Aonla dietary fibre-enriched biscuits - Indian Council of Agricultural

RESEARCH UPDATE

Promising Technologies• Aonla dietary fibre-enriched 1

biscuits • New technologies for spices 2

Management of Natural Resources• Cost effective conservation of 6

plant genetic resources inHimalayan region

• An indigenous biopesticide 6enhances tomato yield

• Improving fertilizer-use 7efficiency in grape

• Ber-Aloe vera intercropping 7fetches better returns

New initiatives• Diversifying cropping system 8

through remunerative foragecrops

• New fisheries research 8vessel launched

Profile• National Research Centre 9

for Women in AgricultureSpectrum• New varieties of rice and 13

pulses released• New vegetable legumes 14

released• Technology for growing winter 18

mushroomWindows• ARISoft for multifarious 22

functionsImpact Assessment ofTechnologies

• Farmers motivated for 23rejuvenation trial

• Impact assessment of new 23agricultural technologies

The Last Page 24

Volume 14 No. 1 January-March 2008

Aonla dietary fibre-enriched biscuits

PROMISING TECHNOLOGIES

CISH, Lucknow. Dietary fibre,vitamin C and antioxidant-enrichedbiscuits have been developed byincorporation of aonla pomace (a

byproduct generated during aonlajuice processing). The dietary fibrecontent of the finished product wasabout 5-fold higher than the controland the vitamin C and antioxidantconcentration were 15.6 mg/100g and0.25 g % respectively. Biscuits havea shelf-life of more than 3 monthswhen wrapped in 100 gauge

polypropylene pouches underambient conditions. The biscuitsprepared in accordance with theinvented process can be

supplemented as fibre, vitamin C andantioxidant fortified diet for childrenand adult alike. The fibre-enrichedbiscuits may be helpful in curing theconstipation and other ailmentsrelated to fast food habits.

Dr BMC Reddy, Directore mail: [email protected]

Indian Council of Agricultural ResearchKrishi Bhavan, New Delhi 110 001, India

www.icar.org.in

2 ICAR NEWS


IISR, Calicut. The Institute hasdeveloped technologies for blackpepper (Piper nigrum), cardamom(Elettaria cardamomum), ginger(Zingiber officinale), tumeric(Curcuma longa) and cinnamon(Cinnamomum verum).

BLACK PEPPER

For better production of blackpepper following technologies, viz.Rapid multiplications technique,Serpentine method, and Dripirrigation, were developed.

Rapid multiplication techniqueThis technique utilizing bamboo

splits is recommended for large-scaleproduction of planting materials.

After planting in the bamboo, thefirst harvest of cuttings can be doneafter 90-105 days and the subsequentharvest at 60–75 days. Each rootedvine can give about 10 cuttings inone harvest and about 40 cutingswill be obtained in an year. A shedof 6 m × 24 m would accommodate600 bamboo splits. On an average20,000 cuttings can be producedannually by this method. This methodis thus advantageous for producing alarge number of rooted cuttingswithin a short period, throughout theyear. The cuttings are also robustowing to the abundance of rootsleading to more than 90%establishment in the field.

Serpentine methodEach node of black pepper plant

should be pressed into the mixtureTrichoderma (1g/kg potting mixture),with polythene bags with 'V'-shapedmidribs of coconut leaves. As newshoots arise these are to be trailedhorizontally in polythene bagscontaining potting mixture. Once 20nodes get rooted, the first 10polythene bags with the rooted nodes

should be separated by cutting at theinternodes. The internodal stub shouldbe pushed back into the pottingmixture. These stubs also produce asecondary root system. Daily irrigationis to be given using a rose-can.Application of vermiwash orPseudomonas @ 25 ml/plantencourages the growth of the cuttings.After 3 months these cuttings are readyfor planting in the field. On an average60 cuttings can be obtained in an yearby this method from each mothercutting. Cuttings raised in mediaconsists of coir-pith a compost and,granite powder in 2:1 proportion withAzospirillum spp. andPhosphobacteria as nutrient sourceyields higher biomass production.

