic
approaches, and perspectives on food farming has the potential to globally
safety, food security, and sustainable food improve food security, nutrition, and
production. economic well-being climate change
scenario.

Table 1. Total certified production, total area and cultivated area under organic farming in India
(APEDA and NCOF)

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019
–11 –12 –13 –14 –15 –16 –18 –19 –20
Total production 3.88 0.69 1.34 1.24 1.10 1.35 1.70 2.64 2.75
(million tonnes)
Total area under 4.43 5.55 5.21 4.72 4.90 5.71 3.56 3.43 3.67
certification (including
wild harvest, million
ha)
Total area under 0.24 1.08 0.50 0.72 1.20 1.49 1.78 1.94 2.30
certified organic
cultivation (million
ha)
Total area under 4.19 4.47 4.71 3.99 3.70 4.22 1.78 1.49 1.37
certified wild harvest
(million ha)

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Pathway of PDKV towards organic agriculture research, education and extension

V.M. BHALE
Ex - Vice- Chancellor, Dr. PDKV, Akola Maharashtra India
Email: vmb1957@yahoo.co.in

Organic farming is gaining gradual identification of efficient cellulolytic

momentum across the world. Organic farming microorganism for recycling of crop residue.
survey indicated overall improvement in soil The economic yield of these cultures with ease
quality in terms of various parameters viz. application for preparation of compost and
physical, chemical, biological properties, testing under different mode and time required
availability of macro and micro nutrients for readiness.
indicating an enhanced soil health and Productivity of major crops either static
sustainability of crop production in organic or declining in many parts of the country due to
farming system. various reasons. The organic module developed
In India about 3.56 mha area is under on ecosystem can be fine-tuned through farmer
organic farming (this includes certified and participatory trials with multilevel
area under organic conversion) with 585.20 interventions of experts. The dissemination of
thousand producers of certified organic farms. such module will help in enhancing
According to APEDA a nodal agency involved sustainability in agriculture. The development
in promoting Indian organic agriculture, about of on farm research to identify and adopt
1.70 million tons of organic products worth of organic technologies for solving site specific
Rs.3453.48 core are being exported from India. problems. Also this project is helpful for skill
Growing awareness, increasing market development in rural youth and farm women.
demand, increasing inclination of farmers to go Increasing concerns expressed for the
organic and Government policies also favoring quality of food, contamination due to
the organic farming for sustainability. chemicals, serious health hazards and
Growing awareness of health and environmental issues have given rise to new
environment issue associated with the intensive consumer demands for “Safe and Healthy
use of chemical inputs has led to interest in food”. This new demand has forced almost all
alternate form of agriculture in the world. large, medium and retail chains to create new
Organic agriculture is one among the broad relations now popularly known as organic food
spectrum of production methods that are section, with the enactment of laws and
supportive of the environment. According to legislations by most of the countries, organic
Codex Alimentations (FAO/WHO) ‘Organic food has acquired new status as compared to
agriculture is a holistic production management normal and conventionally produced food
system which promotes and enhances agro products.
ecosystem health including biodiversity,
biological cycles and soil biological activity’. It Education
emphasizes the use of management practices in To open new avenues in sustainable
preference to the use of off farm inputs, taking establishment of eco-friendly farming system
in to account that regional conditions require and HRD management sector in rural area,
locally adapted systems. Hence quantification organic Agriculture is cost effective and
of biomass production under organic cropping efficient system in present context of chaining
system and its overall efficiency attaining climate. Initially, Dr. Panjabra Deshmukh
sustainability needs to be tested and Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M.S.) has designed
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and established a six monthly short term course knowledge and transfer the technologies
on “Certificate course on Organic Agriculture” through extension programmes for effective
in the year 2010. Up till now, nine batches adoption in organic agriculture, ultimately it
were successfully completed the certificate will create healthy environment and eco-
course. Among these 102 passed students, 40 friendly agricultural produce.
% students engaged in their organic farm The centre for Organic Agriculture Research
business, 40% students were serving in private and Training (COART) has initiated certificate
sector and 10% in government sector. Under B. course for self employment graduates at lower
Sc. (Agri.) curriculum experiential learning education and Experiential Learning
module has been startedd from 2015 entitled Programme (ELP) at graduate and post
“Organic Farming Production Technology graduate students to higher studies. This aims
(AEL-AGRO-4813)”. The course is accepted at research in input management and
by Vth Dean Committee for UG course biocomposting, source of nutrients,
curriculum for VIIIth semester. Ph.D and M.Sc. biopesticides for effective management of
students and PG staff is exclusively working pests, soil health improvement, production
experimentation on various themes of organic technology of principal crops, cropping system
farming to develop specific organic production sustainability, recycling of biomass and
technologies for crops and cropping system for effective demonstration of these technologies
sustainable production. To propagate on farmers field of Vidarbha region.

Education through COART

Certificate Course on Organic Agriculture

Initiated in 2010 with intake of 30 participants of

12th pass. Basic applied and practical oriented 22
credits load. Experimental visit to organic grower of
Maharashtra, two organic industries and
certification agencies. 102 students completed
course till 2019-20.

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Graduation
Experiential
tial Learning Programme (ELP) initiated in
2015-16
16 academic year. One semester course for
VIIIth semester students. Exclusively organic
farming module. This course includes course credit
of 20 credits. Based on performance and syllabus of
ded this at national level. Till date
course ICAR included
6 batches with 146 beneficiaries completed
comple this
course at UG level.
Post-Graduation
Organic course of Agron – 502 (2+1) Principles and
Practices of Organic Farming is included in M.Sc.
Agronomy curriculum. So far 1
174 students have
completed this course at PG level. Exclusive
research work on organic agriculture for Ph.D. 06
0
students and for M.Sc. 22 students.

ELP Activities of Students

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
RESEARCH The compost from soybean crop residue
recorded higher content of major and minor
This centre initiated research nutrients and lower C:N ratio than the compost
programme for composting and from pigeonpea stalk. PDKV composting
vermicomposting methods with the help of culture was found to be most effective
ATMA Akola during 2012-14.
14. inoculants in decomposition of crop residue as
compare to other decomposing cultures. The
 Enrichment of composting ndicated that, use of soybean straw
study indicated
The different methods of composting and compost (5 t ha-1) as an alternative source to
sources were tried for enrichment of compost. FYM.

Vermicompost

PDKV compost

NADEP compost

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
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In-situ
situ crop residue management yield (1779 kg ha-1) was obtained from
pigeonpea + soybean (1:2) and maximum
Identification of the suitable biomass was available for recycling from
intercropping was studied for system pigeonpea + sunhemp (1:2) intercropping (6.6 t
productivity and biomass available for next ha-1) for next season cotton crop
season crop. The study indicated, the highest
.

Figure: Pigeopea equivalent yield as influenced by various tillage practices and intercropping system.

PP+Soy(1:2)

Biomass for in situ

30.14 43.42 Biomass for VC
ForFodder
21.98

Figure: Biomass available (q ha-1) from intercropping

tercropping system for next season cotton crop
Organic nutrient management for Arboreum it was at par with FYM source. Application of
cotton 150% RDN exhibited significantly higher seed
cotton yield (1619 kg ha-1). Organic carbon
Seed cotton yield was found content increased with FYM followed by
significantly higher (1609 kg ha-1) with soybean compost.
soybean compost than pigeonpea compost and

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Nutrient management for soybean-

soybean wheat Nutrient management for soybean and
crop sequence chickpea
Impact of conventional and biodynamic
The experiment on soybean
soybean- wheat compost on soybean in Kharif (2014-19)
(2014 and
cropping sequence under irrigated condition chickpea in Rabi with FYM, vermicompost and
with different sources of organic nutrients biodynamic compost in combination with soil
combinations during 2010-16.
16. The highest conditioners 500 to 501. Finding of the
soybean equivalent yield (4186 kg ha-1) was indicated 2.5 t ha-11 vermicompost increase in
recorded with 100% RDN through the yield of soybean (1915 kg ha-1) and
vermicompost + Jeevamrut. chickpea (2134 kg ha-1) than biodynamic
compost.

Seed yield of Arboreum cotton (kg ha-1) 5 years pooled data

1609 1619
1650 1586
1600
Soybean compost
1550
Yield (kg ha-1)

1500 FYM
1422
1450 100 % N
1400 150% N
1350
1300
Sources of compost and nutrient levels

Figure: Seed yield of Arboreum cotton as influenced by various organic nutrient sources
sour and levels.

Yield of soybean-wheat
soybean sequence (kg ha-1)
5000 4186
3886
4000 3341 Control
Yield (kg ha-1)

3024
3000 100 % RDN through
1887 2019 1629
2000 1242 Vermicompost
849 100 % RDN through
1000
Vermicompost + Jeevamrut
0
Soybean seed yield Wheat grain yield (q Soybean equivalent
(q ha-1) ha-1) yield (q ha-1)

Figure: Soybean seed yield, wheat grain yield and SEY as influenced by various organic nutrient
treatments under soybean – wheat cropping sequence (Pooled of 5 years).

 Nitrogen dose of Soybean (30kg N/ha) and Wheat (100Kg N/ha) was applied
app through organic
sources only.
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 Application of Jeevamrut @ 500 L ha-1 at 30 and 45 DAS

Seed yield of Soybean (kg ha-1) 5 years pooled data

2500
1915
2000 1766
Yield (kg ha-1)

1267 Vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1

1500
1000
BD Compost 3.5 t ha-1 + Soil
500 Conditioner 500 + 501

0 Control

Source of nutrients

Figure: Seed yield of soybean as influenced by various organic nutrient treatments (Pooled of 5 years).

Yield of chickpea (kg ha-1) 5 years pooled data

2134
2500 1965 Vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1
2000 1407
Yield (kg ha-1)

1500 BD Compost 3.5 t ha-1 + Soil

Conditioner 500 + 501
1000
Control
500
0
Source of nutrients

Figure: Seed yield of chickpea as influenced by various organic nutrient treatments(Pooled of 5 years).

Nutrient management for summer sesame summer sesame (1151 kg ha-1) with PDKV
compost 5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizers + Liquid
The study of organic nutrient sources organic foliar NPK spray + Liquid organic
combinations were studied during 2015-18.
2015 foliarr sulphur spray.
The study indicated that highest seed yield of

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Seed yield of summer sesame (kg ha-1)

PDKV compost 5 t/ha +

1200 Biofertilizers + Liquid organic
NPK spray + Liquid organic
1000 sulphur spray
1151 PDKV compost 5 t/ha +
Yield (kg ha-1)

800
1078 Biofertilizers + Liquid organic
600 NPK spray
702
400
Control
200

0
Source of nutrients

Figure: Yield of summer sesame as influenced by organic nutrient sources.

Extension agency Convergence of Agricultural

Interventions in Maharashtra (CAIM),
COART has initiated training to Amravati during 2015-16.
2015 The survey indicated
stakeholders of organic agriculture through that total 116 cotton and soybean growers were
krishimelava, shivarpheri, training to PKVY randomly selected and interviewed from 6
farmers of Vidarbha. Model training course to districts of Vidarbha. Soil samples were taken
agriculture department functionaries. First state from 38 farmers adapted from field of
level workshop on “Organic Agriculture
Agriculture- conventional and biodynamic practices. The
policy and prospectives” was organized on soil samples were analyzed forfo organic carbon
dated 22nd June 2013 and one day workshop on - -1
and NPK kg ha . This study indicated that
Organic farmers and entrepreneurs (Processor) overall 10.81 % increase in organic carbon
was organized on dated 21st December 2014. content under biodynamic farming practices
Model training course on “Sustainable Organic over conventional practices (0.37-0.47%).
Agriculture Technology for Marginal
Margina Farmers” Similarly 10.80 % increase in available N (161-
(161
th nd
during 24 Sept – 2 Oct 2018. 178 kg ha-1), 11.45 % P2O5 (11.88- 13.24 kg ha-
Study cum survey project on 1
(379-401 kg ha-1) in soil.
) and 5.81 % K2O (379
Biodynamic Organic Agriculture
demonstrations on farmers field with funding

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under Changing
Climate Scenario, December 5-7,
7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Demostrations conducted in six ditricts in Vidarbha by CAIM

Soybean
800
678 Cotton
700 661
581 Total
600
519
Demostrations

500
400 341
300 224
200
100
0
Amravati Yeotmal Wardha Akola Washim Buldhana
Districts

Number of farmers randomly selected for study in six districts

55
60
50
No. of farmers

40
30
17 Selected farmers
20 11 13
10 10
10
0
Amravati Yeotmal Wardha Akola Washim Buldhana
Districts

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Extension Activities of COART

Participation in Shivar Pheri /Agrotech 2019

The research programme of Department of Rhizobium and PSB (250 g each/10 kg

Agronomy with allied departments conducted seed) is recommended for productivity and
experiments on various crops and cropping economic returns of organically grown
system and IPM/IDM practices were groundnut
recommended for the farmers as follows.  Application of 2.5 tha-1vermicompost is
recommended for increase in the yield,
University Recommendations on Organic economic returns and sustainable soil
Agriculture Practices: fertility of organic soybean production
system.
 Use soybean straw compost (5 tha-1) as an
 Application of 2.5 tha-1vermicompost is
alternative source to FYM for maximizing
recommended for increase in the yield,
the nutrient availability in soil, yield and
economic returns and sustainable soil
economic returns of organic cotton
fertility of organic chickpea production
 In organic farming, application of 100%
system.
RDN through vermicompost @ 2.5 tha-1for
 Application of FYM 10 tha-1or Castor cake
soybean and 7.5tha-1for wheat is
@ 500 kgha-1or green manuring of Sunhemp
recommended for increasing the system
40 days after sowing in cotton + seed
productivity, economic returns and
treatment of Azotobacter + PSB @ 25 g
improving soil fertility status in soybean -
and Trichoderma 4 g per kg seed is
wheat cropping sequence under irrigated
recommended for sustainable production of
condition.
organic Arboreum cotton.
 Application of 5 t FYM + Neem cake (0.5
tha-1) with seed inoculation of biofertilizers
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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
 In organic farming system, for higher yield,  Follow need based spraying of Emamectin
monetary returns of green gram crop and benzoate 5 SG @ 3 g / 10 lit of water at
sustainable soil fertility, it is recommended Economic Threshold (5 % pod damage).
to apply compost 2.5 t ha-1 mixed with  Erection of bird purchers in 30 days old crop
Rhizobium and PSB 4.0 kg ha-1 along with @ 15 / ha
two foliar sprays of premix liquid organic  Apply two sprays of HaNPV @ 500 LE / ha
nutrient (3.5:4:4 % N:P: K) at 20 and 40 one at bud initiation stage of crop and
days after sowing. second application at 10 days after first
 In organic farming system, for higher yield, spraying
monetary returns of wheat crop and  Application of Azadirachtin 300 ppm @ 50
sustainable soil fertility, it is recommended ml /10 lit of water 10 days after second
to apply compost 8.0 ha-1 mixed with spray
Azotobactor and PSB 4.0 kg ha-1 along with  PDKV developed solar insect light trap in
three foliar sprays of premix liquid organic IPM practice is recommended for trapping
nutrient (3.5:4:4 % N:P: K) at 20, 40 and 60 harmful insects in the field for IPM practice.
days after sowing.
 In order to fulfill the requirement of
organics, it is recommended to decompose
unused wheat straw with rock phosphate @
12 per cent (120 kg tone-1) using PDKV
decomposer (1 kg per ton) for 90 days with
intermittent turnings at regular interval of 15
days followed by its curing for 30 days for
preparation of phosphocompost of good
quality within 120 days
 For the eco-friendly management of aphids,
jassids, thrips and whiteflies on cotton,
spraying of bio-pesticides Metarhizium
anisopliae @ 50g or Verticillium lecanii @
50 g (2x108 CFU/ml) in 10 liters of water is
recommended.
 For the effective management of bollworm
on cotton need based application of NSE 5
per cent is recommended
 For effective control of Heliothius armigera
application of Metarrhizium anisopliae
1010 or 109 colonee / ml along with Ranipal
(0.1 %) 1 ml/lit of water is recommended
 For effective management of chickpea pod
borer H. armigera (Hub.) and for getting
increased seed yield with maximum net
return following plant protection module is
recommended. Sowing of chickpea with
sorghum in rows (15:1)
 Apply two sprays of Azadirachtin 300 ppm
@ 50 ml / 10 lit of water at bud initiation
and at 50 % flowering stages of crop
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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Vegetable waste based silage for economic pig production in NEH region
K. BARMAN*, V.K. GUPTA, R. THOMAS, S.R. PEGU, SOUVIK PAUL AND
K.C. BARMAN
ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, India
*Address for correspondence: Keshab.Barman@icar.gov.in
ABSTRACT protein and minerals. Moreover, farmers
are unable to purchase the costly feed
Pig farming is a very important ingredients, as a result, performances of
component in North East India. Out of pig goes down and they are not getting
total pig population inIndia, 38.34 % are good profit even by raising the good
grown in this region. Use of local feed quality pig germplasm. Therefore,
resources to formulate nutritionally alternative low-cost feed formulation is
balanced economic feed is an important required for the farmers to boost up the pig
aspect in swine feeding as feed cost itself production. Many alternative feed
result in 70-75 % of total cost of resources are available locally. Among
production. Most of the farmers in NE these, fruits and vegetable waste is one of
region of India have to buy imported feed them which can also be used for pig
ingredients which add 10-15 % extra cost feeding after appropriate treatment.
to the formulated ration. Because of high Large quantity of vegetable and
price of protein feeds, farmers don’t use fruit waste are generated during the
such feeds in the diets as a result farmer process of selling of vegetable in the
are not getting good profit because of markets. These wastes become a pollutant
poor productive performances of pigs. to the environment if dump nearby the
Deficiency of nutrients in the diet results market. These vegetable and fruit waste if
in poor feed conversion ratio (FCR), collected, can be converted into a valuable
growth and reproductive performances feed which can be fed to pigs and other
like repeat breeders, infertility, embryonic livestock. These will not only reduce the
mortality, poor semen quality etc. As per environmental pollution, simultaneously
recent report, about 1.81 million tonnes of increase the production performances of
fruit and vegetable wastes are available pigs and also reduce the cost of
annually in India. Fruit and vegetable production. Use of vegetable and fruit
wastes are rich in energy and other waste based silage at various level in pig
micronutrients. It can either be used as diet improve the production performance
silage or directly after boiling or drying of pig as well as reduce the feed cost as
and pulverizing. Vegetable waste based reported by several researchers (Göhl,
silage in pig can be supplemented to 1982; Hon et al.,2009 Cerisuelo et al.,
reduce the feed cost and to improve the 2010 and Montagne et al., 2003). It also
pig production in the NEH region of reduces the faecal Enterobacteria counts
India. (Cerisuelo et al., 2010). Therefore, in this
paper use of vegetable waste based feed
Key words: Vegetable Waste, Siage,
for pig production has been briefly
Economic, Pig, NEH Region
discussed.
INTRODUCTION: Overview of vegetable and fruit waste
and its future scope
Poor productive performances of
pig in NE region are mainly due to lack of The world vegetable waste
balanced feeds. Diets are deficient in products market currently value US$ 40
Bn and is likely to reach US$ 64.21 Bn by
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
2032. Out of world food wastage of 1.3 brinjal, pumkin, bottle guard, potato skin,
billion tons annually, vegetable and fruit cassava tubers, tomatoes, sweet potato etc.
waste constituted nearly 45 % of waste. the composition of different fruit and
India is the second-largest producer of vegetable waste are shown in Table 1-4.
fruits and vegetables, reportedly wasting
about 18% of its produce – valued at Rs Collection, treatment and processing of
13,300 crore annually, according to the vegetable waste for making silage for
Central Institute of Post-Harvest pigs
Engineering and Technology (CIPHET).
Fruit and vegetable waste are rich
Thus, India can play a crucial role in
source of energy and can be used in pig
vegetable and fruit waste market in the
diet as energy sources. Fruit and vegetable
Asia-Pacific (FMI, 2022). These waste
waste can be collected from the local
become a pollutant to the environment if
market either free of cost or at a negligible
dump nearby the market (Patel et al.,
price. After collection and transportation
2019). to the site of use, the waste should be
The waste can be used as a source properly washed in running water to
of organic fertilizer, therapeutic remove possible contamination of
compounds, phytochemicals, livestock pesticide and insecticide residues. As these
feed and pigments. As per report of FAO, may hamper the health of pigs as well as
by the year 2050, about 75 % more milk human being through upon consumption of
and meat will be required to feed the pork and pork products. After washing, it
human population which indicates a great should be dried to reduce the moisture
pressure on demand of feed resources for level to 65-70 %. Then, the materials need
livestock. In such situation, vegetable and to be cut into small pieces (1-2 cm). To a
fruit waste can meet partial requirement of 100 kg of cut waste, 3-4 kg juggery and
livestock feed. Food additives namely 0.25 kg common salt should be added.
pectin can be produced from vegetable After this addition, materials should be
waste for use in beverages, bakeries, and thoroughly mixed. The properly mixed
confectionary products. Nutraceuticals, materials, can be packed air tightly in a
phytochemicals and other therapeutic silage bag or a drum. After packing the
compounds can also be produced from the materials in the silage bags, the mouth
vegetable leftover peels, skin, seed, need to be closed tightly and should be
etc.These bioactive compounds can be kept for 21 days. If silage prepare using
utilized in different industries namely food cassava tubers, first tubers need to peel off,
industry for the development of functional and then cut into 1-2 cm and should be
foods, pharmaceuticals industry for processed as described above. However,
production of medicines and the textile cassava tubers silage need to be stored for,
industry. The Bio-ethanol, can also be 30 days to neutralize the hydrocyanic acid
produced from the carbohydrate rich content. After the 21 days of storage for
vegetable waste. fruit and vegetable waste for fermentation
and 30 days storage of cassava for
Types and composition of different fermentation, the materials become read
vegetable and fruit waste for pig feeding. The silage can be
supplemented @ 3kg daily along with 1 kg
During the process of harvesting, rice polish or wheat bran, 100-150 g oil
marketing and for preparation of vegetable cakes or fish meal and 2-3 tea spoonful of
for cooking and consumption, lots of waste mineral mixture per adult pig.
available. These waste consist of of
cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, radish,

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Chemical composition (% DM) of different parts of banana

Components DM CP CF EE Ash NFE

Banana stems 5.1±0.2 2.4±0.1 20.5±0.3 2.3±0.1 14.3±0.2 60.5±0.3

Banana leaf 94.1±0.1 9.9±0.1 24.0±0.2 11.8±0.3 8.8±0.1 45.5±0.4

meal
Fresh banana 19.5±0.2 11.4±0.2 28.3±0.4 13.1±0.2 10.9±0.3 44.6±0.3
leaves
Green bananas 20.9±0.1 4.8±0.1 3.3±0.2 1.9±0.1 4.8±0.1 85.2±0.4

Ripe bananas 31.0±0.4 5.4±0.1 2.2±0.1 0.9±0.0 3.3±0.1 88.2±0.6

Table 2: Chemical composition (% DM) of different vegetable waste

Name % Composition (DM)

OM CP EE CF Ash NFE

Cabbage waste (Brassica 87.60 10.12 2.91 13.82 12.40 60.75

oleracea var capitata) ±0.12 ±0.15 ±0.22 ±0.24 ±0.12 ±0.32

Cauliflower waste 89.62 18.12 4.92 14.50 10.38 52.08

(Brassica oleracea var ±0.14 ±0.06 ±0.11 ±0.21 ±0.14 ±0.23
botrytis)
Brinjal waste (Solanum 91.74 17.42 3.10 22.55 7.82 49.11
melongena) ±0.17 ±0.19 ±0.15 ±0.45 ±0.17 ±0.28

Pumpkin waste (Cucurbita 94.58 15.12 3.98 14.79 5.42 60.60

pepo) ±0.11 ±0.16 ±0.23 ±0.25 ±0.11 ±0.27

Bottle guard waste 92.14 16.05 2.55 15.69 7.59 58.12

(Lagenaria siceraria) ±0.08 ±0.17 ±0.19 ±0.27 ±0.08 ±0.29

Radish (Raphanu ssativus) 85.70 12.80 2.10 9.98 14.30 60.82

±0.31 ±0.42 ±0.13 ±0.07 ±0.31 ±0.25

Potato skin (Solanum 90.33 12.75 3.40 9.34 9.67 64.84

tuberosum) ±0.05 ±0.23 ±0.17 ±0.23 ±0.05 ±0.23

Table 5: Chemical composition (% DM) of vegetable silage waste

Diet OM % CP % CF% EE % Ash % NFE %

Veg Silage 93.70±0.01 19.55±0.45 8.74±0.07 4.44±0.01 6.30±0.01 60.97±0.52

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 3: Chemical composition (% DM) of cassava tubers and leaves

Parameters Cassava tubers Leaves

Crude protein 3.56±0.34 34.10
Ether extract 1.92±0.13 6.3
Ash 2.81±0.22 6.2
Crude fiber 3.36±0.04 10.7
NFE 88.35±0.06 42.7
Total sugar 10.0 --
Starch 70.0 --

Table 4: Chemical composition (% DM) of guava fruits waste

OM % CP % CF% EE % Ash % NFE %

94.74 9.42 6.31 5.26 5.26 73.54
±0.21 ±0.47 ±0.51 ±0.16 ±0.21 ±1.34

Cutting of vegetable Mixing of vegetable waste with

Packing in silage
waste Juggery and salt bag

Pressing the materials in silage Closing of silage bags Final silage after 21 days
bag to remove excess air

Fig: Silage preparation using vegetable waste

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Microbiology of vegetable waste based affecting growth performance (Cerisuelo
silage et al., 2010). Pigs are usually given only
cooked potatoes, which are efficiently
Barman et al., (unpublished report) used by fattening and breeding animals.
reported that lactic acid producing bacteria Potatoes produce firm pork. Cooked
were predominant in vegetable waste potatoes can be used for poultry up to 40
based silage which was confirmed by percent of the total ration (Edwards et
inoculating the representative sample of al.,1986). Fresh TP can be used at 6
silage in LB broth followed by culuring in percent and 35 percent as a supplement
LB agar plate and gram staining of feed in grower and finisher pigs
particular colony which is gram positive. respectively without any adverse effect on
The predominating bacterial species in pig their performance and by decreasing feed
gut, fed on vegetable waste based silage is cost/kg gain. Dried TP can be introduced
Prevotella followed by Leptotrichia, up to 20 percent in the diet of growing
Streptococcus, Cornebacteium, rabbits without significantly affecting
Leptotrichia and Bateroides sp. All the performance (Sayed and Abdel-Azeem,
species helps in fiber digestion as 2009).Pigs did not relish dried pineapple
confirmed by metagenomic sequencing of bran offered ad libitum in the ration. The
faecal microbiota. high crude fibre (CF) content (20 percent)
limits its use in pigs of less than 27 kg
Effect of supplementation of vegetable
body weight. However, incorporation up to
fruit waste silage on production
50 percent in the ration of older pigs (57
performances of pigs
kg BW) improved the body weight gain
Fruits and vegetable wastes were and feed conversion efficiency. Beyond 50
used as pig feeds by various researchers percent in the ration these parameters were
with or without treatment at different depressed (Göhl, 1982). Inclusion of 15
levels depending upon the age of pigs percent pineapple bran in chick diets
(Rios, et al., 1975; Tartrakoon et al., 1999; depressed the feed conversion ratio and 20
Fanimo and Odu, 2006; O’Sullivan et al., percent inclusion decreased weight
2003; Sotto et al. 2009; Hon et (Hutagalung et al., 1973) use in pigs of
al.,2009Cerisuelo et al., 2010 and Boiled, dehydrated and ground carrots
Montagne et al., 2003). It was reported have been tested successfully in the
that citrus pulp silage can be included at prophylaxis of diarrhea of weaning piglets
5−10 percent in the diet of growing pigs, (Jugl et al., 2001). Silage containing 17
which reduced the feeding cost. Pigs percent carrots (with fodder beets, sugar
offered citrus pulp showed significantly beets and potatoes) fed to replacement
lower Enterobacteria counts in faeces sows had a positive effect on live weight
compared with pigs in the control group. gain, reproductive parameters and on litter
However, no difference was observed in performance. Similar results were obtained
the Lactobacilli count (Cerisuelo et al., on lactating and gestating sows fed silage
2010). Generally, increasing the amount of containing 12 percent carrots with
fermentable fibre in the diet stimulates pumpkins and potatoes (Yushkova and
microbial fermentation in the hindgut of Kertieva, 2010). The main drawbacks of
pigs and fermentation generates lactic acid using fruit–vegetable and fish wastes in
and volatile fatty acids, which are capable the formulation of animal diets is that their
of inhibiting some intestinal pathogens e.g. composition may be extremely variable
Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. depending on the area of production and
(Montagne et al., 2003). Feeding ensiled the period of the year when they are
citrus pulp improved meat quality, without produced (Westendorf, 2000). Another
drawback is the high moisture content that

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
may make the handling difficult and They also reported (Unpublished)
favour microbial contamination (Garcı´a et that supplementation of vegetable waste @
al., 2005). Then a heat treatment of these 0, 10 and 15 % level in grower crossbred
types of wastes is necessary not only to (Hampshire x Ghungroo, Rani Variety)
ensure microbial quality but also to reduce pigs, increased the faecal output of N and
the moisture content in order to facilitate decreased the urinary output (P<0.05).
their inclusion in animal diets. However, a However, N absorption significantly
heat treatment can reduce the digestibility improved (P<0.05) with increasing level of
of the wastes, thereby decreasing the vegetable waste silage in the pig diets.
nutritional value of a diet including fruit– In another studies, Barman et al.,
vegetable and fish wastes, and can increase (unpublished report), found that
the price of the feed formulated with the supplementation of vegetable waste @ 0,
wastes as a substitute for the cereal 10 and 15 % level in finisher crossbred
typically used (Esteban et al., 2007). (Hampshire x Ghungroo, Rani Variety) did
Dried mango peels up to 10 percent not affect the dry matter intake across all
in the diet of finishing pigs had no level of supplementation. They also found
deleterious effect on feed conversion ratio that net protein utilization, nitrogen
or performance and economized feeding balance was not affected at all level of
cost (Rao, et al., 2003). Pigs digest the supplementation of vegetable waste based
beet pulp fibre well, but the pulp is so silage in crossbred finisher pigs. The
bulky that total food consumption and average daily gain in weight (g/day), feed
performance will be depressed if >0.5 conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility
kg/day is fed to fattening pigs or >1 kg/day was not affected at 0, 10 and 15 % level of
is fed to sows. Pigs relish the moist soaked inclusion of vegetable waste in crossbred
pulp once they acquire a taste for it. Young finisher pigs (Table 7).
pigs do not thrive on the pulp and may
cause scouring because of the high oxalic Effect of supplementation of vegetable
acid content and contamination by the soil. waste on pork quality
Beet pulp has proved to be unsatisfactory Potshangham et al. (2018)
for poultry (Wadha and Bakshi, 2013). incorporated cauliflower (Brassica
Silage prepared using fruit and oleracea) leaves at 10 and 20% level in
vegetables waste are palatable to pigs. In basal feeds of growing-finishing pigs and
one of the research work Barman et al reported that the carcass weight (without
(unpublished report) found that head), dressing percentage and back-fat
supplementation of vegetable waste @ 0, thickness were non-significant among the
10 and 15 % level in grower crossbred treatment groups. In another study,
(Hampshire x Ghungroo, Rani Variety) Barman et al., (unpublished report), found
pigs, reduced dry matter intake at 15 % that supplementation of vegetable waste @
level of inclusion of vegetable waste based 0, 10 and 15 % level in finisher crossbred
silage. The dry matter intake was not (Hampshire x Ghungroo, Rani Variety) did
affected at 10 % level of supplementation not the pork quality. The carcass weight,
of vegetable waste based silage in grower dressing percentage and average back fat
crossbred pigs. The average daily gain thickness and proximate composition of
and feed conversion ratio were found pork was not affected by supplementation
similar while feed cost (Rs/kg gain) of of vegetable waste based silage at 0, 10
production per kg live weight was reduced and 15 % level in finisher crossbred
by Rs. 13.77 and Rs.10.52 respectively in (Hampshire x Ghungroo, Rani Variety)
T2 and T3 groups in comparison to T1 pigs. However, protein content of the pork
group Table 6. increased with increased level of silage in
the ration.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 6. Effect of vegetable waste silage on nutrient utilization in crossbred grower pigs

Parameter T1 T2 T3 P Value

DMI, g/d 910.00±5.30 819.00±2.31 773.50±3.61 0.000**

ADG. g/d 261.5±2.2 259.0±11.0 252.6±66.8 0.986

FCR (Feed intake per kg gain) 3.48±0.01 3.17±0.13 3.45±0.75 0.863

Feed cost/kg gain 88.00±0.26 74.23±3.06 77.48±16.72 0.609

T1: 0 level of supplementation of vegetable waste based silage; T2: 10 % level of

supplementation of vegetable waste based silage; T3: 15 % level of supplementation of
vegetable waste based silage

Parameters T1 T2 T3 P Value
DM intake 1.38±0.03 1.38±0.03 1.32±0.08 0.661
Initial weight 23.77±5.53 23.97±0.83 23.57±2.44 0.996
Final weight 84.33±2.33 83.33±0.88 79.00±4.16 0.414
ADG, g/d 403.78±31.77 395.78±11.28 369.56±11.83 0.511
FCR 3.83±0.21 3.88±0.03 3.98±0.28 0.874
Feed cost per kg gain 109.17±6.09 99.41±0.79 96.48±6.78 0.281
T1= Finisher ration containing 0 % vegetable waste silage, T2= Finisher ration containing 10
% vegetable waste silage, T3= Finisher ration containing 15 % vegetable waste silage; a,b,c
superscript in a column differ significantly, p<0.05

CONCLUSION: increased the fiber degrading bacteria in

the digestive system.
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Production et SantéAnimale, Roma, feeding cauliflower (Brassica
Italy web icon. oleracea) leaves on the growth
Hon, F.M., Oluremi, O.I.A. &Anugwa, performances and carcass characters
F.O.I. 2009. The effect of dried of crossbred barrows (Landrace X
sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit Desi). International Journal of
pulp meal on the growth Livestock Research, 8(10):184-196.
performance of rabbits. Pakistan doi: 10.5455/ijlr.20171202060231
Journal of Nutrition, 8: 1150−1155. Rao, D.S., Ravi, A. &Yedukondalu, R.
Hutagalung, R.I., Webb, B.H. &Jalaludin, 2003. Inclusion of dried mango
S., 1973. Evaluation of agricultural (Mangiferaindica) peels in finisher
products and by-products as animal rations of pigs on their performance.
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Jugl, M., Zitterl-Eglseer, K., Beier, T., 1975. Banana peels as a potential
Schilcher, F., Gabler, C., Schuh, M., source of animal food and other
Kastner, U., Guggenbichler, J.P. & useful products. Nutrition
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of piglets in a field study. Sayed, A.N. & Abdel-Azeem, A.M. 2009.
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Evaluation of dried tomato pomace
Grosstiere/Nutztiere, 29: 308−312. as feedstuff in the diets of growing
M.B. Esteban, A.J. Garcı´a, P. Ramos, rabbit. International Journal for Agro
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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Tartrakoon, T., Chalearmsan, N., value added products. RAP
Vearasilp, T. &Meulen, U. 1999. Publication 2013/04, FAO, Rome.
The nutritive value of banana peel Westendorf, M.L., 2000. Food waste as
(Musa sapientum L.) in growing pig. animal feed: an introduction. In:
In Proceedings of the Westendorf, Michael L. (Ed.), Food
DeutscherTropentag 1999, Berlin Waste to Animal Feed. Iowa State
(Humboldt University of Berlin and University Press, Ames, pp. 3–16,
ATSAF, Berlin), CD-ROM. 69–90.
Wadha, M. and Bakshi, MPS.2013. Yushkova, L.G. &Kertieva, N.M. 2010.
Utilization of fruits and vegetable Utilization of locally available
wastes as livestock feed and as feedstuffs in the production and
substrate for generation of other rearing of young pigs. Svinovodstvo
(Moskva), 1: 29−30.

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Organic oilseeds production –strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats
KULASEKARAN RAMESH
Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad 500030 TS
E-mail: ramechek@gmail.com

Sufficient quantity of organic Since it is essentially used in food and

matter in the soil ecosystem is a critical medicine in developed countries, the
determinant for the sustenance of organic importers are insisting for certified organic
crop production. Increasing concerns on produce. Instances of rejection of exported
the residual effects of intensively managed sesame are common due to the presence of
agro-ecosystems have emphasized the pesticide residues. The organic variants
urgent need for designing management of sesame seed were formerly appreciated
strategies to produce chemical free for their ability to add nutty flavor or
produce besides protecting the ecosystem. garnish foods and were solely used for oils
Integrated plant nutrient supply system is and wines. Down the line, organic sesame
definitely a strategic step in this endeavor seeds are used in a plethora of food
with the use of diverse organic sources products with a major focus on yielding
both as plant nutrients and food source for the cooking oils. Organic sesame oil is
the soil biota. Although, the true organic refined & used extensively in cosmetics
resources availability has become a distant worldwide. Organic soyfoods have
dream, carbon farming practices, for experienced the fastest growth of all
eg.Cultivating cover/green manure crops consumer food segments during the past
during the off-season instead of leaving 10 years. Once reserved as a staple for
the croplands besides utilising the green “true” vegetarians, organic soy products
leaf manures for organic crop production are now finding their way onto the
have assumed centre stage. Organic shopping lists of more traditional.
oilseeds are grown by following the Experiments since 2004 have proven that
standards of organic farming and ensures organic management practices could
that its pesticide free. With the increasing sustain soybean based cropping systems
awareness among the consumers towards over the years.
health and wellness has led to a spurt in
demand of organic edible oils which has SWOT Analysis for organic oilseeds in
made positive impacts in the organic India
sector, particularly sesame. Sesame the
‘queen of oilseeds’ for its high oil content India has the second largest
and quality widely grown crop in tropical cultivable land area in the world. We have
and subtropical areas and has innately the largest number of agro-climatic zones.
higher oil content (approximately 55% of Almost 20 per cent of the economically
dry seed) has high export potential. In active population of the world is engaged
India, sesame is cultivated over an average in agriculture in India. We are among the
area of >17 lakh ha with a production of top three countries in the production of a
>7 lakh tonnes and productivity of 413 number of agricultural products such as
kg/ha. International demand and export of cereals, milk, eggs fruits, vegetables,
sesame are steadily increasing. India cotton, tea, sugarcane, etc. We have a vast
exports about 2.5 lakh tonnes of seed network of agricultural research
valued at Rs.1000 crore. Globally institutions. Our farmers are quite
sesamum is exported in the form of seed. innovative and open to new ideas (Khan

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
2010). SWOT factors may be grouped as Lawerence and Vadakattu (2009) has
social, technological, economic, shown enhancement in soil microbial
environmental and regulatory. community and biological processes,
relative to conventional systems.
Strengths in organic oilseeds production 5. Improved soil health: Improvement in
soil health under organic farming is
Strengths of organic farming
bound to come and has been well
describe the positive attributes, tangible
documented through research findings
and intangible, inherent to the system in
elsewhere in the world.
question. These are within the reach of the
6. Premium prices: The recent BIOFACH
farming community as a whole.
2012 held at Bangalore could find the
1. India is largely agro based economy premium prices for organic products
with multicrop culture and consumers were eager to purchase
2. Self-reliance in inputs-Low cost of organic products due to high self-life of
production organic produce
3. Increased above and below ground 7. Preserves traditional varieties/species
biodiversity: Management of an 8. Low external inputs: The system relies
appropriate habitat for sustenance of to the maximum extent on on-farm
different life forms is an essential inputs and residue recycling
component of organic farming. This can 9. Organic farming is mostly associated
be achieved by ensuring crop diversity with fruits and/or vegetables, not with
and by maintaining a wide variety of chicken, beef and other protein sources.
trees and bushes as per climatic 10. Availability of liquid formulation
sustainability. These tree and bushes of potassium mobilizing bacteria
will not only ensure the nutrient from (Fraturia aurentia) (Alexander et al
air and deep soil layers to surface layer 2009), N fixers and Phosphate
but also attract the birds and predators, solublising bacteria to meet crop
friendly insects and also provide the demands.
food shelter (Yadav 2010). Flohre et al.
Weaknesses:
(2011) opined that organic farming
appears to be more efficient in It includes infrastructure deficit,
conserving aboveground than market economy deficit, public investment
belowground diversity. & credit deficit, and knowledge deficit.
4. House to soil biota: Strong, functioning
soil food web allows a plethora of soil 1. Slow process:Organic farming brings
organisms to decompose, incorporate, results slower than the chemical
and redistribute carbon and other nutrients and thus making the process
nutrients within the soil profile. Soil less favorite to the farmers.
organic matter and plant residues are 2. Transition timevaries from 3-5 years
the sources of carbon for a cascade of which is a deterrent in many cases.
feeding activity by soil fauna and 3. Unorganized market
microorganisms. A biologically active 4. Lack of system: Poor development of
soil food web is essential for the the internal market for organic products
success of all organic agricultural 5. Fragmentation of lands prevents its use
systems. Organic farming practices on larger consolidated areas.
resulted in lower soil bulk densities and 6. Large quality of organic needed-FYM
higher soil microbial activity measured available is inadequate to meet the
by soil respiration, and organic carbon demand as it has multiple uses.
(Araujo et al. 2009). Studies by

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
7. Labour intensiveness: The expenditure 6. Heavy metal problems – Organic
on labor charges is comparatively high products are suspected to have contained
as compared to traditional farming. harmful substances for the human body if
8. Productivity gaps are sometimes higher the organic manures used contain high
in the event of insect pest outbreak. content of heavy metals.
9. Lack of availability of green manure
seed REFERENCES
10. Less incentives from Government
Alexander, D., Rajan, S., Rajamony, L.,
Opportunities Ushakumari, K and SajanKurien
(2009) The adhoc package of
It cannot be denied that, organic farming practices recommendations for
can prove quite beneficial for the organic farming. Kerala Agricultural
producers as well as consumers if University, Thrissur. P. 1-209.
deployed in a continuous way on a large Araujo, ASF., LFC Leite, Valdinar B.
scale. Major opportunities in organic Santos and RFV Carneiro (2009)
farming include, Soil microbial activity in
conventional and organic
1. Growing domestic and agricultural systems. Sustainability
international demand for organic oilseeds. 1, 268-276; doi: 10.3390/su 1020268
2. Potential international market and Flohre, A., M. Rudnick, G. Traser, T.
growing market potential Tscharntke and T. Eggers
3. Growing health awareness (2011)Does soil biota benefit from
4. All dryland oilseeds are default organic farming in complex vs.
organic simple landscapes? Agriculture,
5. Expected to reduce the CO2 Ecosystems and Environment 141:
emissions 210-214
6. Established National Programme Huang, SS, Tai, SF, Chen, TC, and Huang,
on Organic Production (NPOP) defined its SN (1993) Comparison of crop
regulatory framework, the National Project production as influenced by organic
on Organic Farming (NPOF) has defined and conventional farming systems.
the, promotion strategies and provide Taichung District Agricultural
necessary support for area expansion under improvement station, Special
certified organic farming (Yadav, 2008). Publication, 32, 109-125.
Khan, HR (2010) Issues and Challenges in
Threats
Indian Agriculture: Bankers’
1. Conventional land (intensive Perspectives. Social address at the
agriculture) in the immediate vicinity of National Seminar on Agricultural
the farms and most of the fields are Banking, Pune on April 16 & 17,
contiguous and problem of contamination 2010.
2. Sectors of processing and trade of Lawerence, L. and G. Vadakattu (2009)
organic products are limited The health of soils in organic
3. Costly and complex organic farming systems. Farming Ahead.
certification process 207, 44-46
4. Lack of infrastructure facilities (like Subba Rao, IV (1999) Soil and
labs) and authentic certification bodies environmental pollution – A threat to
5. Only export regulated organic market sustainable agriculture, J. Indian
which is full of barried owing to Society of Soil Science, 47, 611-633
certification. Yadav, AK (2008) Status of Organic
Farming in India and the World. In:

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Invited papers at winter school on Yadav,, AK (2010) Organic Agriculture
Organic Farming in Rainged (Concept, Scenario, Principles and
Agriculture (Eds. B. Venkateswarlu Practices), National project on
S.S. Balloli and Y.S. Ramakrishna) organic farming, Ghaziabad, p. 1960
CRIDA, Hyderabad, P. 196.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Sugarcane based Farming System - A viable option for doubling the

income of small and marginal farmers
P. GEETHA, A.S. TAYADE, T. RAJULASHANTHY AND C. PALANISSAMI
ICAR- Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore-641007
India is fortunate that the Sustainable development in agriculture
temperature conditions remain favorable must include an integrated farming system
practically throughout the year for growing with efficient soil, water, crop, and pest
crops provided water supply is available management practices, which are
through natural precipitation or can be environmentally friendly and cost-
made available through irrigation facilities. effective.
Income through arable farming alone is
insufficient for the bulk of the marginal Sugarcane based cropping system
farmers. Activities such as dairying, In sugarcane, germination of setts
poultry, goat, fishery, etc., assumes critical is relatively slow and it takes about 30-40
importance in supplementing their farm days for complete germination. It has been
income. An integrated farming system reported that it takes about three months
seems to be the answer to the problem of for “canopy closure” in normally spaced
increasing food production for increasing (90cm) sugarcane and the time taken will
income and improving the nutrition of be longer under wide row spacing
small-scale farmers with limited resources. (150cm). Selection of compatible
Within the broad concept of intercrops and suitable varieties is a pre-
sustainable agriculture “Crop-based requisite for the successful intercropping.
Farming Systems” holds a special position Growing legumes as intercrops has not
as in this system nothing is wasted, the by- only generated additional income but also
product of one system becomes the input enriches the nutrients in the soil which in
for other i.e., WASTE TO WEALTH. turn helps in increasing yield.

Sugarcane + Soybean Sugarcane + Cowpea

The image part with relationship ID rId41 was not found in the file.