Drip irrigationIrrigating black pepper @ 7 litres /

day / vine through drip irrigation fromOctober to March is recommendedfor increasing yield from black peppermonocrop on Erythrina live support atan altitude of 50-60 m MSL. Thistechnology is useful for similar blackpepper growing area like Kerala,Karnataka and Tamil Nadu wheremoisture stress is experienced duringsummer.

CARDAMOMThe significant results were

obtained from developedtechnologies, viz. Rapid clonalpropogation technique, drip irrigationand pollination management incardarmom (Elettaria cardamomum).

Rapid clonal propagation techniqueAn efficient clonal propagation

technique (trench method) for large-scale multiplication of cardamom fromsuckers has been developed. Theminimum planting unit consists of onegrown up sucker (rhizome) and agrowing young shoot. On an average32-42 suckers were produced after 12

months of planting per one plantingunit. Taking the barely minimum of50% of this suckers/clump one canget 16-21 planting units (1 grown upsucker along with a growing youngshoot that is sucker) from one mother-planting unit after 12 months. Froman area of 1 ha clonal nursery1,148,144 to 1,94,439 planting unitscan be produced after 12 months.Clones thus produced would be freefrom virus, rhizome rot and root knotnematodes.

Drip irrigationDrip irrigation of cardamom

was recommended with 8 litres/plantdaily from 15 January for increasingyield.

Pollination managementIn cardamom pollination is

effected by the activity of bees (Apiscerena indica F. and Apis dorsata F.)A minimum of 4 honeybeecolonies (about 500 forages percolony) per ha (3,000 plants) isrequired for effective pollination ofcardamom.

CINNAMON

The outcome of the developedtechnologies, viz. Cutting and Airlayering pertaining to cinnamon(Cinnamomum verum) showed goodyield.

CuttingFor raising cinnamon from

cuttings; semi-hardwood cutting ofabout 10 cm length with 4 leaves aretaken and dipped in IBA 200 ppm orin a rooting hormone (deradix) andplanted either in polythene bags filledwith sand or a mixture of sand andcoridust in the ratio 1:1 or in sandbeds raised in a shaded place. Thecuttings in polythene bags must also

New technologies for spices

JANUARY–MARCH 2008 3


be kept in a shaded place or in anursery. The cuttings are to bewatered regularly 2 to 3 times a dayfor maintaining adequate moistureand prevent wilting. Rooting takesplace in 45-60 days. The well rootedcuttings can be transplanted topolythene bags filled with pottingmixture and maintained in a shadedplace and watered regularly.

Air layeringIt is done on semi-hardwood

shoots of cinnamon. A ring of bark isremoved from the semi-hardwoodportion of the shoot and a rootinghormone (IBA 2,000 ppm or IAA2,000 ppm) is applied on the portionwhere the bark has been removed.Most coir dust or coir husk is placedaround the region where thehormone has been applied and issecured in position by wrapping witha polythene sheet of 20 cm length.This would also avoid moisture loss.Rooting takes places between 40 and60 days. The well-rooted air layersare separated from the mother plant

and bagged in polythenebags filled with potting mixture andkept in a shaded place or nursery bywatering the plants twice daily. Therooted cuttings and layers can beplanted in the main field with the onsetof rains.

TURMERIC

The developed production andprotection technologies on turmeric,Curcuma longa, gave better yield.

Production and protectiontechnologies

The study was conducted on thefollowings:

(A) Nutrients for turmericFarmyard manure or compost @ 30

tonnes/ha has to be applied bybroadcasting and ploughing at thepreparation of land or as basal dressingby spreading over the beds to coverthe seed after planting.

(B) Rhizome rot disease in turmeric

• Rhizome treatment with acombination of mancozeb (0.25%)

and quinalphos 0.075% for 15minutes is the recommendedpractice.

• Soil drenching with metalaxylmancozeb (0.2%) or mancozeb(0.25%) at 15 to 20 days intervaltwice with the first appearanceof the symptom

• Crop rotation is alsorecommended to reduce theincidence of rhizome rot.

GINGER

The research work conducted onginger, Zinigiber officinale,through developed production andprotection technologies gavesignificant results.

Production and protectiontechnologies

The study was conducted on thefollowings:

(A) Management of soft rot andbacterial wilt in ginger

• Well-drained soil with gentleslope is good.

• To be planted in raised beds.

Table 1. Technologies developed by IISR to control major pests and diseases of important spices.

Major diseases/contraints Technology

Phytophthora foot-rot in black pepper Phytosanitation, minimum tillage, two pre-monsoon sprays with Bordeaux mixture (1%), onedrenching with copper oxychloride (1%) combined with potassium phosphonate spray anddrench, in place of Bordeaux mixture.

'Katte' and 'koke kandu' of cardamom Rouging out diseased plants and phased replanting with healthy plants.and stunted diseases of black pepper

Nursery management in pepper and Soil solarization with polythene sheets for 30-40 days as a pre-sowing treatment.cardamom nurseries to suppress Incorporation of VAM and Trichoderma in the nursery.disease

Rhizome rot of ginger Healthy seed selection, seed dressing with Trichoderma, and its soil application coupled withorganics. Soil solarization.

Nematodes and root grubs in cardamom Spot application of phorate @2.5 g/clump twice/year between April-May and October-November.

'Pollu beetle' in black pepper Shade regulation and spraying quinalphos (0.05%) during July (21-30 days after the setting ofberries) followed by 3 sprays of Neemgold (0.6%) between August and October.

Shoot borer in ginger and turmeric Prune freshly infested shoots at fortnightly intervals during July-August, and spray malathion0.1% at monthly intervals during September-October.

4 ICAR NEWS


Sprout suppressant inreducing potato losesCPRI, Shimla, The use of safer

chemical, Isopropyl N-(3 Chlorophenyl)Carbonate (CIPC), a sproutsuppressant in potatoes, stored athigher temperatures (8°C and above)meant for processing, was found veryeffective in controlling potato tuber-mothin stores besides checking the sproutgrowth. The CIPC spray 'Grow StopBasis 30 EC' containing 30% a.i. @ 40ml/tonne of potatoes (dissolved in 160ml of water and applied with a rotarydisc sprayer) showed significant results.

The incidence of potato tuber mothin treated tubers in country storeswas observed to be negligible (0.3–2.8%) compared to 3.6–27.6% inuntreated tubers up to 50 days.Further, the tubers treated with CIPCwere not only healthy but also showedno shrivelling. In contrast untreatedtubers showed potato tuber mothdamage, having typical potato tubermoth galleries inside, and tubers alsoshrivelled during storage. The treatedtuber were analyzed in laboratory forCIPC residues, which were found tobe under permissible limit. Thustubers were found safe for humanconsumption.

CIPC can be safely used by farmers

for controlling the potato tuber mothdamage in stores, and maintaining thedesirable quality of potato both for tableand processing purposes at least for 2months after storage.

Drs VK Chandla*, Brajesh Singh*,RS Chandel* and SK Pandey** ,

*Scientist, **Director,e mail: [email protected]

Spiritless shellac-basedvarnish resistant to

heat and waterIINRG, Namkum. Two shellac-

based varnishes, MSV 001 and MSV005, have been developed, using anon-spir i t solvent system, forpolishing wooden furniture, musicalinstruments etc. Since spirit is notavailable freely in the market, thepresent ready to use formulationssolve the problem. The drying timeof the varnishes is 10 to 15 minutesin compar ison to commercialsamples (2-5 hr). The short dryingtime protects the surface fromsticking the dust par ticles andreduces the time for consecutivecoatings. The commercial varnisheslack this quality because of theirlonger drying period. The varnishesretain the texture of costly wood andprovide a beautiful sheen. The filmsof these varnishes are resistant to

both water and heat.The technology has been

transferred to private Industries/Chemical Industries at Kerala andKarnataka.