Sugarcane + Black gram Sugarcane + Sunn hemp

Fig. 1. Legumes as intercrops in sugarcane intercropping system in tropical India

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Dairy Unit garden land (irrigated upland) and dry land
farming systems. Salem Black, Jamnapari,
Livestock plays a major role in Tellicherry are common breeds suitable to
economy, especially of small and marginal Tamil Nadu. Of which, Salem Black goats
farmers. For a hectare area of sugarcane are highly preferred. They are tall animals
based farming system, maintenance of two with a lean body and a completely black
local cross Holstein Friesian (HF) with coat. The adult body weight is about 40 kg
two calves is sufficient to support a farm (buck) and 30 kg (doe).The space
family monthly income. The average milk requirement for a goat is 4.5 to 5.4 m2.
yield is 4200-4500 liters per lactation. In Goats can be maintained under stall-fed
addition the farm yard manure produced at conditions in elevated platform (Fig 3).
this unit can be used for cropping system Goat matures at 6-7 month after its birth.
as well. Roughage consists of pasture Breeding is allowed for buck after one
grasses, hay, silage, root crops, straw and year and doe after 10 months of its age.
stover (corn stalks). Gestation period is 145-155 days.
Optimum goat per hectare sugarcane based
Goat Unit farming system is 13 female + 1 male.
Goat is known as ‘Poor man’s cow’ in
India and is a very important component in

Feeding allowances for dairy cattle and buffalo

Stage of the Green fodder Dry fodder Concentrates
Type of cattle
cattle (kg/day/animal) (kg/day/animal) (kg/day/animal)
Milk yield
15.0 5.0 2.0
Cow 5 litres/day
(Average Milk yield
weight 250 kg) 5 to 10 17.5 5.5 3.0
litres/day
Milk yield
10 to 15 20.0 6.0 4.0
litres/day
Cow in
- 15.0 5.0 1.5
gestation

Fig. 2 Dairy Unit Fig.3 Goat Unit

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Poultry cum Fish Culture layers up to the age of 18 months. Each
Majority of the homestead ponds bird lays about 200 eggs/yr.
are suitable for this purpose. Any pond The direct discharge of fresh chicken
that retains 2.0–3.0 m water can be manure to the fish ponds produces enough
considered as suitable. It is advisable to natural fish feed organisms without use of
stock the ponds with larger fingerlings of any additional manure/fertilizer.
10-15 cm size for better survival. Fish
breed such as, and at the rate of 1 per Mushroom production
square feet is the optimum stocking Mushroom cultivation is one of the
population. The stocking rates vary from best hi-tech horticultural ventures that
0.8 to 1.0/m2and a species ratio of 40% utilizes vertical space utilization and is
surface feeders - catla, 20% of column regarded as the highest protein producer.
feeders-rohu, 30% bottom feeders - The oyster mushroom requires a 23- 27◦C
mirgaland 10-20% weedy feeders are temperature range with a relative humidity
preferred for high fish yields. Final of 80- 85 %. Such cropping conditions
harvesting can be done at 12 months of can be achieved in thatched sheds with
rearing. sand to one-foot height on the floor and
In cage system, for 400 m2 fish racks for placing mushroom beds. After 20
pond area, twenty numbers of eight weeks to 23 days, pinheads appear, and then
old desi bird chicks were sheltered in a onwards, sprinkling water on the beds
shed having a plinth area of 2.2 m2 and the must be followed. First harvest takes three
bottom provided with wire mesh (5 mm x days after pinheads appear and the second
5 mm) to facilitate free falling of dropping harvest in another 7 to 8 days and third
to the pond and placed over the fish pond harvest in 5 to 6 days. The total cropping
at one corner. Egg production commences cycle ranges from 35 to 45 days.
at the age of 18 weeks and then gradually
decline. The birds are usually kept as

Mushroom Shed

Poultry cum Fish Culture Mushroom Shed

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Nutritional Gardening by application of Bio mineralizer (to

To provide daily needs of fresh enrich the microbial load) @ 2 kg per
vegetables and fruits to the family. Kitchen tonne of trash mixed with 200 litres of
garden is a year round agent for ready water sprinkled over the trash.
supply of fresh vegetables and fruits which  The pre-digested sugarcane trash should
are essential for health. The perennial be thoroughly mixed with cattle dung
plants should be located on one side of the (1 part cowdung : 3 parts sugarcane
garden, usually on the rear end of the trash). The mixed waste is placed into
garden so that they may not shade other the tank / pit upto brim. The moisture
crops, compete for nutrition with the level should be maintained at 60 per
culture of other vegetable crops. cent.
Adjacent to the foot path all  The earthworms can be released
around the garden and the central foot uniformly. For one-meter length, one-
path may be utilized for growing different meter breadth and 0.5-meter height, 1
short duration green vegetables like kg of worms (1000 Nos.) is required.
coriander, Ceylon spinach, fenugreek,  Care should be taken that there should
alternanthera, mint and amaranthus. The not be any heat inside the feedstock bed
fence or trellises around the home garden before the release of worms.
may be utilized for growing light creepers  The castings formed over the top layer
like Basella, Coccinea, sponge gourd and are collected periodically at weekly
bitter gourd. intervals. If the earthworm population
is sufficient, then collection may be
Vermicompost Production done in alternate days also.

Vermicompost can be produced in Advantages

any place with shade, high humidity and
cool. Abandoned cattle shed or poultry  Interim income to the farmers through
shed or unused buildings can be used. intercropping of Blackgram (Rs.22,300
Earthworms do not feed on fresh organic /ac).
wastes as such and they feed on partially  Additional income from Milk sale
decomposed materials only. Hence, any of (Gross income – Rs. 1,76,400/yr) and
the organic waste including sugarcane goat (Rs.48,000/yr).
trash has to undergo partial decomposition  Fresh Vegetables, mushroom and
or pre digestion. pulses for nutritional security.
 Resource recycling of farm waste for
 A cement tank (height of 1½ feet and a crop production / vermicomposting.
breadth of 3 feet) length may be fixed
 Increase on production (147t/ha) of
to any level depending upon the size of
sugarcane with reduced cost of
the room.
cultivation by water saving through drip
 Collect the trashes and shred them to irrigation and using sugarcane settling.
reduce the volume of biomass followed

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Resource flow in sugarcane based farming system

Dairy
Cropping - 0.9 ha Manure (2 cows + 1 calf)
Sugarcane based And / Or
cropping system Goat (20 + 1)
Cane tops & Pulse haulms &

T
F
r Farm House
a o Pisciculture +
s + d
Poultry
h Kitchen garden d (20 birds)
e
r

Tank silt
Vermicomposting
Production of Fodder trees
& Secondary
Value added
Mushroom Agriculture +
Jaggery/ liquid
Production jaggery activities APIARY

REFERENCES Feasibility of Sugarcane and

Legume Intercropping System in
Nagpure, S. C., Jhakare, A. B., Tropical India. Sugar Tech.
Khandare, A. P. and Patil, R. K., https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-
2004, Economics of sugarcane 018-0689-9.
production in Vidarbha Region of Geetha. P., A. S. Tayade, R. Arunkumar
Maharashtra State. Rural India, 67 and Rajesh kumar, 2019. Light
: 123-125. interception in sugarcane based
Geetha, P. A. S. Tayade, C. A. intercropping system. Journal of
Chandrasekar, T. Selvan, Rajesh Agro meteorology. 21(2): 2019.
Kumar 2018. Agronomic
Response, Weed Smothering
Efficiency and Economic

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Antagonism of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic Bacillus

against Fusarium wilt of tomato
OLIVIA DEVI N. AND R.K. TOMBISANA DEVI

School of Crop Protection, College of Post- Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences,

Umiam, Meghalaya.

ABSTRACT longula, Appendisphaera centroreticulata,

F. geosporum, G. boreale, and G.
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum viscosum from trap culture soil. Umiet
M.) is one of the most popular vegetable with 19 AMF species had the maximum
ranking next to potato and widely grown in species richness. G. intraradices had the
Meghalaya. Among the soil borne highest IF of 70% followed by F. mosseae,
diseases, Fusarium wilt caused by G. aggregatum, and G. fasciculatum,
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici while AMF species with more than 50% IF
(FOL) is a devastating disease causing were F. badium, A. mellae, A. scrobiculata
wilting and death of tomato thereby and G. australe. AMF root colonization in
inflicting major yield losses. Arbuscular trap plant maize was maximum in Umiet
mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are found to be derived inoculum (92%). All the 47 AMF
associated with 80-90% of plants including species showed variation in shape, size,
tomato. Bacillus endophytes and AMF are colour and hyphal form attached to the
known to promote plant growth and spore walls. Out of the 12 dominating
suppress soil borne pathogens. In the AMF species screened for growth
present investigation, AMF spores were promotion of tomato plant in pot
isolated from 20 sample sites coming experiment, F. mosseae and G.
under six districts and four agroclimatic fasciculatum performed best in terms of
zones of Meghalaya with highest number plant and mycorrhizal parameters. A total
of spores/50 g soil recovered from of 130 endophytic Bacillus were isolated
Umsning (680.67 spores). A total of 41 from tomato roots collected from 20
AMF species were recovered and sample sites of Meghalaya. Based on
identified from 20 sample sites. Daistong biochemical tests, morphological character
with 15 AMF species had the highest and bacterial identification software ABIS
species richness. Funneliformis mosseae, online all the 130 isolates were tentatively
Glomus aggregatum, Glomus intraradices identified up to species level. The isolates
and G. fasciculatum were the dominating belonged to the genera Bacillus,
AMF species having isolation frequencies Paenibacillus and Viridibacillus with
(IF) of more than 60%, whereas G. maximum of 17 isolates each tentatively
australe, F. badium, A. melleae and A. identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
scrobiculata had IF of more than 45%. All and B. thuringiensis. Out of 130 Bacillus
the tomato roots collected from the 20 isolates, 12 isolates showed more than
sample sites were colonized by AMF with 27.44% inhibition of growth of FOL in
Umiet (41%) recorded the highest dual culture method of which isolates
colonization per cent. From trap culture, ERBS51 (58.43%) and ERBS10 (55.68%)
Umiet had the maximum spore density recorded the maximum inhibition of FOL.
(1103 spore/50 g soil). All 41 AMF Further, antagonistic test of the 12
species isolated from field soil were also potential isolates revealed ERBS51
recovered from trap culture inoculum (55.83% and 91.52%) followed by
along with an additional 6 species viz. ERBS10 (43.37% and 87.28%) as the best
Archaeospora trappie, Acaulospora one with highest FOL inhibition in sealed

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
plate method and antagonistic activity in ERBS10 (88% and 1287.54) treated
liquid media respectively. The 12 potential tomato seeds had the maximum
isolates were identified as Bacillus sp. germination and vigour index respectively.
(ERBS4, ERBS10, ERBS29, ERBS47, Pot and field experiment were conducted
ERBS75, ERBS118), while other as B. with F. mosseae, G. fasciculatum,
velezensis (ERBS51), B. cereus (ERBS69 ERBS51 (Bacillus velezensis) and
and ERBS119) and B. subtilis (ERBS80), ERBS10 (Bacillus sp.) both individual and
B. swezeyi (ERBS115) and B. subtilis sub combinations as treatments. The combined
sp. spizizenii(ERBS130) using 16s rRNA application gave better result than
gene with bacterial universal primer individual microbes as treatment. Among
(27F/1492R) and Bacillus specific primers all the treatments given as single inoculum
(BCF1/BCR2). All the 12 isolates were and all the possible combinations of the
grouped together in Neighbour-joining four microbes, F. mosseae+G.
phylogenetic tree. Majority of the isolates fasciculatum+B. velezensis+Bacillussp.
were positive for iturin, surfactin, and treatment as consortium with recorded
bacillomycin genes. The 12 isolates were highest disease reduction in wilt severity
further screened for hydrolytic enzyme in both pot (77.44%) and field (66.74%)
production, antimicrobial and plant growth experiments respectively. F. mosseae+G.
promotion (PGP) activities and found to fasciculatum+B. velezensis+Bacillus sp.
have varying results. Isolate ERBS51 was treatment also recorded high plant and
found to be positive for majority of the yield attributes in both the conditions. F.
attributes such as siderophore, ammonia mosseae, G. fasciculatum, B. velezensis
production, phosphate, ZnCO3, ZnCl and Bacillus sp. as a consortium could be
solubilisation, alpha amylase, cellulase, used as a part of integrated management of
protease, pectinase and lipase production. Fusarium wilt of tomato in Meghalaya.
ERBS51 (95% and 1472.50) followed by

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Can organic farming be sustainable in the long run in the Himalayas?

DIBAKAR MAHANTA*
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi 110012

Human beings with their tampering manures applied for organic in some cases
do something wrong and leave the damage or both of them.
unrepaired. When the adverse results When the above two factors are
accumulate, work with all their might to considered, it is clearly indicated from the
correct them. When the corrective actions vegetable based experiment conducted for
appear to be successful, they come to view six years, application of 6 Mg ha-1 poultry
these measures as splendid manure produced 29 and 38% higher pod
accomplishments. People do this over and yield of gardenpea and french bean,
over again. It is the same with the respectively compared to the
agriculture also. Before the introduction of recommended inorganic treatment under
industrial inputs, farmers are relying on irrigated situation.
organic and natural farming. Then, It is clearly indicated from the five
industrial inputs are introduced and later years’rainfed soybean-wheat (legume-
the problems of degradation soil and cereal) cropping system that the optimum
environment, adverse effect on food and wheat equivalent grain yield of 10.99 and
soil quality and ultimately on human 11.15 Mg ha-1 through farmyard manure
health started due to the industrial inputs. (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) were
Now, we are interested on problem-less produced with application of 44.5 and 45.7
agricultural production by relying on kg phosphorus ha-1, which were 26 and
organic and natural farming. 27% higher than the yield recorded under
The yield level is the key for the recommended inorganic fertilizer,
acceptance of a technology by the farmers. respectively. The levels of P required from
But, several investigations have reported FYM and VC to achieve the same yield as
lower yields in organic conditions with inorganic fertilizer were only 15.9 and
comparison to inorganic fertilizers. It is 15.6 kg P ha-1, respectively.
also reported that some crops respond to In another experiment conducted for
organic management and others do not. five years under rainfed system,
The situation of rainfed and irrigated also application of 100% N equivalent through
provide different responses to organic FYM produced 76 and 95% higher energy
management. The different situations and equivalent grain yield compared to
crops have been assessed to provide a clear recommended inorganic fertilizer for
conclusion, whether the organic farming fingermillet + black soybean-wheat +
can be sustainable in the long run in the Indian rape and grain amaranth-wheat +
Himalayas. lentil cropping systems. Similar results
Does organic agriculture provide the have also been recorded for rainfed
required yield level of crops? fingermillet-lentil cropping system.
In another six years’ irrigated
The lower yield in the organic gardenpea-french bean cropping system
agriculture in comparison with experiment, the FYM level required to
conventional practices in most of the achieve the same yield level as
experiments in the Himalayas was due to recommended inorganic fertilizer was 5.9
either the experiments were Mg ha-1 only, which was very less. The
conducted for 2 years only in most of the optimum production of 31.3 Mg ha-
cases or lower level and quality of organic 1
gardenpea equivalent pod was achieved

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
with application of 20.0 Mg ha-1 FYM, Whether organic agriculture really
which was 53% higher than the improves soil health?
recommended chemical fertilizer yield Application of 69.9 kg phosphorus
level. ha-1 through FYM provided the highest
The cereal based cropping system of soil quality index (SQI) value of 0.784
maize-wheat under irrigated situation for compared to 0.456 under chemical
four years provided different information. management in irrigated okra-gardenpea-
In the first year, the levels of nitrogen french bean cropping system. The soil
required from FYM and VC to achieve the quality under the recommended inorganic
same yield as the recommended chemical fertilizers was 42% degraded compared to
fertilizer (with 150 kg ha-1 nitrogen) were FYM @ 69.9 kg P ha-1 and hence
260.5 and 261.3 kg ha-1, respectively. inorganic fertilizers should not be
While, during the fourth year these values continued for long term as it slowly
of nitrogen were only 129.7 and 127.9 kg deteriorated the soil health.
ha-1, respectively.
From the above results, it can be The soil enzyme activity index
clearly inferred that the organic agriculture (SEAI) was developed to provide a single
can produce more than the conventional comprehensive unitless value to all
system under the rainfed and legume based estimated soil enzymes. The highest SEAI
cropping systems. The organic agriculture of 0.427 was recorded under 100% N
can also provide higher yield compared to equivalent application of FYM in rainfed
inorganic fertilizers in the irrigated cereal- grain amaranth-wheat + lentil cropping
cereal based system after completion of system, which was 66% higher than under
the transition period. the recommended chemical fertilizers
application (0.256).
Whether the organic agriculture will be
profitable? The diversity of microorganisms
maintains ecological processes such as
Application of 100% N equivalent decomposition of organic matter, nutrient
through FYM produced 137% higher net cycling, soil aggregation and controlling
returns compared to the recommended pathogens within the ecosystem.
inorganic fertilizers (US$ 438) under Application of 6 Mg ha-1 poultry manure
rainfed grain amaranth-wheat + lentil provided significantly higher soil
cropping system. The same application of culturable microbial diversity index
FYM recorded the highest net returns (0.562) compared to the recommended
US$−1 invested (B:C ratio) of 1.31 inorganic fertilizers treatment (0.325)
compared to inorganic management (0.82) under irrigated gardenpea-french bean
in the above cropping system. cropping system. The highest value of soil
In another example of irrigated culturable microbial dominance index was
gardenpea-french bean cropping system, recorded in the inorganic fertilizers applied
the optimum application rate of FYM (20 plot (0.881), which was significantly
Mg ha-1) provided 63% higher net returns higher than PM6 (0.772). It indicates that
compared to chemical management. organic amendment enhances soil
It is clear that organic agriculture can microbial diversity and reduces dominance
be more profitable than chemical of few organisms.
management system. Further, premium From the above results, it can be
price will enhance the net profit more and concluded that organic agriculture really
will help in doubling the farmers’ income. improves soil health.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Is organic agriculture sustainable? Conclusion
The highest sustainable yield index Most of the arable land in the
(SYI) for both soybean (0.567) and wheat Himalayas is rainfed. The application of
(0.604) was recorded with application of organic amendment will help in
52.4 kg phosphorus ha-1 through VC, conserving moisture for higher production,
which was considerably higher than the especially for rainfed rabi season crops.
application of the recommended chemical From the results of cereals, pulses,
fertilizers (0.451 and 0.238 for soybean oilseeds, pseudo-cereal and vegetable
and wheat, respectively) under rainfed crops, it can be concluded that the organic
soybean-wheat cropping system. agriculture provides higher yield, profit
The SYI of irrigated gardenpea- and sustainability and better soil health
french bean cropping system improved as compared to chemical management system
the application rate of FYM increased in the Himalayas under rainfed and
from 5 to 20 Mg ha-1, and the highest SYI legume-based cropping systems. The
was recorded with application of 20 Mg irrigated cereal based systems also provide
ha-1 FYM (0.606), which was higher than beneficial results of all the above
the chemical fertilizers applied plot mentioned aspects after the transition
(0.525). period. The inherent richness of organic
matter in soils of the Himalayas provides
It is clear that organic production better response to organic management.
system is more sustainable than chemical Hence, organic agriculture can be
management. sustainable in the Himalayas in the long
run.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of rice – fallow system on measurement of soil organic carbon using

sentinel-2 derive indices
PRIYA DAS, N. J. SINGH*, LALA IP RAY AND L. HEMOCHANDRA
College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University,
Imphal, Umiam - 793103, Meghalaya, India.
* Corresponding author email ID: naorem2005@gmail.com
Phone No.: +919402196160
ABSTRACT
The rice – fallow system at varying and steep slope (> 30%)]. Each composite
slopes is most common agricultural system soil sample is prepared from 10 random
and following from the ancestors (more soil samples from an area of 10m×10m
200 years) in North-East (NE) India. The area and analyzed SOC using standard
combine effect of rice – fallow system and protocol. Nearly synchronized cloud free
high fragile topography may cause great (>10%) Sentinel-2 data with soil sampling
impact to soil organic carbon (SOC) the time is accessed from U.S. Geological
routine measurement of SOC is also a Survey (USGS) official website for
challenge due to highly fragile topography deriving fifteen indices. The result shows
and limited facility availability. that among the indices BI, BI2 and SBI are
Alternatively, remote sensing is an option the most influencing on SOC. The models
for such difficulties. Using remote sensing performance are evaluated and poorly
indices derived from Sentinel-2, it is predicted as Ordinary linear regression
attempted to build a regression model for (OLR, R2 0.33), multiple linear regression
SOC measurement of paddy – fallow (MLR, R2 0.35), principal component
system at different hill slopes. A total of regression (PCR, R2 0.26) and partial least
100 composite soil samples at 0 – 15 cm square regression (PLSR, R2 0.14).
depth are collected from paddy – fallow
system at different slopes [(nearly level (0 Keywords: SOC, Indices, slope,
– 3%), gentle slope (3 – 8%), moderate regression.
slope (8 -15%), strong slope (15 – 30%)

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Water Poverty Index (WPI) estimation under rain-fed farming system in

Meghalaya
LALA I.P. RAY1, Y. MARWEIN1, R. SINGH1, B.K. HANDIQUE2, P.K. BORA3 AND
L. H. SINGH1
1
College of Postgraduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Central Agricultural University-
Imphal), Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
2
Scientist-F, North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), (Department of Space, Govt. of
India), Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
3
Director, North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM),
Dolabari, Po. Kalibhomora, Tezpur-784027, Assam
Corresponding Author, Lala I.P. Ray, Associate Professor (Soil and Water Engineering),
Email: lalaipray@rediffmail.com; +91-94363-36021 (M)
ABSTRACT
Meghalaya being a highest that, under hilly region, more than 60%
receiving state of North Eastern India, household spend around 2-3 hours per day
faces fascinating problem of water to fetch water for their household
scarcity. Tempo-spatial variation exists consumption, whereas under valley the
with Mawsynram as the highest and fetching hour is less than 2 hours. For
Mikhir Hills region receives lowest annual sanitation proposes like cloth washing and
rainfall. Similarly, seasonal variation of bathing activities are mostly carried out
the rainfall and hilly topography affects through outdoor pond, stream and spring
the availability of water. Rain-fed farming available, within a radius of around 5-7
is predominant with cropping intensity of km. Absence of water harvesting
120%. Unavailability of water storage infrastructures, ground recharge structures
infrastructures and water conservation also observed. Major crops grown are
technology lead to the scarcity of water ginger, paddy and vegetables are mostly
during the off season. Under these rainfed.
scenarios, an attempt has been made to
assess water poverty index in Ri-Bhoi Key words: Household water demand,
district of Meghalaya. It was estimated monoculture, north eastern region, rainfed
farming, water poverty.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Impact of long-term organic nutrient management on soil biological

properties and crop yield under rice-wheat cropping system
1
L. JOYMATI CHANU, 2PURAKAYASTHA, T.J. AND 2Y.S. SHIVAY
1*
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam 793103;
2
ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012
*
joymati.loit@gmail.com

The productivity of rice-wheat MATERIALS AND METHODS

cropping system, which plays an important The experiment was conducted at
role for sustaining food security to the ever the experimental farm of Agronomy,
increasing population of South Asia, is ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research
showing a higher declining trend since Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India (28o4' N
past few years. Intensive rice-wheat latitude and 77o1' E longitude, 228.6 m
production system with unbalanced and above the mean sea level (Arabian Sea)
injudicious use of chemical fertilizers and and falls under subtropical semiarid zone
pesticides, deteriorating soil health may be of India, specially the Indo-Gangetic plain.
one of the major causes for stagnation or The experiment was conducted following
reduction in crop yield. Organic nutrient randomized block design with three
sources could be one of the best replications and six treatments viz. 1.
alternatives to chemical fertilizer, which Control 2.Farmyard manure (FYM) 3.
can improve soil physico-chemical and Sesbanea green manure (SGM) in
biological properties, thereby improving rice/Leuconea green manure (LGLM) in
crop productivity of rice based high value wheat 4.SGM + blue green algae (BGA) in
crops (Kumar et al. 2015).Organic rice/LGLM + Azotobacter (AZB) in wheat
amendments application are reported to 5.SGM+FYM in rice/ LGLM+FYM in
improve soil biological properties like wheat 6.SGM + FYM + BGA in rice/
microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil LGLM + FYM +Azotobacter (AZB) in
respiration, and soil enzyme activity wheat.
(SEA), which play an important role for
soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus turn Composite soil samples were
over and dynamics (Thangarajan et al., collected to a depth of 0-15 cm, after
2013, Xia et al., 2017).In view of fourteen rice-wheat cropping cycles in the
increasing demand of chemical free year 2017.The soil samples were stored at
Basmati rice throughout the world, Indian 4˚C before analysis of biological
farmers may increase their foreign parameters. Microbial biomass carbon
exchange earnings by growing basmati (MBC) was estimated by substrate induce
rice organically. It is therefore, imperative respiration (SIR) method in a Gas
to study the effect of locally available Chromatograph (Anderson and Domsch,
organic sources of nutrients on the yield of 1978). Basal respiration was measured by
rice-wheat cropping system especially in incubation method (Anderson,1982)and
Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains. With this CO2 evolved (mg kg-1 h-1) was measured
background, the objective of the present by gas chromatogram at 5 intervals (4, 7,
study was to assess the long term impact 14, 21, 28 days). Microbial metabolic
of organic nutrient management on soil quotient (MMQ) was calculated as mg
biological properties and rice equivalent CO2-C evolved per hour per mg of
yield in rice-wheat system. microbial biomass C.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Rice equivalent yield (REY) of (R +W) = attributed due to supply of sufficient
( )
+ organic carbon and balanced nutrition to
the existing and applied microbial
rice yield communities to respire efficiently. This
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) finding has been further supported by
was used for distinguishing the Toyota and Kuninga (2006) who revealed
significance of data in a Window-based that repeated application of organic
SAS program (version 16.1). amendments like FYM increased the
substrate utilization ability of microbes
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION enhancing the soil respiration.
Effect of different organic treatment Among the organic nutrient
combinations on soil biological management practices, integration of green
properties manure (SGM/LGLM) with FYM resulted
Organic nutrient management has significantly highest Microbial metabolic
significant effect on microbial biomass quotient, MMQ (data not shown). The
carbon (MBC), and showed significant treatments comprised of FYM,
differences among the different organic SGM/LGLM+BGA/AZB, and
treatments combinations. Highest MBC SGM/LGLM+FYM+BGA/AZB are
was recorded in the conjoint application of statistically at par and showed significantly
all organic manures, SGM/LGLM+ higher MMQ than the sole green manuring
FYM+BGA/AZB followed by treatment (SGM/LGLM). Higher MMQ
SGM/LGLM+BGA/AZB, SGM/LGLM insoils treated with organic treatment
and FYM (data not shown). Prolong combinations, SGM/LGLM+FYM may be
addition of organic substrates like FYM, due to less efficient use of available carbon
green manure may have provided steady by the microbes in the soil. The higher
carbon source and congenial environment load of microbial biomass and respiration
for stimulation of microbial growth and rate in soils receiving FYM,
their metabolic activities. Moreover, SGM/LGLM+BGA/AZB, and
addition of biofertilizers, may also have SGM/LGLM+FYM+BGA/AZB
produce diverse growth promoting highlighted the efficient flow of energy
substances which lead to intense through the microbial biomass and resulted
proliferation of microbial growth and higher MMQ, which maintains a more
augmentation of MBC. These findings are stable C-system. Same finding was also
in same line with Insam et al. (1991) and reported by Sharma et al. (2015).
Joergensen and Wichern (2018), who Rice equivalent yield (REY)
reported that carbon input through organic
Combined application of all the
amendments increased MBC by enhancing
organic sources
microbial growth and their activities.
(SGM/LGLM+FYM+BGA/AZB) showed
Conjoint application of all organic
significantly higher rice equivalent yield
sources, SGM/LGLM+FYM+BGA/AZB)
(REY) than the other treatments (Fig 1).
showed the highest soil basal respiration
Combine application of different types of
(BR) followed by SGM/LGLM+
organic amendments along with
BGA/AZB, SGM/LGLM+FYM and FYM.
biofertilizers (N-fixers) may possibly
Green manuring with SGM/LGLM
balance the C and N dynamics in soil and
showed the lowest BR in comparison to
enhance the nutrient availability to plant.
other organic treatments. Result inferred
Application of organic amendments may
that integration of all organic sources or
also possibly modify soil pH making the
increased in carbon inputs maintained
soil more favourable for microbes and
higher soil respiration, which may be
plants growth via positive impacts on soil

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
C and N availability(Fischerand Glaser, 2012; Agegnehuet al.,2016).

Fig 1.Long term effect of manuring and time of manuring on rice equivalent yield of rice +
wheat (Mg ha-1) under rice-wheat cropping system
CONCLUSIONS microbial biomass in soils. Soil
From the study, it can be conclude Biology and Biochemistry 10(3),
that integrated application of FYM, GM 215–221.
(Sesbania/LGLM) and BF Fischer, D., Glaser, B., 2012.Synergisms
(BGA/Azotobacter) improved soil between compost and biochar for
biological properties like MBC, soil basal sustainable soil amelioration.In:
respiration and metabolic quotient and Management of Organic Waste.
productivity of rice-wheat cropping system Sunil, K. &Bharti, A. (Eds.), InTech,
in semi-arid subtropical India. This Rijeka and Shanghai, 167-
strategy may be replicated in similar soil 198.https://doi.org/10.5772/31200.
and agro-climatic conditions for producing Insam, H., Mitchell, C.C. and Dormaar,
organic cereal crops provided all the J.F. (1991) Relationship of soil
sources of organic nutrients are locally microbial biomass and activity with
available. fertilization practice and crop yield
REFERENCES of three Ultisols. Soil Biology and
Biochemistry 23, 459–464.
Agegnehu, G., Nelson, P.N., Bird, M.I.,
2016. Crop yield, plant nutrient Joergensen, R. G., Wichern, F., 2018.
uptake and soil physicochemical Alive and kicking: why dormant soil
properties under organic soil microorganisms matter. Soil Biology
amendments and nitrogen and Biochemistry 116, 419-430.
fertilization on nitisols. Soil and
Tillage Research 160, 1-13. Kumar, D., Purakayastha, T.J. and Shivay,
Anderson, J.P.E., 1982. Soil respiration. Y.S., 2015.Long-term effect of
In: Page, A.L., et al (eds) Methods organic manures and biofertilizers on
of soil analysis. Part 2, 2nd Edition, physical and chemical properties of
Agronomy Monograph, 9. ASA and soil and productivity of rice-wheat
SSSA, Madison, 831–871. system. International Journal of Bio-
Anderson, J.P.E., Domsch, K.H., 1978. A resource and Stress
physiological method for the Management 6(2), 176-181.
quantitative measurement of

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Sharma, P., Singh, G., Singh, R.P. and Toyota K. and Kuninaga S., 2006.
Sharma, K., 2015. Integrated Comparison of soil microbial
resource management improves soil community between soils amended
glucosidase, urease, and phosphatase with or without farmyard manure.
activities and soil fertility during rice Applied Soil Ecology, 33:39–48.
cultivation in Indo-Gangetic Xia, L., Lam, S.K., Yan, X., Chen, D.,
plains. Cogent Food & 2017. How does recycling of
Agriculture, 1(1), p.1030905. livestock manure in agroecosystems
Thangarajan, R., Bolan, N.S., Tian, G., affect crop productivity, reactive
Naidu, R., Kunhikrishnan, A., nitrogen losses and soil carbon
2013.Role of organic amendment balance? Environmental Science and
application on greenhouse gas Technology 51, 7450.
emission from soil. Science of the
Total Environment 465, 72.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Evaluation of deferent housing system for rearing of indigenous poultry

under organic management system
LOKESH GUPTA

Professor and Dean, College of Dairy and Food Technology,Maharana Pratap University of
Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan)

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION
A study was conducted to evaluate Indigenous breeds of poultry are
different housing system for rearing of playing an important role in Indian rural
indigenous poultry under organic economy. They play a major role for the
management system. Using three hundred rural poor and marginalized section of the
sixty straight run chicks (Pratapdhan) of people with respect to their subsidiary
four weeks age of same hatch were wing income and also provide them with
banded and randomly divided into four nutritious poultry egg and meat for their
treatment groups of 90 birds each in three own consumption. Performance of
replicates of 30 birds. The experiment was Indigenous poultry can be improved by
conducted for a period of 12 (4 to 16 change in housing management system.
weeks) weeks for growth performance. Since cage housing is the commonly used
The treatments were viz., T1: Farmers’ housing system under conventional poultry
practice, T2: Backyard System, T3: Deep system. As per standards of organic
Litter System and T4: Cage system. The poultry system, cage housing system is
body weight gains in indigenous chicken prohibited under organic poultry
at 16 weeks of age was significantly higher production. Therefore, it cannot be used &
at 1478.48 followed by 1243.47 g in deep recommended. However, for the purpose
litter, 1119.27 g in cage system and of generating data & information, cage
significantly lowest in farmers practice housing system has also been evaluated
(699.1 g). The feed intake was with three other common housing systems
significantly higher in T3 and T4 as used in poultry production in India.
compared to T1, however, the difference
in feed intake between T3 and T4 was METHODOLOGY
small and non-significant. The carcass
traits namely live, dressed and eviscerated An experiment was carried out to
weights were highest in backyard system evaluate different housing systems for
followed by deep litter, cage and lowest in rearing of indigenous poultry under
farmers practice. The dressing percentage organic farming system. The experiment
ranged between 88.05 to 89.01 different was conducted using three hundred sixty
housing systems which did not differ straight run chicks (Pratapdhan) of four
significantly. The results revealed that B:C weeks age of same hatch were wing
ratio was better in deep litter, backyard banded and randomly divided into four
and cage and was significantly lower in treatment groups of 90 birds each in three
farmers practice. It may be concluded that replicates of 30 birds. The experiment was
backyard rearing system is recommended conducted for a period of 12 weeks for
for rearing of indigenous poultry under growth performance. The treatments were
organic management system. viz., T1: Farmers’ practice, T2: Backyard
System, T3: Deep Litter System and T4:
Keywords: Indigenous Poultry, Cage system. Chicks were offered
Productive Performance, Housing system. isonitrogenous and isocaloric chicks feed

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
(CP- 21% and ME 2900 Kcal) up to 8 79.32±6.62, 163.59±3.56, 108.23±27.04
weeks of age thereafter grower feed (CP- and 134.13±16.71 g in T1, T2, T3 and T4
17% and ME - 2600 Kcal) up to 16 weeks respectively. The respective body weights
of agewas given. The birds had access to gains of the chicks at 16 weeks of age in
free choice water throughout the day. T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 778.42±37.41,
Birds were housed in three different 1642.0±96.33, 1351.70±227.72 and
housing systems (farmers’ practice, 1253.4±321.36 g respectively. Results
backyard, deep litter and cage). The indicated that the body weight at 16 weeks
observations on daily feed intake, weekly of age was significantly higher in T2
body weight gain, carcass traits and (Backyard system) as compared to other
economics were recorded. The data was treatments except T3. Significantly lowest
analysed as per the procedure prescribed body weight was found in T1 (Farmers
by Snedecor and Cochran (1989). practices), however, difference between
T3 and T4 was found non-significant.
RESULTS &DISCUSSION The body weight gains in
Indigenous chicken at 16 weeks of age was
The ingredients and nutrient significantly higher at 1478.48 followed
composition of chick and grower feed used by 1243.47 g in deep litter, 1119.27 g in
during the experiment is presented in cage system and significantly lowest in
Table-1.1. farmers practice (699.1 g).
Table- 1.1 Ingredients and Nutrient
Composition of feed Biweekly feed intake

Chick Grower The data of biweekly feed intake

Ingredients from 4 week to 16 weeks of age under
kg/100kg
different hosing system are presented in
Maize 52 38 Table 1.3. The data revealed higher feed
GNC 38 22 intake in back yard system and deep litter
RB 8 38 as compared to cage and farmers practice
DCP 2 2 group. The total feed intake from 4 weeks
to 16 weeks of age was 2617.39, 4624.21,
Total 100 100
3727.25 and 3521.63 g in T1, T2, T3, and
Nutrient composition (% on DM basis) T4, respectively. Feed intake was
CP 21.60 17.22 significantly higher in back yard as
CF 3.82 7.12 compared to other system of housing. The
EE 4.38 4.52 feed intake was significantly higher in T3
NFE 66.16 64.78 and T4 as compared to T1 however the
Total Ash 4.04 6.36 difference in feed intake between T3 and
T4 was small and non-significant.
ME (Kcal/Kg) 2902 2608 The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
was better in backyard, deep litter and
Biweekly body weight and overall gain cage system as compared to farmers
practice at all stages of growth (Table-1.4).
The data on biweekly body weights Similarly, overall FCR was significantly
of chicks from 4 to 16 weeks of age are better in backyard (3.13), deep litter (3.00)
presented in Table – 1.2. The mean body and cage system (3.15) as compared to
weights at 4 weeks of age were farmers practice (3.74).

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 55-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Fig-1.1:
1.1: Performance of birds under different housing system

Farmers’ practice Backyard system Deep litter system Cage system

Table 1.2: Effect of housing systems on biweekly body weight (g) & overall gain under
organic management

Age Farmers’ Backyard Deep litter Cage SEm±

(Weeks) practice system system system
79.32 163.59 108.23 134.13
4 13.337
±6.62c ±3.562a ±27.044bc ±16.711ab
150.6 324.77 261.64 237.33
6 18.467
±9.79c ±4.648a ±29.886b ±32.199b
245.43 599.54 441.31 356.98
8 36.796
±49.52c ±5.523a ±5.982b ±54.536b
377.70 811.62 574.40 583.80
10 41.441
±15.96c ±51.898a ±22.518b ±82.760b
546.30 1069.2 867.65 731.06
12 87.582
±7.80c ±81.18a ±139.86ab ±140.75bc
696.14 1356.70 1084.80 1075.20
14 1.527
±18.48c ±110.42a ±92.21ab ±344.265ab
778.42 1642.0 1351.70 1253.4
16 1.662
±37.41c ±96.33a ±227.72ab ±321.36b
Overall 699.1 1478.41 1243.47 1119.27
38.723
gain (g) ±46.00d ±51.11a ±35.34b ±50.91c
Note: Means bearing different superscripts in a row differ significantly (P<0.05)
Table 1.3: Feed intake of Indigenous chicken under different housing system

Farmers’ Deep litter

Weeks Backyard system Cage system SEm±
practice system
4 119.65±8.69c 190.01±19.17a 78.51±1.06d 145.71±3.93b 8.75
6 210.99±15.32b 328.81±33.17a 312.96±4.26a 217.75±5.89b 15.21
8 408.72±29.69b 631.97±63.76a 416.83±5.67b 272.80±7.38c 28.96
10 382.26±27.77b 638.36±64.41a 375.31±5.11b 585.20±15.82a 29.43
12 424.87±30.86b 904.11±91.22a 973.59±13.25a 506.57±13.70b 40.07
14 506.46±36.79d 1049.38±105.88b 742.65±10.11c 1225.14±33.13a 47.89
16 564.44±41.00b 881.58±88.95a 827.39±11.26a 568.46±15.37b 40.73
Total
2617.39±190.15c 4624.21±466.58a 3727.25±50.76b 3521.63±95.24b 2.10
Intake

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Table-1.4 Effect of different housing systems on feed conversion ratio (FCR) under organic
management

SEm±
Age Farmers’ Backyard Deep litter Cage
(Weeks) practice system system system
4.42 1.76 1.84 1.92 0.168
4 b a a
±0.39 ±0.055 ±0.078 ±0.070a
2.96 2.04 2.04 2.11 0.132
6 b a a
±0.27 ±0.08 ±0.117 ±0.105a
4.31 2.30 2.32 2.28 1.477
8 b a a
± 3.61 ±0.115 ±0.104 ±0.091a
3.01 2.58 2.82 2.89 0.436
10 b a a
±0.072 ±0.085 ±0.075 ±1.06a
3.51 2.52 3.32 3.44 0.155
12 a b a
±0.091 ±0.33 ±0.098 ±0.121a
3.65 3.38 3.42 3.56 0.328
14 b a a
±0.075 ±0.78 ±0.098 ±0.091b
4.86 3.09 3.10 3.19 0.320
16 b a a
±0.75 ±0.104 ±0.095 ±0.140a
3.74 3.13 3.00 3.15 0.317
Overall FCR b a a
±0.78 ±0.25 ±0.31 ±0.38a
a, b c
Means bearing different superscripts in a row differ significantly (P<0.05)
Carcass traits Economics of poultry production under
Three birds from each treatment in different housing system
all replicates were sacrificed to study
carcass traits. The data on carcass traits of Total cost was calculated
chicken raised under four housing systems considering cost of feed and other
are presented in Table -1.5. The carcass miscellaneous cost calculated at 16 weeks
traits namely live, dressed and eviscerated of age. The return per bird was calculated
weights were highest in backyard system by considering overall body weight gain
followed by deep litter, cage and lowest in and sale price. Total cost was significantly
farmers practice. The dressing percentage higher in backyard as compared to other
ranged between 88.05 to 89.01 different treatment groups while it was significantly
housing systems which did not differ lower in farmers practice. The benefit cost
significantly. ratio at 16 weeks of age was found to be
The organ weight viz. breast, thigh, 2.31±0.06, 2.96±0.17, 3.01±0.04 and
drumstick, liver, gizzard and heart as 2.88±0.08 in farmers practice, backyard,
percentage of dressed weight among deep litter and cage system of housing
different treatment groups did not differ respectively. The results revealed that B:C
significantly (Table-1.5). ratio was better in deep litter, backyard and
cage and was significantly lower in farmers
practice (Table-1.6).

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Table 1.5: Effect of different housing systems on Carcass traits
Farmers’ Backyard Deep litter SEm±
Parameters practice Cage system
system system
Live weight 794.10 1770.24 1260.05 1166.13
39.30
(g) ±52.25d ±61.17a ±35.83b ±38.91c
Dressed 698.72 1575.81 1109.47 1029.19
35.70
weight (g) ±50.34d ±59.61a ±34.76b ±18.78c
Eviscerated 435.05 1161.15 802.65 709.4
25.79
weight (g) ±28.63d ±40.12a ±22.82b ±32.27c
Dressing 87.98 89.01 88.05 88.26
2.13
weight (%) ±3.74 ±2.31 ±1.87 ±2.83
Organ wt. as percent of dressed weight
18.90 18.79 18.43 18.65
Breast Wt. 0.62
±1.24b ±0.72a ±0.52b ±0.84b
10.07 10.35 10.25 9.85
Thigh Wt. 0.23
±0.66 ±0.39 ±0.28 ±0.44
10.64 11.02 10.75 10.9
Drumstick Wt. 0.28
±0.63 ±0.38 ±0.30 ±0.49
1.95 1.93 2.09 2.05
Liver 0.03
±0.10 ±0.05 ±0.07 ±0.08
2.89 2.95 3.05 3.00
Gizzard 0.07
±0.12 ±0.08 ±0.09 ±0.13
0.56 0.55 0.45 0.40
Heart 0.02
±0.06 ±0.04 ±0.03 ±0.04

Table 1.6: Economics of organic poultry production under different housing systems
Farmers Cage
Particulars Back Yard Deep litter SEm±
practice System
2.62 4.62 3.73 3.52
Feed intake kg/Bird 0.14
±0.19b ±0.27a ±0.05c ±0.09c
0.699 1.49 1.25 1.13
Wt. gain (kg/Bird) 0.04
±0.05d ±0.89a ±0.02b ±0.03c
98
Total cost (Rs./Bird) 75.5±5.48c 125.5±7.44a 103.25±1.44b 3.97
±2.64b
174.75 371.5 311.25 282
Returns (Rs. /Bird) 10.97
±12.63d ±22.01a ±4.23b ±7.62c
2.31 2.96 3.01 2.88
B:C ratio 0.10
±0.06b ±0.17a ±0.04a ±0.08a
*Feed cost @ Rs. 25 / kg, Rs. 10 for other miscellaneous cost per bird
**Price of chicken: Rs. 250 per kg live weight

CONCLUSION 18.89, 32.08 and 111.47 per cent as

compared to deep litter, cage and farmers
Under organic production system, practices’, respectively. From, the results,
body weight of chicks, feed conversion it may be concluded that backyard rearing
ratio and benefit cost ratio were found system is recommenced for rearing of
better in backyard and deep litter system. indigenous poultry under organic
The overall body weight gain at 16 weeks management system.
of age was higher in backyard system by

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Initiatives of RPCAU towards exploring the natural farming for

sustainable crop production, soil health improvement and livelihood
security of the farmers
SHANKAR JHA, S. S. PRASAD, S. P. SINGH, KUMARI SAPNA, S. K.SINGH,
P. P. SINGH AND M. C. MANNA
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar-848125
EXTENDED SUMMARY modern Agricultural practices in three
replications laid down in RBD is under
Natural Farming (NF) is a holistic testing with Rice-Wheat-Greengram
alternative to the present paradigm of high- cropping system. The soil was alkaline in
cost chemical input-based agriculture. reaction, low in OC, available N, K2O and S
Natural farming principles are in harmony and medium in available P2O5. Greengram
with the principles of agro-ecology. Its crop (Var. Virat) was seeded on 8th April,
uniqueness is that it is based on the latest 2022, the greenery index as measured by
scientific discoveries in agriculture and at LCC, SPAD & Green seeker at 45 DAS was
the same time it is rooted in Indian tradition. non-significant. Yield attributes and yield of
It aims to reduce farmers’ costs by greengram was significantly affected by
eliminating external inputs and using in-situ treatment. Biological yield was significantly
resources to rejuvenate soils, whilst high in control plot without fertilizer. Pod
simultaneously increasing incomes, and yield varies from 1.35 to 2.60 t/ha. Highest
restoring ecosystem health by means of pod yield (2.6 t/ha) was recorded in Natural
diverse multi-layered cropping systems. Farming treatment with irrigation at critical
However, there are many concerns for this stages (T3 & T4) which was at par with T6
natural farming like its feasibility in (Organic Farming) & T8 (100% N through
different agro-ecologies, sustainability in organic sources). Grain yield followed
yield, development of suitable package of similar trend. Highest grain yield of 1.10
practices for different crops etc. Scientific t/ha obtained in Natural Farming treatment
methodology for the input of natural farming with irrigation at critical stages i.e. T3 & T4
needs to be explored for their formulation as which was at par with T6 (Organic Farming)
well as their availability to the farmer at & T8 (100% N through organic sources).
affordable cost for sustainable crop After the Greengram crop first rice crop
production, soil health improvement and (var; Rajendra Bhagwati) was harvested on
livelihood security of the farmers of Bihar. 4th Nov. 2022, data analysis and preparation
There is a need to document and upscale NF for next wheat crop is under progress.
practices for crop production, nutrient Improved soil health and quality
management and plant protection measures. produce under natural farming, a base for
Keeping in view of the above fact project is scientific validation of natural farming and
formulated with objectives::(i) To identify thereby strengthening the technical
suitable package of practice for natural component of flagship programs of GOI on
farming, (ii)To study the effect of natural Natural Farming; technology generated
farming on soil health, and (iii)To estimate under the project will be helpful to the
the economics of natural farming. farmers to adopt natural farming and
knowledge about the dynamics of microbial
To address the above objectives an
activities in response to various input of
on-farm experiment with nine treatments
natural farming are the expected outcomes
constitutes of Control, Natural Farming
of the ongoing investigations.
packages, Organic Farming, INM and

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of different farming practices on soil health, nutrient uptake and

yield of sunflower- chickpea in semi-arid tropics of Northern Karnataka
UMESH, M.R., PANDIT RATHOD, ALTAF K.K., SATYANARAYANA RAO, B.K.
DESAI, AVINASH, MALLESH AND SHIVAKUMAR
Natural Farming Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur Karnataka
mrumeshagri@gmail.com
The increasing food demands of a fungi and actinomycetes, respectively at
growing human population and the need harvest. As uptake of nutrient depend on
for an environmentally friendly strategy yield and concentration, plant samples
for sustainable agricultural development. were collected from experimental plots for
It requires significant attention when analysis uptake was worked out at harvest.
addressing the issue of enhancing crop
RESULTS
productivity. In India's semi-arid tropics, a
variety of crops are grown, but Result showed that a significantly
productivity is limited by risk associated to greater bacterial count was observed in
the climate and soil fertility. These organic farming practice followed by
marginal soils tend not to respond well to regional farming practice and natural
intensive farming practices, which are farming system (Table 1). Similarly,
actually better suited to low-input farming fungal count was also enhanced in organic
systems that make ample use of farming, but actinomycetes were higher in
biodiversity. Soil and climate conditions in natural farming practice of sunflower
India's dry lands make them particularly cropping system. Among different
well suited to organic and natural farming. cropping system, higher bacteria and
So, alternative production methods are actinomycetes count was noticed in
required in place of conventional farming, sunflower cropping system, while fungal
which is more sustainable, to (11.53 × 104cfu g-1 of soil) count was more
accommodate vagaries. Considering these in chickpea cropping system (Table 1).
details, a field experiment was conducted Application of FYM and jeevamrutha and
to study the effect of different farming other organic growth promoters being a
practices on soil microbial population, good source nutrient content in soil which
nutrient uptake and yield in sunflower- were improved the microbial activity.
chickpea system. Among different farming practice, nutrient
uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and
METHODOLOGY potassium were found higher in regional
A field experiment was conducted farming practice, followed by organic
at Raichur, Karnataka India (16º20'47'' N farming. While, uptake of NPK was
and 77º33'46'' E 396 m) over 2019, 2020 significantly higher in chickpea compared
and 2021. Sunflower hybrid RSFH-1887 to sunflower. Overall higher nutrient
was grown in Kharif followed by chickpea uptake was recorded in regional farming
var. JG-11 in rabi during all the years. practice of chickpea for nitrogen (61.32 kg
Experiment was laid out in RCBD ha-1), phosphorous (13.28 kg ha-1) and
replicated five times. Treatments potassium (56.23 kg ha-1) and lowest
comprised of natural farming (M1), natural farming practice in sunflower
organic farming (M2:), regional production cropping system (37.01, 9.53 and 10.95 kg
practice (M3) and farmers practice (M4). ha-1, respectively) (Table 2).The increased
Soil were collected from rhizosphere and nutrient status in soils might be due to
microbial population was observed with continuous application of different
dilution of 106, 104 and 103 for bacteria, fertilizers in recommended dose for the

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
crop which maintains the nutrient status in CONCLUSION
these soils. Due to higher nutrient uptake Results showed that higher yield
has resulted in higher yield was noticed in was obtained in regional farmers practice,
regional farming practice (1413 kg ha-1), but increased microbial count was
followed by organic farming system (1310 observed in organic and natural farming. It
kg ha-1). Among cropping system, can help in increased nutrient availability,
chickpea (1451 kg ha-1) recorded superior nutrient uptake ultimately on crop yield.
yield compared to sunflower (1071 kg ha- Overall, less input use in natural farming
1
). Continuous supply of recommended would help to profitable, productive and
package of practice lead to ready improved soil health which can be used as
availability of nutrients to plant along with a best alternative farming practice over
micronutrients increased yield of both conventional method.
sunflower and chickpea.