Dr N Prasad , I/C,RMLSe mail: [email protected]

Camel milk-basedskin cream

NRC on Camel, Bikaner. Thecollaboration research on skin careproperties of camel milk has yieldedencouraging result. The jointresearch efforts of scientists of NRCon Camel and the dermatologists ofS.P. Medical College, Bikaner,showed that the camel milk canmake a good formulation or base fora skin cream. Among the skin careproducts in the markets the creamwith moisturising, glowing and anti-oxidant proper t ies are in highdemand. The camel milk is reportedto have such ingredients l ikemoisture, vitamin C, zinc, free formof calcium and peptidoglycanrecognition proteins (an antibiotic likemolecule). The inital tests haveresulted into an encouragingresponse from the test usersregarding its moistur ising andglowing effects. It is anticipated thatafter i ts complete formulation

• Select rhizomes that are bold,shining and attractive having atleast 2 to 3 golden colour sproutsand no undersirable odour, moldgrowth or insect damage.

• Treat the seed rhizomes for 30min. with Mancozeb (0.3%) orcarbendazium (0.3%) and shadedry the rhizomes.

• Drench fungicidal [Copper based(1%) or Mancozeb (0.3%) orMetalaxyl (0.125%)] solution atthe planting.

• Repeat this drenching 30, 60 and90 days after planting.

(B) Management of rhizome scale inginger

• Discard severely infested rhizomesbefore storage of rhizomes.

• In severe infestations, dip seedrhizomes in quinalphos 0.075%and store along with dried leavesof Strychmos nux-vomica +sawdust in 1:1 proportion.

(C) Management of shoot borer in

ginger

• Prune freshly infested shoots (asindicated by the extrusion offrass) at fortnightly intervalsduring July-August.

• Spray Malathion 0.1% at monthlyintervals during September-October. Consereve naturalenemies.

Dr VA Parthasarathy, Directore mail: [email protected]



Intercropping betweenaonla and dhanicha forbetter soil productivity

CSWCRTI (Research Centre)Agra. Among green-manureintercrops in between aonla rows,dhaincha was found best in producingthe maximum green biomass (12tonnes/ha) and maintaining maximummoisture in profile, i.e. up to 14.5 cm/100 cm profile at this station indegraded ravine lands. Maximum

NBPGR, New Delhi.The NationalBureau of Plant Genetic Resourceshas recently initiated studies on on-farm conservation of agrobiodiversityat selected sites in Uttarakhand,Himalayas. Existing crop geneticdiversity at species and genetic levelin traditional production systems wasassessed and factors for changes incrop compositions and farmingsystems during the recent past werescrutinized. The documentation oftraditional agricultural biodiversitywas helpful in understanding thefollowing information on the targetspecies viz naked barley (Hordeumvulgare ssp. vulgare), buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum and F.tataricum), Perilla (P. frutescens) andrice (Oryza sativa):

• The amount and distribution ofgenetic diversity beingmaintained in traditionalproduction systems.

• The processes being used tomaintain this diversity.

• The social, economical, cultural

and environmental factorsinfluencing farmers to maintaindiversity in traditional productionsystems.

• The people maintaining thisdiversity in gender, age, ethnicand social or economic status inthe community.

• The “adding value” options tolocal agricultural biodiversity in agiven social, economical andecological context.

On-farm conservation will be mosteffective when targeted to specific areaswith significant plant genetic resourcesand with communities who are willing

to participate in conservationprogrammes. Urgam valley (Chamolidistrict) in Uttarakhand is one suchsuitable site for on-farm conservationof landrace diversity of the traditionalcrops. Most of the traditional crops,viz. amaranth, barnyard millet,fingermillet, buckwheat, horsegram,blackgram, barley (the hull-less types),Perilla frutescens are still undercultivation and supplement the majordietary energy in these agro-ecosystems with valuable intra-specificdiversity besides the two major cropsrice and wheat. There is ample forestresource base to support the farmlandas an integral component of traditionalagroecosystems in the Himalayas.Similar valleys, viz. Henwal andChamiyala-Dharam Ganga valleys inTehri district, and Vyas and Upper GoriGanga Valley in Pithoragarh,Uttarakhand are other suitable sitesfor implementing on-farm conservationprogrammes.