Table 1: Microbial count NPK uptake and grain yield as influenced by different farming
practice on Sunflower-Chickpea cropping system. Data is average of three years.
Bacteria Fungi Actinomycetes N P K Grain
(106cfu/g (104cfu/g (103cfu/g of uptake uptake uptake yield
of soil) of soil) soil) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
Farming practices (M)
Natural farming 28.58 11.55 27.30 51.08 10.27 49.06 1311
Organic farming 30.52 12.12 20.33 58.63 12.15 54.61 1413
Recommended 1177
practice 28.62 10.12 20.17 43.97 8.32 45.25
Farmers practice 22.27 7.45 14.72 0.36 0.08 0.14 11.4
S.Em. ± 0.31 0.17 0.77 1.09 0.23 0.42 34.1
C D @5% 0.93 0.52 2.31 51.08 10.27 49.06 1311
Cropping systems (S)
Sunflower 30.17 9.08 22.44 44.81 8.75 45.51 1071
Chickpea 24.82 11.53 18.82 53.05 10.67 49.42 1451
S.Em. ± 0.61 0.21 1.49 0.61 0.11 0.59 14.7
C D @5% 1.88 0.63 4.58 1.88 0.35 1.83 45.2
Interaction M×S
S.Em. ± 0.62 0.35 1.54 0.72 0.14 0.28 22.8
C D @5% 1.86 1.05 4.62 2.17 0.47 0.84 NS

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Performance of Bengalgram under different management practices in

North Eastern Transition Zone of Karnataka
SUNIL KULKARNI*, SATYANARAYAN RAO2, SHOBHARANI M1 AND
RAMA RAO1
*Corresponding author: kvksunil@gmail.com, 9448556887
1.Agricultural Research Station, Bidar-585401, University of Agricultural Sciences,Raichur-
584104, Karnataka, India.
2. College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences,Raichur-584104,
Karnataka, India
India is an agriculture build combat with the terrible mess of exploding
country, farming here is done with poverty and hunger but simultaneously
hardcore devotion. Our country is blessed engendered some auxiliary disadvantages
with magical and multifarious soils, like erosion of soil fertility, groundwater
fulsome biodiversity, hefty sunbeams, contamination, environmental pollution
abundant rainfall and friendly air that and impoverishment of biodiversity. The
capacitate cultivation everywhere and indiscriminate application of
anywhere. Agriculture is the cornerstone agrochemicals resulted in many
of our nation which makes up the widest environment and health connected issues.
remunerative sector and has a pertinent Also, the overall cost of production
influence on the socio-economic uplifted due to the augmented prices of
development. Upto 1960’s the agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, private
practices predominantly depended upon seeds of improved varieties etc. Bulk of
natural farming. Inherent soil fertility, the farm families belong to the small and
farmyard manure and scanty irrigation marginal farmers having land upto two
were used for cultivating traditional hectares. Cultivation of such farmers runs
varieties and farming was done to victual at a slow pace as their innate potential of
the family members. Due to the population investment is quite low and to purchase the
inflation, subsistence farming switched expensive inputs, borrowing loans become
over to commercial farming and green exigent. Farmers need money for next
revolution showed up to offer an epic season crop, family expenses, debt
rhapsody to the farmers and suitably recovery etc. Therefore, loans become an
sustained the population growth. It brought easy route to bring home the bacon.
along the high yielding varieties and Mostly farmers take loans from private
hybrids, fertilizers and intensive irrigation lenders with hard rates of interests up to
(Patra et al., 2016). The output per unit 30-60% the result of which these innocent
area went up and it became possible to peasants get sink into the causal nexus of
feed the starving population but then debt. For small landholders, the debt
aroused the problem of insect and pest circles are escalators to death that pave
attack as the fertilizer responsive varieties their way to suicide leaving many
were pulpy and attracted many kinds of unprepared wives into turmoil
insects. So, the use of plant protection (Parvathamma, 2016). Under such
synthetics was encouraged to procure incidents, need of an alternative is felt that
heavy yields (Goswami et al., 2017). The can protect famers from plunging into the
inappropriate use of irrigation water domino effect of indebtedness. Zero
rendered the soil problematic leading to budget natural farming is an excellent
salinity, alkalinity and water logging. The answer to the above issues. It is an
green revolution helped tremendously to alternative to green revolutions that

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
1
protects the deprivation of natural ). The field experiments were laid out in
resources and maximize the yields. It aims randomized block design (RBD) with five
at intensifying the agricultural replications. The bengralgramcrop was
sustainability by ensuring long-term soil sown with 30 X 10 cm with JG-11
prolificacy. It is a way of getting down to genotype. The treatment details were given
bare bones of agriculture by doing natural in Table 1.
farming using nature’s principle and Production efficiency (kg day-1 ha-1) =
starting from a zero base with nil cost of Grain yield (kg ha-1) / Total duration of
production. All the agrochemicals like
crop (days)
synthetic fertilizers, plant growth
regulators, chemical pesticides and other Rainwater use efficiency (kg ha-1 mm-1) =
additives are fully abandoned and Grain yield (kg ha-1) / Total cumulative
environmentally sound production of food rainfall during from sowing to harvest
is possible. It advocates the use of natural (mm)
inputs to revitalize the soil fertility and
enhance rural economy by attenuating RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
credit risks. This method of farming is Effect of different management
fancied by many farming communities and practices on yield and economics of
should be adopted widely to cure our Bengal gram
mother earth by replenishing
environmental health (Bhosle 2019; GOI, Yield of Bengal gram differed
2019). significantly due to different management
The objective of the investigation is practices (Table 2).
given below. Package of practice (T3) recorded
significantly higher grain and haulm yield
1. To study productivity, profitability and (1693 and 1935 ha-1, respectively) and
sustainability of Bengalgram under Zero next best treatment was organic farming
Budget Natural Farming (NF) system in (1533 and 1765 kg ha-1, respectively),
comparison with each other production farmers practice (1337 and 1525 kg ha-1,
methods in Zone-1 of Karnataka. respectively) and natural (1191 and 1366
kg ha-1, respectively). With respect to
MATERIAL AND METHODS economics higher gross returns was
fetched in package of practice (Rs. 77473
The field experiments were ha-1) followed by organic farming (Rs.
undertaken at Agricultural Research 74153 ha-1), farmers practice (Rs. 60065
Station, Janawada (Bidar), University of ha-1) and natural farming (Rs. 59316 ha-1).
Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during Similar trend follows in net returns and
kharif season of 2019–20, 2020-21 and benefit cost ratio (on pooled basis).
2021-22. Geographically, Agricultural The higher yields in package of
Research Station, Janawada is situated at practice is due to more availability of
19.910°N latitude, 77.519° E longitude nutrients lead to the higher growth
and altitude of 590 m MSL in the North parameters like plant height, number of
Eastern Transition Zoneof Karnataka and branches number of leaves and which
receives average annual rainfall of 850 ultimately lead to higher yield and apart
mm. The soil was lateritic, with pH 7.72 from it,to multiply the agriculturally
and electrical conductivity (EC) 0.32 dS beneficial microorganisms in sufficient
m-1, medium in organic carbon (0.53%), number to act upon in the soil, requires
low available N (198.02 kg ha-1), and few years for multiplication. It is known
medium in available phosphorus (38.10 kg that because of early mineralization of
ha-1) and high in potassium (479.47 kg ha-
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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
inorganic nutrients there might be profitability package of practice followed
spontaneous response in case of package by organic farming can be adopted over
of practice compared to organic farming. the years in North Eastern Transition
Similar results were found by Gopinath Zone of Karnataka to ensure the
and Mina (2011) in garden pea. sustainability in production and soil
The higher gross and net returns health along with pollution free
were mainly attributes to higher yields in environment.
package of practice and organic farming.
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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Details of nutrient, pest, and disease management in blackgram

Nutrient management
Treatment details Blackgram
Beejamrutha: Seed treatment
T1: Zero Budget Natural
Ghanajeevamrutha: 400 kg/acre Jeevamrutha: 200 litre/acre
farming method (ZBNF)
Mulching @ 2 tonn/acre
Seed treatment (acre): Rhizobium (200 gm) +PSB (200 gm)
T2: Organic farming
N eq. vermicompost: 660 kg/acre
practice (OF)
Mulching @ 2 tonn/acre
Seed treatment (acre): Rhizobium (500 gm) +PSB (500 gm)
T3: Package of practice
10:20:0 kg N:P:K/acre
(POP)
FYM: 2.00 tonnes/acre
6.61 kg Nitrogen/acre
T4: Farmers practice (FP) 16.88 kg Phosphorus/acre
FYM: 1.28 tonnes/acre
Pest management
T1: Zero Budget Natural Leafeating caterpillar: Agniastra @ 30ml/ liter
farming method (ZBNF) Pod borers: Brahmastra @ 30ml/ liter
T2: Organic farming Leafeating caterpillar and Pod borers: Neem oil (10000 ppm) @ 5%
practice (OF)
Sucking pests: Seed treatment with Imidacloprid 60 FS @ 10ml/kg of
T3: Package of practice seeds
(POP) Leafeating caterpillar and Pod borers: Emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.3
g/liter
Leafeating caterpillar and Pod borers: Lambdacyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.5
T4: Farmers practice (FP)
ml/liter
Disease management
 Seed treatment with Beejamrutha
T1: Zero Budget Natural
 Spray of butter milk immediate after notice of the disease
farming method (ZBNF)
incidence
 Seed treatment with Trichoderma @ 4 gm/kg
T2: Organic farming
 Spray of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/l immediate after the
practice (OF)
notice of disease incidence
 Seed treatment with Trichoderma @ 5 g/kg
T3: Package of practice
 Spray of Hexaconazole 5% SC @ 1 ml/l immediate after notice of
(POP)
the disease incidence
 No seed treatment
T4: Farmers practice (FP)  Spray of Carbendazim 50 WP @ 1 g/l immediate after notice of
the disease incidence

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India
Table 2: Effect of different management practices on productivity and economics of Bengal gram (Data pooled over 3 years)

Yields Economics Efficiencies

Treatment
Gross Rainwater use
details Grain yield Haulm yield Harvest Net returns Production efficiency
returns B:C efficiency
(kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) index (Rs. ha-1) (kg day-1 ha-1)
(Rs. ha-1) -1
(kg ha mm ) -1

T1:NF 1191 1366 0.46 59316 17798 1.45 28.86 12.12

T2 :OF 1533 1765 0.46 74153 26645 1.59 38.36 15.60
T3 :POP 1693 1935 0.46 77473 35407 1.89 41.37 17.22
T4:FP 1337 1525 0.47 60065 21211 1.56 31.92 13.60
S.Em.± 45 50 0.01 1263 796 0.04 0.08 0.03
CD @ 5% 133 156 NS 3790 2388 0.14 0.23 0.10

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Performance of black gram in different management practices in north

eastern transition zone of Karnataka
SUNIL KULKARNI*, SATYANARAN RAO,2 SHOBHARANI M1 AND RAMA RAO1
*Corresponding author: kvksunil@gmail.com, 9448556887
1. Agricultural Research Station, Bidar-585401, University of Agricultural Sciences,Raichur-
584104, Karnataka, India.
2. College of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agricultural Sciences,Raichur-584104,
Karnataka, India.
Feeding a projected population of 9 agriculture can result in a reduction in
billion by the mid-century constitutes one yield and lower temporal yield stability.
of the most fundamental challenges facing This will have obvious implications for
humanity (Calicioglu et al., 2019). food security and raises the question
Globally, agricultural production more whether organic farming can feed the
than tripled between 1960 and 2015. This world without expansion of croplands into
was initially facilitated, in part, by Green natural ecosystems (Kirchmann et al.,
Revolution technologies to increase yields, 2008).The involvement of agribusiness
and profits, compared to traditional companies in controlling the market for
techniques. The resulting intensive, high- organic food, fertilizers, and seeds reduces
input agriculture relying on chemical the potential socio-economic benefits of
fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation, has led organic farming over conventional
to evidence of environmental degradation systems. Along with becoming codified in
and negative health impacts associated regulatory and third-party certification,
with exposure to synthetic chemicals agribusiness in farming has favored larger
(Agoramoorthy, 2008). Hence, more farming enterprises, often leaving
environmentally focused solutions have smallholders disadvantaged due to access
arisen, such as sustainable intensification or cost. This has resulted in high levels of
and agroecology. As a result, a number of farmer debt, which have been found to
agricultural systems have been developed contribute to increased farmer suicides in
that are intended to be more sustainable India (Mariappan and Zhou, 2019). The
alternatives to high-input conventional subsequent focus on developing
farming systems. By 2015, India had the sustainable and equitable approaches to
most organic producers worldwide (Willer agriculture underpin the Zero Budget
and Lernoud, 2017). There are around Natural Farming (ZBNF) approach, which
835,000 organic certified farms across the aims to address both environmental and
states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, socio-economic concerns within the
Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, agricultural sector. In view of these,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim and natural and organic agriculture systems
Tamil Nadu, which all have state-level emerged as an alternative to the chemical
organic farming polices, with Sikkim oriented agriculture systems. ‘Zero
being declared the first all-organic state in Budget’ refers to lower use of purchased
the world (Meek and Anderson, 2020). In inputs, and reduced involvement of
principle, organic farming has the potential agribusiness, reducing debt incurred by
to address environmental concerns, farmers. ‘Natural Farming’ refers to the
through reduced use of chemical fertilizers use of homemade amendments from
and pesticides compared to conventional readily available ingredients. These inputs
techniques. However, conversion of are intended to promote soil health, close
conventional systems to organic nutrient cycling loops, and provide greater

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
water retention in soil, alongside of 30 cm was adopted for sowing of crop
integrated pest management and with an intra row spacing of 10 cm and
intercropping (Keerthi et al., 2018). seed rate of 18 kg ha-1. A common
The cost of crop production is fertilizer dose of 25:50:00 (N: P2O5:K2O
increasing year after year due to high kg ha-1, respectively) to black gram
production costs of inputs, the volatile applied as basal dose to crop at the time of
market prices of crops, the rising costs of sowing in package of practice treatments.
fossil fuel based inputs and private seeds. The cultivar of black gram used in the
Debt is a major problem for farmers of all study was TAU-1.
sizes in India. The technical advisory
committee of consultative group on Production efficiency (kg day-1 ha-1) =
international agriculture research also Grain yield (kg ha-1) / Total duration of
emphasizes on efficient management of crop (days)
natural resources, enhance the quality of
environment and conservation of the Rainwater use efficiency (kg ha-1 mm-1) =
natural resources in the process to meet Grain yield (kg ha-1) / Total cumulative
our food demand. rainfall during from sowing to harvest
In view of all the above facts (mm)
experiments were carried out to evaluate
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
comparative performance of different
management practices on productivity and Yields of blackgram
economics of blackgram.
Significantly higher grain, haulm
1. To study productivity, profitability and biological yield (1364, 1704 and 3068
and sustainability of blackgram under kg ha-1) were recorded in package of
Zero Budget Natural Farming (NF) practice treatment followed by organic
system in comparison with each other farming and farmers practice. Significantly
production methods in Zone-1 of lower yields were recorded in natural
Karnataka. farming (1084, 1404 and 2488 kg ha-1,
respectively) on pooled basis.
METHODOLOGY It is stated that the poor production
potential of black gram attributed to poor
Experimental site photosynthetic efficiency, lack of
partitioning of photosynthates to pods and
Field experiments were conducted during
seed setting (Dixit and Elamathi, 2007).
the kharif season of 2019, 2020 and 2021
Application of nutrients and control of
at Agricultural Research Station, Janawada
pests and diseases at critical stages favored
farm, Bidar, University of Agricultural
the crop growth and enhanced the
Sciences, Raichur, India.
synthesis of carbohydrates and protein and
their transport to the site of seed
Experimental design and treatment formation, reduce the senescence and
details flower drop percentage and increase the
The experiment on black gram
pod set by resulting in increased the yield
comprising of 4 treatments viz., T1: Zero
attributes and yield of black gram. The
Budget Natural Farming Method, T2:
higher yield attributes in package of
Organic Farming Practice, T3: Package of
practice treatment mainly due to increased
Practice (UASR), and T4: Farmers Practice
rate of photosynthesis thus contributing for
was conducted in randomized block design
greater assimilate supply to the pods and
with five replications. The treatment
ultimately resulting in increased seed
details were given in Table 1. Row spacing

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
weight (Table 2). The results were in CONCLUSION
accordance to the results obtained by From the results of experiments (3
Yakadri and Thatikunta (2002) and Meena years data) it can be inferred that package
(2005) and Kumawat et al. (2013) and of practice performing best with respect to
(Dhaka et al. 2016). growth, yields and economics followed by
organic farming. However, natural farming
Efficiency and economics of blackgram is next best in terms of benefit cost ratio
production over the years after package of practise.
Production efficiency Thus it can be concluded that, for
achieving higher productivity and
The maximum production profitability package of practice followed
efficiency (15.68 kg day ha-1) was
-1
by organic farming can be adopted over
recorded in T3 which was significantly the years in North Eastern Transition Zone
higher compared to all other treatments. of Karnataka.
Minimum production efficiency (12.46 Kg
day-1 ha-1) was recorded in treatment T1 REFERENCES
(Table 2) on pooled basis. This might be
because of increase in grain yield under T3 Agoramoorthy, G. (2008). Can India meet
which also enhanced production efficiency the increasing food demand by
per day. These results are in conformity 2020? Futures.40: 503–506.
with the results of Choudhari et al., (2001) Calicioglu, O., Flammini, A., Bracco, S.,
and Subramani and Solaimalai (2000). Bellù, L. and Sims, R. (2019). The
future challenges of food and
Rainwater use efficiency agriculture: An integrated analysis of
Package of practice recorded trends and
maximum rain water use efficiency (8.31 solutions. Sustainability. 11(1): 222.
kg ha-1 mm-1) over rest of the treatments Chaudhary, M., Singh, S., Babu, S. and
and lowest was observed in natural Prasad, M. (2018). Effect of
farming treatment (6.60 kg ha-1 mm-1) integrated nutrient management on
(Table 2).This might be due to higher productivity, nutrient acquisition and
amount of rainfall during growing period economics of blackgram (Phaseolus
and higher yield in package of practice mungo L.) in an inceptisol of eastern
treatment. These results are in line with Uttar Pradesh. Legume Research-An
findings of Meena (2009) in pigeonpea. International Journal. 41(5):759-762.
Choudhari, C.S., Mendhe, S.N., Pawar,
Economics W.S., Angole, A.S. and Nikam, R.
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found in package of practice treatment French bean. Journal of Soils and
(Rs.85,102 and 41,1357 ha-1 ) on pooled Crops. 11(1): 137-139.
basis (Table 2) followed by organic Dhaka, Y., Meena, R.S. and Kumar, S.
farming. However with respect to B: C (2016). Effect of INM on nodulation,
ratio, natural farming (1.91) was found on yield, quality and available nutrient
par with package of practice due to its status in soil after harvest of green
lower cost of inputs and less cost of gram. Legume Research-An
cultivation. The higher returns in package International Journal. 39(4): 590-594
were directly related to the yields. These Dixit, P. M. and Elamathi, S. (2007).
observations were supported with the Effect of foliar application of DAP,
findings of Quddus et al. (2012) and also micronutrients and NAA on growth
by Choudhary et al. (2018). and yield of green gram (Vigna
radiate L.). Legume Research--An

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
International Journal. 30(4):305- partitioning of mung bean
307. (Vignaradiata) in arid Western
Keerthi, P., Sharma, S. K. and Chaudhary, Rajasthan. Journal of Environment
K. (2018). Zero Budget Natural and Ecology 31 (1):131-134.
Farming: An Introduction. In Meena, S. L., Dhamsuddin, M. and
Research Trends in Agriculture Dayal, D. (2009). productivity of
Sciences; AkiNik Publications: New clusterbean and sesamum
Delhi, India. pp. 111–123. intercropping system under different
Kirchmann, H., Bergström, L., Kätterer, row ratios and nutrient management.
T., Andrén, O. and Andersson, R. Indian Journal of Agricultural
(2008). Can Organic Crop Science. 79(11): 901-905.
Production Feed the World? In Quddus, M. A., Rashid, M. H., Hossain,
Organic Crop Production— M. A., Naser, H. M. and Abedin
Ambitions and Limitations; Mian. J. (2012). Integrated nutrient
Kirchmann, H., Bergström, L., Eds.; management for sustaining soil
Springer: Dordrecht, The Fertility through chickpea-
Netherlands, pp. 39–72. mungbean- t.aman Cropping pattern
Kumawat, N., Singh, R.P., Kumar, R., at madaripur region. Bangladesh
Kumari, A. and Kumar, P. (2012). Journal of Agricultural Research.
Response of intercropping and 37(2): 251–262.
integrated nutrition management on Subramani, M. and Solaimalai, A. (2000).
production potential and profitability Influence of plant populations and
on rainfed pigeon pea. Journal of methods of nutrient application on
Agricultural Science. 4: 154-162. growth and yield of
Mariappan, K. and Zhou, D. (2019). A blackgram. Legume
Threat of Farmers’ Suicide and the Research. 23(3):197-198.
Opportunity in Organic Farming for Willer, H., Lernoud, J. (Eds.). (2017). The
Sustainable Agricultural World of Organic Agriculture:
Development in India. Statistics and Emerging Trends,
Sustainability, 11, 2400. Research Institute of Organic
Meek, D. and Anderson, C.R. (2020). Agriculture (FiBL): Frick,
Scale and the politics of the organic Switzerland.
transition in Sikkim, India. Organic Yakadri, M. and Thatikunta, R.,
Agriculture. 11: 27–40. (2002). Effect of soil application of
Meena, R.S. (2009). Effect of organic and potassium and DAP spray in
inorganic sources of nutrient on blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Madras
growth attributes and dry matter Agricultural Journal. 89: 147-149.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Details of nutrient, pest and disease management in blackgram

Nutrient management
Treatment details Blackgram
Beejamrutha: Seed treatment
T1: Zero Budget Natural
Ghanajeevamrutha: 400 kg/acre Jeevamrutha: 200 litre/acre
farming method (ZBNF)
Mulching @ 2 tonn/acre
Seed treatment (acre): Rhizobium (200 gm) +PSB (200 gm)
T2: Organic farming
N eq. vermicompost: 660 kg/acre
practice (OF)
Mulching @ 2 tonn/acre
Seed treatment (acre): Rhizobium (500 gm) +PSB (500 gm)
T3: Package of practice
10:20:0 kg N:P:K/acre
(POP)
FYM: 2.00 tonnes/acre
6.61 kg Nitrogen/acre
T4: Farmers practice (FP) 16.88 kg Phosphorus/acre
FYM: 1.28 tonnes/acre
Pest management
T1: Zero Budget Natural Leaf eating caterpillar: Agniastra @ 30ml/ liter
farming method (ZBNF) Pod borers: Brahmastra @ 30ml/ liter
T2: Organic farming Leaf eating caterpillar and Pod borers: Neem oil (10000 ppm) @ 5%
practice (OF)
T3: Package of practice Sucking pests: Seed treatment with Imidacloprid 60 FS @ 10ml/kg of seeds
(POP) Leaf eating caterpillar and Pod borers: Emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.3 g/liter
T4: Farmers practice (FP) Leaf eating caterpillar and Pod borers: Lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.5 ml/liter
Disease management
T1: Zero Budget Natural  Seed treatment with Beejamrutha
farming method (ZBNF)  Spray of butter milk immediate after notice of the disease incidence
 Seed treatment with Trichoderma @ 4 gm/kg
T2: Organic farming
 Spray of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/l immediate after the notice of
practice (OF)
disease incidence
 Seed treatment with Trichoderma @ 5 g/kg
T3: Package of practice
 Spray of Hexaconazole 5% SC @ 1 ml/l immediate after notice of the
(POP)
disease incidence
 No seed treatment
T4: Farmers practice (FP)  Spray of Carbendazim 50 WP @ 1 g/l immediate after notice of the disease
incidence

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 2: Effect of different management practices on productivity and economics of
blackgram (Data pooled over 3 years)
Production
Stover Biological Rainwater Gross Net
Yield efficiency B:C
yield yield use efficiency returns returns
Treatments -1 -1 ratio
(kg ha ) (kg day (kg ha-1 mm-1)
(kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) (Rs. ha-1) (Rs. ha-1)
ha-1)

T1: ZBNF 1084 1404 2488 12.46 6.60 72463 34076 1.91
T2: OF 1237 1528 2765 14.22 7.53 83411 38134 1.89
T3: POP 1364 1704 3068 15.68 8.31 85102 41357 1.97
T4: FP 1131 1479 2610 13.00 6.89 70510 28524 1.70
39 49 69 0.41 0.22 101 88 0.02
S.Em.±

121 154 210 1.42 0.69 314 273 0.06

CD @ 5%

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of different farming system practices on soil biological properties,

nutrient content and seed yield of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajana) in Northern-
Karnataka
PANDIT S. RATHOD, UMESH, M.R., AVINASH, SATYANARAYANA RAO,
B.K. DESAI, ALTAF K.K., MALLESH AND SHIVAKUMAR

Natural Farming Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur Karnataka

psrathoduasr@gmail.com
India is a developing country with MATERIAL AND METHODS
ever growing population, with this The field experiment was
population growing demand for food crops conducted at MARS Raichur for three
increasing day by day. In order to meet years (2019-20 to 2021-22, due to heavy
this increasing demand for food crops rainfall 2020-21 season crop was vitiated.
farmers are using chemical fertilizers to Experiment was conducted using RCBD
increase the yield without showing the replicated five times. The treatments
concern towards soil health. An consist of Natural farming (T1), Organic
experiment was conducted to evaluate soil farming (OF) (T2), Package of practices
health status of Pigeonpea in North (T3) developed by University of
Eastern Dry Zone using four farming agricultural sciences, Raichur (RPOP) and
practices namely, Natural farming (NF), Farmer’s practice (T4). The pigeonpea
Organic farming (OF), Package of practice variety TS-3R was used in all the years,
(POP) released by university of seeds sown on second fortnight of July at
agricultural sciences, Raichur and 90cm row to row spacing. The sowing was
Farmer’s practice (FP). Soil analysis was carried out with seed drill with 10-12 kg
made to evaluate the biological status like ha-1 seed rate. In Natural farming (NF),
presence of microorganisms, enzymatic Jeevamrutha and Ghanajeevamrutha were
activity and presence of NPK in the soil at applied at basal subsequently Jeevamrutha
the time of harvest. The results of three was applied at 15 days interval. In Organic
season pooled data (one season crop was farming (OF), at basal Jeevamrutha and
lost/vitiated due to heavy rainfall) showed organic manure were applied, followed by
significant improvement in microbial Panchgavya spray @ 3% + cow urine @
population and enzymatic activity in 10 % at 45 and 60 days. For the treatment
Natural farming practices. The seed yield package of practices, at basal 18 kgN
was significantly higher in case of POP and50 kg P and 25 kg K ha-1 were applied
than in NF indicating soil needs more at basal, then 6.75 kg N ha-1 was top
nutrients to produce sustainable crop yield. dressed at 30 DAS. The crop was
From results obtained it can be suggested harvested after attaining a physiological
that use of Natural farming improves soil maturity. The soil samples were collected
health but yield may be reduced during from 0- 15 cm from the rhizosphere of
initial years and which possibly will each plot at the time of harvest of crop.
increase in forthcoming years. The present The samples were analyzed for microbial
study also showed that the long-term population and soil enzyme. Serial dilution
application ofnatural and organic and standard plate count method was used
farmingplays a large role in maintaining to enumerate bacteria, fungi,
excellent microbial and enzyme activity actinomycetes, Nitrogen fixers and
that result in improved soil quality. phosphate solubilizers. Soil dehydrogenase
enzyme activity was determined as per the
standard procedure. The results were

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
expressed in mg of triphenylformazan treatment produced 26.7 per cent greater
(TPF) formed per gram of soil per day. grain yield (1557 kg ha-1)over farmers
Soil phosphatase activity was determined practice. Yield reduction in natural
as per the standard procedure. The farming treatment was 28.5% over NF
intensity of yellow colour was measured at whereas 16.63 % over OF. The significant
420 nm against the reagent blank. The difference in seed yield was may be due to
samples were also analysed for NPK by presence of greater nutrients in regional
following standard procedures (Sparks, production practices as compared to rest of
Methods of Soil Analysis). Grain yield of the treatments.
pigeonpea was estimated from net plot
area. Soil samples were analysed for CONCLUSION
enumeration of bacteria, fungus and
Results showed that natural
actinomycetes.
farming soils established more microbial
activities compared to other farming
RESULTS
systems indicating soil health
Results showed that significantly conservation. Natural farming soils did not
higher population of bacteria (55.70× produce comparative yield due to less
106cfu/g of soil), fungi (19.40× 104cfu/g of available nutrients but nutrient status was
soil) and actinomycetes (26.10 × 103cfu/g believed to increase year wise thereby
of soil) were recorded in NF followed by increasing crop yield along with less cost
treatment OF which recorded bacteria of cultivation. To conclude, for sustainable
(48.00× 106cfu/g of soil), fungi (17.10× production of crop yield soils must be rich
104cfu/g of soil) and actinomycetes in nutrients and microorganisms which can
(20.30× 103cfu/g of soil) as compared to be attained by regular use of combined
other treatments. The increased microbial natural and organic farming systems.
population in NF was may be due to
continuous apply of jeevamrutha which
has vast microbial load and helps to build
up microbial population of rhizosphere.
Seed yield produced in different farming
systems showed that package of practices

Table 1: Effect of different farming systems on microbial population, enzyme activity and
grain yield of pigeon pea rhizosphere

Dehydrog Phosphat Grain

Phosphat
Nitroge enase ase yield
Fungi e
Bacteria Actinomycet n fixers activity activity (kg/ha)
104cfu/ solubilize
106cfu/g es 103cfu/g 102cfu/ (μg TPF/g (μg p-
g of rs
of soil of soil g of of soil/ NPP/g of
soil 103cfu/g
soil day) soil/
of soil
day)
T1:NF 55.70 19.40 26.10 12.90 30.60 46.20 106.03 1113
T2:OF 48.00 17.10 20.30 13.50 30.50 52.06 113.68 1335
T3:POP 46.20 14.80 17.80 12.90 22.60 43.69 99.27 1557
T4:FP 31.30 11.30 12.30 9.20 17.60 36.93 97.02 1229
S. Em. ± 1.26 0.62 1.00 0.33 0.70 0.58 1.31 30.55
C D@5% 3.89 1.91 3.08 1.01 2.14 1.78 4.03 95.15

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Long term evaluation of organic, integrated and inorganic nutrient

management practices for their productivity, profitability and soil fertility in
sunflower-rabi sorghum cropping system under rainfed eco-system
SATYANARAYANA RAO, KAMBLE ANAND SHANKAR, BASAVANNEPPA M. A.,*
BHAT S. N. AND VENKANNA R.
Organic Farming Research Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur- 584 104
(Karnataka), India.
*Email: basavanneppa61@gmail.com

Indian agriculture scenario has faced sunflower and 50-25-00 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1
many problems after green revolution viz., for rabi sorghum). The organic manures were
stagnation or even decrease in production and applied every year equivalent to
productivity of major crops, deterioration of recommended N in rabi sorghum and P in
soil fertility, decline in factor productivity, sunflower. Yields and soil fertility were
low diversity of production systems and assessed every year in different treatments.
increasing cost of production. (Sharma and
Subehia, 2014). To mitigate all these ill RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
effects, the possible way is through the use of
The six crop rotation cycles were
only organics or integrated nutrient
completed in the year 2019-20. The data
management either in crops or cropping
recorded with sunflower crop after 3rd cycle
system in long term. Especially the long term
(six years) showed that treatments of
experiments which are offer a great unique
integrated system, organic system and
opportunity to test the relevance of these
recommended package were on par with each
concepts in different cropping systems. It also
other and superior over inorganic package
provides insights into the consequences of
with respect to seed yields and net returns.
land management strategies that cannot be
Whereas in sorghum after 4th cycle (4 th year)
obtained through other means. Keeping all
treatments of integrated system, organic
these in mind the present study was initiated.
system and recommended package were on
METHODOLOGY par with each other and superior over
The present investigation entitled inorganic package with respect to seed yields
“Productivity, profitability and soil fertility as and net returns (Table 1). These results are in
influenced by sunflower-rabi sorghum conformity with the findings of Sharma and
cropping system under long term nutrient Subehia (2014) and Urkurkar et al. (2010).
management was studied in a vertisol. Where The soil fertility status (Available N, P2O5
sunflower-rabi sorghum (2 years and K2O) and microbial population were
rotation)being grown since 2008-09 on a improved substantially with organic and
fixed location at Bio-farm, Organic Farming integrated management practices. The initial
Research Station, UAS, Raichur. Experiment level of organic carbon in soil was 0.45 per
consisted of five treatments viz., T1: 75 % cent, which was increased marginally because
N/P through organics, T2: 100 % N/P of adoption of different nutrient management
through organics, T3: Integrated N systems; the higher organic carbon content
management (50 % N/P through organics and (0.67 %) was in 100% organic treatment,
50 % N/P through organics), T4: 100 % N which was on par with integrated and RPP
through inorganics (RDF), T5: treatment (Table 2). The lower organic
Recommended package of practice (RPP), carbon of 0.43 % was recorded in inorganic
which were replicated four times and laid out system.
in RCBD design. The optimum NPK was i.e.,
100% NPK (35-50-35 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1for
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CONCLUSIONS: REFERENCES:
Treatments of integrated system, Sharma, Upinder and Subehia, S. K. 2014.
organic system and recommended package Effect of long-term integrated nutrient
were on par with each other and superior over management on rice (Oryza sativa L.)-
inorganic package with respect to seed yields wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
and net returns in Sunflower crop from 3rd productivity and soil properties in
cycle (6th year) and sorghum after 4th cycle ( North-Western Himalaya. Journal of
4th year) onwards. The soil fertility status the Indian Society of Soil science
(Available N, P2O5 and K2O) and microbial 62:248-254.
population were also improved substantially Urkurkar, J. S., Tiwari, A., Chitale, S. and
with organic and integrated management Bajpai, R. K. 2010. Influence of long
practices. The results clearly indicated that term use of inorganic and organic
the system can be successfully adopted with manures on soil fertility and sustainable
organic production under rainfed eco-system. productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) and
wheat (Triticum aestivum) in
Inceptisols. Indian Journal of
Agricultural Sciences 80(3):208-12.

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India

Table 1: Effect of different nutrient management practices on yield and economics of Sunflower - rabi sorghum cropping system

Seed yield of sunflower Grain yield of rabi sorghum

Economics (Pooled)
(kg/ha) (kg/ha)
Treatments Gross Net
2008-09 2010-11 2014-15 2016-17 2020-21 2009-10 2011-12 2013-14 2015-16 2017-18 2019-20
returns returns B:C
(1styr) (3rdyr) (7thyr) (9thyr) (13thyr) (2ndyr) (4thyr) (6thyr) (8thyr) (10thyr) (12thyr)
(Rs./ha) (Rs./ha)

Organic
637 553 1252 687 335 710 688 1370 2518a 1603 2058 40876 26162 2.42
(75%N/P)

Organic
752 602 1494 676 368 723 860 1508 2706 1892 2898 49984 33734 2.62
(100%N/P)

Integrated
850b 712 1513 623 411 803 782 1873 2483 1665 2435 35227 22305 2.43
(50:50)

Inorganic (RDF) 885 723 1476 706 321 920 923 1581 2210 1480 1863 36604 24316 2.65

RDF+FYM 1050 764 1672 666 398 1220 1024 1945 2416 1700 2650 41658 27753 2.74

S.Em. + 42 42 75 34 21 56 50 127 96 74 165 - - -

C.D. at 5% 130 128 231 NS 45 172 156 392 290 228 509 - - -

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Table 2: Effect of different nutrient management practices on soil properties in
sunflower-rabi sorghum cropping system at the end of six cycles (2019-20)
Penetration
BD MWHC OC N P2O5 K2O Zn Fe
Treatments resistance
(Mg/m3 (%) (MPa) % kg/ha mg/kg
Organic
1.31 73.8 3.92 0.56 135.0 42.7 790.0 0.51 15.0
(75%N/P)
Organic
1.29 74.6 3.82 0.67 163.0 63.15 883.5 0.61 17.0
(100%N/P)
Integrated
1.32 73.3 3.61 0.62 163.8 66.30 884.6 0.59 16.0
(50:50)
Inorganic
1.34 71.5 4.03 0.43 151.3 47.00 795.1 0.43 14.0
(RDF)
RDF+FYM 1.30 72.0 3.99 0.66 165.5 68.0 889.0 0.61 16.5
S. Em± 0.21 0.59 0.48 0.07 3.51 6.50 35.5 0.03 0.90
C.D. at 5% NS 1.83 NS 0.19 9.30 17.55 NS 0.07 NS
Initial 1.33 71.0 - 0.55 118.7 36.55 478.2 - -

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Effect of sulphur on soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency and yield of chickpea
S.S. HADOLE AND P.A. SARAP
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra 444104

ABSTRACT alone contribute more than 62-67% of the

Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)is total global production. Chickpea
one of the foremost rabi pulse crop of Occupies 30% of area and 37% of
Maharashtra and premier pulse of India. production of total pulse of the country out
The sulphur research in soils and plant of total area of pulses in the world more
carried out in the state is inadequate and than 75% area line in India. However,
could not give clear picture on sulphur India generally imports 2 million tonnes
nutrition in major crops and soils of the pulse every year from Turkey, Australia,
state. Therefore, three years field Canada and USA. To make up this short
experiment was carried out to study the fully supply besides of course , further
effect of sulphur application soil fertility, demand from a burgeoning population, at
nutrient use efficiency yield of Chickpea at least 23.38, millions tonnes of pulses
Pulses research station, Wasim Road , required by 2015, which is expected to
Akola. Design of experiment is touch 29.30 million tonnes by 2020
Randomized block design with nine (Anonymous, 2016). Pulses are most
treatments and three replication. Results important sub constituent of human diet.
indicated that The soil pH recorded Gram is mostly consumed in the form of
slightly lower in the treatment of sulphur processed whole seed and Dal but also
application. The highest organic carbon used for preparing variety of snacks,
(5.33 g kg-1) was recorded with the sweet, and condiments., which are very
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through useful for stomach ailments and Blood
Bentonite sulphur along with RDF. The purification. Pulses and their crop residues
significantly highest available nitrogen are major source of high quality and
(223.5 kg ha-1), available phosphorus nutritive livestock feed.
(15.99 kg ha-1), available sulphur (14.88 Maharashtra is a second major Chickpea
mg kg-1) was registered in treatment of producing state after Madhya Pradesh. In
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Maharashtra area under Chickpea crop was
Bentonite sulphur along with RDF. 13.53 lakh hectares with the production of
Similarly the highest GMR and b:C ratio 11.80 lakh tones with an average
was also noticed with soil application of S productivity of 872 kg ha-1. Therefore,
@ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur + Maharashtra contributes 18.36 per cent
RDF followed by soil application of S @ share in area and 20.03 per cent share in
30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum + RDF. production of chickpea in India.
INTRODUCTION Sulphur is the 4th major essential plant
Chickpea is onw of the most nutrient after N, P and K because of its
foremost rabi pulse crop of Maharashtra role in the synthesis of proteins, vitamins,
and premier pulse of India. Pulses consist enzyme and flavoured compounds in plant.
a group of Leguminous family which fixes Its amount required by the plant is even
atmospheric Nitrogen and plays an higher than phosphorus and comes after N
important role in sustainable agriculture and K. About 90% of plant sulphur is
production and provide the nutrition’s. present in amino acids viz., Methionine,
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third Cystine, and Cysteine. These amino acids
most important legume in the world. India are the building blocks of protein. Sulphur
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is associated with production of crops of was Absolute Control, T2 is S-free RDF
superior nutritional and market quality. (N, P2O5, K2O through Urea, DAP,
Sulphur deficiencies have been reported MOP), T3 was RDF (N, P2O5, K2O
from over 70 countries worldwide through Urea, SSP, MOP), T4 was T2 + S
including India. Sulfur is becoming @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite-Sulphur,
deficient in soil due to use of high grade S T5 was T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through
free fertilizers, cultivation of high yielding Bentonite-Sulphur, T6 was T2 + S @ 30 kg
varieties and lack of industrial activity ha-1 through Bentonite-Sulphur, T7 was T2
(Scherer, 2009). +S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum, T8 was
In Maharashtra state, isolated T2 +S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum, T9
attempts were made to work out a critical was T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum.
level of sulphur in the soils and plants. In The soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected
Indian soils sulphur deficiency has been from each treatment plots from all the
noticed 32.9 % (Shukla et al., 2016), while three replications at harvest. Soil samples
in Maharashtra sulphur deficiency were air dried in shade and stored in
recorded to the extent of 37.48 % while in polythene bags for further analysis. The
Vidarbha it was noticed 25.76 % (Katkaret pH was determined by pH meter using
al., 2017). So it is essential to evaluate the 1:2.5 soil-water suspension and EC
effect of sulphur application on soil measurement using a conductivity bridge
fertility, yield, nutrient uptake and quality (Jackson, 1973). Walkley and Black Wet
of chickpea in black soil. The information oxidation method as described by Jackson
generated through this investigation will (1973) was used to determine organic
be helpful to apply the sulphur fertilizers carbon content of soil and rapid titration
to chickpea crop in Vertisols. method as described by Piper (1966) for
calcium carbonate. Available nitrogen was
MATERIALS AND METHODS determined by alkaline potassium
The experiment will be conducted permanganate method as described by
to study sulphur requirement of Chickpea Subbiah and Asija, (1956). Olsen method
crop. The soil will be analysed for soil used to determined available phosphorous
properties, plant and grain samples will be and for potassium Flame photometer is
analysed for nutrient uptake and quality of used. (Jackson,1973). Available sulphur
chickpea crop. was determined by turbidimetrically
The field experiment was method (CaCl2 extract) using
conducted at Pulses Research Unit, Spectrophotometer as described by
Washim Road farm, Dr. Panjabrao Chesnin and Yein, (1951). Available Fe,
Deshmukh Krushi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Mn, Zn and Cu were determined from the
during rabi season 2018-19. Initial soil extract with AAS as described by
composite soil sample was collected from Lindsay and Norvell (1978). Nutrient use
experimental site and analyzed for soil efficiency (NUE) is a measure of how well
properties. The experimental site was plants use the available mineral nutrients.
slightly alkaline in reaction (7.96), non- Agronomic efficiency (AE) is calculated in
saline (0.24 dS m-1), medium in organic units of yield increase per unit of nutrient
carbon (5.28 g kg-1), calcareous in nature applied (Bhatnagar, 2017).
(6.87%), low in available N (188.16 kg ha-
1
), low in available P (13.65 kg ha-1), very
high in available K (581.2 kg ha- 1),
deficient in available S (9.82 mg kg-1) and
sufficient in DTPA - Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn
(mg kg-1). Treatment details were as T1

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION compaired to control as shown by Jamal et
Soil pH al., (2010).
The data presented in Table 1 in
Electrical conductivity
respect of pH of soil ranged from 7.91 to
7.95, indicating that soil was slightly The electrical conductivity is a
alkaline in reaction but not influenced measure of soluble salt concentration in
statistically. The higher value of pH was soil. Higher amount of salts in soil restrict
recorded in the control treatment (T1). The the nutrient uptake and thus affect the
lowest value soil pH was recorded in the plant growth. The data in respect of
treatment S @ 30 kg ha-1 through electrical conductivity ranged from 0.27 to
Bentonite sulphur along with RDF (T6) 0.31dS m-1. However, the data indicated
due to application of sulphur.Thesulphur that the higher value (0.31 d Sm-1) was
applied to the soil from different sources found in absolute control (T1) while lower
get converted into sulphate form and when value (0.27 dS m-1) of electrical
it comes in contact with water it is conductivity was recorded in treatment
converted to the form of sulphuric acid (T6). Hence the uptake of nutrient, growth
which leads to lower down the pH of soil. of crop was increased in treatment (T6).
Reduction in soil pH due to application of The EC of soil was not influenced
sulphur was also reported by Mutowalet significantly in various treatments.
al., (2013), Motior et al., (2011). The plot
sulphur treated reduce soil pH as The EC of soil was not influenced
significantly in various treatments.

Table 1. pH of soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application

pH
Treatments 2017- 2018 2019- Pooled
18 -19 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 7.94 7.95 7.97 7.95
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 7.95 7.93 7.95 7.94
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 7.96 7.92 7.93 7.94
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 7.94 7.93 7.95 7.94
T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite
T5
Sulphur 7.93 7.92 7.93 7.93
-1
T2 + S @ 30 kg ha through Bento nite
T6
Sulphur 7.92 7.87 7.89 7.90
-1
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha through Gypsum 7.90 7.92 7.94 7.92
-1
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha through Gypsum 7.89 7.91 7.90 7.90
-1
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha through Gypsum 7.87 7.92 7.93 7.91
SE (m) + 0.018 0.013 0.018 0.010
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.031

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Table 2. Electrical conductivity of soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur
application
Electrical conductivity (dS m-1)
Treatments 2017- 2019- Pooled
2018-19
18 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 0.34 0.31 0.30 0.31
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 0.35 0.27 0.28 0.30
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 0.37 0.27 0.26 0.30
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.35 0.26 0.25 0.29
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.36 0.28 0.27 0.30
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.38 0.22 0.21 0.27
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 0.34 0.26 0.25 0.28
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 0.32 0.26 0.24 0.27
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 0.31 0.26 0.25 0.28
SE (m) + 0.017 0.020 0.018 0.012
CD at 5% NS NS NS NS

Organic Carbon by various treatments. The significantly

The organic carbon content of soil highest available nitrogen (223.5 kg ha-1)
as influenced by different treatments was observed in treatment of application
(Table 22) varied from 4.51 to 4.75 g kg-1. of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite
However, the treatment wise variation in sulphur + RDF (T6) which was found at
soil organic carbon was found to be non par with treatment S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
significant. The highest value (4.75 g kg-1) Gypsum + RDF (T9).Chickpea is
organic carbon was recorded with the leguminous crop, the root nodule and
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through symbiotic bacteria in it fixes atmospheric
Bentonite sulphur + RDF (T6). The lower nitrogen which get available to crop during
value (4.51 g kg-1) of organic carbon was the growth period and some quantity
recorded in absolute control. The balanced remain in soil. Similar findings are
nutrition helps to proliferate root system of reported by Patel et al. (2014), Basumatary
crop which is due to presence of organic et al. (2017), Scherer et al. (2008) and
carbon in soil. Increase in organic carbon Deshbhratar et al. (2010).The balanced
status of soil is might be due to increasing nutrition applied to chickpea helped to
vegetative growth of crop due to bentonite enhance the crop productivity as well as
sulphur application. Similar findings were nutrient availability in the soil at harvest of
reported by Singh et al. (2016). crop. This can be ascribed to synergistic
effect of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Available nitrogen and sulphur in nutrient availability in the
The available nitrogen status of soil soil. The findings corroborated with results
(Table 24) varied from 184.5 to 223.5 kg reported by Basumatary et al. (2017), Patel
ha-1 indicating that soil was low in et al. (2014) Sipai et al. (2015) and Bera
available nitrogen. The available nitrogen and Ghosh (2017).
status in soil was significantly influenced

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Table 3. Organic carbon of soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Organic carbon (g kg-1)
Treatments 2017- 2019- Pooled
2018-19
18 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 3.47 5.07 4.98 4.51
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 3.50 5.10 5.02 4.54
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 3.52 5.30 5.25 4.69
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 3.55 5.18 5.13 4.62
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 3.59 5.27 5.25 4.70
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 3.62 5.33 5.31 4.75
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 3.53 5.15 5.19 4.62
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 3.57 5.20 5.24 4.67
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 3.60 5.27 5.26 4.71
SE (m) + 0.013 0.27 0.07 0.025
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.076

Table 4. Avail. N (kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur
application
Avail. N (kg ha-1)
Treatments 2018- 2019- Pooled
2017-18
19 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 171.0 190.3 192.3 184.5
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 178.0 204.9 204.9 195.9
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 182.8 221.6 225.7 210.0
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 188.0 218.3 221.5 209.3
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 194.1 226.6 227.2 216.0
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 198.6 238.3 233.5 223.5
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 187.4 217.4 218.0 207.6
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 192.5 225.8 223.2 213.8
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 195.3 233.3 228.7 219.1
SE (m) + 9.19 7.29 8.27 2.19
CD at 5% NS NS NS 6.57

Available phosphorus found to be at par with treatment S @ 30 kg

ha-1 through Gypsum + RDF (T9). The
The available phosphorus status of application of increasing dose of sulphur
soil varied from 12.19 to 15.99 kg ha-1 from 10 to 30 kg S per ha on sulphur
indicating that soil was low to medium in deficient soils increased the available
available phosphorus. The available phosphorus status in soil of chickpea
phosphorus status in soil was significantly linearly from 14.04 to 15.99 with Bentonite
influenced by various treatments. The sulphur and from 14.06 to 15.60 with
significantly higher available phosphorus Gypsum, respectively.
(15.99 kg ha-1) was observed in treatment of
The application of increasing dose
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
of sulphur from 10 to 30 kg S per ha on
Bentonite sulphur + RDF (T6) and it was
sulphur deficient soils increase the available

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phosphorus status in soil of chickpea other hands sulphur is get react with
linearly from 14.18 to 15.87 with Bentonite calcium as calcium sulphate and reduces
sulphur and from 14.13 to 15.72 with the fixation phosphorous. Similar findings
Gypsum respectively. are reported by Singh et al. (2016), Islam
Increased availability phosphorous et al. (2013). Deshbharatar et al. (2010)
with sulphur application may be due to indicated that application of S and P
reduction of soil pH due to production of improved soil fertility status and S alone
sulphuric acid by soil microorganism. On did not influence P availability.