Dr I.S. Bisht, Scientiste mail: [email protected]

Conserving Agrobiodiversity in the Himalayas

average fruit yield of aonla (10 kg/tree) was also obtained in dhainchaplot. And maximum improvement insoil organic carbon was recorded withdhaincha (0.48%), followed bycowpea (0.42%), and greengram(0.38%).

Dr V N Sharda, Directore mail: [email protected]

Conserving resources,augmenting livelihood

of small holderCSWCRTI (Research Centre),

Koraput. Efforts were made in tribalareas of Orissa to conserve resourcesand augment livelihood of smallholders through multi-tier cropping

systems in Eastern Ghats. Totalbiomass (above-ground and roots)added to the top soil due togrowing of green-manure crop, wasestimated to be 39.3 tonnes/ha onfresh and 8.3 tonnes/ha on dryweight basis. Runoff from plots (allunder green-manure crop dhaincha)having papaya/drumstick with orwithout Gliricidia ranged from 30 to32%. Control plots recorded 1 to 3%higher runoff. Soil loss from plotshaving papaya/drumstick/Gliricidiaranged from 25 to 26 tonnes/ha.Control plots yielded 1-2 tonnes/hamore soil loss.

Dr V N Sharda, Director,e mail: [email protected]

including the fragrance and colour,the skin cream can be launched asa dermaceutical product.

Dr KML Pathak, Directore mail: [email protected]

6 ICAR NEWS

An indigenous biopesticide enhances tomato yieldIARI, New Delhi. The yield loss in

tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum,crop (due to fruit-borer Helicoverpaarmigera) is from 22.39 to 37.79%.About 90% farmers rely primarily onsynthetic pesticides for control ofpests of tomato crop. In spite ofrepeated sprays farmers are not ableto manage its pests. And because ofgrowing concerns about health andenvironmental safety, the use of toxic,carcinogenic, and/or environmentallydamaging chemicals is beingdiscouraged at present. Indigenouslydeveloped bio-pesticides areenvironmentally sound; naturefriendly and economically feasible,therefore inclusion of traditionalknowledge in the pest managementprogramme may be assured, as itreduces dependence on chemical

pesticides and deterioration of ecology.One such cow urine-based formulationwas prepared using neem, Azadirachtaindica, and other easily accessibleingredients and tested against insectpests of tomato crop. The studiesshowed that 8% of this formulationcontrolled more than 80% of tomatofruit-borer in the laboratory.

In field, 2 sprays of this formulation@ 3% at nursery stage and 4 sprays @5 and 10% at flowering, fruiting andmaturing stage, gave promisingresults in controlling tomato fruit-borer, leaf minor, mites and whiteflypests and gave good yield with zeroinput. It also controlled significantlydamping off; early blight and buckeye rot diseases.

The observed yield inindigenously treated tomato fieldswith zero inputs, was 36 tonnes/haas compared to 15 tonnes/ha in checkplots and 17 tonnes/ha in organicallytreated plots.

Drs A K Kanojia, Sumitra Arora andRanbir Singh* Scientists, NCIPM,

*Division of Agronomy,e mail: [email protected]

Cost-effectiveconservation of plantgenetic resources in

Himalayan regionNBPGR, New Delhi. The National

Gene bank at the National Bureau ofPlant Genetic Resources has nearly0.3 million accessions stored asseeds in 12 long-term modulesmaintained at –180C since 1997.Investigating cost-effective methodsof seed storage, therefore, has beena priority area at NBPGR. To achievethis, a survey was conducted toidentify a site in the Himalayan regionwith natural conditions of lowtemperature and relative humiditythroughout the year, to carry out seedconservation in a cost-effectivemanner. This resulted in identificationof Khardung La, which is on the roadto Siachen glacier with temperatureranging from –31oC to 12oC. Thehighest temperature of 12oC isrecorded during days from June toAugust for few hours. After selecting

the site, a total of 149 accessionsbelonging to 43 crops were processedfor conservation. Data were recordedfor initial seed viability, seed moisturecontent and seed health incollaboration with Defence Researchand Development Organization, FieldResearch Laboratory, Leh. Sealedpackets of the selected seeds weretransported to Khardung La, a highmountain pass (elevation 5,359 m)located in the Ladakh region, Jammuand Kashmir.

The germplasm identified forconservation included someaccessions with poor seed viabilityand higher moisture content to studythe influence of these factors also, onthe longevity of stored seed material.The seed material was kept inhermetically sealed aluminium foilpouch in wooden box. The storedseed samples were retrieved initiallyafter a gap of 10 months and laterafter 24 and 48 months for monitoringof seed viability. The monitoringresults indicated that most of theaccessions stored following the

Genebank standards (i.e. with morethan 85 % viability and 5-7 % moisturecontent), retained the initial viability.Accessions kept with low initialviability (22-65%) and higher moisturecontents (8-10%) showed furtherdecrease in their viability. Thissuggests that seeds stored followinggenebank standards with regard toquality of seeds, stored effectively,retaining their initial viability.Therefore, the seeds kept undernaturally low temperature conditionswould store effectively maintainingtheir viability, similar to artificiallymaintained low temperatureconditions, facilitating cost-effectiveand safe storage of seed and therebyconservation of Plant GeneticResources. Effor ts are now inprogress to establish a permanentstructure at a suitable site in theHimalayan region for storage of seedof important Plant Genetic Resourcesas safety duplicates.

Drs A K Singh and Kalyani SrinivasanScientist, e mail: [email protected]

MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES


MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

NRC Grape, Pune. A growthstage-wise fertilizer applicationstrategy based on drip (fertigation)in grafted Thompson Seedless grapehas been developed. Thistechnology resulted in 60% savingin ferti l izer use over theconventional method of soilapplication, thus improvingferti l izer use efficiency andreducing salinity hazard andpollution of groundwater.

Improving fertilizer-use efficiency in grapeFertigation resulted in betterutilization of the nutrients. Advice tofarmers on the need for stage-wisenutrient application in more numberof splits through fertigation to reducecost of cultivation, sustain the cropyield, to reduce the chemical load inthe underground soil and water isadvocated. This is well accepted andwidely practised now.

Leaf petiole analysis at buddifferentiation and flowering stage for

knowing the status of nutrients andtheir right quantity application inNPK has made good impact inapplication of fertilizers. The farmerswere educated on the need formaintaining potassium, calcium andmagnesium balance in the system tomanage bunch stem necrosis disorderin vineyards.

Dr P G Adisule, Directore mail: [email protected]

Soil erosion map ofRajasthan generatedCSWCRTI (Research Centre)

Dadwara, Kota. The soil erosion map ofeastern Rajasthan has been generatedfrom soil loss value estimates for each of10 km grid point using universal soil lossequation (USLE). The values for USLEparameters, derived from soil survey datasheets of the NBSSLUP, and erosion plotstudies conducted by this Centre, wereused. The GIS mapping tools were usedto prepare the map. Despite relatively lowannual rainfall, water-induced erosion isa serious problem in the region.About 66% area has annual soil lossmore than 10 tonnes/ha and about 15%of the area showed severe erosion rateswith soil loss rates exceeding 40 tonnes/ha/year. The relatively higher rates oferosion per unit of rain energy areprimarily due to poor ground cover duringmonsoon and slope steepness of therolling and hilly terrain.