Table 5. Avail. P (kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur
application
Avail. P (kg ha-1)
Treatments 2017- Pooled
2018-19 2019-20
18 Mean
T1 Absolute control 11.25 12.92 12.40 12.19
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 11.78 13.58 14.23 13.20
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 12.21 14.92 15.31 14.15
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 13.27 14.18 14.67 14.04
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 14.64 15.13 15.54 15.10
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 15.77 15.87 16.32 15.99
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 13.41 14.13 14.63 14.06
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 13.79 15.08 16.24 15.04
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 14.48 15.72 16.61 15.60
SE (m) + 1.74 0.67 0.87 0.29
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.88

Available potassium down by sulphuric acid resulted by sulphur

The available potassium content oxidation by microorganism.
(Table 6) of soil varied from 537.5 to Available sulphur
573.7 kg ha-1 indicating that soil was very The available sulphur status of
high in available potassium. The highest soil (Table 7) varied from 9.55 to 14.88
available potassium (573.7 kg ha-1) was mg kg-1 indicating that soil was low to
observed in treatment of application of medium in available sulphur. The
RDF S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite available sulphur status in soil was
sulphur + RDF (T6), whereas, the lowest significantly influenced by inoculation of
available potassium (537.5 kg ha-1) was sulphur treatments. The significantly
recorded in control treatment T1. However, higher available sulphur (14.88 mg kg-1)
the treatment wise variation in soil was observed in treatment of application
available potassium was found to be non of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite
significant. The slight increment in sulphur + RDF (T6) and it was found to be
potassium content in treatment with at par with treatment S @ 30 kg ha-1
sulphur application as compared to T2 and through Gypsum + RDF (T9). The lowest
T3 is might be due to alkaline nature of soil available sulphur (9.55 mg kg-1) was
were dominant in potassium bearing recorded in absolute control.
mineral and these mineral are easily broke

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Table 6. Avail. K (kg ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur
application
Avail. K (kg ha-1)
Treatments 2019- Pooled
2017-18 2018-19
20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 447.93 580.75 583.70 537.5
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 454.27 581.91 585.20 540.5
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 456.20 599.14 613.32 556.2
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 460.00 602.41 616.92 559.8
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 474.23 604.89 619.39 566.2
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 489.07 608.67 623.25 573.7
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 458.00 600.89 614.53 557.8
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 465.07 604.18 618.04 562.4
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 476.40 605.68 620.38 567.5
SE (m) + 12.93 6.42 9.45 3.35
CD at 5% NS NS NS 10.03

The application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 When sulphur in bentonite-S comes

through Bentonite sulphur increased the into contact with soil moisture it breakes
available sulphur status in soil by 55.83 apart into fragments of fine dimensison,
per cent as compared to control while which allows swift solubilization of S and
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through sypsum has very low solubility. Hence
Gypsum increased the available sulphur availability and uptake sulphuris high with
status in soil by 49.60 per cent over bentonite S as compared to sulphur with
control. The application of increasing dose gypsum. This is reason why the
of sulphur from 10 to 30 kg S per ha on availability of S is high in Bentonite
sulphur deficient soils increased the sulphur treated treatments as compared to
available sulphur status in soil of chickpea other. Similar findings were also given by
linearly from 11.35 to 14.88 mg kg-1 with Vidyalakshmi et al. (2009) and Shivay et
Bentonite sulphur application and from al. (2014). The balanced nutrition applied
10.96 to 14.28 kg ha-1 with Gypsum to chickpea helped to enhance the crop
application, respectively. The application productivity as well as nutrient availability
of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite in the soil at harvest of crop. This can be
sulphur + RDF (T6) increased the available ascribed to synergistic effect of nitrogen,
sulphur status in soil by 50.13 per cent and phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through nutrient availability in the soil. The
Gypsum by 44.12 as compared to S free findings corroborated with results reported
RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) by Basumatary et al. (2017), Patel et al.
(T2). (2014) Sipai et al. (2015) and Bera and
Ghosh (2017).

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Table 7. Avail. S (kg ha-1) after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Avail. S (kg ha-1)
Treatments 2017- 2018- 2019- Pooled
18 19 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 9.44 9.68 9.52 9.55
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 9.76 9.76 10.21 9.91
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 10.83 12.51 13.44 12.26
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 12.02 10.35 11.69 11.35
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 14.05 12.21 14.00 13.42
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 15.19 13.58 15.87 14.88
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 11.14 10.26 11.48 10.96
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 13.09 12.14 13.25 12.83
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 14.35 13.29 15.21 14.28
SE (m) + 1.28 0.56 0.81 0.38
CD at 5% 3.84 1.68 2.43 1.14
DTPA Micronutrients finding was also given by Cui and Wang
Zinc (2005), Malewar and Ismail (1997), Rayat
The results in respect of available and Skladanka (2009).
micronutrient status of soil at harvest of
Iron
chickpea are presented in Table 27. The
data showed that effect of sulphur The effect of sulphur application
application on available zinc content of on available iron content of soil was found
soil was found to be non-significant. to be non-significant. The highest
However the highest available zinc (1.09 available iron (12.22 mg kg-1) was
mg kg-1) was observed in treatment of observed in treatment of application of S
application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite sulphur +
Bentonite sulphur + RDF (T6), whereas, RDF (T6). Whereas, the lowest available
the lowest available zinc (0.94 mg kg-1) iron (10.77 mg kg-1) was recorded in
was recorded in control treatment T1. The control treatment T1. The application of
application of increasing dose of sulphur increasing dose of sulphur from 10 to 30
from 10 to 30 kg S per ha on sulphur kg S per ha on sulphur deficient soils
deficient soils increased the available zinc increased the available iron status in soilof
status in soilof chickpea from 1.04 to 1.09 chickpea linearly from 11.47 to 11.90 mg
mg kg-1 with Bentonite sulphur and from kg-1 with Bentonite sulphur and from 11.67
1.03 to 1.08 mg kg-1 with Gypsum, to 12.22 mg kg-1 with Gypsum,
respectively. respectively.
Although the results are no Non-significant increased in iron
significant but there is slight increased availability was observed with sulphur
availability of Zn. According to Yoo application both by Bentonite S and
James (2003) Zn availability is increased Through gypsum but slight increase in
with sulphur application is might be due Bentonite S treatment because it is
conversion of applied sulphur into readily soluble than gypsum. Similar
sulphuric acid by microorganism which finding was also given by Malewar and
help in reduction of soil pH. Similar Ismail (1997), Rahman et al.(2011).

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Table 8. Avail. Zn (g ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Avail. Zn (g ha-1)
Treatments 2017- 2019- Pooled
2018-19
18 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 0.46 1.20 1.15 0.94
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 0.51 1.22 1.28 1.00
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 0.54 1.26 1.31 1.04
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.58 1.24 1.29 1.04
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.60 1.27 1.33 1.07
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 0.64 1.28 1.35 1.09
-1
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha through Gypsum 0.59 1.23 1.27 1.03
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 0.58 1.25 1.31 1.05
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 0.65 1.26 1.32 1.08
SE (m) + 0.05 0.07 0.07 0.016
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.047

Table 9. Avail. Fe (g ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Avail. Fe (g ha-1)
Poole
Treatments 2019-
2017-18 2018-19 d
20
Mean
T1 Absolute control 10.30 11.07 10.95 10.77
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 10.84 11.21 11.48 11.18
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 11.32 11.59 11.81 11.58
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 11.78 11.47 11.76 11.67
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 12.24 11.73 11.92 11.96
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 12.77 11.90 12.01 12.22
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 12.36 11.36 11.68 11.80
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 13.09 11.70 11.80 12.20
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 13.28 11.84 11.91 12.34
SE (m) + 0.073 0.051 0.036 0.27
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.79
Manganese increased the available manganese status
The effect of sulphur application in soilof chickpea linearly from 10.18 to
on available manganese content of soil 10.68 mg kg-1 with Bentonite sulphur and
was found to be non-significant. The from 10.15 to 11.08 mg kg-1 with Gypsum,
highest available manganese (11.08 mg kg- respectively.
1
) was observed in treatment of application Same as in Zn and Fe, manganese
of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum + RDF availability was also non significantly
(T9), whereas, the lowest available improved with a application of sulphur by
manganese (8.22 mg kg-1) was recorded in different source but availability found with
control treatment T1. The application of Bentonite S , might be due to their higher
increasing dose of sulphur from 10 to 30 solublities. Similar results was also given
kg S per ha on sulphur deficient soils by Rahman et al. (2011).

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Table 10. Avail. Mn (g ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Avail. Mn (g ha-1)
Treatments 2017- 2018- 2019- Pooled
18 19 20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 8.51 7.91 8.24 8.22
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 8.90 8.70 8.92 8.84
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 9.46 8.86 9.20 9.17
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 9.87 10.10 10.58 10.18
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 10.16 10.37 10.94 10.49
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 10.43 10.50 11.11 10.68
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 9.98 10.07 10.40 10.15
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 10.62 10.18 10.69 10.49
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 11.19 10.27 11.78 11.08
SE (m) + 0.90 0.62 0.76 0.17
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.50

Copper soilof chickpea linearly from 1.61 to 1.66

The effect of sulphur application mg kg-1 with Bentonite sulphur and from
on available copper content of soil was 1.63 to 1.66 mg kg-1 with Gypsum
found to be non-significant. The highest respectively.
available copper (1.66 mg kg-1) was Likewise Zn, Fe and Mn, same
observed in treatment of application of S trend was observed with Copper also. Non
@ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite sulphur + significant but positive increment of
RDF (T6), whereas, the lowest available copper with application of S as Bentonite
copper (1.39 mg kg-1) was recorded in sulphur than S as gypsum due to high
control treatment T1. The application of solubilities. Similar finding was also
increasing dose of sulphur from 10 to 30 reported by Ghosh et al. (2000) and
kg S per ha on sulphur deficient soils Rahman et al. ( 2011)
increased the available copper status in

Table 11. Avail. Cu (g ha-1) in soil after harvest of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application
Avail. Cu (g ha-1)
Treatments 2019- Pooled
2017-18 2018-19
20 Mean
T1 Absolute control 1.38 1.41 1.39 1.39
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 1.44 1.49 1.57 1.50
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 1.47 1.61 1.66 1.58
T4 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 1.49 1.64 1.70 1.61
T5 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through Bentonite Sulphur 1.52 1.66 1.72 1.64
T6 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur 1.54 1.68 1.76 1.66
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 1.53 1.64 1.71 1.63
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 1.55 1.65 1.74 1.65
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 1.57 1.67 1.75 1.66
SE (m) + 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.020
CD at 5% NS NS NS 0.059

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Nutrient Use Efficiency through bentonite sulphur and gypsum
The apparent recovery efficiency application.
and agronomic efficiency is presented in The highest GMR was noticed with soil
Table 31. It revealed that the apparent application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
recovery efficiency (REs) was found to Bentonite Sulphur + RDF followed by
increase with increasing dose of sulphur. soil application of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
However, it was found low in application Gypsum + RDF. The highest B:C ratio of
of S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite 3.13 was found with soil application of S
sulphur + RDF (T6) compared to @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite Sulphur +
application of S @ 20 kg ha-1 through RDF followed by rati of 3.11 in
Bentonite sulphur + RDF (T6). Whereas, treatment soil application of S @ 30 kg
apparent recovery efficiency increased ha-1 through Gypsum + RDF.
with increasing dose of sulphur application
through Gypsum. The application of CONCLUSIONS
increasing dose of sulphur from 10 to 30
The significantly highest available
kg S per ha on sulphur deficient soils
N, P, K, S and Micronutrients was
increased the apparent recovery efficiency
registered with application of treatment S
linearly from 26.20 to 29.95 % with
@ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite sulphur
Bentonite sulphur and from 17.40 to 21.90
along with RDF. Similary Maximum
% with Gypsum, respectively. Agronomic
yield, NUE, GMR t B:C ratio was found
efficiency (AEs) was found to decrease
with soil application of S @ 30 kg ha-1
with increasing dose of sulphur application
through Bentonite Sulphur + RDF .

Table 12. Apparent recovery and agronomic efficiency of sulphur as influenced by sulphur application

Apparent Agronomic
Yield S uptake recovery efficiency
Treatments
(q ha-1) (kg ha-1) efficiency (REs) (AEs)
(%) (kg ha-1)
T1 Absolute control 14.88 8.35 - -
T2 S free RDF (NPK through Urea, DAP, MOP) 19.05 11.60 - -
T3 RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP, MOP) 21.26 14.72 9.45 6.70
T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Bentonite
T4 21.39 14.22 26.20 23.40
Sulphur
T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Bentonite
T5 23.40 17.59 29.95 21.75
Sulphur
T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Bentonite
T6 24.18 20.02 28.07 17.10
Sulphur
T7 T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 20.76 13.34 17.40 17.10
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 21.91 15.93 21.65 14.30
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through Gypsum 23.48 18.17 21.90 14.77

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Table 13. Gross monetary returns (Rs. ha-1) and B:C ratio of chickpea as influenced by sulphur application

Straw Cost of
Seed yield B:C
Treatments yield GMR NMR cultivati
(q ha-1) ratio
(q ha-1) on
T1 Absolute control 14.88 18.25 74235 38924 35311 2.10
S free RDF (NPK through Urea,
T2 19.05 23.63 95393 57776 37617 2.54
DAP, MOP)
RDF (NPK through Urea, SSP,
T3 21.26 26.20 106473 66600 39873 2.67
MOP)
T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through
T4 21.39 26.56 107086 69186 37900 2.83
Bentonite Sulphur
T2 + S @ 20 kg ha -1 through
T5 23.40 28.77 116960 78660 38300 3.05
Bentonite Sulphur
T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
T6 24.18 30.16 121066 82366 38700 3.13
Bentonite Sulphur
T2 + S @ 10 kg ha-1 through
T7 20.76 25.79 104018 66428 37590 2.77
Gypsum
T8 T2 + S @ 20 kg ha-1 through
21.91 27.16 109813 72133 37680 2.91
Gypsum
T9 T2 + S @ 30 kg ha-1 through
23.48 28.76 117471 79701 37770 3.11
Gypsum
SE (m) + 0.72 0.94 3629 3629
CD at 5% 2.15 2.82 10879 10879
*Cost of Gram as per MSP : 2017-18 – Rs. 4400/qtl, 2018-19 – Rs. 4620/qtl, 2019-20 – Rs. 4875/ qtl, *Cost of
straw Rs. 300/qtl

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
REFERENCE zinc, iron, manganese and copper.
Soil. Sci. Soc. Am. J., 42: 421-428.
Basumatary, A., J.J. Shange, D.
Patel, H.K., P.M. Patel, J.V. Suthar and
Bhattacharya, K.N. Das and G.G.
M.R. Patel, 2014. Yield, quality and
Kandali, 2017. Sulphur fertilization
post harvest nutrient status of
for increased yield of black gram and
chickpea as influenced by
soil fertility in an Inceptisols of
application of sulphur and
Assam. Annals of Plant and Soil
phosphorus fertilizer management.
Res., 19 (4): 350-354.
Inter. J. of Scientific and Res. Publi.,
Bera, M and G.K. Ghosh, 2015. Efficacy
4 (7): 2250-3153
of sulphur sources on green gram
Piper, C.S., 1966. Soil and Plant Analysis.
(Vigna radiata l.) in red and lateritic
Asian Reprint, Hans Publication
soil of west Bengal. Intel. J. of
Bombay, India.
Plant,Animal and Environ.
Scherer, H.W., S. Pacyna, K. Spoth and M.
Sci., 5 (2): 2231-4490.
Schulz, 2008. Low levels of
Bhatnagar, A., 2017. Mathematical
ferredoxin, ATP and
Agriculture: Concepts and
leghemoglobin contribute to limited
Numericals. Kalyani Publishers,
N2 fixation of peas (Pisum
Ludhiana, pp: 61-62.
sativum L.) and alfalfa (Medicago
Chesnin, L. and C.H. Yien., 1951.
sativa L.) under sulphur deficiency
Turbidimetric determination of
conditions. Biol.Fert. Soils,44: 909-
available sulphur. Soil Sci. Soc. Am.
916.
Proc., 15: 149-151.
Singh, O., S. Kumar, A. Dwivedi, B.P.
Deshbhratar, P.B., P.K. Singh, A.P.
Dhyani and R.K. Naresh, 2016.
Jambhulkar and D.S. Ramteke, 2010.
Effect of sulphur and iron
Effect of sulphur and phosphorus on
fertilization on performance and
yield, quality and nutrient status of
production potential of urdbean
pigeonpea (Cajanascajan). J. of
[Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] and
Environ. Biol., 31 (6): 933-937.
nutrients removal under Inceptisols.
Islam M., M. Akmal and M.A. Khan,
Legume Res., 39 (6): 946-954.
2013. Effect of phosphorus and
Sipai, A.H., J.S. Jat, B.S. Rathore, K.
sulphur application on soil nutrient
Sevak and J.S. Jodha, 2015. Effect of
balance under chickpea (Cicer
phosphorus, sulphur and biofertilizer
arietinum) monocropping. Rom
on productivity and soil fertility after
Agric. Res., 30: 223-232.
harvest of moongbean grown on
Jackson, M.L., 1973. Soil Chemical
light textured soil of Kachchh. Asian
Analysis, Prentice Hall of India Pvt.,
J. of Soil Sci.,10 (2): 228-236.
Ltd., New Delhi.
Subbiah, B.V. and G.L. Asija, 1956. A
Lindsay, W.L., and W.A. Norvell, 1978.
rapid procedure for the estimation of
Development of a DTPA soil test for
available nitrogen in soils. Current
Sci., 25: 259-260.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Economics of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) cultivation under

natural and organic farming systems in zone 8 of Karnataka: A partial
budgeting technique
ANAND B. MASTIHOLI*, MALLU B. DESHETTI, MAHESWARAPPA, H. P.,
ALLOLLI, T.B., SHANTAPPA, T., SUHASINI CHIKKALAKI, SOWMY, B.,
VENKATESH DASAR, SHRIPAD VISHWESHWAR AND SUVARNA PATIL

Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (under University of Horticultural

Sciences, Bagalkot), Dharwad-580 005, Karnataka, India
*E-mail: anandbmasti@gmail.com

Dolichos bean [(Lablab purpureus under organic and natural farming versus
L.) Sweet] is a multi-utility and multi- conventional farming system.
beneficial leguminous crop. It is grown for
vegetable, pulse, fodder, green manure, MATERIAL AND METHODS
cover crop, medicine and ornamental
The partial budgeting frame work
purpose (Raghu et. al, 2018). In India, it is
was used to find out the debits and credits
popularly grown in south, east and north
of the adoption of ecological production
east parts of the country. It is the major
practices such as natural and organic
source of protein diet. With cultivated area
farming systems over conventional (based
of 0.085 million hectares and production
on the field trials conducted from 2019 to
of 0.030 million tones, Karnataka only
2022) in order to find impact/ externality
contributes about 90% of both area and
on per hectare basis.
production of Dolichos in India (Laxmi et
al., 2015). Dolichos bean produces more RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
biomass per unit area and time, and thus
act as a very good natural mulch and thus The partial budgeting (Table1) is
reducing soil erosion due to runoff water. used to highlight each of the different
Moreover, it adds biomass to soil and components especially highlighting the
improves soil health by enriching soil reduced returns or savings due to the
carbon content. Further, it fixes natural and organic farming technology.
atmospheric nitrogen symbiotically with Cultivation of dolichos bean in natural
beneficial microorganism and improves farming does not require chemical
the soil fertility. It can also withstand fertilizers, pesticides/fungicides and also
drought better than other legumes like application of FYM. Due to use of
bean and cowpea. Thus, it is an important jeevamruth and ghanajeevamrut,
crop when considering food, nutritional application of mulch reduced the cost of
and economic security to poor and weeding and also intern reduced the cost
marginal farmers, ecosystem stability and of cultivation. As conventional dolichos
climate change. But, the farmer knowingly uses 100 per cent of crop water
or unknowingly use excessive inorganic requirement, the dolichos bean grown
fertilizers which leads to reduction in crop under natural farming needs only 50 per
yield, creates poor physical properties of cent of crop water requirement. Here, 40
the soil and nutrient retention per cent of water supplied was saved and
characteristics hence, adversely affecting also saved 2400 m3/crop season* and 7
crop growth and yield. Keeping the above man days for irrigation i.e. Rs. 37750 per
facts in view, the experiment was hectare. The results of the partial
conducted with the objective to compare budgeting is applicable for wider area
the economics of dolichos bean cultivation under natural farming of dolichos bean,

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
linear extrapolation of the benefits of Rs. Laxmi, K., Vaijayanthi, P.V., Keerthi,
36,698 per hectare is not tenable due to the C.M., Shivakumar, M.S., Ramesh, S.
operation of the law of diminishing and Mohan Rao, A. 2015. Genotype-
marginal returns at an early stage in dependent photoperiod-induced
agriculture. These implicitly capture the sensitivity to flowering time in
operation of the LDMR since the field Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.)
conditions are not akin to the lab sweet var. lignosus. Bangladesh
conditions and the farmer is different from Journal of Botany 45 (3): 471-476
the researcher. Accordingly the economic Raghu, B.R., Samuel, D.K., Mohan, N.
impact of cultivation of dolichos bean and Aghora, T.S. 2018. Dolichos
under natural farming, according to NRE, bean : An underutilized and
is weighted by the probability of unexplored crop with immense
performance, rate of adoption and potential. Int. J. Recent adv.
depreciation of dolichos bean in natural Multidisciplinary Research 05 (12):
farming works out to 36,698*0.5*0.6*0.8 4338-4341.
= Rs.8808/ha. Similarly, the economic Ranjit Kumar, Sanjiv Kumar, B.S.,
impact according to environmental Yashavanth, P.C., Meena,, A.K.,
economics costing works out to Rs.11130 Indoria, Sumanta Kundu, M. and
x0.5*1 x 0.6**2 x 0.8***3 = Rs. 2,671 per Manjunath. 2020. Adoption of
hectare as it includes the value of Natural Farming and its Effect on
environmental benefit from the Crop Yield and Farmers' Livelihood
improvement of soil organic carbon over in India. ICAR-National Academy of
the years. Agricultural Research Management,
Hyderabad, India.
CONCLUSTION Chandrakanth, M.G., Priyanka, C.N.,
Mamatha, P. and Kiran Kumar Patil.
This study used partial budgeting
2013. Economic benefits from micro
framework with a synergistic involvement
irrigation for dry land crops in
of economists and scientists for proper
Karnataka, Indian Journal of
quantification of research innovations. It
Agricultural Economics, 68 (3),
uses a simple, transparent and easy to
July-Sep 2013, pp. 326-338.
understand template and infers that
dolichos bean cultivation under natural
farming is economically worthwhile as the
economic impact of the technology is Rs.
36,698 per hectare. The environmental
economic impact of dolichos bean
cultivation by considering improvement in
soil carbon is Rs. 47,848 per hectare.
REFERENCES

1
*refers to probability of performance of dolichos
bean cultivation under natural farming system in
farmers' fields since there are no controlled
conditions as in the research station as estimated
by scientists
2
** refers to what percentage of technology is
adopted by farmers in the field as estimated by
scientists
3
*** refers to depreciation of technology over
time as estimated by scientists

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1. Economic impact of dolichos bean cultivation under natural farming system

A. Items of added expenditure due Cost C. Reduced cost (or Savings) due Cost
to cultivation of Dolichos Bean (Rs./ha) to cultivation of dolichos bean (Rs./ha
under Natural Farming System under Natural Farming System )
(NFS) (NFS)
1. Additional cost of application 600 Savings cost of chemical 4118
of PPC fertilizers (urea+DAP+MOP)
2. Total additional cost due to 600 Savings cost of plant protection 6343
cultivation of dolichos bean chemicals
under Natural farming system
3. Opportunity cost of capital : 30 Saving irrigation water 2400 m3/yr 36000
Interest on total additional or (40%)
expenditure @ 5 % per year
for 6 months
4. Management cost @ 5% of 30 Savings of 7 man days for 1750
additional expenditure irrigation
5. Risk premium @ 5% of 30 B. Added returns due to 0
additional expenditure cultivation of dolichos bean under
NFS
B. Reduced returns due to 690
cultivation of dolichos bean under
NFS
Reduced yield of 17.34q * Rs. 52020
3000over conventional dolichos
bean
Total debit side (A + B) 52710 Total credit side (C +D) 48211
Economic impact of dolichos bean cultivation under Natural farming system over
conventional (Rs. 52710 minus Rs. 48,211 = ) Rs. 4,499/ha

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Comparative study of natural and organic farming practices versus

conventional farming practice on yield and economics of cluster bean
(Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub )
ANAND B. MASTIHOLI*, SHRUTI GONDI, MAHESWARAPPA H. P., ALLOLLI
T.B., MALLU DESHETTI, UMA V., SHANTAPPA T., SOWMY B., AND
ARUNKUMAR BAVIDODDI
Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (under University of Horticultural
Sciences, Bagalkot), Dharwad-580 005, Karnataka, India
*E-mail: anandbmasti@gmail.com
Cluster bean [Cyamopsis Ghanajeevamrutha @ 1000 Kg/ha +liquid
tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. is a bushy annual jeevamrtha @ 500 l/ha applied every
herb having deep rooted system and fortnightly interval + mulching with
drought resilient leguminous crop grown available crop residues) and T4 (Organic
usually on sandy soils of arid and semiarid Farming: FYM @ 15 t/ha+Biofertilizers).
regions. It is a rich source of protein, Seeds used for natural farming were
dietary fiber and also contains minerals treated with beejamrutha and organic
namely phosphorous, calcium, iron, farming seeds were treated with Rhizobium
potassium with zero cholesterol and fats. (33 g/Kg of seeds). The ghanajeevamrutha
In recent days use of inorganic fertilizers and FYM were applied before sowing. For
without sufficient organic manure has been control of pest and diseases, herbal
associated with reduced crop yield, soil decoctions such as neemastra, brahmastra
acidity and nutrient imbalance creating and agniastra in T3 and neem oil,
poor physical properties of the soil and azadirectin and biopesticides in T4 were
nutrient retention characteristics adversely used. In T1 and T2 treatments
affecting the crop growth and yield recommended chemicals were used to
(Selvarani, 2021). Keeping the above facts control the pests and diseases.
in view, the experiment was conducted
with the objective to compare the natural RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
farming and organic farming production Pooled analysis of the four year
systems with conventional farming on data showed that, significantly higher pod
yield and economics of cluster bean. yield (47.03 q/ha) was recorded in organic
METHODOLOGY farming (OF) followed by package of
Field experiment was conducted in practice (PoP) (42.8 q/ha) and natural
Block-I of the Regional Horticultural farming (NF) treatments (39.18 q/ha).
Research and Extension Center, Organic farming treatment recorded 9.89
Kumbapur, Dharwad, Karnataka which is per cent higher yield than PoP whereas,
situated at 150 29’ Northern latitude, 74° there was reduction in yield (9.25 %) in
57’ Eastern longitude and at an altitude of natural farming treatment compared to
678 m above the mean sea level. PoP. Higher number of pods per plant
Experiment was conducted during Kharif (100.04) and higher fresh weight of pod
season of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The (3.77 g) contributed for higher yield in
variety Pusa Navbahar was used in the organic farming. However, pod length and
study. Treatments were imposed as T1 diameter did not differ significantly (Table
(Package of Practice: FYM @ 10 t/ha+ 1). Study by earlier workers (Selvarani et
25:75:60 kg NPK /ha), T2 (Farmers al., 2016) also showed that significantly
Practice: FYM @ 10 t/ha+12.5:37.5:30 Kg higher number of branches was noticed
NPK/ha), T3 (Natural Farming: with higher leaf area and higher yield in

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cluster bean when seeds were soaked in 5 during the study period from 2019 to 2022.
per cent cow urine. Since jeevamrutha Thus, from the above result clears that,
contains the cow urine which might have less nutrient exhaustive and hardy crops
influenced the growth and yield in cluster like cluster bean could be grown both
bean. Among the four farming systems, under organic and natural farming system.
significantly lower cost of cultivation (Rs.
97889 / ha) was recorded in NF compare REFERENCES
to other treatments. In natural farming
Selvarani, K., Anushavardhini, S., Jose, J.
system inputs like FYM, inorganic
J. and Mariselvi, V. 2021. Effect of
fertilizers and chemicals were not used.
organic foliar sprays on yield of
But the higher benefit cost ratio was
cluster bean (Cyamopsis
recorded in OF (1.89) treatment followed
tetragonoloba L. Taub) cv.
by NF (1.80) (Table 2). The findings are in
PusaNavbahar. Scient. Res. &
agreement with Ashoka et al. (2021). Essays. 16 (2):8-14.
CONCLUSION Ashoka, N. Raju, R.., Ravi, Y.,
Harshavardhan, M.,
Among the different farming ShivanandHongal, Pushpa, P.
systems, organic farming was found better 2021. Economic Analysis of
in terms of yield followed by package of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis
practice, natural farming and farmers tetragonoloba (L.) Taub]
practice. However, in terms of economics, Entrepreneurs in Karnataka,
both organic and natural farming systems Legume res.,44 (12): 1465-1469.
were found superior than compare to the
other farming systems in the study area

Table1. Yield attributes in cluster bean as influenced by different farming practices (Pooled
of four years)

Pod Pod
No of pods Fresh pod Yield
Treatments length diameter
per plant weight (g) (q /ha)
(cm) (mm)
T1 : Package of practice 88.24b 10.43 6.87 3.64a 42.8b
T2 : Farmers’ practice 85.22b 9.98 7.00 3.05c 38.33c
T3 : Natural farming 92.31b 9.55 8.00 3.36b 39.18bc
T4 : Organic farming 100.04a 10.59 7.99 3.77a 47.03a
S.Em.± 2.47 0.27 0.36 0.06 0.13
CD(p=0.05) 7.61 NS NS 0.19 0.39

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Table 2. Economic analysis of cluster bean as influenced by different farming systems
(Pooled of four years)

Percent difference
Package
SI. Farmers Natural Organic
Particulars of (NF (OF
No Practice farming farming (FP over
practice over over
POP )
POP) POP)
1 Yield (q/ha) 42.8 38.33 39.18 47.03 -11.66 -9.25 8.98
Cost of
2 Cultivation 113071 113073 97889 116235 0.002 -15.51 2.72
(Rs./ha)

Gross return
3 173898 150165 175753 220255 -15.80 1.06 21.05
(Rs./ha)

Net return
4 (Rs./ha) 60827 37092 77864 104020 -63.99 21.88 41.52

Cost of
production
5 2642 2950 2499 2472 10.45 -5.73 -6.88
(Rs/q.)

6 B:C ratio 1.54 1.33 1.80 1.89 - - -

Note: FP= Farmers practice, NFS= Natural farming system, OF= Organic farming

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Microbial diversification and enzymatic activity of groundnut (Arachis

hypogae L.) rhizosphere under natural and organic farming practices
1
CHANDRASHEKHAR C P, 2GEETA GOUDAR*, 1 NARGIS FATHIMA, 1
MANJUANTH S B1, PATIL B O1 AND GIRISH, V. P1.
Natural farming Operational Research Project, Zone -8 (Agriculture)
1
Department of Agronomy 2 Department of Agricultural Microbiology
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad- 580005
* Corresponding author email: goudargd13192@uasd.in
ABSTRACT Farming and phosphorus solubilizing
microorganisms.
An attempt was made to study Natural Farming is a chemical-free
the diversification of soil micro flora and or traditional farming method and
dehydrogenase enzymatic activity under considered as agro ecology based
different farming practices viz., natural diversified farming system which
farming (NF), organic farming (OF), integrates crops, trees and livestock with
conventional farming (CnF) and chemical functional biodiversity. Natural farming is
farming (CF) in groundnut crop resource efficient farming system as it
rhizosphere during summer 2022 (4th year minimizes the use of financial resource by
on permanent plot). At both flowering and using natural resources while increasing
harvest stages, bacterial (70.25 ×105 and crop yield. By restoring the quality of soil
14.00 ×105 CFU/ g of soil) and and water-related ecosystems, it decouples
Actinomycetes (19.50 × 103 CFU/g of soil) agricultural productivity and growth from
population were significantly higher in NF ecosystem degradation and biodiversity
than CnF and OF. Higher fungal loss (Tripathi et al., 2018). Four aspects
population (6.00 ×104 CFU/g of soil) was that are integral to natural farming are (1)
observed in CnF followed by other Beejamrutha, or microbial coating of
farming practices during flowering stage. seeds; (2) jeevamrutha, or the application
Beneficial micro flora such as Nitrogen of a concoction made with cow dung, cow
fixers (N2 fixers-32.25× 105 CFU/g of urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water and soil
soil), phosphorus solubilizing to multiply soil microbes; (3) mulching or
4
microorganisms 36.75 × 10 CFU/g of soil applying a layer of organic material to the
g of soil) and Dehydrogenase enzyme soil surface in order to prevent water
activity (107.84 µg TPF formed g-1 soil evaporation, creating favorable climate for
day-1) were significantly higher in NF than microbial activity and to contribute to soil
other practices. General, beneficial micro humus formation; (4) waaphasa, or soil
flora and dehydrogenase enzyme activity aeration through a favorable microclimate
was found to be lowest in chemical in the soil. These provide nutrients and
farming. Natural and Organic farming trigger microbial activity and increases
practices showed higher biological earthworm activity in the soil. The role
activities and diversification than chemical that microbial activity plays in ecosystem
farming. Hence, this eco-friendly, cost processes is significant because
effective chemical free farming is approximately 80 to 90% of soil processes
recommended to adopt in our farmers are mediated by microorganisms. Soil
field. microbiotas are the driving force behind
Keywords: Chemical Farming, regulating soil processes such as organic
Dehydrogenase enzyme, Groundnut, matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Natural Farming, N2fixers,Organic Soil enzymatic activities can be used as an

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index of soil fertility and microbial The field experiment was carried
functional diversity in catalyzing several out at Natural farming project plots at
biochemical reactions which are necessary Main Agricultural Research Station,
for the life processes of soil micro- University of Agricultural Sciences,
organisms, organic wastes decomposition, Dharwad. Soil samples were drawn from
organic matter formation and nutrients the groundnut crop rhizosphere at
cycling. flowering and harvest stage of the crop of
Groundnut (Vigna radiata L.) also 4th year permanent plot cycle and were
called as peanut, is one of the important analyzed for microbial population using
legume crops grown mainly for edible oil serial dilution agar plating method and
and widely grown in tropics and dehydrogenase enzymatic activity (Casida
subtropics, being important to both small etal., 1964).
and large commercial producers. In 2020, The experiment consists of four
world production of groundnut was 54 treatments with five replications viz., 1.
million tonnes, an 8% increase over 2019 Natural farming (NF) 2. Organic farming
production. China had 34% of global (OF) 3. Conventional farming (CnF) 4.
production, followed by India (19%) Chemical farming (CF) and the results are
making India as second largest producer of analyzed using the Quadratic sample
groundnut. technique in RCBD design. The inputs
used in different treatments are as follows

MATERIAL AND METHODS

.
Conventional
Particulars Organic farming Natural Farming
farming
Seed Rhizobium @ 500 Rhizobium @ 500 g/ha + PSB Beejamrutha @ 25 l /100 kg
treatment g/ha + PSB @ @ 1250 g/ha and Trichoderma seed
1250 g/ha and @ 5 g/kg seed
Trichoderma @ 5
g/kg seed
Nutrients 25:50:0 kg N: Nutrient were supplied -Ganajeevamrutha @ 1000
management P2O5: K2O/ha equivalent to recommended kg/ha in two equal splits @ 500
applied as a basal dose of Phosphorus (50 kg kg/ha at sowing and 30 DAS.
dose P2O5/ha) through FYM and -Jeevamrutha was sprinkled on
Vermicompost @ 50 % each crop and soil @ 500 l/ha at 30,
(FYM @ 9.36 t/ha and 50, and 70, 90 DAS and foliar
Vermicompost @ 2.18 t/ha) spraying was done at 21 days
interval
Plant As per the Organic formulations like Neem Prescribed natural farming
protection conventional / oil, Beauveria, Nemoria and formulations like Neemastra
measures chemical Pseudomonas fluorescens and (500 l/ha), Brahmhastra (3%),
pesticides and other organic recommended Agni asthra (3%), Shunti astra
fungicides formulations. and Dhashaparni were used.
recommended by
UAS, Dharwad
 In chemical farming practices all bio fertilizers and organic manures were
excluded from CNF treatment

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

At flowering stage, among the harvest stage (Table 2). At flowering stage,
different practices, the bacterial population phosphorous solubilizing microbial
was significantly higher in natural farming population was significantly higher in
practice (70.25 × 105 CFU/g of soil) natural farming practices (36.75 × 104
followed by conventional farming practice CFU/g of soil) followed by conventional
(66.25 × 105 CFU/g of soil) and lowest farming (26.50 × 105 CFU/ g of soil) and
population was observed in chemical lowest in chemical farming. Same trend
farming (40.00 × 105 CFU/ g of soil). was observed at harvest stage. At
Same trend was followed at harvest stage flowering stage, significantly higher
(Table 1). The fungal population was dehydrogenase enzyme activity was
found significantly higher in conventional observed in natural farming (107.84 µg
farming practice (6.00 × 10 4 CFU/ g of TPF formed g-1 soil day-1), which was on
soil), which was on par with organic par with organic farming. Lowest was
farming and lowest was observed in observed in chemical farming (82.45 µg
chemical farming (1.25 × 10 4 CFU/ g of TPF formed g-1 soil day-1). Whereas, at
soil) during flowering. The actinomycetes harvest stage, significantly higher
population was significantly higher in dehydrogenase enzyme activity was found
natural farming (19.50 × 103 CFU/g of in organic farming (99.20 µg TPF formed
soil) which was on par with organic g-1 soil day-1) followed by natural and
farming and lowest was recorded in conventional farming practices. Addition
chemical farming (11.50 × 103 CFU/g of of organic substances to the soil served as
soil) at flowering stage. However, at a carbon source that enhanced microbial
harvest stage higher actinomycetes biomass and enzymatic activity in organic
population was observed in organic farming practice (Bohem et al., 2005).
farming (8.50 × 103 CFU/g of soil)
followed by conventional farming practice CONCLUSION
and lowest in chemical farming practice.
When compared to all the farming
Higher microbial population in
practices, natural and organic farming
natural and organic farming practices was
practices found superior with respect to
due to the addition of natural inputs to the
biological properties such as general,
soil through jeevamruta,
beneficial microflora and dehydrogenase
ghanajeevamrutha, organic formulations
enzyme activity. Hence, natural and
which consists of animal guts microflora.
organic farming practices can be adopted
The addition of organic manures greatly
in farmer’s field.
influences the microbial population which
expected to cause changes in the organic REFERENCES
matter content of soil that directly
influenced microbial dynamics of soil Bohem L, Langer U and Bohem F, 2005,
(De Forest et al., 2012). Microbial biomass, enzyme
At flowering stage, nitrogen fixers activities and microbial
were observed significantly higher in community structure in two
natural farming (32.25 × 105 CFU/ g of European long-term field
soil) which was on par with organic experiments. Agriculture,
farming (31.50 × 105 CFU/ g of soil). Ecosystems and Environment,
Lowest population was observed in 109: 141–152.
conventional (19.50 × 105 CFU/ g of soil) Casida L E, KlienD A and Santoro T,
and chemical farming (18.50 × 105 CFU/ g 1964, Soil dehydrogenase activity.
of soil). Similar trend was followed at SoilSci., 98:371-376.
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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
De Forest J L, Smemo K A, Burke D J, Tripathi S, Shruti Nagbhushan and
Elliott H L and Becker J C, 2012, Tauseef Shahidi, 2018, Zero
Soil microbial responses to Budget Natural Farming for the
elevated phosphorus and pHin Sustainable Development Goals,
acidic temperate deciduous Andhra Pradesh, India.
forests. Biogeochemistry, 109:
189-202.