Dr V N Sharda, Directore mail: [email protected]

National ActiveGermplasm Site for

Lac HostsIINRG, Namkum. The National

Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources,

New Delhi, has recently designatedthe Indian Institute of Natural Resinsand Gums, Ranchi (IINRG), asNational Active Germplasm Site forLac Hosts. Dr Mangala Rai(Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR)inaugurated this site formally.

Though lac insects are reported tooccur on over 400 host plant species,only a small fraction of them could beconsidered to be of commercialpotential and only a limited number ofspecies(<10) were actually exploitedcommercially. The institute laysemphasis on lac hosts showing highproductivity potential and hasaccumulated a good number ofcollections of important and potentiallac host species. At present the instituteholds 97 collections of 47 species oflac hosts, especially those of the majorlac hosts, viz. palas, kusum and ber.

The Institute will be layingemphasis on organized developmentof lac host field gene bank of existingcollections and also take a majorinitiative for augmenting lac hostbiodiversity collection of the Institute.A master plan has also been drawnfor the long-term development of lachost field gene bank in the institute.This has become the need of thehour in view of the eroding hostbiodiversity due to qualitative changes

in forest cover. The institute hasrecently planted 25 var ietiesbelonging to Central Arid ZoneResearch Institute, Jodhpur forcomparative performance evaluationof lac cultivation.

Dr N Prasad, I/C, RMIS,e mail: [email protected]

CSWCRTI, Resarch Centre, Agra.Aloe vera was cultivated in theinterspaces of matured ber trees thatwere planted in 8m × 4m spacing.Planting distance of Aloe vera, 0.5m× 0.5m and 1 m space was left outafter every two rows of Aloe vera.When raised as an intercrop withber, plant height, spread and yieldof Aloe vera were 68 cm, 70 cm,and 47 tonnes/ha/year, respectively,and yield of ber fruits was around7.5 tonnes/ha/year. As a result, grossincome and net income from theber- Aloe vera system was estimatedto be Rs 1,23,000 and Rs 73,000respectively.

Dr V N Sharda, Director,e mail: [email protected]

Ber–Aloe veraintercropping fetches

better returns

8 ICAR NEWS

NEW INITIATIVES

New fisheries researchvessel launched

CIFT, Cochin. Shri Sharad Pawar(Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture)and Dr Mangala Rai (Secretary,DARE and DG, ICAR), shared theirvast experience on the occasion of'Matsya Kumari II launch' at the BoatBuilding Yard of Kerala Shipping andInland Navigation Corporation Ltd.,Cochin.

The vessel has a length overall of17.7 m, maximum breadth of 6.00 m,depth of 3.00 mm and maximum draftof 2.00 m. The Gross Registeredtonnage of the vessel is 66. Installedengine power of the vessel is 325 hp@ 1800 rpm. It is capable of a freerunning speed of 9 knots. The vesselis provided with modern navigationand fish finding instrumentation.Endurance of the vessel is 9 days.This vessel is classed by IndianRegister of Shipping with the classnotation + SU “FISHING VESSEL”. Itis equipped for both bottom and mid-water stern trawling and long-timefishing operations. It is provided witha Blast Freezer with a capacity of150 kg at – 55 °C and Refrigeratedfish-hold with a capacity of 2 tonnesat – 20 °C, for onboard preservationand storage of catch. Rolling landingplatform provides for hygieniconboard handling of the catch. Thevessel provides air-conditionedaccommodation for 2 scientists and10 crew members. The cost of thevessel is Rs 23.2 million. The vesselwill be put to use for onboardinvestigations on fishing gears, fishbehaviour, conservation of resourcesthrough fishing gear interventions,processing and preservation of fishand marine environment.

Dr K Devadasan, Directore mail : [email protected]

IGFRI, Jhansi. Diversfication ofexisting cropping systems throughremunerative forage crop is suggested.

Hill zone: In mid-Himalayan hillzone, maize (fodder) – wheat realizessignificantly higher net monetaryrerturn which is 85% higher than themost adopted sequence (Maize–wheat).