Table 1. General microflora of Groundnut crop rhizosphere as influenced by different farming

practices at different growth stages
Bacteria Fungi Actinomycetes
Treatments (105 CFU/g of soil ) (104 CFU/g of soil ) (103 CFU/g of soil )
Flowering Harvest Flowering Harvest Flowering Harvest
Natural farming 70.25 14.00 2.50 1.00 19.50 6.75
Organic farming 60.25 11.00 4.25 1.50 17.75 8.50
Conventional farming 66.25 11.00 6.00 1.25 14.75 7.25
Chemical farming 40.00 6.50 1.25 0.50 11.50 4.75
S. Em. + 3.20 1.00 0.78 0.38 1.51 0.67
CD (p=0.05) 10.22 3.19 2.50 NS 4.84 2.14
* CFU (Colony forming unit)
Table 2. Functional microflora and dehydrogenase enzyme activity of Groundnut crop rhizosphere
as influenced by different farming practices at different growth stages

N2- Fixer Phosphorus Dehydrogenase activity

(105 CFU/g of Soil ) solubilizing (µg TPF formed g-1 soil day
Treatments microorganisms
(104 CFU/g of soil )
Flowering Harvest Flowering Harvest Flowering Harvest
Natural farming 32.25 14.50 36.75 23.75 107.84 78.44
Organic farming 31.50 11.75 23.75 18.75 102.34 99.20
Conventional
19.50 8.00 26.50 19.25 98.62 74.24
farming
Chemical farming 18.50 6.50 19.75 6.25 82.45 70.08
S. Em. + 1.29 0.95 1.85 1.67 3.52 3.09
CD (p=0.05) 4.12 3.04 5.91 5.35 11.28 9.89
* CFU (Colony forming unit)

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Assessment of suitable fixed timed AI protocols for therapeutic

management of post-partum anestrus cow in the foothill of Eastern
Himalaya
UTPAL BORO, DIBYAJYOTI TALUKDAR*, K. LALRINTLUANGA, FAZAL ALI
AHMED AND GIRIN KALITA
College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
Central Agricultural University
Selesih, Aizawl-796015, Mizoram, India
*Corresponding author Email: dibya26@gmail.com
Mizoram is a mountainous region synch and Co-synch, respectively. Ten
with a population of about 900000 and it millilitres of blood sample were collected
lies within the tropics between latitude at day 0 (before starting the protocol) and
21.190 C to 24.350 C north and longitude day 1(before AI) to study the serum levels
92.150 C to 93.290 C east. Aizawl is the of glucose, total cholesterol, calcium (Ca),
capital of the state Mizoram, located north phosphorus (P) and blood hormonal
of the Tropic of Cancer in the northern part profile. All the cows of the three groups
of Mizoram. As a hilly state with almost were observed for the absence of external
80% forest coverage, Mizoram has only a signs of estrus after AI and pregnancy
small number of cattle populations mostly were confirmed by rectal examination on
reared for meat and milk production. For day 60 of post-AI. The data collected from
marginal Mizo farmers, dairy and piggery the study were subjected to statistical
contribute as major earning sources. analysis using a suitable formula for
Anestrus during the postpartum period of meaningful and accurate comparison and
dairy cattle was recognized as a major interpretation as per Snedecor and Cochran
problem which directly affect the farmers (1994).
economy. Postpartum anestrus is the
period where the animals are acyclic and RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
do not exhibit behavioural signs of estrus
There were significant differences
after parturition (Geary et al., 1998). Fixed
in glucose, calcium, phosphorus, estrogen
Timed Artificial Insemination (FTAI) is
and progesterone values between day 0
now a day’s very popular, and it becomes
and day 1 (P<0.01) within each group.
cost-effective reproductive technology.
Similar findings were reported by Geary et
The present study was planned to assess
al., 1998. The conception rates of G6G,
the suitable fixed timed AI protocols for
co-synch and select-synch protocol were
therapeutic management of post-partum
33.33, 56.66 and 96.66 per cent,
anestrus cows. respectively. Ergene (2013) reported the
METHODOLOGY conception rate in the G6G protocol was
similar to the present study, while Biradar
A total of ninety cows in and et al. (2014) reported as high as 50.00 per
around the Aizawl district of Mizoram cent. Singh et al. (2019) reported the
were examined per rectum to study the conception rate in co-synch protocols was
ovarian and genital status after two months similar to that of the present study. Caraba
of calving. They were divided into three et al. (2018) reported conception rate in
groups i.e. A, B, C comprising 10 animals select-synch protocols was lower than that
in each group and were treated by three of the present study.
fixed timed AI protocol i.e. G6G, Select-

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
CONCLUSION Synch Protocols. Scientific Papers:
Animal Science &
The serum mineral and hormonal Biotechnologies/LucrariStiintifice:
profiles in post-partum anestrus cow ZootehniesiBiotehnologii. 51: 1-
varied significantly between normal and 10.
postpartum anoestrus cows which showed Ergene O. 2013. Improving repeat breeder
lower than the normal range. An cows fertility by estrus
improvement has been noticed in terms of synchronization: comparison of
serum mineral and hormonal profiles along PRID+ PGF2α+ GnRH and GnRH
with conception in post-partum anestrus + PGF2α + GnRH protocols.
cow while we used fixed timed A.I. Scientific Papers Series D Anim.
protocols. Finally, concerning estrus Sci.56: 172-174.
response, fertility rate, costs and the Geary TW, Whittier JC, Thrift FA,
simplicity of methods it can be concluded Dolezal SL. 1998. Effects of a
that the Select-synch protocol may be a timed insemination following
more efficient method for fixed-time synchronization of ovulation using
artificial insemination program the Ovsynch or CO-Synch protocol
in beef cows. The Professional
REFERENCES
Animal Scientist. 14(4): 217-220.
Biradar S, Tandle MK, Suranagi MD, Singh M, Sharma A, Kapse S, Kashyap A,
Usturge SM, PatilNA,Babu YH. Kumar P. 2019. Efficacy of
2014. Study on efficacy of cosynch different estrus synchronization
and ovsynch protocols on fertility protocols in repeat breeder
in repeat breeder buffaloes. Buffalo cows. Indian J.Anim. Sci. 89(9):
Bulletin. 35(4):737-743. 958-960.
Snedecor GW, Cochran WG. 1994. In:
Caraba I, Pacala N, Nicula M, Droca D, Statistical Methods. 8th edn.Oxford
Erina S. 2018. Stimulating and IBH.Pub.Cp. New Delhi.
Reproductive Functions at Acyclic
Cows by Ovsynch and Select

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of vermicompost and panchgavya levels on yield attributes of local maize

landrace (Project Mimpui) in Serchhip district of Mizoram, NE-India
RAHUL SADHUKHAN*, L. DEVARISHI SHARMA, SHRI DHAR, LALHMINGSANGA
AND C. G. SAWANT
Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, Mizoram-
796186, India
*Corresponding author: rahulsadhukhan92@gmail.com
Mizoram is located in the Lushai in Mizoram for higher yield and profit for
foothill in between Myanmar south-east and farmers.
Bangladesh west which consisted of five
rivers namely Tlanwang, Tuirial, Serluii, Tlua METHODOLOGY
and Kalodyne. These five rives made the
The experiment was laid outin the
environment suitable for maize (Mizo-
experimental farm of College of Horticulture,
Vaimim) cultivation. The optimum
Thenzawl, Mizoram during the kharif season
temperature for maize germination is 21-32℃
of 2021-22. Field experiment was conducted
which is prevailing in Thenzawl, Mizoram.
in split plot design with three replications.
The water requirement of maize cultivation is
There were three (3) main plots with four (4)
500-800 mm which is prevailed in Mizoram
sub-plots. The details of the treatment were
for irrigation. As maize crop requires high N
F1= 60% Recommended Dose of
for its vegetative and reproductive growth, so,
Vermicompost; F2= 80% Recommended
application of enriched vermicompost may
Dose of Vermicompost and F3= 100%
able to fullfill the nutrient demand of maize in
Recommended Dose of Vermicompost. The
Mizoram organically. In Jhum cultivation,
Recommended Dose of Vermicompost was 5
maize crop is the one of the most important
t/ha for maize was taken into account. The
component crops among the cereals in North
sub-plots treatment were P0 = No
East India especially in Mizoram. Maize crop
Panchagavya spray (water spray); P1= 50%
ranked second after rice in Mizoram. The
(1:1 panchagavya : water) Panchagavya
cropping intensity of maize in Mizram is
spray; P2= 75% Panchagavya spray (3:1 PG:
106% (Rattan Kumar Singh et al., 2019). The
water) and P3= 100% Panchagavya spray (No
production and productivity of Maize in
water) considering 400 lt./ha of recommended
Mizoram are 23 thousand tonnes and 1.94
dose of Panchagavya spray. The experimental
tonnes/ha in an area of 11.7 thousand hectares
site has subtropical humid type of climate
(Sadhukhan et al., 2022). As, the soil of
with an average rainfall of ~3500 mm. The
Mizoram is acidic in nature but the pH for
soil was high (1.1 %) in organic carbon (Wet
maize cultivation is 6-7.5, so, application of
digestion method) with strongly acidic soil
vermicompost (@ 5 t/ha) abled to reclaim the
reaction (pH 5.8). The bulk density of the
soil against soil acidity. Maize crop is very
experimental site was 1.22 g/cc. The available
easy to adopt under natural farming using
Nitrogen content (Alkaline permanganate
panchagavya. According to Kumari et al.
Oxidizable method), available Phosphorus
2015, having the wider usage of maize in
(Bray and Kurtz), and available potassium (1
Mizoram like for staple ffod, feeds of poultry
M ammonium acetate exchangeable K) were
and pigs and for beverages, it is essential to
low (125 kg/ha), low (11.6 kg/ha) and
recommend a nutrient schedule for well
medium (168.5 kg/ha) respectively. The
adoption in Mizoram organically. Keeping in
vermicompost contains 1.5 % N, 0.6 % P2O5
view, our present investigation was carried
and 1.2 % K2O. The nutrient composition of
out to study the effect of vermicompost and
panchagavyaare N: 0.24%, P: 0.019% and K:
panchgavya level on yield attributes of maize
0.14%. The Ca and S content of panchagavya
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are 150 ppm and 480 ppm. The yield and increase the yield and yield attributing
yield attributes of maize landraces were taken characters of maize landrace (Project
at the harvesting time (120 DAS). Mimpui) in the Serchhip district of Mizoram,
North East India.
RESULT
REFERENCES
The data pertaining in Table 1
depicted that increasing the vermicompost Kumari, M,, Meena, L. M. and Singh, R. G.
dosage from 60% RDV to 100% RDV 2015. Problems and prospects of maize
significantly increased the yield attributing crop in eastern zone of Bihar.
characters like number of Cobs/plant, number International Journal of Agricultural
of kernels/cob and Seed Index (100 g kernel Science and Research5(2): 137-146.
wt) of maize. However, maximum no. of Massey, J. X. and Gaur, B. L. 2013. Effect of
cobs/plant (1.83) , no. of kernels/cob (380) plant population and fertility levels on
and Seed index (12.43) were noticed in 100% yield attributes, yield and nutrient
RDV (5 t/ha of vermicompost application) uptake of sweet corn (Zea mays L.)
treatment. Moreover, maximum cob length cultivars. Advance Research Journal of
(12.9) was found in the same treatment. Crop Improvement4 (1):34-37.
Massey and Guar (2013) also reported that Ratankumar Singh, A., Lamalakshmi, Devi
increased plant population and fertility level E., Dayal,Vishambhar, Saha,S,
significantly increased yield attributing Lungmauna,. Dutta, S. K., Boopathi,T.
characters of maize in Rajasthan. and Singh, S. B.2019.Diversity of
Landraces Maize in Mizoram: Prospect,
In regard to the panchagavya foliar Challenges and Opportunities, In:
spray, highest performances of yield National workshop on Scientific Maize
attributing characters were found in 100% Cultivation in North East India, 5th
foliar spray of panchagavya. 100% PGS spray March, Aizawl, pp. 98-104.
markedly increased the maximum no. of Sadhukhan, R., Sharma, L.D., Saha, P.,
cobs/plant (1.89), No. of kernel/cob (369) and Lalhmingsanga, Sawant, C.G., Kumar,
Seed index (12.35) over the rest of the A., Konyak, L. C., Chisi, L. K. and
treatment. Same treatment also increased the Kath, S. 2022. Management of
maximum cob length (12.88) under morphological attributes of local
panchagavya foliar spray. Similarly, landraces of maize (Vaimim) by the
Waghmode et al. (2015) observed that 10% Lushei and Paihte communities of
cow urine spray and 3% panchagavya spray Mizoram, North East India. Annals of
increased yield attributing characters of sweet Agricultural Research43(3): 51-55.
corn. Waghmode, B.R., Sonawane, S.V., Tajane, D.S.
2015. Differential responses of yield and
CONCLUSION quality to organic manures in sweet corn
[Zea mays (L.) saccharata]. International
So, it can be concluded that Journal of Agricultural Sciences
application of full recommended dose of 11(2):229-237.
vermicompost (@ 5 t/ha) in combination with
100% panchagavya spray may able to

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Table 1: Effect of vermicompost and panchagavya levels on yield attributes of Maize landrace
(Project Mimpui)

Yield attributes
Treatment No. of cobsPlant-1 Cob length (cm) No. of kernel cob-1 Seed Index (g)

Vermicompost level
60% RDV 1.25 11.73 335.41 11.2
80% RDV 1.5 12.14 350.33 11.59
100% RDV 1.83 12.9 379.58 12.44
SEm+ 0.076 0.182 4.97 0.18
CD (0.05) 0.298 0.716 19.55 0.714
Panchagavya spray (PGS)
P0 1.11 11.63 345.44 11.15
50% PGS 1.55 12.11 348.11 11.62
75% PGS 1.55 12.4 358.33 11.86
100% PGS 1.88 12.88 368.55 12.35
SEm+ 0.169 0.278 4.580 0.148
CD (0.05) 0.504 0.827 13.61 0.441

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Impact of bio-fortified maize on silage quality, milk production and economics

in mild-tropical humid climate of Tripura
SANJAY KUMAR RAY13, ANUP DAS2, ANIMESH SARKAR2, RUBAI PODDER2, VINAY
SINGH2, CHAMPAK BHAKAK3AND S M DEB3
1
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Tripura, Birchandramanu, South Tripura, 799144, Tripura
2
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra, 799210, Tripura
3
ICAR-KVK, Nadia, Eastern Regional Station of NDRI, Kalyani, Nadia, 71235, West Bengal
Corresponding author email: sanjayray2006@gmail.com

ABSTRACT (Sujata), and a high yielding composite

variety (DA 61A).The purpose of the study
Bio-fortified maize is supplemented was to determine the usefulness of bio-
with high-quality protein and contains fortified maize in terms of production, its
considerable amounts of tryptophan, lysine, acceptability as feed, and its effects on milk
and pro-vitamin-A than the conventional production and farmer income. In
maize varieties and hybrids. Hence, comparison to the high yielding composite
cultivation of bio-fortified maize as food- variety, bio-fortified maize's performance
feed crop may enhance quality of feed- was determined to be suitable, with greater
fodder and milk in addition to improvement yield (3.23–4.15 t/ha) and B: C ratio (2.02-
in productivity and income of farmers. A 2.59:1). However, highest yield (4.23 t/ha)
study was conducted with 5 varieties at 3 and B: C ratio (2.64:1) was recorded with
locations in the South Tripura district during traditional hybrid (Sujata). Utilizing bio-
the kharif and rabi seasons of 2020–21, fortified green fodder maize to prepare silage
including three bio-fortified maize hybrids increased net return by 80 to 98 percent
(LQMH 1, Vivek QPM 9 Improved, and above conventional maize grain production.
HQPM 5 Improved), a traditional hybrid The quality silage prepared using

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Yield and economic performance of greengram as influenced by different farming

systems in northern dry zone of Karnataka
M. B. PATIL1, H. B. BABLAD, SAGAR DHAGE S1, G. S. YADAHALLI1, GEETHA
KALAGATHAGI1, G. Y. VIDYAVATHI2 AND SARASWATHI 2
1
Department of Agronomy, 2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,
College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India -
586101
E-mail: patilmb@gmail.com
The long-term application of the kg-1), low in available N (186.99 kg ha-1),
intensive agriculture systems with imbalanced medium in available P2O5 (20.72 kg ha-1) and
and indiscriminate use of fertilizers and high in available K2O (471.76 kg ha-1). The
pesticides had resulted in reduction in yield experiment was laid out in Randomized
reduction and quality of crops and further Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five
deterioration of soil health (Meena et al. 2003). treatments replicated four times. The treatments
Since, sustainability of the production system compromised T1- Natural Farming (NF), T2-
depends on the sustainable use of soil Organic Farming (OF), T3- Recommended
resources, it is necessary to develop and adopt Package Practice (RPP), T4- Chemical Farming
soil management technologies that improve soil (CF) and T5- Integrated natural farming.
physical, chemical and biological properties to
keep lands productive on the sustainable basis RESULT AND DISCUSSION
(Ali et al. 2012). Hence, soil fertility Conventional farming recorded
enhancement is vital in sustaining and significantly higher grain yield (979 kg ha-1),
improving agricultural productivity. it was followed by integrated natural farming
Contrastingly, Natural Farming (NF) is a (830 kg ha-1) and it was on par with organic
unique chemical-free farming method that is farming and lowest yield was recorded with
considered to be an agroecology-based chemical farming (728 kg ha-1). Haulm yield
diversified farming system, which integrates and harvest index did not differ significantly
crops, trees and livestock, allowing functional among all the treatments. Jannoura et al.,
biodiversity (Rosset and Martinez-Torres, (2014) revealed that organic fertilizer
2012). This approach restores and sustains soil application improved nodule dry weight,
health and productivity in the long run besides photosynthetic rates, nitrogen fixation as well
meeting the nutritional deficiencies. Hence, a as N concentration in several crops. Similar
field trial was undertaken to study the yield and results were reported by Kavita Bhadu et al.
economics of greengram under different (2018). Overall cost of cultivation was higher
farming systems in Northern Dry Zone of in integrated NF (Rs. 35,586 ha-1) and lower
Karnataka. in chemical farming (Rs. 20,002 ha-1). With
METHODOLOGY premium price integrated NF recorded
significantly higher gross return (Rs.77734
A field trial was conducted during ha-1) which was on par with organic farming,
kharif seasons of 2022 at Regional Agricultural conventional farming and natural farming
Research Station, Vijayapur, University of (Rs. 77344 ha-1, Rs. 77191 ha-1 and Rs. 71496
Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The soil of ha-1). Net return did not differ significantly.
experimental site is classified as Vertisol (Typic B:C was significantly higher in chemical
Haplustert) with montmorillionite as the farming (2.95) and found on par with natural
dominant clay mineral. The soil of the farming (2.84) (Table 1).
experimental site is clayey in texture (Typic
Haplusterts). The soil was slightly alkaline in
reaction (8.30), low in organic carbon (2.50 g
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CONCLUSION conditions. European Journal of
The yield of green gram was Agronomy 52(B): 259-70.
comparatively higher in conventional farming, Kavita Bhadu., K.K. Agrawal. and Rakesh
but considering the net returns and benefit cost Choudhary. 2018. Yield and Economics
ratio, natural farming not only enhanced the Performance of Green Gram as
yield, it also resulted in higher profitability. Influenced by Nutrient Management
under Organic Farming.
REFERENCES InternatonalJournal of Current
Ali, R. I., Awan, T. H., Ahmad, M., Saleem, M. Microbiology and Applied Sciences,
U., Akhtar, M., 2012. Diversification of 7(03): 3565-3572.
Rice-Based Cropping Systems to Meena, S. L., Surendra, S., Shivay, Y. S.,
Improve Soil Fertility, Sustainable Singh, S., 2003, Response of Hybrid
Productivity and Economics. Journal Rice (Oryza sativa) to Nitrogen and
Animal and Plant Science 22:108-12. Potassium Application in Sandy Clay
Jannoura, R., Joergensen, G. R. and Bruns, C., Loam Soils. Indian Journal of
2014. Organic fertilizer effects on Agricultural Sciences 73(1): 8-12.
growth, crop yield, and soil microbial Rosset, P. M. and Martinez-Torres, M. E., 2012,
biomass indices in sole and intercropped Rural social movements and
peas and oats under organic farming agroecology: Context, theory and
process. Ecology and Society, 17(3).

Table 1: Yield and economics of greengram as influenced by different farming systems

Treatment Haulm Cost of Gross Net

Yield Harvest
yield cultivation returns* returns* B:C*
(kg ha-1) index
(kg ha-1) (Rs ha-1) (Rs ha-1) (Rs ha-1)
T1:Natural
751 3310 0.19 25195 71496 46301 2.84
Farming
T2:Organic
819 3281 0.21 31585 77344 45759 2.45
farming
T3:Conventional
979 3342 0.23 29958 77191 47233 2.58
Farming
T4:Chemical
728 3275 0.18 20002 58991 38989 2.95
farming
T5:Integrated NF 830 3019 0.22 35586 77734 42148 2.18
S.Em.± 37.91 239.21 0.02 - 2893.82 2894 0.10
LSD (0.05) 116.80 NS NS - 8916.74 NS 0.30
*For calculating of gross returns of Organic, Integrated NF and NF 20% extra premium amount is
considered.

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Impact of integration of different fertilizer sources on growth and yield of

cauliflower
Y R SHUKLA*, CHHERING YOUDON, ANAMIKA WALIA AND BONDE KULDEEP
JAGANNATH
Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni,Solan, Himachal Pradesh-
173230
Corresponding authors e-mail: shukla.solan@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Various interventions affected growth and

botrytis L.) is a Brassicaceae family member yield in the present study. Treatment T2 had the
cultivated for its white soft curds taken in the least days to marketable curd maturity (127.33),
form of vegetable, soup or pickle. Cauliflower is maximum plant height (50.94 cm), leaf size index
rich in proteins, potassium, sodium, iron, (1036.68 cm2), and number of leaves per plant
phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium and retains (18.47). Treatment T8, an exclusive organic
vitamin C even after cooking. Its flexibility and module, was statistically at par or next best
many applications make cauliflower a popular treatment for most growth features in the study.
vegetable crop. After the green revolution, Curd depth (9.02 cm), curd size index (271.86
vegetable output and seed quality have increased cm2), curd weight (799.48 g), and curd production
and thanks goes to chemical fertilisers, but (251.69 q/ha) reached at maximum levels in T2
excessive usage of costly chemical fertilisers has module. This was followed by treatment-T8 with
led to soil diseases, ecological risks, loss of non- 8.20 cm, 253.46 cm4, 745.20 g, and 234.60 g
renewable energy and degradation of crop quality values for these characters. Maximum plant
reducing farmers' profits and returns. Alarmed by height and leaf size index in T2 may be due to
the decrease in soil health and chemicalization of chemical fertilisers and organic manures that
contemporary farming, integrated nutrient increased soil fertility and moisture retention. The
management systems with usage of organic aforesaid results agreed with Chaudhary et al.
manures have gained popularity (Kumar and (2015) and Lodhi et al. (2017). Organic and
Srivastava, 2006).Although, organic manures inorganic fertilisers may have better
contain plant nutrients in lesser amounts than physicochemical and biological growth features in
chemical fertilisers, the inclusion of growth poor soils. Enhanced nutrient concentration in soil
stimulating factors such as enzymes and solution may have led to constant nutrient
hormones make them crucial for improving soil absorption, strong plant development, and
fertility and productivity. increased leaf length, breadth, and yield. Singh et
al. (2010) and Kumar et al. (2013) found similar
OBJECTIVES results in other Cole crops. The comprehensive
The major objective of the study was nutrition management affected curd depth, size
tostudythe integrated nutrient management in index, and weight in Treatment T2. Integrated
cauliflower cv. PSBK-1 for growth and yield by nutrition management may have enhanced
using both organic and inorganic amendments. vegetative growth, which increased
photosynthesis and carbohydrate build-
MATERIALS AND METHODS up.Increased curd weight may be attributed to
greater photosynthesis from a bigger leaf area and
The experiment comprised of nine transfer of photosynthates to the
treatments (Table 1)of different combinations of sink(curds). Singh et al. (2018) concluded that
organic and inorganic amendments applied in a rise in curd weight was due to greater
randomized complete block design with three photosynthesis from a bigger leaf area and the
replications. The plants were transplanted in transport of photosynthates to the final sink.
October, 2017 and 2018 in a plot having
dimensions of 3 × 1.8 m at a spacing of 60 × 45
cm. All cultural operations were performed as per
recommendations.
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CONCLUSION
Kumar R and Srivastava BK. 2006. Residual
It can be concluded that the integrated effect of integrated nutrient management on
nutrient management can be utilised for increased growth yield and yield attributes of tomato.
growth and yield in cauliflower. Indian Journal of Horticulture63:98-100.
Lodhi P, Singh D and Tiwari A. 2017. Effect of
REFERENCES inorganic and organic fertilizers on yield
Chaudhary MM, Bhanvadia AS and Parmar PN. and economics of Broccoli (Brassica
oleracea var. italica). International Journal
2015. Effect of integrated nutrient
of Current Microbiology and Applied
management on growth, yield attributes
Sciences 6:562-566.
and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Singh G, Sarvanan S, Kerketta A and Rajesh J.
var. capitata L.) under middle Gujarat 2018. Effect of organic manures and
conditions. Trends in Biosciences8:2164- inorganic fertilizers on plant growth, yield
2168. and flower bud quality of broccoli
Kumar M, Das B, Prasad KK and Kumar P. 2013. (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) cv.
Effect of integrated nutrient management Green Magic. International Journal of Pure
on growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica and Applied Bioscience 6:1338-1342
oleracea var. italica) under Jharkhand Singh PK, Pandey M and Kumar S. 2010. Study
conditions. Vegetable Science 40:117-120. the effect of integrated nutrient
management on yield and nutrient uptake in
cabbage. Indian Journal of Hill Farming
23:39-41.

Details of the treatments used in the study

S.NO. Treatment Treatment Details

Code
1 T1 No application of manures and fertilizers
2 T2 application of recommended dose of FYM (250q/ha) and NPK (125 kg
N, 75 kg P2O5 and 65 kg K2O/ha
3 T3 application of 5% jeevamrit (soil application at fortnightly interval)
4 T4 application of recommended dose of FYM (25 q/ha) + recommended dose
of NPK through FYM on N equivalent basis (soil application at planting)
5 T5 application of recommended dose of FYM (250 q/ha){soil application at
planting} + application of 5 % jeevamrit (soil application at fortnightly
interval through irrigation)
6 T6 application of vermi compost (equivalent to N content of recommended
FYM - soil application at planting) + recommended dose of NPK through
FYM on N equivalent basis
7 T7 application of vermi compost (equivalent to N content of recommended
FYM - soil application at planting) + application of 5 % jeevamrit (soil
application at fortnightly interval)
8 T8 application of 50 % FYM (125 q/ha) {soil application at planting} +
application of vermi compost (equivalent to N content of 50 % FYM -soil
application at planting) + recommended dose of NPK through FYM on N
equivalent basis
9 T9 application of 50 % FYM (125 q/ha) {soil application at planting} +
application of vermi compost (equivalent to N content of 50 % FYM - soil
application at planting) + application of 5 % jeevamrit (soil application at
fortnightly interval)
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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Rainfall efficiency estimation under upland condition in Meghalaya

K.S. JYOTHI, LALA I.P. RAY1, A.K. SINGH AND S. SWAMI
College of Postgraduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Central Agricultural University-Imphal),
Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
1
Corresponding Author, Lala I.P. Ray, Associate Professor (Soil and Water Engineering), Email:
lalaipray@rediffmail.com; +91-94363-36021 (M)

ABSTRACT people. Most of the water that is being

received through rainfall cannot be utilized
Importance of rain-fed agriculture completely by the plant as some amount of it
varies regionally, but it produces food for is lost through runoff, deep percolation,
many poor communities in developing evapotranspiration etc. Rainfall efficiency is
countries. Globally, rain-fed agriculture is the ratio of amount of rainfall that is
practiced fewer than 80% of cultivable area, effectively used to total amount of rainfall
thereby producing 62% of the world’s staple received during rainy season. Maximum
food. Meghalaya being a higher rainfall rainfall efficiency (63.99%) and water use
receiving zone, most of the rainfall goes efficiency (21.07 kg ha-1 mm-1) was
wasted without suitable measures for water observed in baby corn variety, NSC 904P
harvesting. Under these scenarios, an attempt when compared to other corn varieties.
has been taken to assess the rainfall efficiency
under upland condition of Meghalaya with Key words: Baby corn, maize, rainfall
maize as a test crop. Maize, mostly grown efficiency, rain-fed agriculture and water use
during rainy seasons, provides approximately efficiency.
30% of the food calories to over 4.5 billion

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Bioresources: An eco-friendly arsenal for plant health management

PRANAB DUTTA, MADHUSMITA MAHANTA, LIPA DEB AND JYOTIM GOGOI
Associate Professor (Plant Pathology), School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate
Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural university (Imphal), Umiam,
Meghalay-793103
Email: pranabdutta74@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY:
Chemical based plant health a. Survey done different NER,
materials are considered as the ultimate India, b. Isolated, purified and
arsenal of plant health management. But characterized the biocontrol agents by
the negative impact of chemical pesticides standard protocol, c. Studied the mode of
on ecosystem, human and animal health action by light and electron microscopy
etc. can’t be ignored. Since last few study, d. Efficacy test against pests was
decades the Global interest is towards the done by dual culture assay, bioassay tests
use of environmentally benign product and proteomic and metabolomic study, e.
with least cost involved and less damage to Standardized the bioformulation of
the environment and with an ultimate aim technology and shelf life study in different
to maximize the profit. Harnessing temperature, f. Study on functional
beneficial micro-flora and their products attributes by standard protocol, g.
could be an effective and safe alternative Compatibility study with chemical
approach for minimizing the use of pesticides was done by co-culture study, h.
synthetic pesticides in a sustainable crop Pilot field study was done in different
production system. Many species of agroecological condition, j.
Trichoderma, Beauveria, Lecanicillium, Commercialization of production in PPP
Metarhizium, Pochonia, Purpurocillium mode, h. Popularization by extension
etc. have emerged as most powerful approaches.
bioprotectants for management of variety
of insect pests, plant diseases caused by RESULT AND DISCUSSION
fungi, bacteria and even nematode. Many a
A series assay showed effective
times the aforesaid biocontrol agents exert
result against Rhizoctonia solani,
strong aggressiveness against
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotium
phytopathogens, insect pests, nematodes
rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum,
either indirectly by competing for nutrients
Colletotrichum capsici as well as root knot
and space, modifying the environmental
nematode viz., Meloidogyne incognita
conditions, or promoting plant growth and
causing diseases and major pests of in
plant defensive mechanisms and antibiosis
vegetables, cereal, tea and spices. Mode of
or directly by mechanisms such as
action of the biocontrol agents were
mycoparasitism, enhance plant defense
against the targeted pests and found that
metaboloites and many more. The
fungal biocontrol agents like Trichoderma
Objective of the present study is
suppress the growth of the pathogens by
exploration of the potentiality native
competition, coiling, lysis, antibiosis etc.
isolates of potential biocontrol agents in
On the other hand entomopathogens like
sustainable plant health management.
Beauveria, Metarhizium, Lecanicillium
damages the haemolymph, death of insect
and burst out from the cadavers. Few
biocontrol agents species showed

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compatible reaction with fungal and promoter. Progressive farmers, extension
bacterial entomopathogens and functionaries, FPOs, SHG members and
nematopathogens and this study helps to tea garden managers etc were trained on
develop a consortial bioformulation with technical aspects of the bioformulations
multiple functions. Few biocontrol agents, and its field use. MOA has been signed
showed positive reaction in different with Govt. of Nagaland, Govt. Meghalaya
functional attributes like Siderophore and JVES, West Bengal for the potential
production, ammonia production, zinc formulation like Um-Comb, Um-Met, Um-
solubilization, alpha amylase activity, Tricho further mass multiplication and
chitinase production ability, glucanse large scale field use.
production was found with positive
reaction. Potential isolates of biocontrol CONCLUSION
based liquid biopesticides (Um-Tricho,
The low-cost technology of native
Um-bir, Um-Met, Um-Pacil, Um
biocontrol based bioformulation has
Comb)supplemented with osmoticants,
opened up a new avenue for sustainable
adjuvents, sticker, spreader, UV
plant health management and is likely to
protectants, with a shelf life of 16 months
be a boon for seed industries who would
have been proved successful in a large
like to provide protection to seeds as well
number of field, vegetable, fruit and
as plants against a large number of seed,
flowering crops for the management of
soil- borne and foliar pests.
diseases and pests with plant growth

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Water poverty index (WPI) estimation under rain-fed farming system in

Meghalaya
LALA I.P. RAY1, Y. MARWEIN1, R. SINGH1, B.K. HANDIQUE2, P.K. BORA3 AND
L. H. SINGH1
1
College of Postgraduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (Central Agricultural University-
Imphal), Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
2
Scientist-F, North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), (Department of Space, Govt. of India),
Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
3
Director, North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM),
Dolabari, Po. Kalibhomora, Tezpur-784027, Assam
Corresponding Author, Lala I.P. Ray, Associate Professor (Soil and Water Engineering), Email:
lalaipray@rediffmail.com; +91-94363-36021 (M)
ABSTRACT Meghalaya. It was estimated that, under hilly
region, more than 60% household spend
Meghalaya being a highest receiving around 2-3 hours per day to fetch water for
state of North Eastern India, faces fascinating their household consumption, whereas under
problem of water scarcity. Tempo-spatial valley the fetching hour is less than 2 hours.
variation exists with Mawsynram as the For sanitation proposes like cloth washing
highest and Mikhir Hills region receives and bathing activities are mostly carried out
lowest annual rainfall. Similarly, seasonal through outdoor pond, stream and spring
variation of the rainfall and hilly topography available, within a radius of around 5-7 km.
affects the availability of water. Rain-fed Absence of water harvesting infrastructures,
farming is predominant with cropping ground recharge structures also observed.
intensity of 120%. Unavailability of water Major crops grown are ginger, paddy and
storage infrastructures and water conservation vegetables are mostly rain-fed.
technology lead to the scarcity of water
during the off season. Under these scenarios, Key words: Household water demand,
an attempt has been made to assess water monoculture, north eastern region, rainfed
poverty index in Ri-Bhoi district of farming, water poverty

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Effect of supplementation of vegetable waste-based silage on production

performance of grower crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) pigs
KESHAB BARMAN1, S.R. PEGU, R. THOMAS AND VIVEK KUMAR GUPTA
ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam
Address for correspondence: 1Pr. Scientist (Animal Nutrition); email:
barman74@rediffmail.com;
ABSTRACT goes down and they are not getting good
profit even by raising the good quality pig
Eighteen crossbred (Hampshire germ plasm. Therefore, alternative low
xGhungroo) grower pigs (about 3 months cost feed formulation is required for the
old) of either sex were divided into three farmers to boost up the pig production.
groups of six each in a randomized block Many alternative feed resources are
design. and they were supplemented with available locally. Among these, fruits and
0, 10 and 15 % vegetable waste silage to vegetable waste can also be used for pig
the basal diet and designated as T1, T2 and feeding after appropriate treatment.
T3 respectively. The protein content of the Therefore, the present study was carried
diet ranged from 17.94±0.04 T1 to out to see the effect of supplementation of
18.31±0.01 in T3 while protein content of vegetable waste-based silage on overall
silage was 19.55±0.55. Dry matter intake production performances of crossbred
significantly reduced (p<0.01) with grower pigs.
increased level of silage in the diet. There
was no significant difference on nutrient MATERIALS AND METHODS
digestibility except crude fiber digestibility
which was reduced (p<0.05) with Eighteen crossbred (Hampshire
increased level of silage in the diet. xGhungroo) grower pigs (about 2.5
Similarly, there was no significant months old) of either sex were divided into
difference on average daily gain (g/day), three groups of six each in a randomized
feed intake per kg gain (FCR) and feed block design. and they were supplemented
cost per kg gain. However, FCR and feed with 0, 10 and 15 % vegetable waste silage
cost per kg gain was found better at 10 % to the basal diet and designated as T1, T2
supplementation of vegetable silage in the and T3 respectively. The pigs were fed as
diet.It is concluded that vegetable waste per Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS).
based silage can be supplemented to Digestibility trial was conducted at the
grower crossbred pigs @10 % level by middle of the experiment. The lysine and
replacing the maize in the diet without methionine were balanced in all the rations
affecting the production performances in as per requirement. Proximate composition
grower crossbred pigs. was done as per AOAC (1990). Data were
Key words: vegetable waste, silage analyzed as per method of Snedecor and
production,grower, crossbred pig Cochran (1989) using one way ANOVA.
RESULTS
INTRODUCTION
The average DM intake(kg/d) was ranged
Poor productive performances of
from 773.50±3.61 in T3 to 910.00±5.30 in
pig in NE region are mainly due to lack of
T1 group respectively and dry matter
balanced feeds. Diets are deficient in
intake was reduced at 15 % level of
protein and minerals. Moreover, farmers
supplementation of vegetable waste based
are unable to purchase the costly feed
silage. The average daily gain and feed
ingredients, as a result performances of pig

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conversion ratio were found similar while REFERENCES
feed cost (Rs/kg gain) of production per kg
live weight was reduced by Rs. 13.77 and AOAC.1990. Official Methods of
th
Rs.10.52 respectively in T2 and T3 groups Analalysis, 15 Edition, (Eds.
in comparison to T1 group. Kenneth Helrich) Association of
Official Analytical Chemists,
CONCLUSION Inc., Suite 400, 2200 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia
It is concluded that vegetable waste 22201, USA.
based silage can be supplemented to BIS. 1986. BIS Specifications for
grower crossbred pigs @10 % level by Compounded Feeds for Pigs (IS:
replacing the maize in the diet without 7472 – 1986), Bureau of Indian
affecting the production performances in Standard, 1986, India.
grower crossbred pigs. Snedecor, G.W. and W.G. Cochran. (1989)
Statistical Methods, 8th Edition,
Iowa University press, Ames,
Iowa (USA).

Table 1.: Effect of supplementation of vegetable waste-based silage on nutrient utilization in

crossbred grower pigs.
Table 1. Effect of vegetable waste silage on nutrient utilization in crossbred grower pigs

Parameter T1 T2 T3 P Value

DMI, g/d 910.00±5.30 819.00±2.31 773.50±3.61 0.000**

ADG. g/d 261.5±2.2 259.0±11.0 252.6±66.8 0.986

FCR (Feed intake per kg gain) 3.48±0.01 3.17±0.13 3.45±0.75 0.863

Feed cost/kg gain 88.00±0.26 74.23±3.06 77.48±16.72 0.609

T1: 0 level of supplementation of vegetable waste-based silage; T2: 10 % levelof

supplementation of vegetable waste-based silage; T3: 15 % level of supplementation of
vegetable waste-based silage

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Effect of conservation agricultural practices and phosphorous fertilization

on macro-nutrient concentration, accumulation and phosphorus use
efficiency in soybean (Glycine max)
SOMANATH NAYAK1 AND U.K. BEHERA1
1
Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012
1
Growing soybean under ) and K accumulation (12.5, 63, and 75.5
conservation agriculture can be a suitable kg ha–1). This was followed by zero tillage
alternative to rice crop under the with 3 t ha–1 wheat residue (ZT + R), zero
conventional resource exhausting rice- tillage without residues (ZT – R) and
wheat cropping system of Indo-Gangetic conventional tillage without residue (CT –
Plains and thus, can bring improvement in R) during both year. However, soybean
soil health and environmental quality, and under ZT-B + R recorded a significantly
sustainability for future agriculture. higher partial factor productivity (PFP)
Among the macro-nutrients, deficiency of (61.3 and 62.2 kg yield kg–1 P applied
phosphorus (P) in soil has an adverse during 2017 and 2018, respectively),
impact on soybean production, as it is agronomic efficiency (AE) (9.2 and 9.7 kg
required in relatively large amounts by yield increase kg–1 P applied), crop
legumes for higher growth and nitrogen recovery efficiency (CRE) (27.3 and 28.8
fixation. Further, P is the least accessible %), and physiological use efficiency (PE)
macro-nutrient in most agricultural soils (25.9 and 26.9 kg yield increase kg –1 P
because of its low availability and its poor accumulated). Among P fertilization rates,
recovery from the applied fertilizer. application of 120 kg P2O5 ha–1 led to
Hence, a two-year field experiment was higher N concentration (on average, 6.7 %
conducted during rainy (kharif) season of in seed, and 1.8 % in stover) and K
2017 and 2018 at research farm of concentration (0.6 % in seed, and 1.6 % in
Division of Agronomy, ICAR–Indian stover) and it was statistically similar to 80
Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi kg P2O5 ha–1. However, P fertilization
to study the effect of conservational registered significant differences in P
agricultural practices and phosphorous concentration of seed and stover of
fertilization on nutrient concentration and soybean, and application of 120 and 80 kg
accumulation and phosphorous use ha–1 recorded 0.69 % and 0.53 %P in seed
efficiency of soybean. The experiment was and 0.33 % and 0.25% in stover,
laid out in split plot design with four main respectively. Similarly, application of 120
plots with crop establishment techniques, kg P2O5 ha–1 led to 44.4, 19.7, and 35.7%
four sub-plots with P fertilization rates and increase in N accumulation by seed,
was replicated thrice. During both year of stover, and total accumulation,
trial, the crop establishment techniques respectively, and 43.4, 17.8, and 21.8%
failed to exhibit statistically significant increase in P accumulation by seed, stover,
effect on the concentration of N, P and K and total accumulation, respectively, as
in seed and stover of soybean except for P compared to control. This treatment was
concentration of stover. The Zero-tillage statistically similar to 80 kg P2O5 ha–1.
bed planting along with 3 t ha–1 wheat Application of 120 kg P2O5 ha–1 recorded a
residue addition (ZT-B + R) significantly significantly higher P accumulation by
increased the N accumulation (on average, seed (15.6 and 16.2 kg ha–1 during 2017
150.7 kg ha–1 by seed, 71.3 kg ha– and 2018, respectively), stover (12.3 and
1
bystover, 222 kg ha–1 total accumulation), 12.7 kg ha–1) and total accumulation (28.0
P accumulation (11.7, 9.7, and 21.4 kg ha– and 28.9 kg ha–1), and it was followed by

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80, 40 and 0 kg P2O5 ha–1. However, conclusion, application of 80 kg P2O5 ha–1
higher phosphorus use efficiency such as under ZT-B + R should be recommended
PFP (117.6 kg kg–1), and CRE (40.6 %) for soybean cultivation to achieve
was observed with lower application rate optimum N, P and K concentration and
of 40 P2O5 ha–1, whereas higher AE (15 kg accumulation by seed and stover, higher
kg–1) and PUE (47.8 kg kg–1) was noted marginal yield increase and P use
with application of 80 kg P2O5 ha–1. In efficiency.

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Effect of organic mulching on performance of lentil varieties

K. SHIRISHA, LALA I.P. RAY@ AND P.K. PARIDA
Department of Agronomy, School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post
Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CAU-I), Umiam, 793103, Meghalaya, India
Corresponding mail ID: lalaipray@rediffmail.com
Lentil is a short duration legume METHODOLOGY
crop well suited for cultivation after kharif
season rice crop in North Eastern Regions The field experiment was
(NER). Lentil is a hardy crop and it can be conducted during rabi season (2020-21) at
cultivated even under extreme winters and experimental farm of College of
frost conditions. It is a rabi season crop Postgraduate Studies in Agricultural
and optimum temperature ranges from 18 Sciences, Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya. The
to 24oC. Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar graphical representation of weekly rainfall
Pradesh, Bengal and Uttarakhand are (mm), average maximum and minimum
major lentil growing states in India temperature (oC) and relative humidity (%)
(Kumar et al., 2013). Lentil is cultivated in is shown in Fig 1. The soil type is sandy
18.00 lakh ha area of India with production clay loam, acidic reaction (pH - 4.86) and
and productivity of 11.00 lakh tons and high soil organic carbon content (1.13%).
611 kg ha-1, respectively (FAO, 2014). The experiment was carried out in split
Most of the land in NER of approximately plot design with four main-plot treatments
2.5 M ha remain fallow after kharif rice (mulches), viz.,i) un-mulch, ii) paddy straw
crop. Though NER receive a plenty mulch, iii) maize stover mulch, iv) weed
amount of rainfall (>2000 mm per year), it mulch are applied @ 5 t ha-1 and four sub-
is confined mainly to a kharif rice crop plot treatments (varieties), viz., i) HUL-57,
(Kuotsuet al., 2014). Therefore, crops ii) PL-4, iii) PDL-1 and iv) PSL-9 and the
grown in rabi season often suffer due to experiment was replicated three times.
moisture stress during maturity stage. Mulching was done on the next day of
Short duration pulse crops are better suited sowing in the respective experimental
for cultivation during rabi season in these plots based on the requirement @ 5 t ha-1.
regions. Lentil crop often affected and
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
yields less due to moisture stress during
reproductive stage. Therefore, in order to The results of the present field
mitigate soil moisture stress during the experiment are presented in Table.1. The
crop growing season, practices like plant height was recorded significantly
mulching and applying irrigation based on highest under paddy straw mulch (28.18
crop needs may improve the performance cm) over the entire crop season compared
of lentil. An effort has been made evaluate to control/ un-mulch (24.19 cm) as shown
the performance the lentil varieties under in Fig.5.3. These results are supported by
different organic mulching with the Sharma and Sharma, 2003. However, the
following objectives, viz., 1) To evaluate plant height under maize stover mulch
the effect of organic mulches on growth (25.57 cm) and weed mulch (26.04 cm)
and yield of lentil varieties 2) To work out were at par with paddy straw mulch. The
the benefit-cost ratio of lentil crop reason might be due to better soil moisture
production availability and better regulation of soil
temperature under mulching compared to
un-mulch. The variety PL-4 (27.03 cm)
reported significantly highest plant height

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
over PSL-9 (25.11 cm) and HUL-57 by climatic condition and cultivation
(25.09 cm), however, it was at par with practices. The results are agreed by Pandey
PDL-1 (26.76). The reason may be due to et al., 2011; Yadav et al., 2015 reported in
genetical traits of a variety and the location French bean crop. Dry matter
in which it grows. These findings are accumulation was reported significantly
agreed by Das et al., 2014; Yadav et al., highest after 60 DAS during entire crop
2015 and Prakash and Ram, 2014. season for paddy straw mulch. The dry
Significant results were also found for weight accumulation is increasing till
branches per plant among the organic maturity, thereafter decreases till harvest
mulches (Table.1). However, paddy straw due to utilization of dry matter for the
mulch (4.86) has shown more branches production of economic yield up to
number per plant then by weed mulch harvest. The reason might be the better
(4.40), maize stover mulch (4.25) and un- plant growth and development due to
mulch (4.12). Similar results where, better soil moisture availability under
mulching had a significant effect on organic mulching practices. Similar results
branches per plant over control was given were supported by the research findings of
by Singh at al., 2019 in summer Mash Singh and Rana, 2006; Patil et al., 2011.
(Vigna mungo). The reason may be the Significant results were found for dry
influence of soil moisture on plant growth matter accumulation among the varietal
under mulched treatments. The significant treatments (Table.1). The reason might be
results were also found for number of due to genetic variation which is inherently
branches among the varietal treatments, affected in different genotypes and also
where the variety PL-4 (4.82) and PSL-9 influenced by prevailing climatic
(4.21) were recorded highest and lowest conditions. The results are agreed by the
number of branches per plant, respectively. research findings of Nwadike and Vange,
The number of branches per plant is 2015; Das et al., 2014.
chiefly a genetic trait but also influenced
Table 1: Effect of organic mulching on performance of lentil varieties
Treatments Plant Branches Dry matter Pods per Economic yield BCR
height No. (g plant-1) plant (kg ha-1)
(cm)
Main plot (Organic mulches)
Un-mulch 24.19 4.12 2.28 36.21 571.3 1.41
Paddy straw mulch
28.18 4.86 2.61 43.57 723.3 1.81
Maize stover mulch
25.57 4.25 2.38 38.18 638.7 1.56
Weed mulch
26.04 4.40 2.54 41.29 676.2 1.73
S.E.(m) ± 0.56 0.14 0.05 0.94 27.3 0.07
C.D.(P=0.05) 1.94 0.50 0.16 3.24 94.6
0.23
Sub-plot (Varieties)
HUL-57 25.09 4.27 2.36 40.37 604.0 1.52
PL-4 27.03 4.82 2.61 39.78 717.5 1.79
PDL-1 26.76 4.33 2.46 41.92 643.6 1.59
PSL-9 25.11 4.21 2.38 37.18 644.4 1.60
S.E.(m) ± 0.58 0.13 0.04 0.88 21.5 0.05
C.D.(P=0.05) 1.70 0.39 0.10 2.57 62.7 0.16

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The significant results were found stover mulch (1.56) and un-mulch (1.41),
for number of pods per plant, where paddy however, it was at par with weed mulch
straw mulch (43.57) recorded highest pod (1.73). The variety PL-4 (1.79) reported
number and the lowest pod number was significantly highest BCR over the other
reported by un-mulch treatment (36.21). varieties.
This may be due to better soil moisture
availability under mulched conditions lead CONCLUSIONS
to better plant growth and development.
Paddy straw mulch reported higher
Monneveux et al. (2006) reported that,
values in growth and yield parameters of
water stress at reproductive stages of the
lentil. Among the different varieties of
plant reduces the yield and yield
lentil, the significantly highest yield was
parameters. The results were also found
reported by the variety PL-4. Soil moisture
significant among the varieties, where the
is most important constraint for crop
varieties PDL-1 (41.92), PSL-9 (37.18)
production during the rabi season in NER
recorded highest and lowest number of
region. Therefore, the practice of paddy
pods per plant respectively. The reason
straw mulch along with the cultivation of
might be that, there is a correlation
lentil variety PL-4 is proved to be best
between number of branches per plant and
method to increase the crop yield and to
pods per plant, where the variety PL-4
improve the cropping intensity in NER
recorded the highest branches per plant
region during the moisture deficit winters.
which is on par with PDL-1. However, the
variety PSL-9 reported the least branches REFERENCES
number and pods per plant. Significant
results among different varieties of crop Kumar, V., Garkoti, A. and Tripathi, H.S.
for number of pods per plant was also (2013). Management of vascular wilt
reported by Gupta et al., 2006; Mondal et of lentil through biocontrol agents
al., 2011. The significant results were and organic amendments in Tarai
reported among mulch treatments for Area of Uttarakhand State. The
economic yield (Fig 5.21). Paddy straw Bioscan, 8(2): 575-577.
mulch reported significantly highest FAO. (2014). Annual report by Ministry of
economic yield (723.3kg ha-1) over the un- agriculture and farmers welfare,
mulch (571.3 kg ha-1), however, it was at Government of India.
par with weed mulch (676.2 kg ha-1) and Kuotsu, K., Das, A., Lal, R., Munda, G.C.,
maize stover mulch (638.7 kg ha-1). These Ghosh, P.K. and Ngachan, S.V.
results may be due to adequate soil (2014). Land forming and tillage
moisture availability which promote better effects on soil properties and
uptake of nutrients form soil and helps in productivity of rainfed groundnut
better performance of the crop. Similar (Arachis hypogaea L.) - rapeseed
results are supported by findings of (Brassica campestris L.) cropping
Karunakaran and Behera, 2013; Reddy et system in northeastern India. Soil
al., 2016. Among the varietal treatments, and Tillage Res., 142: 15-24.
significantly highest economic yield was Sharma, R.R. and Sharma, V.P. (2003).
reported by PL-4 (717.5 kg ha-1) over Mulch type influences plant growth,
PSL-9 (644.4 kg ha-1), PDL-1 (643.6 kg albinism disorder and fruit quality in
ha-1) and HUL-57 (604.0 kg ha-1). The strawberry. Fruits, 58(4): 221-227.
significant results for economic yield Das, R., Thapa, U., Debnath, S., Lyngdoh,
among the varietal treatments of rajma Y.A. and Mallick, D. (2014).
crop was reported by Marwein and Ray, Evaluation of French bean
2019. Paddy straw mulch (1.81) reported (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes
significantly highest BCR over maize for seed production. J. Appl. Nat.

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Sci., 6(2): 594-598. Nwadike, C. and Vange, T. (2015). Effects
Prakash, J. and Ram, R.B. (2014). Genetic of planting date on performance of
variability, correlation and path common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris
analysis for seed yield and yield L.) landraces of the Jos plateau: A
related traits in french bean preliminary studies. Int. J. Curr. Res.
(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Aca. Rev., 3(8): 309-324.
Lucknow conditions, Int. J. Monneveux, P., Sanchez, C., Beck, D. and
Innovative Sci. Engineering and Edmeades, G.O. (2006). Drought
Tech., 1(6): 41-50. tolerance improvement in tropical
Yadav, B.V.S., Srinivasulu, B., Reddy, maize source populations: evidence
P.S.S. and Balakrishna, M. (2015). of progress. Crop sci., 46(1): 180-
Influence of sowing dates on growth 191.
and yield of french bean (Phaseolus Mondal, M.M.A., Fakir, M.S.A., Islam,
vulgaris L.) varieties under M.N. and Samad, M.A. (2011).
Rayalaseema region of Andhra Physiology of seed yield in
Pradesh. J. Agroecology and Natural mungbean: growth and dry matter
Resource Manage, 2(2): 145-149. production. Bangladesh J.
Singh, S., Singh, N. and Kumar R. (2019), Bot., 40(2): 133-138.
R. Effect of dates of sowing and Gupta, A., Sharma, V.K., Sharma, GD.
mulching on number of branches per and Chopra, P. (2006). Effect of
plant, plant height, number of pods biofertilizer and phosphorus levels
per plant, pod length and number of on yield attributes, yield and quality
seeds per of Summer Mash (Vigna of urdbean (Vigna mungo). Indian. J.
Mungo).J. Pharma. Phytochem., 4: Agron., 51(2): 142-144.
135-137. Karunakaran, V. and Behera, U.K. (2013).
Pandey, Y.R., Gautam, D.M., Thapa, R.B., Effect of tillage, residue
Sharma, M.D. and Paudyal, K.P. management and crop establishment
(2011). Variability of french bean in techniques on energetics, water use
the Western mid hills of efficiency and economics in soybean
Nepal. Agric. Nat. Resources, 45(5): (Glycine max) – wheat (Triticum
780-792. aestivum) cropping system. Indian.
Patil, S.L., Sheelavantar, M.N. and J. Agron., 58(1): 42-47.
Shashidhar, K.C. (2011). Growth Reddy, M., Thimmegowdda, M.N.,
and yield of winter sorghum Ramachandrappa, B.K. and Herbal,
(Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) as N. (2016) Effect of moisture
influenced by rainwater conservation conservation practices on
practices, organic materials and productivity and economics of finger
nitrogen application in vertisols of millet and pigeon pea intercropping
SemiArid Tropical India. Indian. J. system in the dry zone Eastern
Soil Conserv., 39(1): 50-58. Karnataka. E-planet, 14 (1): 53-57.
Singh, T. and Rana, K.S. (2006). Effect of Marwein, Y. and Ray, L.I.P (2019).
moisture conservation and fertility Performance of rajma (Phaseolus
on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) vulgaris) cultivars under organic
and lentil (Lens culinaris) mulches in Meghalayan Plateau of
intercropping system under rainfed North Eastern India. Legume Res.
conditions. Indian. J. Agron., 51(4): Int. J., 42(1): 114-118
267-270.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Rejuvenating Indian soils through natural farming practices

R.S. CHOUDHARY
Senior Scientist and Head (Agronomy)
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirohi, Rajasthan
Directorate of Extension Education
(Agriculture University, Jodhpur)
Corresponding email: agroudr2013@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: that they cut costs by spraying pesticides
themselves. Protective clothing and gloves
Using conventional techniques in are not even on their radar. One would
agriculture is like cancer to our soil and think all this “treatment” to the farm would
health, as well. It does not only make the make farming a profitable enterprise.
soil barren but eventually, the farmer goes Though crop yields may be high for the
under debt. Hence, the only way to deal first few years, they soon taper off to low
with this ever rising problem is Zero levels as the soil loses all its strength. This
Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). Natural forces the farmer to pump in more
farming supports agro-ecological chemicals to raise yields, which in turn
principles, chemical free farming and increases costs further. Looking to the
sustainable farming. NF is also seen as the scenario or this type of pathetic situation
most cost effective farming and also for Indian farmers, now hope has been
known as “Zero Budget Natural Farming.'' comes out in the form of Natural Farming.
NF focus is to reduce cost of cultivation, Natural Farming (NF) offers a solution to
improve food quality, chemical free food, various problems, such as food insecurity,
and improve soil fertility, food and farmers’ distress, and health problems
nutritional security. The principal methods arising due to pesticide and fertilizer
of NF include crop rotation, green manures residue in food and water, global warming,
and compost, biological pest control, and climate change and natural calamities.
mechanical cultivation. There are, most Natural Farming, as the name suggests, is
popular, 4 pillars of ZBNF i.e. Jivamrita the art, practice and, increasingly, the
,Bijamrita , Acchadana and Whapasa.The science of working with nature to achieve
major problems are also associated with much more with less.
NF as encountered in the research studies
as non-availability of a specialized market In India, a chemical-free and
(1st rank), labour intensive farming (2nd climate-resilient method of farming given
rank) and unfair price for produce in by a scientist Subhash Palekar, during
market (3rd rank). Also “disease 2006 in Maharashtra to end the problems
occurrence” in the Natural Farming field arising after the Green Revolution by
was ranked lowest (15th rank) which introducing natural farming. His methods
means NF is successful in controlling popularized when farmers started adopting
diseases in the field. his methods. After that, many researchers
and scientists claimed that natural farming
INTRODUCTION
is a good alternative to chemical farming
In India, the dominant paradigm of that directly or indirectly impacts
agriculture is chemical-based. Fertilizers sustainable development positively
are pumped into the soil in copious (Tripathi and Tauseef, 2018). In order to
quantities and pesticides are sprayed promote natural farming in Himachal
without check. Farmers are often so poor Pradesh, a scheme “Prakritik Kheti

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Khushhal Kisan” was initiated with a ‘Ecofriendly Agriculture’ is suggested as a
budget allocation of Rs 35 crore (2019– neoteric approach to improve both
2020). Under this scheme, peasants will be traditional and modern agricultural
supported with training, the required practices, which aims to safeguard the
machinery, to achieve the objective of environment, public health, and
sustainable farming doubling farmers' communities (Mishra 2013). Natural
incomes, improved soil fertility, and low Farming is not simply farming without
input costs (Vashishat et al., 2021). chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but
Though the search for a better alternative rather it is organic farming with the added
shall always remain, right now natural dimension of exploiting beneficial
farming is a credible alternative itself microorganisms to enhance soil quality
(Mishra, 2018). and soil health. It employs the use of
natural bio-inoculums instead of chemical
But farming in India has been fertilizers and pesticides. This revives the
practiced for thousands of years and large- soil micro biota and in turn, improves soil
scale farmer suicides are only a recent health. Rejuvenating the soil micro-
phenomenon. So how did farmers manage organisms through the use of bio-
in the past, before agriculture became an inoculums and natural pesticides helps to
industry? The answer lies in bullshit. enhance the nutrient content of the plant
“Carbon content in the top soil should be leading to better bioavailability for
2% per 100 gm of soil. But in Punjab, humans.
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh- the granary
of the country -- the carbon content in Besides improving soil fertility,
the top soil is a mere 0.05%”. natural farming techniques are very
effective at combating pests. “Thrips –
To feed the growing population, it millimetre-sized insects that feed on the
is estimated that food production will need plant’s tender leaves and buds – are a
to increase by 60 percent by 2050 (FAO, common problem in chemical farming.
2009). This increasing food demand is The general belief is that if pesticide is not
promoting farmers worldwide to increase used, you cannot save the crop from
crop production, which builds pressure on thrips.” But farmers are realising yields of
the environment and exceeds its carrying onion crop thrips-free using the neem-seed
capacity to repair or replace itself, leading solution recommended in natural farming
to its serious degradation. ‘Natural techniques.
Farming’ or ‘Eco-Agriculture’ or

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ORIGIN AND IMPORTANCE OF fertility farming, organic farming,
NATURAL FARMING sustainable agriculture, agroecology,
agroforestry, eco-agriculture and
Natural farming is not a technique permaculture, but should be distinguished
but a view, or a way of seeing ourselves as from biodynamic agriculture. So called
a part of nature, it is also referred as “the “do-nothing” technique was developed by
Fukuoka Method”, “the natural way of a Japanese scientist Fukuoka, who rejected
farming” or “do-nothing farming”. The both modern agribusiness and centuries of
title refers not to lack of effort, but to the agricultural lore. There are four basic
avoidance of manufactured inputs and pillars of Zero Budget Natural Farming as
equipment. Natural farming is related to under.

Table 1. Basic Pillars of ZBNF

S.No Methods Preparation Benefits

1. Jivamrita/ It is composed of the It provides nutrients, but most importantly,
Jeevamrutha cow-dung (20 kg), urine acts as a catalytic agent that promotes the
(5-10 l), jaggery (20 kg) activity of microorganisms in the soil, as
and dicot flour (2 kg) well as increases earthworm activity.
and is applied to the Jeevamrutha also helps to prevent fungal
crops with eachand bacterial plant diseases.
Irrigation cycle OR thatJeevamrutha is only needed for the first
directly to the crops. 3 years of the transition, after which the
system becomes self-sustaining.
2. Bijamrita It is basically made up of Bijamrita is a seed treatment, equipped in
water (20l), cow dung protecting young roots from fungus as well
(5kg), urine (5l), lime as from soil-borne and seed-borne diseases.
(50gm) and just a
handful of soil.
3. Acchadana- It could be done by soil It conserves soil moisture, by reducing
Mulching mulch, straw mulch or evaporation.
live mulch
4. Whapasa – The irrigation should be Palekar challenges the idea that plant roots
moisture reduced and irrigation need a lot of water, in-fact, what roots need
should be practiced only is water vapour, and therefore, Whapasa is
at noon, in alternate the condition where there exist both air
furrows. molecules and water molecules present in
the soil.

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BENEFITS OF NF pesticides. With the help of

diversified/mixed cropping practices,
The world’s population is predicted farmers can harvest different types of
to expand to approximately 10 billion by produce at regular interval from small
2050. It is expected that in a situation of parcels of land and earn regular
modest economic growth, this will boost incomes. The mixed cropping system
agricultural demand up to 50%, in also improves the nutritional value of
comparison to 2013 (FAO 2017, The soil, minimizes risks, reduces pest
future of Food and Agriculture– Trends loads, boosts productivity levels and
and challenges). Expanding food ensures financial sustainability.
production and economic growth have 2. Increased Farmers’ Income
often come at a heavy cost to the natural NF aims to make farming viable
environment. High-input, resource- and aspirational by increasing net
intensive farming systems have caused incomes of farmers on account of cost
massive deforestation, water scarcity, soil reduction, reduced risks, similar
depletion and high levels of greenhouse yields, incomes from intercropping,
gas emissions.Practices such as agro- increasing crop intensity along with
ecology, including Natural Farming, result availing fair price of the crop grown.
in better yields without compromising the 3. Minimize Cost of Production
needs of the future generations. Some of NF aims to drastically cut down
the benefits advocated by FAO and other production costs by encouraging
international organizations are as under. farmers to prepare essential nutrients
1. Improve Yield and plant protection materials with
NF aims to increase yields by locally available resources, thereby
maximizing production factors like ending the need for external and
labour, soil, equipment and by commercial inputs like fertilizers and
avoiding the use of non-natural inputs other chemicals. The inputs like
like fertilizers, herbicides and Jivamrit and Beejamrit are

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
significantly reducing the costs of to enhance the nutrient content of the
cultivation. plant leading to better bioavailability
4. Ensure Better Health for humans.
NF products have a much higher 10. Livestock Sustainability
nutritional content. Protein, amino Cow dung and urine are the most
acid, crude fat and other essential essential components in Jivamrit and
nutrient were about 300% higher than Beejamrit. Livestock can be integrated
ordinary products. Discontinuing with agro ecological farming practices
chemical pesticides and fertilizers in to make them economically viable.
fields will prevent run-off into water 11. Resilience
sources, further reducing Climate change poses critical risks
communities’ exposure to such for farmers, and endangers the soil,
chemicals. water, and other resources on which
5. Employment Generation food production depends. Rising
NF leads to rural employment and temperatures have already intensified
increases the financial viability of droughts, heat waves, and cyclones,
small farms. NF has the potential to making it harder to grow crops. In this
generate employment opportunities context the crops grown under natural
across the agricultural value chain, farming methods show great resilience
from production, distribution, and to droughts and cyclones. NF impacts
retail of natural mixtures to market many farmers positively by imparting
linkages for such produce. resilience to the crops against weather
6. Exclusion of Chemical Inputs extremities.
The indiscriminate use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides is a threat to REDESIGNING OF SUSTAINABLE
soil and environment. This has INTENSIFICATION
adversely impacted the crop response
There is growing evidence that
ratio and created an imbalance of
sustainable intensification can increase
nutrients in the soil. ZBNF eliminates
crop yields by redesigning ecosystems on
the use of these chemicals.
and around farms (Garibaldi et al., 2019;
7. Environmental Protection Godfray et al., 2010; Pretty &
NF aims to reduce risks associated
Bharucha, 2018; Reganold &
with uncertainties of climate change
Wachter, 2016). In some contexts,
by promoting the adoption of an agro-
sustainable intensification is achieving
ecology framework. It encourages
scale, reaching large numbers of farmers
farmers to use low-cost home-grown
and hectares (Pretty et al., 2018). This
inputs, eliminate the use of chemical
paper addresses the system of Zero Budget
fertilizers, and industrial pesticides.
Natural Farming (ZBNF), an emerging
8. Lowering Water Requirement agro-ecological practice that has spread in
Essentially, NF helps in making
India, as a form of agricultural system
soil porous and increases the moisture
redesign. The focus is on the south-eastern
content in the soil since the amount of
state of Andhra Pradesh, where the state
water in the air is 10 times that of the
government has announced the intention to
amount of water in rivers. Natural
roll out ZBNF to all the state’s 6 million
Farming can transform agriculture for
farmers by 2024 (UNEP, 2018). This
drought-prone areas in the country.
represents an infrequent contemporary
9. Soil Health Improvement example of a policy-led sustainability
Rejuvenating the soil micro-
transition at significant scale in India, and
organisms through the use of bio-
provides a number of lessons for other
inoculums and natural pesticides helps

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
state-led initiatives for sustainable based cropping system (e.g., tomato +
agriculture. beans + cucumber and cauliflower + pea +
radish), vegetables-cereals-based cropping
The potential for synergies between system, and other three more cropping
agriculture and ecosystem health was first systems discussed in this article. The
hinted at in the context of smallholders in results indicated that a vegetable-based
less-developed countries in the use of the cropping system has 19.68% more net
term sustainable intensification return in Kharif season and 24.64% more
(Pretty, 1997). The approach is not meant net return in Rabi season as compared to
to be prescriptive, recognizing that there is conventional farming vegetable-based
no single form or initiative that can monocropping system. NF maximizes land
accomplish sustainable outcomes over all use and reduces the chance of crop yield
types of agricultural system. Instead, loss. NF has resulted in increased returns
interventions as varied as crop varietal especially in the vegetable cropping
improvements, multi-cropping, integrated system where reduction in cost was 30.73
pest management, conservation per cent (kharif) and 11.88 per cent (rabi)
agriculture, the system of crop across all crop combinations in
intensification (starting as the system of comparison to CF. It is found in study that
rice intensification and expanding to other NF was cost savings from not using
crops), and the intensification of small chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well
patches of land have shown the potential to as higher benefit from intercrops.
achieve positive social-ecological co-
benefits alongside healthy yields (Pretty In NF, input costs are highly
&Bharucha, 2018; Pretty, Toulmin, & diminished due to the abstinence from
Williams, 2011). pesticides, insecticides, and adoption of
natural inputs such as jivamrit, bijamrit,
Laishram et al., (2022) in a study ghanjivamrit, and neemastra. NF inputs
(Table 2.0) shows that farmers adopted and other natural preparations have a
five major crop combinations under major impact due to reduced expenditure
natural farming system, i.e., vegetables- on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Table 2. Crop combination-wise net returns under NF and CF systems.

Crops Net returns (Rs/ha)

combination
Kharif Relative Rabi Relative
Net returns economic Net returns economic
efficiency efficiency
(%) (%)
NF CF NF CF
Vegetables 272,875 228,009 19.68 54,895 44,038 24.65
Vegetables + 245,648 215,284 14.10 34,007 27,390 24.16
Cereals
Vegetables + 210,940 186,346 13.20 29,393 22,386 31.30
Pulses
Cereals + Pulses 12,178 9,897 23.05 30,843 24,252 27.18
Vegetables + -- -- -- 27,886 22,409 24.44
Oilseeds
Note: NF (Natural Farming); CF (Conventional Farming)

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
CONCLUSION e, D., Muir, J.F., Toulmin, C. 2010.F
ood security: The challenge of
Indiscriminate use of chemical feeding 9 billion
fertilizers and pesticides posed a threat to people. Science, 327(5967), 812–
the soil and environment. Many 818.
investigations have shown their adverse Laishram, C., Vashishat, R.K., Sharma, S.,
effects of change in soil nature, soil Rajkumari, B., Mishra, N., Barwal,
contamination, ground water pollution and P., Vaidya, M.K., Sharma, R.,
decrease in soil micro flora etc. Studies Chandel, R.S., Chandel, A., Gupta,
have shown that natural farming, with the R.K. and Sharma, N. 2022. Impact
minimum external inputs and by of Natural Farming Cropping System
application of supplements like on Rural Households—Evidence
Jeevamruth, improves the soil fertility by From Solan District of Himachal
increasing the soil micro flora and Pradesh, India. Front. Sustain. Food
available nutrients. This method Syst. 6:878015. doi:
encourages multi cropping and 10.3389/fsufs.2022.878015
biodiversity of micro and macro flora. A Mishra, M. 2013. Role of Eco-Friendly
survey carried out by LVC (La Via Agricultural Practices in Indian
Campesina) (Anon., 2013) suggests that Agriculture Development.
ZBNF works not just in agronomic terms, International Journal of Agriculture
but also brings about a variety of social and Food Science Technology
and economic benefits. A majority of (IJAFST): Volume 4; Issue 2; Page
respondents reported that by adopting 25-29.
ZBNF, over time they saw improvements Mishra, S. 2018. Zero Budget Natural
in yield, soil conservation, seed diversity, Farming: Are This and Similar
and quality of produce, household food Practices The Answers. Nabakrushna
autonomy, income, and health. Choudhury Centre for Development
Studies, Bhubaneswar.
REFERENCES
Pretty, J. N. 1997. The sustainable
Anonymous. 2013. Case study provided by intensification of
La ViaCampesina Contact agriculture. Natural Resources
lvcweb@viacampesina.org Forum, 21, 247–256.
FAO. 2017. The future of food and Pretty, J.and Bharucha, Z.
agriculture – Trends and P. 2018. Sustainable intensification
challenges. Rome. of agriculture: Greening the world’s
Food and Agriculture Organisation. 2009. food economy. London: Routledge.
How to Feed the World: Global Pretty, J., Benton, T. G., Bharucha, Z.
Agriculture Towards 2050. High P., Dicks, L. V., Flora, C.
Level Expert Forum, Food and B., Godfray, H. C. J.,
Agriculture Organization. Retrieved Pierzynski, G. 2018. Global
from www.fao.org; on 27/12/2018 assessment of agricultural system
Garibaldi, L. A., Pérez- redesign for sustainable
Méndez, N., Garratt, M. intensification. Nature
P., Gemmill-Herren, B., Miguez, F. Sustainability, 1(8), 441.
E., & Dicks, L. V. 2019. Policies for Pretty, J., Toulmin, C.,
ecological intensification of crop and Williams, S. 2011. Sustainable
production. Trends in Ecology & intensification in African
Evolution, 34(4), 282–286. agriculture. International Journal of
Godfray, H. C. J., Beddington, J. Agricultural Sustainability, 9(1), 5–
R., Crute, I.R., Haddad, L., Lawrenc 24.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Reganold, J. P., and Wachter, J. UNEP. 2018. Andhra Pradesh to become
M. 2016. Organic agriculture in the India’s first zero budget natural
twenty-first century. Nature farming state. Press Release, 2nd
Plants, 2(2), 15221. June 2018.
Tripathi, S., and Tauseef, S. 2018. Zero Vashishat, R. K., Laishram, C., and
Budget Natural Farming, for the Sharma, S. 2021. Problems and
Sustainable Development Goals. factors affecting adoption of natural
Andhra Pradesh. farming in Sirmaur District of
Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Ecol.
48, 944–949.
World Bank. 2012. Gender Equality and
Development. World Development
Report, Retrieved from
www.worldbank.org.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Development of water production function for garden pea under mid hills of
Meghalaya
KONGA SWETHA, LALA I.P. RAY AND DEEP JYOTI DAS

College of Post Graduate Studies in Agriculture Sciences (Central Agricultural University -

Imphal),Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
Email: kswethakonga@gmail.com

Keywords: - Maximum allowable depletion Umiam, (Central Agricultural University –

(MAD), North eastern region (NER), water Imphal) Ri-bhoi district, Meghalaya. The
productivity, Water production functions. field experiment was adopted under split
plot design with irrigation under main plot
Garden pea (Pisum sativum L. var. and four different varieties under sub plot
hortense) is an important rabi season crop and was replicated thrice. Irrigation
grown in Indian subcontinent, commonly scheduling was done based on Maximum
known as 'matar' or 'pea'. Pea is the third Allowed Depletion (MAD) using surface
most important legume of the world after method of irrigation. Four (04) main plot
beans and chickpea, grown for both fresh treatments are I1: 20% of MAD, I2: 40% of
market and food processing industry. Peas MAD, I3: 60% of MAD and I4: 100% MAD
leave behind 50-60 kg ha-1 residual nitrogen Similarly, four (04) pea varieties are VM 10,
in soil through Biological Nitrogen fixation. VM 12, VL Sabji Matar 15, VL Sabji Matar
As pea is a rabi season crop, the main 13. The size of each experimental plot was
sowing seasons are October and November (2×1.5) 3 m2 separated by a bund of size 30
in which around 90% of pea is cultivated. cm. The adopted seed rate was 75 kg ha-1
During rabi season, India receives very less with spacing of 30 × 10 cm2. The major
rain and crops grown during this season nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous and potash
experience moisture stress - which is one of were supplied through chemical fertilizers
the reasons for low productivity. In such urea, single super phosphate and murate of
water limiting situations, deficit irrigation is potash as per recommended doses N:P: K =
a water management strategy, in which 20:60:40 kg ha-1. The main treatments I1 was
water is supplied in less amount than what is given irrigation when 20 % of available soil
required by the crop to meet the crop moisture is depleted, similarly I2 when 40 %
evapotranspiration (ET) demand without of available soil moisture is depleted, I3
compromising the potential yield. Crop when 60 % of available soil moisture is
Water Production Functions (CPWF) will be depleted and I4 when 100 % of available soil
developed through which irrigation water moisture is depleted.
can be allocated efficiently, and thus
increasing the water productivity. RESULT & DISCUSSION

METHODOLOGY It was observed from Table 1 that,

yield parameters and yields increased with
The field trial was conducted during increasing the amount of irrigation levels.
the year 2021-22 (November- February) at The results for number of pods per plant
the experimental field of College of Post (11.81), pod weight per plant (45.19 g), and
Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, green pod yield (8.19 t ha-1) were found

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
significantly highest in treatment I1. improve farm level water management and
However, treatment I2 was statistically at par crop yield, effective irrigation plans can be
with I1 in all the growth and yield developed by using knowledge of how crops
parameters with no. of pods per plant as respond to water supply, under both full and
(11.28), pod weight per plant as (43.1 g), limited situations. Based on maximum
and green pod yield as (7.91 t ha-1). These allowable depletion of available soil
results are in agreement with (Yathish et al., moisture criterion, maximum potential
2021; Hirich et al., 2014; Dasila et al., yields are obtained treatment I1 (8.19 t ha-1),
2016). The increase in pod weight per plant which was 107% higher than I4. This can be
and green pod yield was mainly due to recommended under fully irrigated
adequate soil moisture availability at all the conditions. Butunder water limiting
growth stages of crop leading to proper situations I2 may be recommended where
uptake of nutrients throughout the crop water is applied at 40% depletion of
growth stages resulted in higher yields. available soil moisture. This treatment
results in green pod yield of 7.91 t ha-1
The significantly highest value of which is 100% higher over I4, eventually
water productivity was noticed treatment I4, resulting in higher water productivity (35%
where irrigation was given at 100% of higher) over I1. Quadratic or second degree
Maximum allowable depletion. The water polynomial CWPF were developed which
productivity of treatment I4 was 14%, 11% may be used for yield prediction in response
and 10% highest over I1, I3 and I2. Similar to total water applied or crop water use
results were reported by (Jabow et al., 2015; during the cropping season as y = -0.0001x2
Rao et al., 2016) The maximum water + 0.0633x - 1.5064; (R² = 0.96) on pooled
productivity for the four irrigation basis, respectively. This ensures that as
treatments were arranged as I4 (3.93 kg m-3) irrigation amount increases the increase in
> I2 (3.56 kg m-3) > I3 (3.34 kg m-3) > I1 yield was decreasing. Hence, in order to
(2.63 kg m-3). This indicated that application obtain maximum possible yields maintaining
of more amount of water due to frequent field at 60% of field capacity is necessary.
irrigations in I1 increased the high moisture
loss due to evapotranspiration (Fereres and REFERENCES
Soriano, 2007). The crop water production
function was obtained as Y = -0.0001x2 + Yathish, V.C., Chowdhury, R.S. and Datta,
0.0633x - 1.5064; with R² = 0.96 on pooled S. (2021). Evaluation of Garden Pea
analysis of all cultivars which was shown in (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.)
Fig 1. Similar findings were reported by Genotypes Under Irrigated and
(Zhang, 2003) Among the cultivars highest Rainfed Condition Under Foothills
yield and water productivity was noticed in of Terai Agro-ecological Region of
V4 as 7.23 t ha-1 and 3.70 kg m-3. Similarly, West Bengal. 12(4):332-338.
the highest BCR was observed in main plot Hirich, A., Choukr‐Allah, R. and Jacobsen,
treatment, I1-2.30 and in cultivar V4 – 2.06. S.E. (2014). Deficit irrigation and
organic compost improve growth and
CONCLUSION yield of quinoa and pea. J. Agron.
Crop Sci., 200(5): 390-398.
A major limiting element in Dasila, B., Singh, V., Kushwaha, H.S.,
agricultural production systems is the Srivastava, A. and Ram, S. (2016).
availability of soil water. In order to Water use efficiency and yield of

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
cowpea and nutrient loss in lysimeter (2016). Performance of pea under
experiment under varying water table different irrigation systems, 1-3.
depth, irrigation schedules and Fereres, E. and Soriano, M.A. (2007).
irrigation method. SAARC J. Deficit irrigation for reducing
Agric., 14(2): 46-55.5. agricultural water use. J.
Jabow, M.A., Ibrahim, O.H. and Adam, H.S. experimental bot., 58(2): 147-159.
(2015). Yield and water productivity Zhang, H. (2003). Improving water
of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as productivity through deficit
influenced by different irrigation irrigation: examples from Syria, the
regimes and varieties under semi North China Plain and Oregon,
desert climatic conditions of USA. Water productivity in
Sudan. Agric. Sci., 6(11): 1299. agriculture: limits and opportunities
Rao, K.R., Gangwar, S., Bajpai, A., Keshri, for improvements. CABI, 301-309.
R., Chourasia, L. and Soni, K.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Table 1: Effect of irrigation regimes on yield parameters and water productivity of garden pea
cultivars

Treatment No. of Pods Pod weight Green Biological Water BCR

per plant per plant pod yield Yield productivity
(g plant-1) (t ha-1) (t ha-1) (kg m-3)

Main plot treatments (Levels of irrigation)

I1 11.81 45.19 8.19 14.80 2.63 2.30
I2 11.28 43.10 7.91 14.36 3.56 2.26
I3 9.31 32.51 6.03 11.95 3.34 1.60
I4 7.61 25.27 3.95 8.71 3.93 0.96
SEM ± 0.36 1.26 0.15 0.32 0.08 0.08
C.D 1.24 4.36 0.51 1.11 0.26 0.26
Sub plots treatments (Cultivars)
V1 10.58 38.99 7.04 13.41 3.60 2.05
V2 9.06 31.81 5.67 11.17 2.96 1.40
V3 9.44 34.37 6.16 11.69 3.21 1.60
V4 10.92 40.91 7.23 13.54 3.70 2.06
SEM ± 0.25 0.85 0.15 0.37 0.08 0.08
C.D 0.73 2.49 0.45 1.09 0.24 0.24
Crop water production functions

9.5 y = -0.0001x2 + 0.0633x - 1.5064

R² = 0.9675
8.5
Yield (t/ha)

7.5
6.5
5.5
4.5
3.5
135 185 235 285 335
Total water used (IW+R) mm

Fig 1: Pooled water production function of Crop yield with water used

328
 THEME E
FARMER’S PLATFORM
 SUB CONTENT

THEME E:FARMER’S PLATFORM

SL AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE

NO. NO.
Lead Presentations
1 Opportunities in extraction and value addition to natural fibres from banana pseudo-stem 329-334
and pineapple leaf
Nayak LK, Roy AN and Mitra K
2 An overview of natural farming in Sundargarh District of Odisha 335-348
Arun Kumar Mishra and Manoj Kumar Jena
Oral Presentation
3 UAV application on providing evidence based near real time agro-advisory services to 349
paddy farmers of Ri-bhoi district, Meghalaya in enabling climate smart business: A case
study
Singh RJ, Victor Saikhom, Anurag TS, Puyam Subhas and Singh NJ
4 Spirituality in Agriculture – Being in harmony with nature, through meditation 350-353
Anand Kolwalkar and Vaishnavi Sadawarte
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity Conservation and under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Opportunities in extraction and value addition to natural fibres from

banana pseudo-stem and pineapple leaf
L.K. NAYAK1*, A.N. ROY2 AND K. MITRA3
1
Principal Scientist, 2Principal Scientist and Head &3Technical Officer, Transfer of
Technology Division
ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering & Technology
12, Regent Park, Kolkata -700040.
*Corresponding Author, Email-laxmikanta8495@rediffmail.com

INTRODUCTION BANANA FIBRE

India has a vast resource for Availability
different natural fibres viz. cotton, jute, In India, banana plant is appropriately
mesta, sisal, pineapple leaf fibre, flax, referred as ‘Kalpatharu’, a plant of all
banana, coir, ramie etc. Among these virtues (Figure 1).
fibres, cotton and jute are abundantly
available in many parts of the country.
Hence, maximum emphasis has been given
on the advancement of these two crops.
But fibres allied to jute are scattered and
hence yet to find their suitable application.
Enterprises in agriculture mainly depend
upon the extent of diversification realised
in that commodity. In other hand,
diversification in fibre crops mainly
depends on extraction of quality fibres
through improved mechanical extractors Figure 1: Banana Plant
and value addition to this extracted fibre
through advanced processing technologies. Each and every part of the plant is used for
ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre specific purposes. Apart from its use as a
Engineering & Technology, Kolkata has dessert fruit and for culinary purposes, the
played a pivotal role in developing banana plant has multifaceted uses: the
extractors for potential allied fibres thus leaf is commonly used as a hygienic dining
bringing mechanization as a reality in fibre plate; the male flower is a favourite
extraction process and expanding the vegetable; the inner core of the pseudo
scope of agri-business in natural fibre stem is a popular vegetable, with many
sector. Considering the potential of banana therapeutic uses; the sap is used as an
and pineapple fruit cultivation in north- indelible ink in industry and the
eastern region of our country, these agro- underground rhizome is exploited as
wastes i.e. banana pseudo-stem & animal feed in a composite mixture with
pineapple leafcan be utilized to extract other feedstuffs. It is estimated that after
valuable natural fibres from it and then for the harvesting of banana fruit, huge
development of value added diversified quantity, 60 to 80 t/ha of waste biomass is
products for large scale consumption. generated as waste which can be used for
extraction of valuable natural fibre.

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ational Con
Conference on Natural Farming Systems,
Systems Biodiversity
Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022,, India

EXTRACTION Over the years, mechanical extractors have

been developed by the various government
Fibre can be extracted from the & private organizations viz. ICAR-Central
banana pseudostem after the separation of Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI),
individual sheaths one by one from the Rajahmundry; M/S Mercuree, Chennai;
whole length of pseudostem. The M/S Eco Green, Coimbatore & Navsari
pseudostem is the aerial stem seen above Agricultural University (NAU), Gujrat.
Gujrat To
the ground and is formed by closely extract uniform as well as quality fibre, a
packed leaf sheaths embedded in the double roller extractorr with the elimination
growing tip. Each leaf has a basal leaf of backward dragging of the pseudo-stems
pseudo
sheath forming a part of pseudostem, has been developed at ICAR-NINFET,
ICAR
petiole and lamina. The process can be Kolkata. The extractor also featured with
accomplished by both manual and the delivery mechanism to collect the
mechanical means. Figure 2 shows the scrapped stem at one end.
different sections of banana pseudostem Description of Extractor
used for extraction of fibre. The extractor (Figure 4.) consists of two
rollers. Once the pseudo-stem
pseudo sheaths are
fed into the machine, the beating action
takes place on the surface of the first
roller. This beating of sheaths removes the
debris and simultaneously separates the
fibre. After that, the second roller
ro (debris
removal roller) removes the debris adhered
to the scrapped sheaths. It also removes the
short entangled fibres. The scrapped sheath
is collected at the delivery end of the
Figure 2: Banana pseudostem for extractor through a conveyor belt and then
extraction of fibre washed in plain water/tap water
wa and sun-
dried to get the fibre. The overall yield of
In manual extraction process
process, the sheaths
dry fibre from pseudo-stem
pseudo is around
are made into strips of 5-88 cm wide and 22-
0.80%, with green sheath and white sheath
4 mm thick along the entire length of the
yielding 0.96% and 0.70% dry fibre
pseudo-stem
stem as shown in Figure 3. The
respectively.
process is known as tuxying and the strips
being called tuxies. The process is vey
tedious and time consuming. It also
damages
mages a large quantity of fibre, with the
production of around 500 g of
fibre/day/person.

Figure 4: Improved banana pseudo-stem

pseudo
extractor developed at ICAR-NINFET,
ICAR
Kolkata
Figure 3: Manual extraction of banana
pseudostem fibre

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

APPLICATION OF FIBRE
Banana fibre is having elegant look
and highly versatile characteristics. As it
does not crumple easily, these fibres can
used in the manufacture of dress materials.
Paper produced from banana exhibits
superior tear resistance and tensile
strength. Banana fibres have already been Figure 6:Pineapple plant & green leaves
tested for use as a filtration agent in the
treatment of wastewater, which is often The name is derived from the Spanish
contaminated with oils and other organic word ‘Pina’ meaning cone shaped. The
materials. Banana fibre performs very well plant is widely cultivated for its fruit in the
in combination with other fibres for tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is a
making diversified products (Figure 5). biennial plant with a rather short life. India
VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS FROM is one of the major producers of pineapple
BANANA PSEUDO-STEM FIBRE: and cultivation is spread in various states
like Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal
where as states like Maharashtra, Odisha
and Bihar, it is grown in very small area.
The total area under pineapple is
approximately 90,000 hectare and is
gradually increasing. In West Bengal alone
the area under pineapple cultivation is
12,500 hectares.
EXTRACTION
Extraction of fibre from green
pineapple leaves (manual extraction)
involves lots of drudgery of women
engaged with the process (Figure 7). The
process involves stripping off the fibre
from the green leaf. In this method a lot of
fibre is lost and the entire process is also
very laborious. Fibres of the leaf are
scrapped by means of a broken plate or
coconut shell and the yield is around 1% of
Figure 5: Bed Cover and Table Cloth from dry fibre (App), which is about 10kg of
banana fibre blended fabric dry fibre from 1 tonne of pineapple leaf.

PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE

Availability
Pineapple fibre (Ananas cosmosus L.) is
obtained from the leaves of the pineapple
plant (Figure 6) which belongs to the
Bromeliaceous family.

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leaves are pushed forward towards the

combing roller. The combing roller is
made of mild steel & has 10 nos. of iron
bars on top of which iron pins are mounted
(iron pins are of 5 mm in height & 12 nos
per inch). The function of the combing
roller is to give the cuts/marks on the
already scrapped green leaves for making
retting process quicker. After the scrapping
& combing operation is finished, the
processed leaves are collected at the front
Figure 7: Manual extraction of fibre from
end of the extractor by the same person
green pineapple leaves
who has fed the green pineapple leaves to
the machine. The extractor runs through a
In the mechanical process, the green leaf is
1 H.P. single phase electric motor &
crushed in a raspador machine. The soft
having the processing capacity of 30 Kg
green parts of the leaves are crushed and
green leaves/hr with the yield of 2% dry
washed in water and the thread is taken
fibre from 100 Kg green leaves. It means,
out. The thread is then brushed with a
the output capacity of the extractor is 4-5
comb and fine threads are separated from
Kg dry fibre/day in 8 hr/day running basis.
the spongy ones. Though automatic and
semi-automatic machines are developed by APPLICATION OF FIBRE
different organizations, but these are not
suitable for operation in case of small In India, the twines, threads and
holdings as prevalent in Eastern, North- fabrics of pineapple leaf fibre are used
Eastern and Southern parts of the country fordecorating purposes and also for
growing pineapple. Under these stitching necklaces and sewing shoes.
circumstances, portable on farm extractors Cover spun yarns using yarns spun from
are expected to serve the purpose most pineappleleaf fibre/polyester/acrylic blends
effectively. More recently, ICAR- are used for knitting women’s outer
NINFET, Kolkata has developed an garments, socks etc. Pineapple leaf fibre
extractor for getting quality fibre from yarns alone & blended yarns spun on
green pineapple leaves. cotton and jute spinning system are found
suitable for the production of curtains, bed
DESCRIPTION OF EXTRACTOR spreads, carpets, furnishing fabrics, towels
etc. Chemically treated pineapple leaf fibre
The developed extractor (Figure 8)
based needle-punched felts are made for
consists of a multi-leaf (03 leaves at a
use as geo-textiles for earthworks like
time) feeding channel, a pair of feed
erosion control of the slops of the
rollers, a scrapping roller and a combing
riverbanks.
roller. The feed roller pair is made of
rubber and primarily does the feeding of VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS FROM
green leaves to scrapping & combing PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE:
roller. All the three categories of rollers are The extracted fibre can be used in
of same dimension i.e. 300 mm in length. the manufacture of various high value
The scrapping roller is made of high speed products viz. Handicrafts, Jewellery, Hand
steel & has 10 nos. of sharp blades bag, Shawl and Uttariya (Figure 9-12).
attached on its surface and it primarily These products are having very high
scrapes/removes the waxy layer on the demand in local as well as the international
surface of green leaves. Once the markets.
scrapping operation is over, the scrapped

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Figure 8: Improved pineapple leaf

extractor

Figure 11: Uttariya from pineapple leaf fibre Figure 12: Shawl developed from pineapple
blended fabric leaf fibre blended fabric

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

SUMMARY Nayak, L.K. Product diversification in

Jute1 Sector, COMSOMATH: A
Banana pseudo-stem fibre and Magazine on Computer Science,
pineapple leaf fibre can be extracted Social Science and Mathematics
economically using the improved (2014), Vol. 17 (2): 33-34.
extractors designed & developed at ICAR- Nayak, L.K. KelaResa ka
NINFET, Kolkata. These fibres can be NiskarshanebangUpyogita,DEBANJ
used alone or in blend with other natural ALI: Hindi Magazine Published
fibres to develop high value diversified from National Institute of Research
products. These diversified products have on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology,
high demand both in National and Vol.1:37-40.
International market. Keeping in view of Nayak, L.K. and Roy, A.N. (2017).
the extraction potential of these fibres in Strengthening National Food
North Eastern States, agri-business Security: Role of ICAR-NIRJAFT in
ventures can be taken-up at a large scale to training stake holders in jute & allied
uplift the socio-economic development of fibre sector. Published in the Book
the region. entitled “Agricultural Extension:
Techniques & Applications” Edited
by Dr. Kalyan Ghadei, Published
REFERENCES
byBIOTECH BOOKS, New Delhi,
ISBN:978-81-7622-3805.
Doraiswami,I and Chellamani, P.
Nayak, L.K., Roy, A.N., Debnath, S.
Pineapple leaf fibres (1993).Textile
Mitra, K. and Kundu, T. (2022).
Progress,24(1),1-37.
Perspectives of some fibre extraction
Ghosh,S.K. and Sinha, M.K.(1977), Indian
technologies for agri-business start-
Textile Journal , 88 (2),111.
up in north eastern region published
Ghosh, S.K. and Dey, S.K. (1988),
in the book entitled “Agri-Business
Journal of Textile Association, 49
Opportunities in North East India”
(5),167.
by Today & Tomorrow’s printers
Nag, D. and Saha, S. Data book on Fibres
and publishers, New Delhi, ISBN:
allied to Jute, Published by
9789391734732, pp: 185-191.
NIRJAFT, Kolkata.
Pandey, S.N. and Ananathakrishnan, S.R.
National Fibre Policy Document
In Fifty years of research (1938-
Published by Ministry of Textiles,
1989) Jute Technological Research
Government of India.
Laboratory, ICAR, Kolkata.
Nayak, L.K., Das, S. and Shambhu, V.B.
Ray et.al, 2012, Utilization and value
Extraction and utilization potential
addition of banana fibre - a review,
of some palm fibres,
Agri. Reviews. 33 (1): 46 - 53. 2012.
COMSOMATH: A Magazine on
Singh HP, Uma S. 1996. Banana
Computer Science, Social Science
Cultivation in India. National
and Mathematics (2014), Vol. 17
Research Centre for Banana,
(1): 23-27.
Tiruchirapalli, India.

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

An overview of natural farming in Sundargarh District of Odisha

ARUN KUMAR MISHRA1 AND MANOJ KUMAR JENA2
1
IFS, RCCF Rourkela Circle, Odisha
2
Scientist (Soil Science), KVK, Sundargarh-I, Odisha

ABSTRACT is famous for ancient tribal culture. It is

situated in the North Western Plateau Zone
The present study was undertaken of state Odisha and is located within the
with an objective to find out the present Latitude of 20⁰ 35’ to 22⁰ 32’ North and
status and future scope of natural farming Longitude of 83⁰ 32’ to 85⁰ 22’ East. The
in Sundargarh district of Odisha. Farming geographical area of the district is 9712 sq.
in the hills and forest areas by the tribals in km. Physiographically about 50% of the
natural environment with indigenous crops total area of the district is forest which is
and without use of any chemicals well distributed in all parts of the district.
(fertilizers, pesticides & herbicides) was The average maximum temperature varies
taken into consideration as natural from 26⁰ to 46⁰C. and minimum
farming. Some of the organisation like temperature from 8⁰ to 25⁰ in the district
CIRTD, SEWAK, Kishan Sathi whereas relative humidity varies from 47
Foundation, KVK of this district have to 89%. The annual rainfall is around 1400
done some work on natural farming. No mm.65.57% of the population lives in rural
systematic scientific study has been done area. The ST population is 50.21% and
so far on natural farming. Therefore, that of SC is 8.62%. Nearly 80.5%
attempt has been made by the authors to (2,52,168 ha.) of the cultivated area is
collect information pertaining to natural rainfed. The contribution of Agriculture
farming from various sources. From the towards the district economy is maximum.
study, it was observed that natural farming Since, the marginal and small holders of
in the district is limited to hills and forest the district jointly constitute about 77.69%
areas from time immemorial. The and most of them take Agriculture as
production and productivity of indigenous subsistence enterprise. The Agro-climatic
varieties of crops was far from being condition & soil of Sundargarh district is
satisfactory and the practising tribals very conducive for vegetables, spices and
selling the produces at a very low price fruit crops. Since, 56% of total cultivated
due to poor market linkage. With capacity area (TCA) is high land and 80.5% of
building of farmers, formulation of TCA is rainfed, there is enormous scope
package of practices, consumer awareness for dryland horticulture, off-season
for market development etc. there will be vegetable cultivation. The fertilizer &
scaling up of natural farming in the pesticides usages is very low in the
district. Government should give attention district. There is enormous scope for
for expansion of area and enhancement of Natural farming in the district.
productivity of crops under natural Natural farming is a chemical free
farming. The study also envisages traditional farming method, which is
identification of potential areas for related to fertility farming, organic
horizontal spread of natural farming in the farming, sustainable agriculture, agro
district. ecology, eco agriculture and permaculture.
“Sundargarh” as the name signifies In this case neither fertilizer nor organic
its beauty and abundant natural resources. fertilizer are added to soil. It avoids use of
This is the land of hills and forests, rivers non-natural inputs like fertilizers,
and streams, minerals and biodiversity and herbicides and pesticides and advocates

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the cultivation of diverse species of crops district. Some organisations also

depending on site specific agro-climatic promoting natural farming. Krishi Vigyan
conditions. Natural farming aims to Kendra, Sundargarh also taken some
drastically cut-down production costs by initiatives in this regard. The details of
encouraging farmers to prepare essential natural farming is discussed below.
nutrients and plant protection materials
with locally available resources, thereby A. HILL FARMING IN BONAI
ending the need for external and FOREST DIVISION OF
commercial inputs like fertilizers and other SUNDARGARH DISTRICT
chemicals. Natural farming is not simply
It is the practice of growing crops
farming without chemical fertilizers and
in hills by the tribals. The areas where
pesticides, rather it is organic farming with
shifting cultivation was practised earlier
the added dimension of exploiting
and sparse forest areas used for farming.
beneficial microorganisms to enhance soil
The tribals open up the soil by using a
quality and soil health. It employs use of
spade or hoe and put the seeds. No
bio-inoculums and natural pesticides for
ploughing is done. Desi varieties of crops
rejuvenating the soil microorganisms.
are sown. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides,
Natural farming is farming using
organic manures are not used. Only leaf
natural process and inputs to improve the
litters is the source of organic matter in
health of soil, crop yield & quality, so we
soil. No irrigation is provided to the crops.
have to take our Agriculture out of the lab
Rain water is the source of water. The
of chemistry and connect it to the lab of
crops are grown in complete natural
nature. Natural farming products have a
environment. The productivity of crops is
much higher nutritional content. Protein,
very low. Sometimes complete crop failure
amino acids, crude fat and other essential
is witnessed. It is a kind of sustenance
nutrients were about 300% higher than
farming. The crop products are completely
ordinary products.
chemical free and nutritious.
Climate change poses critical risks
for farmers and endangers the soil, water
and other resources on which food
production depends. Rising temperature
have already intensified droughts, heat
waves and cyclone, making it harder to
grow crops. In this context, crops grown
under natural farming methods show great
resilience to drought and cyclones. The
changes in soil structure with the help of
organic carbon, no/low tillage and plant
diversity are supporting plant growth even
under extreme situations like severe
droughts and withstanding severe flood
and wind damage during cyclone.
The present study aimed at to know
the status of natural farming in Sundargarh
district. Mostly the tribals dwelling in hills
and forest areas practising natural farming
using natural resources in natural
environment since time immemorial. Govt.
Schemes like PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi
Vikash Yojana) was also operated in the

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Forest Area
Location Crops Tribes Season
Range in ha.
Kuliposh Ladapani,Budhabhuin, Maize, 53.64 Bhuyan, Kharif,
Khatiabhaguni, Haladikanchi, Blackgram, Munda Rabi
Arjunjhari, Mukulapani, San- Jowar,
Nuagaon,Tasada, Bandhabhuin, Niger
Derula, Kiri, Keta, Kunu, Kundala,
Sasa, Melani, Patamunda, Talagiria,
Nagaria, Sanjala, Badjala, Fuljhar,
Ranja
Barsuan Raisuan, Kemsila, Batgaon, Maize, 33.92 Bhuyan, Rabi
Bhutuda, Sarkunda, Lasi, Randa, Niger, Munda
Langalkata, Kusumdihi, Damalu, Blackgram,
Fatatangar, Bahomba, Sidimba, Paddy,
Tentulidihi Jowar,
Mustard,
Horsegram
Koira Jaribahal, Basada, Kodalia, Horsegram, 8.27 Bhuyan, Kharif,
Kriyakudar, Sesamum, Munda Rabi
Champuakudar,Mithirda, Arhar,
Chakradhar, Kadamdihi,Naliadihi Blackgram,
Niger,
Jowar,
Mustard,
Maize,
Foxtail
millet
Tamra Bonaikela, Dumermunda, Jadeloi,
Chudiposh, Kantapali, Nuriapali, Kisan,
Badgaon, Madhupur, Gurundia, Oram,
Raikelaposh, Jhirpani, Saplata, Gonda,
Soldega, Tamara, Jhaksjharen, Paddy, Routia,
Jagda, Baghiakucha, Benuam, Maize, Patra,
Kanchida, Kadilkucha, Bhulikucha, Jowar, Bhuyan,
Kharif,
Pitagaon, Gaidega, Kulijhar, Blackgram, 58.44 Munda,
Rabi
Kusumdihi, Belte, Kendughati, Ragi, Niger, Khadia,
Pankadihi, Satatola, Tislakucha, Toor, Singh,
Rankey, Jamdhara, Bhurung, Greengram Kamar,
Saplata, Dharnipur, Jagannath Mahali,
Prasad, Silikata, Jadaloi, Balabhadra Kenta,
Prasad, Baratengla, Makadchua, Bhumij
Bhaludunguri

The hill farming is practiced by the locations of Barsuan Forest range practised
tribals of Bonai Forest Division in an area hill farming in an area of 33.92 ha. The
of 154.27 ha. Under Kuliposh Range, Bhuyan& Munda tribes grown Maize,
53.64 ha. is under hill farming with crops black gram, Paddy, Jowar,Horsegram
like Maize, Black gram, Jowar & Niger. At during kharif and Niger, Mustard during
23 different locations this practice is Rabi season. Large varieties of crops like
followed by Bhuyan& Munda tribes. In 14 Horse gram, Sesamum, Arhar, Black gram,

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Niger, Jowar, Mustard, Maize and Foxtail Ragi, Niger, Toor and Greengram are the
millet is grown by Munda&Bhuyan tribes major crops. In general, the tribals after
in Koira Forest Range. In both Kharif and meeting their own requirement, sale their
Rabi season the crops are grown in an area produces in local market. Some part of the
of 8.27 ha. at a location. Tamara being the produce is used as exchange for rice &
largest Forest Range, hill farming is salt. In true sense, although the products
practised in highest area (58.44 ha.) and are natural, the tribal farmers are getting
locations (42) by the Kisan, Oram, Gond, very low price and cheated by the
Routia, Patra, Bhuyan, Munda,Khadia, middleman. The standard of living of those
Singh, Kamar, Mahali, Kenta &Bhurnig peoples are very poor.
tribes. Paddy, Maize, Jowar, Black gram,

(B) Natural Farming in VSS areas of Sundargarh District

VSS area mostly refers to the forest farming. The tribal farmers are growing
and adjoining areas which are mostly crops using indigenous varieties of crops,
inhabited by tribals. Unlike hill farming, in irrigation water from natural perennial
this case some farmers are practicing streams/rivers with inherent fertility of
chemical free (fertilizers & pesticides) and soil. Hence, these areas also coming under
others using very low amount of fertilizers natural farming.
and pesticides for crop production. As
Brown forest soil, Lateritic soil and
alluvial soil are found in forest areas, the
crop yield is comparatively higher than hill

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Area
No. of
in
Block GP Village farmer Crop Variety
acre
s
s
78 61 Paddy Lusuri, Sapri,
Machhakanta
Sagbahal Sajori , Kalajira
28 22 Potato Local
17 7 Ragi Local
Lusuri,
Kalajira,
42 33 Paddy
Vdokakez,
Kiralaga Rangiadhipa Chinagoda
15 8 Blackgram Desi
17 7 Ragi Local
18 4 Horsegram Desi
76 57 Paddy Kalajira,
Chainagoda,
Balishankar
Kalam olani,
a
Lusuri
Talsara Kadopani
22 12 Potato Desi
8 5 Blackgram Desi
17 7 Ragi Local
18 4 Horsegram Desi
18 5 Til, Desi
Birkaldihi Beheradihi
Horsegram
Deobhubanpur Deobhubanpu 22 7 Ragi, Til, Desi
a r Redgram
49 16 Til, Desi
Tildega Bramhanmara Redgram,
Horsegram
30 11 TilHorsegra Desi
Tildega Kendudihi
m
12 3 Redgram Desi
Nuagaon Jharen
11 4 Horsegram Desi
Kutra
7 2 Redgram Desi
Tikilipara Tikilipara
15 5 Horsegram Desi
32 12 Paddy Machhakanta
Gundiadihi Dhangergudi
, Jui, Bhajana
Lephripara 24 13 Paddy Lusuri,
Sahebdera
Masabira Machhakanta
Laikera 12 8 Paddy Machhakanta
Kendudihi Badibahal 11 3 Horsegram Desi
Khuntipani 12 4 Horsegram Desi
Hemgir Hemgir
Kulijore 7 2 Til Desi
Durubaga Katarbaga 11 3 Til Desi

In Balishankara Block, natural farming is Kadopani, Beheradihi, Deobhubanpur,

done mostly in Sagjori, Rangiadhipa, Bramhanmara and Kendudihi villages by

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455 farmers in an area of 259 acres. The practising natural farming with local
crops are mostly local varieties of paddy varieties of Paddy, Til and Horsegram in
(Lusuri, Sapri, Machhakanta, Kalajira, an area of 50 acres. In
Chainagoda, Kalam Olani), potato, Ragi, Jharen&Tikiliparavillages of Kutra Block
Blackgram, Horsegram, Til, Redgram. In mostly Redgram&Horsegram is grown
Lephripara Block, Dhangergudi, under natural condition using natural
Sahebdera, Laikera, Budapahad villages resources. In other blocks like Tangarpali,
and in Hemgir Block Badibahal, Rajagangpur, Subdega natural farming is
Khuntipani, Kulijore&Katarbaga villages practised sporadically.

(C)Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY) in Sundargarh District

NGO: Center for integrated Rural & Tribal Development (CIRTD),Sundargarh.

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No. No. Varity Cropping

Of of Croping practice
Block Year Crops Grown Remarks
Clust Farm practice Followed
er ers followed
Lusuri,Machh  No use
hakanta,Sapari of
,Muguraphul, Chemica
Assam l
Chudi,Kalabat fertilizer
i (Black Rice), s&
Balisank 2017- Navera Pesticide
30 1396 Paddy
ara 18 (Brown Rice), s
Malliphul  Yield
(Aromatic), level of
Samalei Bhog crops at
Use of
(Aromatic), par/highe
Beejamru
Kalajira r than
t,
(Aromatic) conventi
Ghana/Ta
Millets Local onal
rala
Lephrip 2019- (Ragi, Jowar, practice
6 300 Jeevamru
ara 20 Bajra)  90% of
t , Green
manuring beneficia
Oilseeds Local ries were
(Dhanich
(Ground, tribal
2018- a),
4 200 Sesame, (oram,
19 Biofertili
Sunflower,Ni Kishan,
zers
ger) Khadia,
1 50 2019- Vegetables- Local Munda,
20 Cowpea Gonda,
Tangarp (Khunti Bhuyan)
ali Jhudanga),
Pumpkin,
Cucumber,
Bottle
grourd,
Bitter gourd,
Tomato,
Brinjal

The PKVY scheme was in operation at 2018-19, 200 farmers (4 clusters) in

Balishankara, Lephripara, Tangarpali Tangarpali Block and in 2019-20, 350
Blocks by the NGO- Centre for Integrated farmers (7 clusters) of Lephripara and
Rural & Tribal Development Tangarpali Block included in PKVY.
(CIRTD),Sundargarh during 2017-18 to Under this programme indigenous varieties
2019-20. During 2017-18, 1396 farmers of crops like paddy, millets (Ragi, Jower,
(30 clusters) of Balishankara Block, in Bajra), Oilseeds (Groundnut, Sesme,

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Conference on Natural Farming Systems,
Systems Biodiversity
Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022,, India

Sunflower, Niger), pulses (Arhar, &Bhuyan community. The yield level of

Greengram, Horsegram), vegetables crops
rops wereat par or higher than the
(Cowpea, Pumpkin,Cucumber, conventional practice (use of chemical
Bottlegourd, Bittergourd, Tomato, Brinjal) fertilizers & pesticides). This form of
were grown
wn with Beejamrut, natural farming using external organic
Ghana/TaralaJeevamrut, Green manuring inputs resulted in better yieldwithout
and Bio fertilizers. There was no use of compromising the needs of the future
chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The generation.
beneficiaries were mostly tribals (90%) of
Oram, Kishan, Khadia, Munda, Gonda

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(D) Organic farming in Sundargarh district

No.
Croppi
of Area
ng Cops
Block GP Village Far (Acre Variety
Scheme Grown
mer s)
Year
s
Paddy Machhakat
(Indigenou a,
HYV Khandagiri,
Swarna
Tomato Laxmi,
Raidihi, Utkal
Kusumura, Cauliflow Megha
Kusumura
B. er
Chilli Nun-2074
B.karuaba
Koruabahal, Utkal Abha
hal
Denkiguda, Cabbage Green Ball,
Balisank Tumulia 2021-
Pateimunda, 142 50 Gold Star
ara Balisanka 22
Sapdagar, Onion Nasik Red,
ra
Mahulgram, N-53
Beheradih
Gidhapahadi Brinjal Green Star,
i
, Blue
Beheradihi, Star,Utkal
Madhuri,
Groundnut
, Mustard Local
watermelo
n
Masabira, Laikera
Jhurimal Jhulendihi,
Chhatapali, Paddy,
Lephripa Chhatapal 2021-
Badkhalia, 28 11 Vegetable Local
ra i 22
Kulabira, s
Kulabira
Sarafgarh Krumkela,
Bardihi
Rajabasa, Vegetable
Kutra, s
Telighana, 2021- Groundnut Desi
Kutra 123 81
Domposh, 22 ,
Gyanpali, Ahar,
Gairbahal Ragi,

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

During the 2021-22, SEWAK a leading of crops were grown with organic sources
NGO of Sundargarh district with the of nutrients (Bio-fertilizer, Panchagavya,
support of ITDA promoted organic FYM) and neem based pesticides. The
farming in Balishankara, Lephripara & yield level were comparatively lower than
Kutra Block of Sundargarh involving 293 the chemical farming (use of chemical
farmers in an area of 142 acres fertilizers & pesticides).
.Indigenous, HYV &Hybrids (Vegetables)

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(E) Natural farming in Kutra Block

No.of Area
Cropping Practice
Block Village Farme Crop Variety in Season
Followed
rs Acres
Telighan 55 Paddy Machhakata 15.0  Seeds treated with
a Annapurna 25.0 Beejamrut
Soubhagi 20.0  Application of
Telighan 24 Groundnut Local 20.0 Jeevamrut @ 200
Rajabasa 10 Ragi Local 5.0 lts./ acre in every
Kado 10 days interval for
Rajabasa 2 Local 0.5 4 months
Millet
Rajabasa 3 Cowpea Local 0.5  Application of
Bhogra 15 Arhar Loal 8.0 Kharif, Ghana Jeevamrut
Kutra
2022 @200 kg/ month
Telighan
for fourmonths.
a,
 Spraying of natural
Rajabasa
pest repellant (
,Karmab
10 Vegetable Local 3.0 Dashparniark)
ahal
@2ltr. / acre at
vegetative stage.

This year during kharif, 2022 KishanSathi and spraying of natural pest repellent
Foundation, Kutra has made a great effort (Dashparni ark) @ 2 lts./acre at vegetative
to start natural farming in Telighana, stage.The yield of the crops along with
Rajabasa, Bhogra, Karmabahal villages yield attributes were compared with
under the technical guidance of KVK, conventional practices. The number of
Sundargarh. 55 farmers undertake local pods in Groundnut was 14% higher in
varieties of paddy cultivation natural farming as compared to chemical
(Machhakanta, Annapurna, Soubhagi) in farming with higher shelling (%) of 69.
70 acres; local variety of Groundnut by 24 The average no. of EBT in chemically
farmers in 20 acres; local variety of Ragi grown paddy was 5.2 and 7.1 in naturally
by 10 farmers in 5 acres;Kodomillet by 2 grown paddy. The yield of all the crops
farmers in 0.5 acre;cowpea by 3 farmers in under natural farming recorded higher
0.5 acre;Arhar by 15 farmers in 8acres and yield compared to conventional practice
vegetable by 10 farmers in 3 acres. The (use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides).
cropping practice followed was seed The crops showed resistance to moisture
treatment with Beejamrut, application of stress (drought), disease pest and remained
Jeevamrut @ 200 lts/acre in every 10 days healthy. The organoleptic test also
interval for 4 months, application of Ghana indicated good test of products.
Jeevamrut @ 200 Kg./month for 4 months

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

(F) Initiatives on Natural farming by KVK, Sundargarh-I (Kirei)

As millets are important crops in

Natural farming, Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
Sundargarh-I has developed a crop
cafeteria on millets during Kharif-
2022,indigenous varities of 7 millets crops
(Ragi, Red foxtail millet, White jowar,
Little millet, Barn yard millet, Yellow
jowar, White jowar and Pearl millet). The
seeds were collected from ICAR-Indian
Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.
All the crops performed well in
Sundargarh condition. This cafeteria was a
centre of attraction to all the visiting
farmers to this KVK
.
1.Crop cafeteria on millets (indigenous variety)
Season Crop Variety Source of Seeds Peformance
Ragi Desi
Red Foxtail Desi
Millet
Little Millet Desi All the
Kharif - Barn yard Millet Desi ICAR – Indian Institute of crops
2022 Yellow Jowar Desi Millets Reaserch, Hyderabad. perfomed
well.
White Jowar Desi
Pearl millet Desi

2. FARMERS OUTREACH Participants -100, Supported by –

PROGRAMMES. CIRTD, Sundargarh.
(ii) Venue – Rajabasa ( Block – Kutra) ;
A. Training & Awareness on Natural Date- 11.09.2022 ; Participants – 50,
farming. Supported by Kishan Sathi
(i) Venue – Kendudihi ( Block – Foundation.
Balisankara) ; Date- 25.03.2022 ;

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 Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity
Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

(iii) Exhibition on Indigenious varieties of Another awareness programme was

crops grown by tribals at Kendudihdi organised on 11.09.2022 at Rajabasa of
(Block – Balisankara). Kutra block involving 50 participants with
(iv) Demonstration on Natural Farming at the active support of Kisan Sathi
Rajabasa ( Block – Kutra ), with the Foundation. An exhibition on indigenous
support from Kishan Sathi foundation. verities of crops and organic inputs was
organised at Kendudihi. Demonstration on
Under Farmers outreach Natural farming was started from this year.
programme on Natural farming a training Keeping in view the good scope of natural
and awareness programme was organised farming in the district KVK actively
at Kendudihi village of Balishankara working in this area.
Block with 100 participants on 25.03.2022
with the support of CIRTD, Sundargarh.

STRATEGIES FOR SCALING UP

NATURAL FARMING IN
SUNDARGARH DISTRICT

At present, Natural farming in

Sundargarh district is limited to farming in
hills & forest areas. There is no organised
marketing facility and package of

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

practices. The yield of crops under natural resilience of crops to adverse

farming is very low and far from being climatic conditions.
satisfactory. There is lots of scope for 11. Involvement of rural youths in
scaling up natural farming in the district. natural farming for employment
Sundargarh is rich in biodiversity, vast and financial security.
stretch of forest and fertile brown forest 12. Natural farming has to be
and alluvial soil, easy availability of work promoted in the public sector and
force, existence of large number of VSS, not through private corporates.
high women participation in agriculture &
allied activities, good NGO network, Self CONCLUSION
Help Group and societies, existence of
Natural farming in Sundargarh district
large no. of perennial streams & rivers.
is limited to hills and forest areas with
The low yield and productivity of crops
traditional practice by the tribals. There is
can be enhanced through input &
a very good scope for it, due to its
technological intervention. The following
favourable soil and agro climatic
strategies may be adopted for scaling up
condition. So far, no technological
natural farming in the district.
interventions have been made for better
1. Identification of focus areas and
utilisation of natural resources and
formulation of package of
productivity enhancement of crops.
practices for natural farming.
Further, it will be of great risk to convert
2. Consumer awareness for market
the areas having modern farming practices
development and enabling market
to natural farming. Rather, we should
friendly ecosystem.
follow scientific farming which is closer to
3. Capacity building of farmers
natural farming with the use of both
especially tribals.
organic manures as well as chemical
4. Develop KVK as centre of
fertilizers but only where required after a
capacity building, training and
soil test and in recommended quantities
demonstrations on natural
and similarly IPM should also be followed.
farming.
Only by practising scientific agriculture,
5. Developing simpleand affordable
we can attain the goals of raising crop
product & process certification
yield & farm income and reducing
system.
chemicals use in agriculture.
6. Govt. should invest in processing
and packaging of products and No doubt, in near future Sundargarh
provide remunerative prices for will be a natural farming hub through
farmers. technological interventions and utilisation
7. Natural farming methods need to of potential natural resources under natural
be based on local context and use environment.
of bio-inputs based on local
ecosystem. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
8. Development of a strong action
plan to promote natural farming in We thankfully acknowledge the help
the district based on bottom to top rendered by all the Range Officers of
approach. Bonai Forest Division; Subject Matter
9. Utilisation of available cattle (desi Specialist (Livelihood) of OFSDP-II,
cow) as valuable recourses for Sundargarh Forest Division; Secretary,
natural farming. CIRTD,Sundargarh; Director, KishanSathi
10. Transformation of agriculture in Foundation; SEWAK and Senior Scientist
drought prone areas through &Head, KVK, Sundargarh for providing
natural farming and improved relevant information for the present study.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

UAV application on providing evidence based near real time agro-advisory

services to paddy farmers of Ri-bhoi district, Meghalaya in enabling
climate smart business: A case study
R.J. SINGH1, VICTOR SAIKHOM2, T.S. ANURAG3, PUYAM SUBHAS4 AND
N.J. SINGH5
1
Asstt. Prof., (Ag. Extn.), SSS, College of P.G. Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS) of
CAU (I) at Umiam, Meghalaya, 2&4 Scientist, SE, NESAC, Deptt. of Space, GoI,
Umiam,Meghalaya, 3Principal Research Scientist, Digital India Corporation, Ministry of
Electronics & IT, New Delhi, 5Asstt. Prof., (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry),
SNRM,CPGS-AS, CAU(I), Umiam, Meghalaya.

ABSTRACT detailed “reflectance data” in analyzing

soil nutrients, growth and health
UAV technology offers unique monitoring, biomass and yield estimation,
tools for assessing the outcomes of weeds, pest and water-stress assessment
farming strategies that could be very monitoring through Vegetation Indices
beneficial for agribusinesses performed by (Reflectance-data) of paddy crop to 100
the tribal farmers of North Eastern Hill paddy farmers of Thadnongiaw village,
states of India. The research project Bhoirymbong Block, Ri-bhoi district. The
DHaBReT is an innovative mix of UAV study could unveiled that providing near
technology, Smart Phone, Geo-portal real time agro-advisory services to paddy
applications along with Toll Free IVRS farmersenhanced Climate-Smart Farming
based farmer specific near real time agro- which significantly increase
advisory system which is being agriculturalproductivity, income, make
implemented at College of P.G. Studies in farmersmore resilient to climate change.
Agricultural Sciences of CAU, Imphal at
Umiam, Meghalaya in collaboration with Keywords: UAV, DHaBReT, Climate-
NESAC, Deptt. of Space, GoI, Umiam and Smart Farming & Vegetation Indices
Digital India Corporation, MeitY, New
Delhi. The DHaBReT provides insightful

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Spirituality in agriculture – being in harmony with nature, through

meditation
ANAND KOLWALKAR AND VAISHNAVI SADAWARTE
Himalayan Samarpan Dhyan

INTRODUCTION: There is no thought in nature, only humans

can create thought pollution. Spending
The paper seeks to highlight the quality time outdoors can alleviate stress,
benefits of the ancient science of the clear our thoughts and refresh the mind.
Himalayas for the entire agro-ecosystem. The common man may not yet be so
This may include not just the farmers and sensitive and hence may not be aware of
their land, but also the scientific the impact of thought pollution. But we
researchers, the administrators, agricultural certainly have experienced its impact when
universities, its faculty & students too. We we visit overtly crowded cities. This was
use contemporary concepts of ‘thought further exacerbated during the pandemic,
pollution’, ‘energised water crystals’, and where mental stress peaked, even in
‘bio-electric fields’ to show-case the need remote villages.
and benefits of meditation. The paper
concludes with a simple solution which is
easy to implement and has long-term MEDITATION – FOR A STRESS-
sustainable benefits. FREE HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Medical research has shown that
almost 90% of known illnessesiv and
THOUGHT POLLUTIONi–A SUBTLE diseases are stress related. Hypertension,
MENACE cardio-vascular diseases, and even ulcers
While Agriculture continues to & asthma – diseases which were once
engage the highest percentage of the unknown to the farmer are now spreading
workforce in India, the last two decades faster even in villages. Recent studies
have witnessed sweeping changes in the confirm that so-called lifestyle disorders
rural parts of the country. Not just in India, that were once restricted to the urban
but almost every other part of the world population are spreading across the
has witnessed an infiltration of the urban villages too.
culture. Meditation serves as a potent tool to
Since the early 2000s, satellite television mitigate these imbalances, a mechanism to
ii
has proliferated the villages. Media strengthen the mind. Research has shown
channels, daily soaps, and a flurry of that a regular practice of meditation can
movies have captured the imagination of significantly enhance cognitive
the masses. This got aggravated by the performance, relieve heart disorders &
advent of the internet and the smart phone. hypertension and even improve the gastro-
Social media, OTT channels and the likes intestinal activityv. It has also proven to be
have engaged the minds of the villagers very effective in preventing addictions and
iii
too. At the same time, it has also substance abuse, both of which have
considerably reduced the amount of time provide to be a malaise in most villages.
that was once spent in cultural activities or The Himalayan Samarpan Dhyan is
the time spent in nature. already being used in rehabilitation viand
de-addiction counselling programs in
semi-urban& rural areas.

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Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

The objective is to improve the overall body comprises of water, the

quality of life of the rural households, physiological impact on the human
which may directly provide lasting body may itself be profound.
benefits to the farming community and Secondly, farmers may use this
also result in higher efficiencies and concept in reinvigorating the water fed
increase farm yields. Meditation induces to the farms. Recorded testimonials
positivity, and increases tolerance levelsvii. from farmers in Gujarat and
A combination of such mental and Maharashtra have shown tangible
physiological benefits may help reduce improvements in the farm yields.
farmer suicides too, which is already a
x
huge issue within the community. B. BIO-ELECTRIC FIELDS –
ANALYSING THE
INNOVATIVE SPIRITUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AURA
SOLUTIONS FOR THE FARMER
This is an emerging science which
Agricultural yields may be directly studies the bio-electric fields around
dependent on five key factors– Weather, objects. While it has found practical
Water, Soil, Seed and the Farmer. While applications in alternative healthcare,
the weather may not be within our it is also being used for the study of
influence, there are ways of enhancing the animate and in-animate objects.
quality of each of the other factors, which
may then improve the resultant yields Researchers have developed apparatus
to capture images of the bio-electric
We shall use two innovative concepts that field emitted by the object, which is
may directly be leveraged in farming then analysed based on colour
A. WATER CRYSTALS - STUDYING patterns. H. H. Shree Shivkrupanand
IMPACT OF MEDITATION ON Swamijixihas been advocating the
WATER presence of an aura, a bio-electric
field around each individual, and how
Dr. Masaru Emotoviii, a renowned regular meditation may help improve
Japanese scientist has shown in his a person’s aura thereby improving our
research that water absorbs the energy immunity.
of thoughts, words and pictures. He
analyses this by studying water
crystals formed in frozen water CONCLUSION - PRACTISING
samples. Inspired by this, the SPIRITUALITY IN FARMING
Samarpan Research Team sent
distilled water samples which were We seek to provide some practical
energized during Swamiji’s discourses tips to the farming community which may
at the 8 day meditation workshop, help enhance the quality of their lives and
organized in Ajmer in 2008. The also enhance the quality of the produce
water crystals ixthat were formed in - Regular Meditation on the farm: this
the water samples collected during the helps create a bond between the farmer
meditation workshop show how and the land. It also brings us closer to
meditation creates an imprint on the the nature thereby easing our thoughts.
water. - Reinvigorating the water and the
This may be applied to farming in seeds: The water crystal experiments and
several possible ways. the study of the aura shows that living
energy can be enhanced and also
Firstly, for the people engaged in
transmitted via the water or the seeds into
farming. Since 75% of the human
the farm.

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity
Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

Meditation has been part of our culture for journey towards inner transformation.
thousands of years. Ancient texts including Unlike other practices, this Himalayan
the Vedas and the Patanjali sutras have meditation is a ‘Sanskar’ which doesn’t
expounded upon the benefits of meditation involve any kind of physical activities or
& Samagra Yoga in leading a holistic life. complex techniques. It is based on an
Modern advancements in the technology innate live experience – an ‘Anubhuti’ –
have provided us with apparatus which which can be accessed by everyone,
may be leveraged to explore wider beyond all distinctions of race, religion,
applications of these concepts in language or caste.
traditional fields such as farming. It offers H. H. Shree Shivkrupan and Swami,
us an existing platform for higher research who first introduced this meditation to the
that can provide sustainable methods of masses, is himself an enlightened yogi,
farming that can enhance the overall having spent 16 years of his life in the
quality of life of the entire ecosystem. Himalayas gathering the divine wisdom
Disclaimer: Views expressed in the from many revered Himalayan Gurus. He
document are personal, written by the has been relentlessly offering this ancient
authors in their personal capacity. The wisdom across all sections of the society
organization bears no responsibility for since the last 25 years. This initiative, led
the same. by the ‘Shree Shivkrupanand Swami
Foundation’ has now evolved into a global
Author(s) and the Organization spiritual platform known as Gurutattva.
Anand Kolwalkar–presently working Over the last several years, Swamiji has
asaPrincipal Consultant at Infosys limited, addressed several prominent assemblies,
with over 20 years of industry experience. including a special session organized by
He has been a keen practitioner of the the AYUSH Mantralaya for the Members
Himalayan Samarpan Dhyan, since the last of the Indian Parliament, and Legislative
22 years and is presently the Zonal assemblies of Gujarat, Maharashtra& Goa
coordinator for the Pune zone(email - too. Swamiji has been a regular invitee at
anand.kolwalkar@gmail.com) the Theosophical Society, UK, in various
Vaishnavi Sadawarte - is a post graduate, forums across Europe, Canada, Australia,
MSc in Chemistry. She has been practising South Africa and several other countries.
the Himalayan Samarpan Dhyan since Within India too, he has addressed several
2013. Having served as a coordinator for institutions of repute, including the IIT
the foundation in Maharashtra & Gujarat Kharagpur, ADA Bengaluru, AIIMS
for several years, she is now the primary Nagpur, ICAR New Delhi, several
coordinator for Meghalaya (email - government and security agencies like the
vaishnavisubhash8@gmail.com ) State Police, Armed Forces and even
About Himalayan Samarpan Dhyan & corporate establishments.
Gurutattva – a global spiritual platform All activities arranged by our foundation
Since its inception in 1994, the are completely free of cost.
Himalayan Samarpan meditation has For more information – visit the website:
guided millions of individuals in this https://gurutattva.org/

i
Ref – Samarpan Yog of the Himalayas (Part 1), an autobiographical account of H. H. Shivkrupanand Swamiji’s
spiritual journey in the Himalayas

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems, Biodiversity
Conservation and under Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, India

ii
Studies published by the Broadcast Audience Research Council India show that by 2020, almost 21 crore out
of the 30 crore households in India now have at least 1 TV set -
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/rise-of-television-continues-in-
india/articleshow/82083465.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
iii
The World Health Organization highlights the impact of the newsfeeds, increasing screen-time & social media,
on our mental health - https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-
coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome---mental-health
iv
National Agriculture Safety Database - https://nasdonline.org/1445/d001245/stress-management-for-the-
health-of-
it.html#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20medical%20research%20estimates,been%20linked%20to%20stress%20f
actors
vi
The Himalayan Samarpan Meditation has been introduced at rehabilitation centres in semi-urban areas in
Pune - https://photos.app.goo.gl/VWdiggbZNKgu1NBD8
vii
Effects of focus of Meditation on Pain Tolerance, Compassion, and Anxiety Levels -
https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/bitstream/handle/1808/4511/Kluck_ku_0099D_10154_DATA_1.pdf?sequence
=1
viii
Dr. Masaru Emoto and his experiments with water- https://thewellnessenterprise.com/emoto/
ix
Crystal pictures are available in the Research paper published by the Samarpan Research Team. (Copyright
number ome999999B222)
x
Biofield Science: History, Terminology, concepts: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4654789
xi
Swamiji’s aura report has been captured by the Aura Photo Clinic, London. The detailed report is available
online https://issuu.com/lavanyakannathass/docs/aura_of_a_saint_da0e0b14f5cfc0

353
 THEME F
STUDENT’S PLATFORM
 SUB CONTENT

THEME F: STUDENT’S PLATFORM

SL AUTHORS & TITLE OF THE PAPER PAGE

NO. NO.
Oral Presentations
1 Agronomic interventions a step closer to doubling farmer’s income 354-360
Pratishruti Behera, Minakshi Bezboruaah and Tilak Prasad Panika
Poster Presentation
2 Bee keeping- Promoting natural farming for sustainable source of income for farmers at Lunglei 361-363
District, Mizoram
Timothy Lalrinfela
3 Potential components of Natural farming system models for Churachandpur 364
Khammuanthang Samte and Premi Devi M
4 Natural farming system in Northeast India: A growing trend 365-367
Lalvensanga R and Aniket Rai
5 Orchid restoration through natural farming system 368
Lallawmsanga, Nabila Meinam, Wanmei M Konyak, Amchichi M Marak and Premi Devi M
6 Integrated farming system, A step to towards self-reliance 369
Chayanika Hajong, Ekta Murtem, Kanzam Shubhrata Singha and Maimom Bidyalaxmi Devi
7 Kiwi- A potential crop component for natural farming model in temperate ecology of Arunachal 370
Pradesh
Takash Kena
8 Biofertilizers and biopesticides in plant health management 371
Sanajaoba Singh L, Premi Chanu Soubam, Naorem Anjali Chanu, Rebek Lalhmangaihsangi,
Lalrinkimi and Konison Wangshol
9 Diversity of orchids in Meghalaya 372
Abinash Singh Th and Premi Devi M
10 Recovering traditional farming practices of North East Indian communities for modelling Natural 373
Farming System
Ralte L, Murry J, Debnath D, Debbarma B, Lyngdoh R and Sanasam S
11 Estimation of biodiversity index of plant species in the integrated farming system of College of 374-376
Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai
Aman Kumar, Sabyasachi Majumdar and Behera UK
12 Zero Budget Natural Farming 377-378
Anwesha Bhattacharjee , Lapkibai Lakiang and Ria Bhattacharjee
13 Alder based farming system- A traditional farming practices in Nagaland for amelioration of jhum 379-381
land
Shangyo Y Konyak, Aditya Chettri and Sourav Giri
Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Agronomic interventions- A step closer to doubling farmer’s income

PRATISHRUTI BEHERA*, MINAKSHI BEZBORUAAH AND TILAK PRASAD PANIKA
PhD scholar, Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat, Assam

INTRODUCTION
Modern innovative technologies further in lower crop yields and
increase theincomein-equality among the productivity. The deficiencies of nutrient
different sections of farming population elements and inappropriate nutrient
andprovidelarge benefitstothe semi-medium to management practices in agricultural soils is
large farmers as compared to the small- one of the reasons for low crop productivity,
marginal farmers (Wilson,2002). reduced nutritional quality of agricultural
Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra produce which leads to animal and human
Modi has a vision for our farmers and malnutrition. The entire supply chain of
agriculture sector. In a Kisan rally in perishable food produce is fraught with the
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh on 28th February, issue of post-harvest losses and wastage
2016 prime minister stated his dream to see besides slower growth in the agricultural
farmers income doubling by year 2022, sector. All these factors ultimately expedite
when the country would complete 75th year undesirable consequences on Farmer’s
of independence. Agriculture sustains income.
livelihood of more than half of the
population of the country. Doubling Seven strategies for doubling farmers
farmer’s income by 2022 is quite income:
challenging but it is needed and is attainable.
The Government is aiming to
Challenges of Indian Agriculture reorient agriculture sector by focusing on
income centeredness. In order to realise net
India has witnessed a silent positive returns for the farmer, schemes/ 7
revolution evolving from food deficient and important strategies as follows, are being
import dependent nation during the early promoted and implemented in a major way
nineteen sixties to a global agricultural through the States/UTs.
powerhouse today. India has emerged as the
world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, jute (i) Focus on efficient Irrigation along
and spices; and it is the second largest with adequate resource building:
producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
tea, groundnut, fruits, vegetables etc. India (PMKSY) was launched in 2015-16, with
has achieved greater milestones in the field an objective to enhance physical access of
of agriculture during past decades. Despite water on farm and expand cultivable area
such gains, in present case scenario Indian under assured irrigation, improve on-farm
agriculture faces issues associated with water use efficiency, introduce sustainable
adaption to climate change disturbances, water conservation practices, etc. It
fragmented landholdings, low farm emphasizes on Per Drop More Crop
productivity and high food price volatility. (PDMC).
Soil degradation under intensive agriculture (ii) Work on institutional loan to
is being widely documented in India results reduce risk in agriculture sector:

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana health card (SHC) provides a thorough
(PMFBY): Government is taking effective assessment of the soil's quality, taking into
measures to reduce the risk of agriculture account all of its biological qualities,
sector through Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima functional characteristics, and water and
Yojana (PMFBY) & Restructured Weather nutrient content. It contains remedial actions
Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) that a farmer ought to take in order to get a
so that farmers feel secure even during the better yield. The SHC assists farmers by
occurrence of natural calamities. PMFBY providing crop-specific recommendations
was launched from Kharif 2016 after an for the nutrients and fertilizers needed in
extensive review of the prevailing crop each type of soil, as well as a well-
insurance schemes. Under PMFBY & researched soil report and provide
RWBCIS, Government provides extensive professional advice on how to improve soil
crop insurance coverage from pre-sowing to health and increase crop output. The Soil
post-harvesting losses from natural Health Card describes the condition of soils
calamities on the very low premium rates in relation to 12 criteria, including pH,
i.e. 2% for Kharif crops; 1.5% for Rabi electrical conductivity, organic carbon
crops & 5% for annual (Physical parameters), N, P and K
commercial/horticulture crops. (macronutrients), S (secondary nutrients),
(iii) Overcoming deficiencies in and Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B (micronutrients).
agriculture marketing through e-NAM: It also offers recommendations for fertilisers
E-NAM was launched on April 14, 2016 based on the recommended crops in addition
where 455 mandis was linked to this scheme to status information. Besides preserving the
& online trading has already begun on 116 health of the soil, Soil Health Card aids
Mandis. Aim is to consolidate disintegrated farmers in increasing productivity.
APMCs & create a unified national market(iii) (v) Strengthening warehousing & cold
for agricultural commodities. E-NAM will chain facilities: As per a study, a loss of Rs.
reduce intermediation costs to enable 52651 crores of agriculture produce every
farmers to get better price of their produce. year has been estimated due to lack of basic
Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act post-harvest infrastructure facilities.
(APMC) was launched (which includes Government invested 30 to 35% of the
private market yards, direct marketing) & all budget for the growth of cold chain
the State Governments have been directed to infrastructure under Mission for Integrated
implement it in their states. Development of Horticulture. To encourage
(iv) Increase production through farmers to store their produce in
improved seeds, planting materials, warehousing against warehouse receipts
organic farming & soil health card: (storage of produce for 6 months in
Government has given priority to enhancing warehouse at the same rate as available to
the production of wheat, rice, pulses, crop loan.
oilseeds & horticultural crops. Under (vi) Value addition through food
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) processing: Government has allowed 100%
more than 60% of the budget has been FDI in food processing & food retail.
allocated for pulses. Soil Health Card Ministry of Food Processing Industries has
Scheme has been launched to provide Soil launched SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-
Health Cards to every field in the country. Marine Processing and Development of
The Soil health card (SHC) was first Agro-Processing Clusters) under which the
introduced in 19th February 2015. The soil food processing capabilities will be

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Extended Summaries: National Conference on Natural Farming Systems and Biodiversity Conservation under
Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
strengthened through establishment of farmer’s group in all locations. Crop
backward & forward linkages of agro- production in many parts of India is
processing clusters. More than 20 lakh dependent on rainfed cultivation which
farmers are to be benefited by this scheme & sometimes led to water shortage which in
it will create employment opportunities for turn is the major abiotic factor limiting
5.3 lakh people. growth and yield of cultivated rainfed crops.
(vii) Allied activities of agriculture like Crop production is highly sensitive to
Dairy development, Poultry, Beekeeping, climate. It is affected by long trends in
Fisheries, Agro-forestry & Integrated average rainfall and temperature, inter-
Farming System: The Government is annual climate variability and extreme
working on promoting 8 other income weather events (IPCC, 2012). Limited
generation activities for farmers such as adoption of improved technology due to lack
animal husbandry, poultry, beekeeping, of awareness and other socio-economic
fisheries, agro-forestry & dairy factors among farmers affects the crop
development. production. Key constraints to agricultural
productivity in the developing country
Sources of Growth in Farmer’s Income: include low availability of improved or
The doubling farmer’s income strategy as hybrid seed, lack of seed multiplication
recommended by Inter-ministerial capacity, low profitability and efficiency of
committee constituted by Government of fertilizer use due to the lack of
India include two sources of income growth complimentary improved practices and seed,
and lack of irrigation and water constraints.
(i) Within agriculture source of income In addition, lack of transport infrastructure
a) Improvement in the crop and market access decreases the profitability
productivity of adopting improved practices.
b) Improvement in the livestock
productivity Reducing Cost of Cultivation
c) Resources use efficiency or savings The use of modern
in the cost of production agricultural techniques, efficient farm
d) Increase in the cropping intensity planning, diversified agriculture via
e) Diversification towards high value demand-driven production and better
crops exposure to local as well as distant markets
(ii) Outside agriculture source of income can help the farmers in decreasing the
a) Improvement in real prices received production cost of crops, creating better
by the farmers demand for their agricultural produce,
b) Shift from farm to non-farm exploring additional working hours and
occupations ultimately making agriculture a profitable
occupation. Reducing the cost of cultivation
Production Constraints
can be achieved with the help of following
Crop production in many places in
methods.
India is low and uneven. This affects food
security and rural livelihoods. Identification
Enhancing resource use efficiency
of constraints and opportunities is a first and Efficiency in food production
essential step in process development, largely depends upon extent of management
targeting higher crop productivity. Location of different resources. Resource use
specific conditions and agronomic factors efficiency in agriculture plays an important
were considered main constraints by
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role in determining the farm production and technique or improvements in technology.
income. Manures and fertilizers, irrigation Some sources of changes in agricultural
facilities, manpower, seeds, bullock labor, productivity are included below:
hired, human labour, working capital, farm
implements and machinery and crop Sustainable Agriculture Management:
protection measures are the major crucial Agriculture depends to a large extent
inputs in agriculture. The size of farm on the services provided by ecosystems.
income depends on the efficiency with Sustainable agriculture approaches,
which farmers are able to utilize these therefore focus on optimizing production
resources. With higher efficiency in the use while minimizing negative environmental
of scare resources, farmers can augment impacts and promoting actions for the
their income and savings. protection, conservation, enhancement and
efficient use of natural resources. It offers
Low input farming system solutions for the implementation of
The concept of sustainable sustainable management systems that allow:
agriculture refers to the adoption of Implementation of functional social and
agricultural practices that aim at preserving environmental management systems that can
the natural resource base, especially soil and be adapted to the specific characteristics of
water, by relying on minimum artificial each productive landscape; responsible
inputs from outside the farm system and management of service providers to reduce
recovering from the disturbances caused by the indirect impact on ecosystems and
cultivation and harvest, while being natural resources; increased productivity
economically and socially viable. Low Input through an optimization of resource use; and
Farming Systems seek to optimize the Implementation of mechanisms to facilitate
management and use of internal production traceability and integrity of agricultural and
inputs (i.e., on-farm resources) and to livestock products.
minimize the use of production inputs (i.e.,
off-farm resources), such as purchased Resource Conservation Technology
fertilizers and pesticides, wherever and It is scientific practice of agriculture
whenever feasible and practicable, to lower utilizing resource conservation/efficient
production costs, to avoid pollution of technologies to save and conserve the
surface and groundwater, to reduce pesticide natural resources, increase the production
residues in food, to reduce a farmer’s overall and productivity while concurrently
risk, and to increase both short- and long- conserving the environment. It aims to
term farm profitability conserve, improve and make more efficient
use of natural resources to integrate the
Increasing Productivity of Farm management of available soil, water and
Agricultural productivity is an biological resources combined with external
important component of food security. inputs. It contributes to environmental
Increasing agricultural productivity through conservation as well as to enhanced and
sustainable practices can be an important sustained agricultural production. It can also
way to decrease the amount of land needed be referred to as resource-efficient/resource
for farming and slow environmental effective agriculture.
degradation and climate change through
processes like deforestation. Productivity is
driven by changes in either agricultural

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Efficient rainwater management: environmental pollution, soil salinity,
Rainwater is the main source of decline farm profit and climate change.
water for agriculture but its current use Thus, crop diversification has the sound
efficiency for crop production ranges capacity for achieving the goal of nutritional
between only 30 and 45%. Annually, 300- security, income growth, food security,
800 mm of seasonal rainfall is not used employment generation and sustainable
productively, as the rainfall becomes surface agriculture development.
runoff or deep drainage. Following Strategies for crop diversification-
conservation of the rainwater, its efficient i. Shifting from low yielding low value
use is achieved through choosing crops to high yielding high value crops.
appropriate crops, improved varieties, ii. Shifting toward higher water requirement
cropping systems and nutrient and pest- crop to lower requirement crops.
management options for increasing iii. Shifting toward low energy efficient crop
productivity and conserving natural to higher energy crop.
resources. iv. Inclusion of legumes and oilseed crops.

Crop diversification: Integrated farming system (IFS):

Crop diversification refers to the At present scenario, farmers are
addition of new crops or cropping systems subjected to a high degree of uncertainty in
to agricultural production on a particular their income due to their dependence
farm taking into account the different returns primarily on a single enterprise. Therefore,
from value- added crops with there is a need to adopt a “well designed”
complementary marketing opportunities. Integrated Farming System (IFS) to
Agricultural diversification can improve overcome this problem. Through a well-
crop productivity and deliver multiple established integrated farming system,
ecosystem services by adopting more farmers can diversify their farming to get a
diversified cropping systems through crop more sustainable income such that if one
rotation, multiple cropping or intercropping fails, another one can still generate income.
in arable crops, intercropping in orchards, The farming economy has a lot of potential
and agroforestry. It allowing the farmers to for the integration of various agricultural
employ biological cycles to minimize inputs, enterprises such as cropping, animal
conserves the resource base, maximize husbandry, fishery, poultry, etc.
yields and also reduce the risk due to In terms of IFS concept ‘there is no waste,
ecological and environmental factors. It itis only a misplaced resource’ which means
serves as an important opportunity to waste from onecomponent becomes an input
augment income and employment for another component of the system.
generation for rural communities. Crop
diversification promotes the interaction of Conservation Agriculture (CA):
beneficial soil bacteria, interrupts the disease Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a
cycle, and reduces the quantity of weeds. farming system that can prevent losses of
Crop diversification boosts land-use arable land while regenerating degraded
efficiency and crop output by improving the lands. It promotes maintenance of a
physical and chemical qualities of soil. Crop permanent soil cover, minimum soil
diversification shows a lot of scope to disturbance, and diversification of plant
alleviating the problems such as resurgence species. It enhances biodiversity and natural
of insects-pests and weeds, soil degradation, biological processes above and below the

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ground surface, which contribute to improved crop production and protection,
increased water and nutrient use efficiency including weed, pest and disease, soil
and to improved and sustained crop fertility, water and post-harvest management
production. CA facilitates good agronomy, practices. These could include using
such as timely operations, and improves fertilizer, planting in rows, regular weeding
overall land husbandry for rainfed and or mixing with other crops.
irrigated production. Complemented by Adapting improved varieties to different
other known good practices, including the agro-ecologies
use of quality seeds, and integrated pest, Targeting improved varieties and
nutrient, weed and water management, etc., technologies to different cropping systems,
CA is a base for sustainable agricultural environmental factors and farmer socio
production intensification. It opens economic status, including gender
increased options for integration of Understanding and contributing to positive
production sectors, such as crop-livestock environmental impacts, including improved
integration and the integration of trees and ground cover and soil erosion control, soil
pastures into agricultural landscapes. fertility improvement, efficient use of
fertilizer, genetic diversity, pest and disease
Climate Smart Cropping: control and preventing deforestation.
Exposure to natural disasters and
changing weather patterns caused by climate Increasing Cropping Intensity/Land Use
change are making it harder for farmers in Efficiency:
India to provide their families with adequate There are majorly two ways to
levels of food security and a decent satisfy the increasing food and other
household income. There by improving demands of the country’s rising
climate adaptive capacities, farmers improve population—either expanding the net area
their yields, leading to increased food under cultivation or intensifying cropping
security and economic returns. And while over the existing area.
we cannot stop hazards from arising, The net sown area of the country has risen
through increasing resilience to climate by about 20 per cent since independence and
change, and by getting the information to has reached a point where it is not possible
those most at risk so that they can to make any appreciable increase. Thus,
adequately anticipate and prepare, we can raising the cropping intensity is the only
minimize the risk of hazards turning into viable option left.
disasters. Cropping intensity refers to rising of a
number of crops from the same field during
Integrated crop management: one agricultural year. Higher cropping
For farmers to achieve the most from intensity means that a higher proportion of
their new bean varieties, they need to know the net sown area is being cropped more
how best to manage their crop, from than once during one agricultural year. This
preparing their land before planting, right up also implies higher productivity per unit of
to harvesting and storage. Food and arable land during one agricultural year.
agriculture organization has adopted
integrated crop management practices. ICM Efficient residue management:
is a practice which promotes to conserve and Crop residue management can
enhance natural resource while producing improve soil productivity and crop
quality food. It is a sustainable approach to production by maintaining SOM levels. It

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
results in increased OM near the soil surface Government of India launched several
and enhanced nutrient cycling and retention. schemes and programme for benefitting
Crop residues of common agricultural crops farmers in this direction. Important
are important resources, not only as sources strategies to double the farmers income are:
of nutrients for succeeding crops and hence Improvement in the crop productivity;
agricultural productivity, but also for Improvement in the livestock productivity;
improved air, water and soil quality. Resources use efficiency or savings in the
Permanent and semi-permanent crop residue cost of production; Increase in the cropping
cover on soil (live or dead mulch) plays a intensity; and Diversification towards high
major role in protecting soil from physical value crops. Agronomic interventions: crop
factors as from sun, rain etc. and to feed soil diversification, conservation agriculture,
biota that take over the tillage function and integrated farming systems, efficient water
nutrient balancing. management etc are very central to these
strategies and holds the keys to double the
Improvement in seed replacement farmers income.
ratio/rate (SRR):
Seed is the critical determinant of REFERENCE
agricultural production on which
Bussa Bhargavi, Beghera U.K. and Prasad,
performance and efficiency of other inputs
S. 2019.
depend. Quality seeds appropriate to
Cropdiversificationwithhigh-
different agro-climatic conditions and in
valuecropsforhigherproductivitya
sufficient quantity at affordable prices are
ndprofitabilityunderirrigatedecos
required to raise the productivity. SRR is a
ystem.Indian JournalofAgronomy64
measure of cropped area covered with
(4):440- 444
quality seed. Hence SRR is having a direct
NITI Aayog 2017. Doubling farmer’s
bearing on productivity augmentation and
income rationale, strategy, prospects
enhancement in farmers’ income and is one
and action plan. NITI Policy Paper
of the means for achieving doubling the
No.1/2017.
farmers’ income.
Irrigation project sponsored by government,
https://pib.gov.in/pressreleaseshare.asp
CONCLUSION x?PRID+1849951, 08 AUG 2022
Honourable Prime Minister, 5:58PM by PIB Delhi.
Government of India provides a vision and Bihari Bankey, Singh Madan, Bhishoni,
target for doubling the farmers’ income by Rajesh. 2020. Issues,challenges and
2022. It is central to promote farmers strategies for doubling the farmers'
welfare, reduce agrarian distress and bring income in India–A review. Indian
parity between income of farmers and those Journal of Agricultural Science
working in non-agricultural professions. 89(8):1219–24.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Bee keeping - promoting natural farming for sustainable source of income for
farmers at Lunglei District, Mizoram
TIMOTHY LALRINFELA

College of Post Graduate Studies in Agriculture Sciences (Central Agricultural University -

Imphal),Umiam, Meghalaya
Email: timofanai.lalrinfela@gmail.com

ABSTRACT METHODOLOGY:

Bee keeping is one of the promising Survey was conducted within the
enterprises taken up by KVK Lunglei, district, based on the availability of
Mizoram under attracting and retaining of floweringplants and presence of interested
youth in agriculture (ARYA) project. The youths. Ten villages were selected from the
district has a huge potential due to district and eighteen units were established.
availability of different flowering trees and Training was conducted on bee keeping,
seasonal crop flowers. Most of the bee importance of flowering plants and method
keepers were located at villages where there for maintaining flowering calendar
were forests flowering trees for the bees. throughout the year was taught. Awareness
Bee keepers start their own apiary (Apis on avoidance of chemical inputs in the form
cerena) due to their interest without much of plant protection measures and nutrient
knowledge of scientific inputs. Marketing of inputs was instructed. Beekeeper’s
local honey was a problem due to improper association was formed andconsidered as a
packaging within the district and outside. unit under ARYA project. Bee
Knowing its scope and with intervention of keepingequipments like bee box, swarming
KVK, farmers within the district have a bag, queen excluder, bee veil, gloves and
huge interest to go forward and for beecap were provided based on their
horizontal spread of the enterprise. Which requirements at each village and the uses of
became one of their sources of income by suchequipments were demonstrated. Bee
promoting natural farming. The main box was constructed mostly by following
objective of this study was to promote Japanese and Langsroth hive. Furthermore,
natural farming using bee keeping and assistance for construction of a bee box
generate sustainable source of income for stand with ant panwas provided for a firm
the farmers. stand of bee box.At the time of harvesting,
Keywords: Bee keepers, marketing, natural packagingmaterials like 250gram and
farming, flowering trees 500gram capacity packing glass jar was
provided with labeling stickers.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Table 1: Activities data and yield data on bee keeping

Name of villages No. of No. of No. of No. of youth No. Honey harvest
youth training youth implement up of (Kgs)
trained &demonstra implement to final product bee
tion ing the (Labelling, box
conducted enterprise branding)
2020 2021

Thingsai 15 2 12 7 95 97 230

Theiriat 10 3 6 4 140 112 310

South Vanlaiphai 17 4 12 9 57 95 190

Thiltlang 10 2 6 3 46 76 110

Hnahthial 10 2 7 - 20 37 45

Khawhri 20 4 16 5 150 211 297

Cherhlun 10 2 6 2 35 62 113

Muallianpui 9 3 8 2 44 89 167

Rawpui 8 2 5 - 22 36 67

Hrangchalkawn 12 2 5 - 12 32 42

RESULT & DISCUSSION labeling, bee keepers get a good selling rate
as it is more attractive by the customers.
Increase in honey harvest produced This might be due to consumers preference
by Apis cerena was observed Table 1. This on glass packaging because of its positive
might be due to improvement in using relationship with health and its
modern bee box mainly Japanese hive and attractiveness. Similar finding was reported
langsroth hive and promotion of natural by Yariz and Sezgin, 2017. Selling of local
farming. Langroth hive produce more honey quality honey is never a problem in the
and are more profitable in modern bee district; as a result, more villages are
keeping (Oluwatusin 2008). Japanese style interested in taking up bee keeping as an
of hive has proven to be very profitable for enterprise.
Apis cerena bees (Fujio 2010). Natural way
of producing crop was popularized for the CONCLUSION
benefit of honey bees. Well packed and
labelled local honey 250gm and 500gm was In order to promote natural farming,
sold at a rate of ₹.350 and ₹700, bee keeping is one of the important
respectively. With proper packing and enterprises to be included in the system. As

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
it also has the potential for increasing Fujio (2010) Profitable beekeeping with
farmers income with proper packaging and Apiscerana.Bees Development 94:8–
labeling of honey. It can lead to entry of 11
farmers into a entrepreneur venture. With Oluwatusin, F.M. (2008) Costs and returns
promotion of more flowering trees and in modern beekeeping for honey
crops, there is a huge potential for increasing production in Nigeria. Pak Journal of
honey harvest in a sustainable manner. Social Sci. 5(1):310–315
Yaris A. and Sezgin, A. (2017) Food
REFERENCES packaging: Glass and plastic, Research
in Science and Art 21st Century Turkey
81:735-740

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Potential components of natural farming system model for Churachandpur

District, Manipur
KHAMMUANTHANG SAMTE1 AND MAYENGBAM PREMI DEVI2
1
BSc. Agriculture, 2 Assistant Professor CAU(I)
College of Agriculture (COA), (Central Agricultural University, Imphal), Kyrdemkulai,
Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya-793105. Corresponding email: muanthangxamte@gmail.com
ABSTRACT elders, leaders from various parts. A total of
115 plant species belonging to 45 families
Natural Farming (NF) is a unique are noted. The data showed the habitat wise
chemical-free farming method that is distribution and the various plant part used.
considered to be an agro-ecology-based The present study is conducted for the
diversified farming system, which integrates following reasons; To determine the
crops, trees and livestock, allowing potential of indigenous flora and fauna as a
functional biodiversity. The Hilly region of component for natural farming system
Churachandpur is endowed with rich flora models; To conserve the local endangered
and fauna. The Wild edible plants in the species of plants found in the region; For
form of leaves, rhizomes, roots, tubers, judicious utilization of the natural resources;
shoots, fruits and seeds are consumed. Wild To reduce the input cost of production; To
edible fungi, wild honey bees and orchids enhance the quality of food and act as a
are considered to be an important resource nutritional security. Churachandpur is
in terms of food and nutritional security. endowed with a richbiodiversity of flora and
These flora and fauna are acknowledged for fauna. The traditional method of farming
their medicinal, cultural, forage and practices like Jhum cultivation leads to
economic values. The present study is an deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
attempt to document and analyse the wild Therefore, it is necessary to re-advocate the
edible horticultural plants, endangered domestication of wild edible horticultural
orchids, wild edible fungi and wild honey plants, fungi, wild honey bees etc. and take
bees with a view to in cooperate with the up proper conservative measures for
natural farming system as means of protection of local gene pools or landraces.
sustaining for the future generations. A Hence, the natural farming system as a
survey was conducted in Churachandpur means for the conservation of the wild
(Lamka) hill district of Manipur. The indigenous flora and fauna can be adopted in
information was collected from relevant the region.
published papers and available literature.
The key informants were mostly neighbours,

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Natural farming system in Northeast India: A growing trend

R. LALVENSANGA AND ANIKET RAI
B.Sc. Ag. 4th year 7th semester
College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya-793105

INTRODUCTION with protecting crops against extreme

weather conditions by improving soil
Natural Farming also known as fertility and strength of the soil.
Fukuoka method is a farming technique that  REJUVENATE SOIL HEALTH: Natural
involves less human effort and is left for the farming employs the use of natural bio-
nature to take care of. Natural farming is the inoculums instead of chemical fertilisers
continuous process of farming that does not and pesticides. This revives the soil
involve ant man-made inputs like microbiota and in turn improves the soil
machinery, fertilizers, or pesticides. All the health.
essentials for the plants to grow are supplied  INCREASED FARMER’S INCOME:
only by nature. Natural farming is related to Natural farming aims to make farming
fertility farming, organic farming, viable and aspirational by increasing net
sustainable agriculture, agro ecology, agro incomes of farmers on account of cost
forestry, eco agriculture and permaculture. It reduction, reduced risks, similar yield,
is considered to be a far more sustainable incomes from intercropping, increasing
alternative when it comes to food crop intensity along with availing fair price
production. In natural farming, chemical or of crop growth.
organic fertilizers are not to be added into
the soil. NATURAL FARMING SYSTEM
There are several benefits of natural APPROACH
farming. They include: - Natural farming approach involves
 IMPROVES YIELD: Natural farming steps like conversion of land from
aims to increase yield by maximising conventional management to organic
production factors like labour, soil, management, management of the entire
equipment and by avoiding the use of non- surrounding system to ensure biodiversity
natural/chemical inputs like pesticides, and sustainability of the system, crop
herbicides and insecticides. production with the use of alternative
 ENSURE BETTER HEALTH: Farmers sources of nutrients such as crop rotation,
are exposed to contaminants while residue management, organic manures and
applying chemical inputs. By replacing biological inputs, management of weeds and
such external inputs, by locally made pests by better management practices,
natural concoctions, inoculums, and physical and cultural means and by
decoctions. Natural farming products have biological control system and maintenance
a much higher nutritional content of livestock in tandem with organic concept
 ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION: and make them an integral part of the entire
Natural farming has shown evidence of system. here are also several different cropping
increased resilience of farmlands along systems that are identified under natural
farming. Specifically, in Meghalaya, there are
several different cropping systems being

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
identified. Some of them include Maize (green The future prospects of natural
cob) - Indian mustard; Rice - carrot (raised beds farming in northeast India are growing and
in lowland); Rice - tomato (raised beds in expanding day to day. There is an
lowland); Maize + soybean- French bean insignificant price difference between
(upland). However, in Sikkim, there is a organic and conventional food. While
different set of cropping systems that are organic food might be a little higher on the
identified. They are Maize (green cobs) –lentil – cost and it also offers multiple health
buckwheat; Maize + beans- vegetable pea; benefits and prevents our body from the
Maize + beans – rajmash; Maize + beans – toria; needless intake of pesticides and fertilisers.
Rice – vegetable pea – maize (green cobs); Rice The Indian Government helps in promoting
– fenugreek (leafy vegetable) – baby corn; Rice farmers to adopt organic farming. Multiple
– sunflower – Dhaincha (green manuring); Rice government awareness like National
– vegetable pea. Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
STATUS IN NORTH-EAST INDIA (NMSA), Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture (MIDH),
The present status of natural farming National Food Security Mission
in Northeast India is motivating. However, (NFSM)and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
natural farming can be promoted even more (RKVY) have been implemented to promote
in the region as North east India is the hub the sector. A nation-wide awareness
for growing famous and demanded crops. programme called National Programme for
The region accounts for almost 45% of total organic production (NPOP) to educate
pineapple production. It is also the 4th farmers about organic products and their
largest producer of orange. Sikkim is the benefits. The growth of organic product
largest producer of large cardamom in the awareness has become a global
world. The region is also home for Assam phenomenon, it has been receiving
lemon and passion fruit. Assam tea is also appreciation even on international platforms.
known for its quality worldwide. NE also India, being an agricultural country, the
has a vast availability for organic manure. A weather and climate are perfect for natural
huge quantity of biomass is available from farming. Due to this, export rate of organic
forests, weeds and crop fields, etc for food is very high.Due to rise in smartphone
recycling and produce quality compost for usage and the low-cost availability of the
organic crop production which is the basic internet, access to information about natural
input of organic farming. The region also farming and organic product has increased.
has a biodiversity of flora and fauna. The It acts as a sale person reaching out to its
diverse collection of both flora and fauna in consumer across the country. E-commerce
this region is a blessing as they favour the has increased the demand and made it
possibility of organic matter recycling for competitive by encouraging more and more
nutrient requirement of the crop and start-ups entering into the market.
animals. Due to this, there is an increased
demand and high prices of organically SWOT ANALYSIS ON NATURAL
grown products by the consumers in the FARMING IN NORTHEAST REGION
local markets as well as in national and OF INDIA
international markets.
Strength:
FUTURE PROSPECTS Nutritive food
Improve soil health

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Preservation of traditional variety and integrated nutrient management through
species various organic sources (manure, composts,
Environmental sustainability green manure, biofertilizer, oil– cakes, rock
Low productivity gap phosphate, lime, crop and weed biomass
recycling etc.), weed–and pest–management
Weakness: protocol have been identified and developed
Lack of established markets for organic production in the region.
Disjoined producers; processors and traders However, still rate of adoption of these
Less incentive from the government technologies on organic production systems
Low availability of quality input materials by the farming community is very limited.
Lack of strategy for development of organic Hence, state Government and other
market Government of India nodal agencies should
Opportunity: come forward to popularize and promote the
Growing market potential real potential of the organic farming for
Growing health awareness making NEH region as a ‘Organic Hub’ in
High export earnings India and globe.
High biomass potential
Less use of inorganic chemicals REFERENCES:
Threats:
High cost of organic food https://www.researchgate.net/publication/31
Costly and complex certification process 7011678_Organic_Farming_Problems_and_
Lack of infrastructure facilities Prospec
Less awareness about organic inputs Authors: Subhash Babu et. al. (IARI, New
Problem of field contamination Delhi)
Das et. al. (2017a)
CONCLUSION Avastheet al. (2016)
APEDA statistics for the year 2021-2022
The real potential of organic farming
is yet to be harnessed, especially in north–
east region where most of the farmers are
under marginal and small category. Mostly,
identification of efficient varieties of
different crops, potential cropping systems,

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Orchid restoration through natural farming system

LALLAWMSANGA1, NABILA MEINAM1, WANMEI M. KONYAK1, AMCHICHI M.
MARAK1 AND M.PREMI DEVI*2
1
BSc. Agriculture, 2 Assistant Professor CAU(I)
College of Agriculture (COA), (Central Agricultural University, Imphal), Kyrdemkulai,
Ri-Bhoi, District, Meghalaya-793105. Corresponding email: muanthangxamte@gmail.com

ABSTRACT to different regions of North-East. But many

of the orchid species are threatened due to
Orchid is a major component of habitat destruction, over exploitation and
vegetation in the Northeast region. Sparkling climate change. The government of India
in charm and elegance, the Orchidaceace is along with the different state governments is
one of the largest families under taking various initiatives for conservation of
angiosperms encompassing more than orchids. But there is a need to conserve
25000-35000 species in the world with these species in their natural habitat and
Northeast in India having the maximum Natural farming system can be way to
number of species. They are valued for cut restore these diverse species of orchids
flower production, medicinal and other without having to dedicate any separate
horticultural purposes. Since they are both space for their cultivation. Inclusion of
economically and medicinally important, the orchid cultivation in the nation’s prioritised
people of the region can take orchid NFS will have multiple benefits including
cultivation as an opportunity for biodiversity conservation, ecological
entrepreneurship. Orchids also act as an restoration and economic returns of the local
indicator of a healthy ecosystem with a people.
highly intricate mutual relationship with
another biota. Apart from being valued for Keywords: Orchid, NE India, Natural
their aesthetic beauty they also possess great Farming, Conservation
significant cultural and religious symbolism

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Integrated farming system- A step to towards self-reliance

CHAYANIKA HAJONG, EKTA MURTEM, KANZAM SHUBHRATA SINGHA AND
MAIMOM BIDYALAKXMI DEVI
B. Sc. 4th year, College of Agriculture (CAU-I), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya

ABSTRACT farmers not only self-reliant but also creates

dual source of income. IFS puts a whole
With our approach towards emphasises on environment sustainability,
sustainability, farmers have adopted food security, farmer security and reducing
integrated farming system owing to small rural poverty. An IFS module is aimed for
land holdings. This system ensures the waste profit maximisation and maximum
of one enterprise is a feed for the other utilisation of subsidiary of enterprises
enterprise. Hence, it can be termed as involved, to increase the net return of the
Interdependent and Interrelated system. The farm, to generate income for unemployed
Integrated Farming System (IFS) model people, it reduces the cost of production in
comprises of Agroforestry, field crops, the farming system and with high food
horticulture crops, livestock, Fisheries, security it also increases the GDP (Gross
goatery and apiary. A variety of treatments, Domestic Product) of the Nation. In order
replications and secondary introduction are words, “farming system” is a resource
being carried out in this vicinity to know the management strategy to achieve economic
best performance of any crop. Rural youth and sustain agricultural production to meet
and farmers of the village attain the basic diverse requirement of the farm household
training and knowledge through the college while preserving the resource base and
activities and their participation. It gives maintaining high environmental quality. The
them a vision on how to create income farming system in its real sense will have to
irrespective of the size of the land. As lift the economy of agriculture and standard
northeast Indian states are organic by of living of the farmers.
default, the shifting to more sustainable
agriculture becomes possible by the
adoption of this system. This makes the

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Kiwi- A Potential Crop Component for Natural Farming Model in Temperate

Ecology of Arunachal Pradesh
TAKASH KENA
B. Sc. Agri 3rd year
College of Agriculture (CAU-I), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya-793105

ABSTRACT production and the productivity, accounting

highest in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) respectively. The routes that connecting
belongs to the family Actinidiaceae and between producers and consumers also
genus Actinidia. It is one of the most influence the market value of the fruit that
commercialized fruits on the international cited. It’s believed that kiwifruit is the
front and is loaded with many nutrients such cheapest form of cultivation than any others
as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, horticulture crops. The data shows that cost
and its parts as well recognized for their of cultivation is much smaller than
medicinal and therapeutic properties. The consumers’ price hence we can say that it’s
review includes a brief history of green and the most important income generation crop
global varieties of kiwi from an ornamental. for the rural farmers. Apart from supplying
Arunachal Pradesh accounting more than to the consumers farmers can directly
50% of the total production of kiwi in the prepared kiwi-wine. The processing of
India. Different varieties grown in kiwifruit is difficult task for the farmers of
Arunachal Pradesh are Heyward, Monty, the Arunachal Pradesh, therefore to increase
Allison and Bruno. Since the importance of the processing unit in the state is mandated
the fruit has known hence demand as an example provided. The increase in
increased. Other than Arunachal Pradesh, demand, making an impact for uplifting the
other Northeast states have also known to Country economy. Hence the kiwi
produce Kiwi fruit. It’s believed that kiwi cultivation is the easiest and cheapest form
fruit is the most important fruit for of cultivation as compare to the other
agriculture sustainability, health horticulture crops.
beneficiaries, increase farmers income and
Country’s economic as a whole. The general Keywords: Natural Farming Model on Kiwi
orchard conservation structure for Kiwi fruit fruit
is also practicing in the state. The status of

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Biofertilizers and biopesticides in plant health management

L. SANAJAOBA SINGH, PREMI CHANU SOUBAM, NAOREM ANJALI CHANU,
REBEK LALHMANGAIHSANGI, LALRINKIMI AND KONISON WANGSHOL
College of Agriculture, CAU-I, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya
Correspondence address: lsanajao@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: agriculture is gaining prominence.
Biofertilizers and biopesticides are
Green revolution has revolutionized environmentally friendly products and can
the world agriculture by increasing the be used in integrated nutrient management
yields of food crops by the development of (INM) and integrated pest management
high-yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, (IPM) techniques.
synthetic herbicides and pesticides. The
continuous and excess use of chemical
fertilizers has changed the soil Keyword: Biopesticides, Bio-fertilizer,
characteristics to acidic /alkaline leading to micro-organism, Integrated nutrient and
the reduction in the naturally occurring Pest Management
microorganisms in soil that resulted in the
stagnation /reduction in crop yields. Use of
microorganisms (biofertilizers and
biopesticides) as an alternate to synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides to increase the soil
fertility and disease and pest control in

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Diversity of orchids in Meghalaya

TH. ABINASH SINGH AND M. PREMI DEVI

College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai CAU(I), Meghalaya

ABSTRACT
The Orchidaceae, one of the largest According to reports, large number of
family amongst angiosperms, comprises of orchids are classified as rare (31),
25,000 species distributed under 800 genera. endangered (6), vulnerable (4), threatened
About 70% of orchids found in India resides species seeking attention for immediate
in the North-eastern part of the country, with action for conservation. Paphiopedilum
Arunachal Pradesh having the highest orchids or “Lady’s slipper orchids”, the
number of species. Meghalaya is blessed genera of the state flower are among the
with tremendous flora and fauna. Orchids orchids that are listed on Appendix 1 of
are famous and highly exploited for their CITES. This study was conducted to
ornamental and economic value, which compile the information available on
includes traditional folklore medicine, biodiversity of orchids of Meghalaya, their
sources of hunt for new compounds status and prospect for conservation and
attracting the pharmaceuticals, their sustainable utilization. Adopting strategic in
evolutionary significance. Of 1300 species situ and ex situ suites, propagation and
of orchids reported from India, the state is development of conservation steps can be
home to 363 species (28 %) under 107 taken up to conserved this rare and unique
genera and covering different habitats. orchids.

Keywords: Orchids, biodiversity, conservation.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Recovering traditional farming systems from North East communities for

modelling natural farming system
LALCHHANCHHUAHA RALTE, JANHROMO MURRY, DEBAJYOTI DEBNATH,
BISHAL DEBBARMA, RICHARD LYNGDOH AND SURJAKANTA SANASAM
College of Agriculture (CAU-I), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya
ABSTRACT traditional farming, in keeping with local
capacity, was adaptable to the impacts of
The present study aimed to explore climate change. In the last two decades, a
traditional farming and its role in sustainable returning tide of young residents and retired
development of the mountainous area of people involved in traditional farming might
NORTH EAST INDIA. The results revealed play a key role in the slowing down of the
the continuation of traditional farming loss of agricultural lands in North East,
practices guided by the traditional farming influenced by the fashion of healthy foods
calendar and characterized by mixed and environments. Learned from this study,
cropping, inter cropping, and rotation, which while there would be some opportunity for
optimized the use of limited arable lands in traditional farming to be recognized as one
the area. These practices also contributed to of the key components to promote the
maximizing and securing local food supply, sustainable development of indigenous
and maintaining endemic crop varieties. The villages in mountain areas, more policy
results suggested that traditional farming incentives might be considered.
offered a way to overcome the limitation of
modern agriculture and support ecotourism. Keywords: - Traditional Farming Systems
Furthermore, our findings showed that from North East Communities

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Estimation of biodiversity index of plant species in the integrated farming
system of College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai
AMAN KUMAR1*, SABYASACHI MAJUMDAR2 AND U. K. BEHERA3
1
Under-Graduate Student, 2Assistant Professor, 3Dean, College of Agriculture, Central
Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai – 793105, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya
*Corresponding author’s email id: amanbarnwal1068@gmail.com, sabyasachiuasd@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION System of College of Agriculture,

Kyrdemkulai.
Biodiversity is the term that
represents the total variety of all life forms MATERIALS AND METHODS
on earth. It is the sum of thousands of
different world’s habitat, millions of Integrated Farming system (IFS) is a
different species, billions of different mix of farm enterprises such as crop,
individuals and trillions of different livestock, aquaculture, poultry, sericulture,
characteristics they all have. The total and agro-forestry to achieve economic and
biodiversity of our planet is immense, which sustainable agriculture benefits and can be
is a good thing because the more the considered as a master plan for doubling the
biodiversity the more secure all life on earth farmer’s income in the North Eastern Hill
is, including ourselves. Biodiversity is (NEH) region of India. By keeping in view,
essential for the existence and proper an attempt has been made to find out the
functioning of all ecosystems. It supports biodiversity of tree species in the existing
habitats for all species by providing many Integrated Farming System (IFS) model at
unique environments in which species can College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai.
exist; these include ecosystems of all types In this study in order to calculate the
and sizes, rare ecosystems and corridors biodiversity in IFS with respect to the
between habitats. It provides or supports the various plant species, we have used
core benefits that humans derive from their Simpson’s index (D) and Shannon-Weiner
environment. It is fundamental for the index (H).
provision of ecosystem services, which we
A. Shannon-Weiner index (H)
depend on for food, air and water security,
 It is a measure of diversity that
and multiple other natural benefits.
combines species richness and their relative
Generally biodiversity is measured at abundance. It is used by ecologists when a
three levels i.e. (1.) genetic level, (2.) system contains too many individuals for
species level, and (3.) ecosystem level. each to be identified and examined.
Several biodiversity indices have been  Formula:-[H= - ∑(Pi.lnPi)]
developed that mathematically combines the Where, Pi= n/N= Proportion of total sample
effects of richness and evenness. Few represented by species ‘i’ and divide ‘i’ by
biodiversity indices are Simpson’s index total number of sample.
(D), Shannon-Weiner index (H), Species B. Simpson’s Index (D)
richness (S), Species Evenness (E), Living  It is a statistical method for
plant index (LPI), Ecological footprint (EF) calculating the species diversity of
etc. In this paper, we have made an attempt different ecosystems. Calculations are
to estimate the biodiversity index of 18 plant made by taking the relative abundance of
species available in the Integrated Farming different species.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

 Formula: - [𝐃 =
∑𝐧(𝐧 𝟏)
] reveals that the species richness and
𝐍(𝐍 𝟏) species evenness i.e. overall biodiversity
Where; n- Total no. of organism of a is quite significant which ensures a stable
particular species, s- Species richness, N- ecosystem in IFS.
Total no. of organism of all species. 3. For Simpson’s Diversity Index (SDI) -
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  Based on Simpson’s index (D), the
‘Simpson’s Diversity Index’ (SDI) can
 Based on above calculations values for also be calculated by subtracting the
Shannon-Weiner and Simpson’s Index value of D from 1.
will be 2.266 and 0.13 respectively. As  SDI = 1 −D
we know that – SDI = 1 – 0.13 = 0.87
1. For Shannon-Weiner index (H) –  Contrary to Simpson’s index the value of
SDI is directly proportional to the
H = 2.266 ecosystem’s diversity. Since in the
 The Shannon’s index is a way to measure present study the value of SDI (0.87) is
the evenness of species in a community. high represents higher species diversity in
The term “evenness” simply refers to the ecosystem of IFS with more species
how similar the abundance of different richness and evenness. It is just opposite
species is in the community. to the Simpson’s index for biodiversity.
 Therefore; we have to calculate ‘Hmax’
to get the evenness of the ecosystem: CONCLUSION
Where, Hmax = ln(s); [s - Species richness =
18] The IFS collection, although lower in
Hmax = 2.89 density, depicted higher species diversity.
Evenness (E) = = 0.784 The most abundant species were the Sthal
Padma, Papaya and Guava respectively;
 The value of E ranges between 0 to 1 even we get more evenness in species
which indicates zero species diversity and diversity due to homogeneous composition
infinite species diversity respectively. of rest species. The IFS ecosystem had a
Here we get that E= 0.784, it means the greater species richness (18) and greater
species richness and species evenness species evenness due to homogeneous
(species biodiversity is more, which population and confirms a diverse, stable
further ensures the stability and and healthy composition of ecosystem.
sustainability of the IFS as an ecosystem.
2. For Simpson’s index (D)- REFERENCES
Parmita Sarma and Dhruba Das. Application
D= = 0.13 of Shannon’s Index to Study Diversity
×
with Reference to Census Data of
 It is known that value of D is inversely Assam. Asian Journal of Management
proportional to the species diversity. The Research.
value of D ranges between 0 to 1 which Ezra Angel R. Samosir, Zahidah Hasan, Lis
indicates infinite species diversity i.e. Rostini, Herman Hamdani. Plankton
homogeneous population and zero Community as a Bio-indicator of Water
species diversity i.e. heterogeneous Quality in situ Ciburuy Padalarang,
population. Since the of value of West Bandung Regency, West Java.
Simpson’s index is 0.13 in the present Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic
study is closer to zero compared to 1, it Research.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
TABLE 1. CALCULATION OF VARIOUS PARAMETERS REQUIRED FOR
ESTIMATION OF SHANNON-WEINER AND SIMPSON’S INDEX
Sl. Name of trees in IFS No of (n/N) Pi = n/N lnPi Pi.lnPi (n-1) n(n-1)
No. individual
(n)
1. Sthal Padma 62 62/268 0.231 -1.465 -0.338 61 3782
(Hibiscus mutabilis)
2. Papaya (Carica 56 56/268 0.208 -1.570 -0.326 55 3080
papaya)
3. Guava (Psidium 41 41/268 0.152 -1.883 -0.286 40 1640
guajava)
4. Neem (Azadirachta 23 23/268 0.085 -2.465 -0.209 22 506
indica)
5. Lemon (Citrus 17 17/268 0.063 -2.764 -0.174 16 272
limon)
6. Banana (Musa 16 16/268 0.059 -2.830 -0.166 15 240
paradisiaca)
7. Mango (Mangifera 10 10/268 0.037 -3.296 -0.121 09 90
indica)
8. Plum (Prunus 08 8/268 0.029 -3.540 -0.102 07 56
domestica)
9. Cardomom 06 6/268 0.022 -3.816 -0.083 05 30
(Elettaria
cardamomum)
10. Star fruit (Averrhoa 04 4/268 0.014 -4.268 -0.059 03 12
carambola)
11. Jamun 04 4/268 0.014 -4.268 -0.059 03 12
(Syzygiumcumini)
12. Bay leaf (Laurus 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
nobilis)
13. Cinnamon 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
(Cinnamomum
verum)
14. Jack Fruit 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
(Artocarpus
heterophyllus)
15. Litchi (Litchi 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
chinensis)
16. Elephant Apple 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
(Dillenia indica)
17. Tree Bean (Parkia 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
roxburghii)
18. Drum stick (Moringa 03 3/268 0.011 -4.509 -0.049 02 06
oleifera)
s = Species richness N = 268 ∑𝑃𝑖. 𝑙𝑛𝑃𝑖 = ∑𝑛(𝑛 −
= 18 -2.266 1) =9762

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Zero budget natural farming
ANWESHA BHATTACHARJEE, LAPKIBAI LAKIANG AND RIA
BHATTACHARJEE
B.Sc. Agriculture 3rd year 5th Sem
College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai (CAU-I), Meghalaya-793105

In India, during the mid 1990s, soil, as well as increases earthworm

an agriculturist and a Padma Shri activities.
awardee Subash Palekar 2. Bijamrita:-It is a treatment used for
revolutionized a concept named “Zero seeds, seedlings or any planting
budget natural farming” as an material. Bijamrita is effective in
alternative to the Green Revolution’s protecting young roots from fungus as
methods driven by chemical fertilizers well as from soil-borne and seed-borne
and pesticides and intensive irrigation. diseases that commonly affect plants
In short, “Zero budget natural after the monsoon period.
farming” is a farming method that 3. Acchadana (Mulching):- It is the
believes in growing crops in tune process of covering the top soil with
with nature. “Zero budget natural crop wastes/organic waste or with cover
farming” (ZBNF) means raising crops. Mulching materials decomposes
crops without using fertilizers and and produces humus which conserves
pesticides or any other external top soil, increases water retention,
materials. The word “Zero budget” capacity of the soil, decreases
refers to the zero cost of production of evaporation loss etc.
all crops. ZBNF guides the farmers 4. Whapasa (Soil aeration):-It is the
towards sustainable farming practices condition where there are both air
thus helps in retaining soil fertility, to molecules and water molecules
ensure a chemical-free agriculture and present in the soil.
ensure low cost of production (Zero
cost) and thereby enhancing the Advantages of Zero budget natural
farmers income. Principles of “Zero farming:-
budget natural farming” include the  Zero budget natural farming reduces
following:-No external inputs, the initial cost of farmers
Mulching, No till, Biostmulants as  FARMER’s income automatically
necessary catalysts, Use indigenous increases. That’s why ecosystem
seed, Mixed cropping, Agroforestry, improves
Water and moisture conservation,  Cowdung adds soil value. It is full of
Integrate animal in to farming, nutrients value and available locally.
Increase organic residues on the soil,
 Bacteria of cow dung decompose the
Pest-management through botanical organic matter in soil and make soil for
extracts, No synthetic fertilizers, the plants.
pesticides, herbicides.
 It required less electricity and water
Four pillars of “Zero budget  ZBNF improves the productivity of the
Natural farming” are as follows: soil
1. Jeevamrutha: - It is a fermented  It decreases the disease attack risk on the
microbial culture. It provides crop
nutrients, but most importantly, acts as  In Zero budget farming, we use utilizing
a catalytic agent that promotes the less chemical fertilizer, farming
activity of micro- organisms in the production quality improves.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India
Disadvantages of Zero budget natural  This is technically known as Zero budget
farming:- natural farming, as the food and
agriculture organization of the United
 This farming method used in some parts of Nations calls it. This is also an attempt to
India make small scale farming a viable
 The type of farming being debated, and vocation. Zero budget farming model
there is not much scientific research under promises to make farming expenditure
evaluation. cut down drastically and ends
 It is highly sustainable farming dependence on loans. It also reduces
 This farming technique used in negligible dependence on purchased inputs as it
areas. encourages use of own seeds and locally
 Zero Budget farming is set of farming available natural fertilizers. Farming is
method that involves zero credit for done in sync with nature not through
agriculture and no use of chemical chemical fertilizers.
fertilizer.

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Changing Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

Alder based farming system- A traditional farming practices in Nagaland for

amelioration of jhum land
SHANGYO Y KONYAK, ADITYA CHETTRI AND SOURAV GIRI

B.Sc. Agriculture 3rd year 5th Sem

College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai (CAU-I), Meghalaya-793105

INTRODUCTION Lanusosang, 2013). When the cycle lasts for

15-20 years, jhum is sustainable. However,
Nagaland is a mountainous state in the increasing population has led to shortened jhum
north eastern fringe of India, located between cycle resulting into land degradation and non-
93°20’- 95°15’E longitude and 25°6’-27°4’N sustainability of jhum cultivation (Rathore et
latitude with a total geographical area of 16,579 al., 2010). Terrace cultivation is an alternative
km2. The total population is about two million system for sustainable agriculture; however,
(Census of India, 2011). More than 70% of the extensive parts of the state are too hilly and
population is dependent on agriculture and undulated, limiting the replication of terracing
related activities. Terrace and shifting/slash and models for a wide-scale use.
burn, locally referred to as jhum cultivation are
the most predominant farming practices in the GENERAL DESCRIPTION
state. Out of the total cultivable area of
7,21,924 hectares, about 1,01,400 hectares are A. nepalensis is a non-leguminous
under jhum and terrace cultivation. Jhum deciduous or semi-deciduous tree belonging to
cultivation is the most primitive cultivation the family Betulaceae. It is a rapid colonizer of
practice of the tribes of north east India. This gravelly and old cultivated lands that are
ancient system of farming is believed to have frequently unstable. Alder tree can grow up to a
originated in the Neolithic period around 7000 height of 30 m and 60 cm in diameter. The
BC (Borthakur, 1982). Jhum cultivation is a leaves are alternate, simple, shallowly toothed,
land use system described as based on a with prominent veins parallel to each other, 7–
traditional, year-round, community wide, 16 cm long and 5–10 cm broad. The flowers
largely self-contained and ritually sanctioned are unisexual, female and male flowers in
way of life. The socio-cultural life of the separate inflorescences called catkins. Male
practicing communities is woven around it and catkins 10-25 cm long, drooping, in terminal
is regulated according to jhum calender panicles. Female catkins 1-2 cm long, 3-8
(Katherine, 1991). Today scientists view jhum together in axillary racemes. Alder fruits are
cultivation as an exploitative system, wherein dark brown, 1.5-2 cm long, upright on short
the land and natural resources are not managed stalks, elliptical and with woody scales. Seeds
optimally and is taken to be a major cause of are light brown, circular, flat nut, with
deforestation and a faulty land use practice membranous wing (Firewood Crops, 1980;
having very low output-input ratio (Tripathi Joker, 2000).
and Barik, 2003; Gupta, 2005). Agriculture
practices in Nagaland are organic by default NITROGEN FIXATION
(Yadav et al., 2004). In jhum cultivation, the
vegetation is slashed, burned, tilled and sown. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) in
After a year or two of culturing, the land is left A. nepalensis takes place through a symbiotic
fallow so as to regain its fertility (Yano and relationship between Alnus with nitrogen-

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

fixing actinomycetes of the genus Frankia and 1994; Sharma and Singh, 1994; Rathore et al.,
is therefore able to improve degraded jhum 2010). Agricultural crops, together with alder
lands (Rathore et al., 2010). Frankia is a genus trees forms a very remunerative agro-forestry
of soil actinomycetes in the family Frankiaceae system and the ability of the trees to develop
that fix nitrogen, both under symbiotic and and retain soil fertility is a possible promising
freeliving aerobic conditions, while most future if exploited with proper research
rhizobia donot (Benson and Silvester, 1993). strategies
BNF and sustainable agriculture are by
definition synonymous with sustainability. CONCLUSION
Systems capable of fixing their own nitrogen
exploit their own environment less and may Nitrogen applied in fertilizers usually
even provide a positive contribution (Kennedy provides benefit to plants, but it also has
and Tchan, 1992). Longterm sustainability of serious disadvantages in causing pollution
the agricultural system must rely on the use and when applied inefficiently. It is difficult to
effective management of internal resources. match nitrogen supply to actual requirements of
The process of BNF offers an economically a crop at a given ecosite and any excess may
attractive and ecologically sound means of damage this or other ecosites. The occurrence
reducing external nitrogen input and improving of significant leaching of nitrate can result into
the quality and quantity of internal resources excessive reduction of nitrogen (ammonium) in
(Saikia and Jain, 2007). Actinorhizal plants agricultural or forest ecosystems leading to
have the ability to develop an endosymbiosis their acidification through the process of
with the nitrogen-fixing soil actinomycete nitrification (Kennedy, 1986). The present
Frankia. The establishment of the symbiotic ‘high input’ agriculture is not sustainable. On
process results in the formation of root nodules the other hand, BNF can be a major component
in which Frankia provides fixed nitrogen to the in the improvement of agricultural
host plant in exchange for reduced carbon sustainability (Saikia and Jain, 2007). The
(Santi et al., 2013). Unlike the indigenous alder-based farming system holds
Rhizobiumlegumes symbiosis, where mostly promising sustainable agricultural models as
the host plants belong to a single large family, crops co-cultivated with alder forms a very
Frankia can form root nodules in symbiosis remunerative agroforestry system through
with actinorhizal plants (Baker and Schwintzer, BNF. Though this model may not fix all of
1990; Benson and Silvester, 1993). The shifting cultivation’s woes, it surely
symbiotic relationship between A. nepalensis demonstrates convincingly how this technology
with nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes of the can help absorb growing populations and thus
genus Frankia has also been recognized by divert pressures to clear more forests for
some tribal farmers in Nagaland. Alder based agricultural use. Done on a wide scale, this
farming is in practice since time immemorial, could have a dramatic impact in stabilizing
such that alder trees which are more than 200 jhum cultivation and rehabilitating the damage
years are found in farming areas. The total litter that has been done by jhum degradation (Cairns
yield of alder depends on the number of plants 2007). Alder based agroforestry, if exploited
and amount of N fixed varies between 48.3 with proper research strategies, can become a
kg/ha (60 trees/ha) to 184.8 kg/ ha (625 potential farming model on a global scale. In
trees/ha). Besides fixing atmospheric N, the order to replicate this model in lower altitudes
litter added to the soil provides phosphorus, where alder trees are not grown, certain
potassium, calcium and other nutrients through research strategies should be developed so as to
the addition of biomass (Sharma and Prasad, fully exploit the potential of this indigenous

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Climate Scenario, December 5-7, 2022, Meghalaya, India

farming model. Research priority should be REFERENCES

directed towards identification of superior
genotype and mass multiplication for large Baker D D and Schwintzer C R 1990.
scale cultivation, in vitro regeneration protocol Introduction, In: The Biology of Frankia
for developing alder trees capable of growing and actinorhizal plants. edited by
in lower altitudes. Research should also focus Schwintzer C R, Tjepkema J D, Edts.
on possible application of this model to a wide Academic Press, London. 3-11.
variety of crops. Also, in-depth research on Benson D R and Silvester W B 1993. Biology
Alder-Frankia symbiotic relationship and their of Frankia strains, actinomycete
detailed mechanism of nitrogen fixation might symbionts of actinorhizal plants, Microb
reveal new insights towards improving this Mol Biol Re. 57: 293–319.
model. As the aboveaspects are Borthakur D N 1982. Agriculture in the 1980’s:
multidisciplinary in nature, interdisciplinary strategy for development in the potential
efforts are needed to unearth and exploit the areas – North Eastern Hill Region, Paper
full potential of this indigenous alder-based Presented at the Silver Jubilee
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381
 AUTHOR INDEX
Ahirwal Jitendra, 152 Chandrashekhar, C. P 55, 291
Ahmed, Fazal Ali 295 Chanu L, Joymati, 242
Ahmed, Rizwan 108 Chanu Soubam, Premi 371
Ajjappalavar, Prabhu 46 Chanu, N.B. 57
Allolli, TB, 285, 288 Chanu, Naorem Anjali 371
Altaf, KK, 252, 266 Chettri, Aditya 379
Anurag, TS, 349 Chikkalaki, Suhasini 285
Aochen C 171 Chishi K, Lalhmingsanga 190
Aravind, Sharon , 157 Choudhary RL, 125,138
Assumi, S. Ruth , 168 Choudhary, R.S, 317
Attupuram, Nitin M , 146, 149 Chubasenla Aochen, 168
Avinash, 252 Das Bc 141
Avinash, 266 Das, Anup 300
Babalad H. B. 4, 40, 71, 74, 81, 84, 301 Das, Deep Jyoti 325
Banshan Iangrai, 171 Das, Pranab Jyoti 195
Barman K, 217 Das, Priya , 240
Barman KC 217 Dasar, Venkatesh 285
Barman, Keshab 309 Deb, Lipa 306
Basavanneppa, MA, 268 Deb, Rajib , 149
Bavidoddi, Arun Kumar 288 Deb, SM 300
Behera, Pratishruti 354 Debbarma, B, 373
Behera, U.K. 1, 96, 101, 105, 110, 177, 192, 197, Debnath, D, 373
311, 374 Debnath, P, 129
Bezboruaah, Minakshi 354 Deepa,74
Bhakak, Champak 300 Desai, BK, 252, 256
Bhale VM 206 Deshetti, Mallu 46, 288
Bhambri, M.C. 43 Deshetti, Mallu B 285
Bharose, Ram 93 Devarishi, Sharma L, 297
Bhat Divya 64 Devi, Maimom Bidyalaxmi 369
Bhat, SN 268 Devi, Mayengbam Premi 1, 192, 364, 368,
Bhattacharjee, Anwesha 377 372
Bhattacharjee, Ria 377 Devi, N Olivia 235
Bhumapati ,N. 95 Devi, Ngangom Uma , 1, 96, 197
Biradar A. P. 40 Devi, Salam Jaya Chitra 141, 144, 146
Biradar, Renuka 40 Devi, Tombisana RK 235
Bora, PK, 241, 308 Deviandn, K.Merina 95
Borang Siyang 168 Dhage S, Sagar 81, 84, 301
Boro, Utpal , 295 Dhar, Shri 90,190, 297
Buragohain, Rajat 78 Dhuria Ankush 21
Chaitanya 49 Dohare A.P.S 93

i
Dotaniya ML 125, 138 Juwardoley, 144
Duradundi H. P., Sanjiv 46 Jyothi, KS, 305
Dutta, Pranab 306 Kalita, Girin 295
Fagodiya, R. K. 10 Kalwaniya, Susheela 68, 87
G. Bhuvana Priya 1, 177 Kalyan, De, 141, 144, 146, 149
Gaddanakeri, S. A. 52 Kandiannan, K, 118
Gatphoh Emica, 168 Kena, Takash 370
Geeta Kalaghatagi 81 Khammuanthang, Samte 364
Geeta, Goudar, 291 Kolwalkar, Anand 350
Geetha Kalagathagi, 301 Konyak, Shangyo Y. 379
Geetha P, 230 Konyak, Wanmei M. 368
Giri, Sourav 379 Krishna A. 49
Girish V. P 55, 291 Krishnamurthy, Ks 118
Gogoi, Jyotim 306 Kulkarni, Sunil 254, 260
Gondi, Shruti 288 Kumar Aman 197, 374
Gopal Lal 114 Kumar Amit, 171
Goudra,Shivanand 55 Kumar, Sanjeev 93
Gupta, Lokesh 246 Kumar, Satish , 141, 144
Gupta, Vivek Kumar 141, 144, 146, 149, 217, Kumar, Shiva 266
309 Kumar, Sunil 43
Gurav S G 64 Kumar, Vinay 93
Gurudevi V. Navali 40, 71 Kumari, Sapna, 251
Gyaneshoridevi, T. 95 Laitonjam, Nivetina , 135
Hadole, SS 272 Lakiang, Lapkibai 377
Hajong, Chayanika 369 Lalhmangaihsangi, Rebek 371
Handique, BK, 241, 308 Lalhmingsanga 297
Harish GD, 168 Lallawmsanga, 368
Hazarika B.N. 57, 129, 167 Lalrinfela, Timothy 361
Hemochandra L 240 Lalrinkimi 371
Hongal S 64 Lalrintluanga, K, 295
Hrahsel, Lalrempuii , 152 Lalvensanga, R 365
Islamr,149 Limbu, Prasanga 179
Jagannath, Bonde Kuldeep 303 Loino, Vanlalneihi B, 190
Jaiswal, Sandeep 171 Lyngdoh, R 373
Jamadar, M. M 71 Mahanta Dibakar 237
Jamir, Lemnaro , 168 Mahanta, Madhusmita 306
Jat, RS, 125, 138 Maheswarappa, H.P 64, 285, 288
Jaya 141 Maheswarappa, Sowmya B, 46
Jena, Manoj Kumar 335 Majumdar, Sabyasachi 1, 101, 105, 374
Jha, Shankar , 251 Mallesh, 252, 266
John Joseph, 168 Manjuanth, SB, 291
ii
Manjulatha G. 49 Phatak, R 64
Manjunatha, S. B 55 Philanim, WS, 171
Manna, MC 251 Podder, Rubai 300
Marak Amchichi M. 368 Pooja, Lr, 155
Marwein, Y, 241, 308 Praharaj, Cs, 110
Mastiholi, Anand B. 46, 285, 288 Prakash H.T. 40
Meena B.S. 68, 87 Prasad, SS, 251
Meena, Mk 125 Prasath, D 157
Meena, Vd, 125 Pujeri, Madhumati S. 52
Meera, K , 195 Purakayastha, TJ 242
Meinam, Nabila 368 Puyam, Subhas 349
Milton, AAP 177 Raghavendra, K S 64
Mishra, Arun Kumar 335 Rai, Aniket 365
Mishra, Shivdhar , 155 Rai, Pk 125, 138
Mitra, K 329 Rajanand, Hiremath 81, 84
Mohan, Nh, 141, 149 Rajanikanth E. 49
Mohanty Jayashree 129 Rajashree, 30
Murry, J, 373 Ralte, L, 373
Murtem, Ekta 369 Ramarao 254, 260
Murthy, M K Kailas 35 Ramesh ,Kulasekaran 226
Nagar Gajendra 68, 87 Rani, Priyanka 21
Naik, Upendra 18 Rao, Satyanarayana 18, 30, 252, 254, 260,
Namgey, N 182 266, 268
Nargis, Fatima 55, 291 Rathod, Pandit S , 252, 266
Nayak, LK, 329 Ravikumar 46
Nayak, Somanath 311 Ray, Lala IP, 240, 241, 305, 308, 313, 325
Ngangkham, Umakanta , 171 Ray, Sanjay Kumar 300
Ningomba, Shitaljit 90 Reang Hamtoiti 156
Palanissami, C 230 Roy, AN 329
Pandey, AK 179 Sadawarte, Vaishnavi 350
Panika, Tilak Prasad 354 Sadhukhan, Rahul 90, 297
Parida, PK, 313 Sahoo, Uttam Kumar 152
Patil MB, 301 Saikhom, Victor, 349
Patil, B.O 55, 291 Saji KV 157
Patil, M. B. 84 Samadiya, Vinay 43
Patil, Soumya 40, 71 Sanasam, S 373
Patil, Suvarna 285 Sankalpa, C. P 55
Pattanaaik, Sk, 129 Sarap, PA 272
Paul, Sangeeta , 138 Saraswathi 81, 84, 301
Paul, Souvik , 141, 144, 217 Sarkar, Animesh 300
Pegu, S.R , 149, 217, 309 Sarma Pranabjyoti 57, 192
iii
Sawant, CG 297 Sreenivasulu G. 74
Shankar, Kamble Anand , 268 Srinivasan, V 118
Shantappa, T 46, 285, 288 Suma, A, 168
Shanthy, Rajula T 230 Swami, S 305
Sharma, L. Devarishi 90 Swetha, Konga 325
Sharma, S. K. 10, 99 Talukdar, Dibyajyoti , 295
Shesh Jayesh 43 Tayade, AS, 230
Shilpa, C 81 Thakur,Raj Kumar 21
Shirisha, K, 313 Thankamani, Ck, 118
Shivakumar, 252 Thomas, R. 149, 217, 309
Shivay, Yashbir Singh 203, 242 Uma, V, 288
Shobharani, M 254, 260 Umesh Babu 93
Shrivastava, Manoj , 155 Umesh MR, 252, 266
Shukla, YR, 303 Venkanna, R. 268
Sibanandadarjee, 155 Venkannar 18
Singh Bikram , 129 Venus, Yengkhom , 197
Singh Th, Abinash 372 Victor L 135
Singh, AK 305 Vidyavathi, G.Y 81, 84, 301
Singh, Hv, 125, 138 Vikram Kv, 138
Singh, L Sanajaoba 182, 371 Vishweshwar, Shripad 285
Singh, LH 241, 308 Walia, Anamika, 303
Singh, LH, 308 Wangshol, Konison 371
Singh, Mutum Ronaldo 90 Yadahalli, G.S 81, 84, 301
Singh, NJ, 240, 349 Yadav, Pinky 99
Singh, PP 251 Yamuna, Pandey, 179
Singh, Pratap 68, 87 Youdon, Chhering, 303
Singh, R, 241, 308 Zaman Galib Uz 195
Singh, Raghavendra , 110
Singh, Rajkumar Josmee 94
Singh, Ram 135
Singh, Renu , 155
Singh, RJ, 349
Singh, Sanjenbam Sher 94
Singh, SK, 251
Singh, SP, 251
Singh, Ummed 110
Singh, Vinay 300
Singha, Kanzam Shubhrata 369
Sowjanya B. 49
Sowjanya T V 64
Sowmy, B. 285, 288
iv