North-west zone: (i) In Tarai areaof Uttarakhand and West Uttar-Pradesh, paddy-wheat-maize (fodder)+ cowpea (fodder) realizes highestnet monetary return and superiorityof 29% over paddy-wheat.

(ii) In semi-arid situation ofHaryana, pearl millet (fodder) –wheat–greengram realizes 40%higher net monetary return thancotton–wheat.

(iii) In arid region of Rajasthan,guar (F) + pearl millet (F) – oat (F) –cowpea (F) fetches significantlyhigher net monetary return which is99% higher than the most adopted(guar (G) – wheat (G) – fallow).

Centre zone: (i) In semi-aridsituation of Bundelkhand, groundnut– berseem – maize (fodder) provides44% higher net monetary return thangroundnut–wheat–greengram.

(ii) In Kaimur plateau region ofMadhya Pradesh, sorghum (F) –berseem–rice–wheat–greengram.

(iii) In central zone under Vidarbharegion of Maharashtra, lucerne(perennial) realizes 84% higher netmonetary than soybean–wheat–greengram. However, maize (fodder)– berseem – sorghum (fodder) gives54% higher net montary return thansoybean (grain)–wheat (grain)–cowpea (grain).

(iv) In irrigated situation in Gujarat,NB hybrid + cowpea/ lucerne realizes58% higher net monetary return thanmaize (f)–potato (t)–pearlmillet (g).

North-east zone: (i) In Eastern

zone of Uttar Pradesh, significantlyhigher net monetary return wasrealized with NB hybrid (perennial)+ berseem which was 48.0% higherthan rice–wheat–greengram.

(ii) In subhumid situation of Orissa,pearl millet (f) – oat maize (f) + cowpea(f) realizes highest net monetary returnwith the superiority of 80% overgroundnut–mustard–greengram.

(iii) In NEH plains region underJorhat (Assam) situation, NB hybrid(perennial) gives 120% higher netmonetary return than sesame (g)–rapeseed–greengram.

(iv) In Jharkhand under Ranchisituations, NB hybrid + berseemrealizes higher net monetary returnsthan fallow–rice.

(v) Under Indo-gangetic plains of WestBengal, rice–oat–sesame was superior fornet monetary return with increase of63% over rice–mustard–groundnut.

South zone: (i) Under semi-aridsituation of Andhra Pradesh, NBhybrid + cowpea / berseem wassuperior for net monetary return withincrease of 10% over redgram–tomato–sorghum + redgram.

(ii) In rain shadow area and moderaterainfall situation (600-700 mm) of TamilNadu, NB hybrid perennial realizes300% higher net monetary return thanmaize (f) + cowpea (f) + maize (f) –sorghum (f) + cowpea (f).

(iii) In coastal Western Ghats, NBhybrid perennial realized 180% highernet monetary return than upland rice(G) –cowpea (vegetable)–okra.

(iv) In semi-arid region ofKarnataka under Tiptur situation, NBhybrid perennial provides 142%higher net monetary returns thanmaize + cowpea – maize + cowpea.

Dr S A Faruqui, Project Co-ordinator(Forage Crops)

e mail: [email protected]

Diversifying cropping system throughremunerative forage crops


National Research Centre for Women in Agriculturefor Agricultural sustainability, food and economic security, and equity

Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. During thepreparation of Eighth Five-Year Plana great need was felt to planagricultural research and extensionprogrammes for empowerment ofwomen with consideration ofagricultural sustainability, food andeconomic security, and equity. TheWorking Group on AgriculturalResearch and Education, constitutedby the Planning Commission forthe formulation of the EighthFive-Year Plan (1992-97),recommended the establishment of aNational Research Centre forWomen in Agriculture (NRCWA)during the Plan period. Accordingly,the Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch established the NRCWA inApril 1996 at Bhubaneshwar with asub-centre at Bhopal. The sub-centreworks mainly on developing farmtools and equipment for increasingproductivity, reducing drudgery andoccupational health problems of farm-women and also for popularization ofwomen friendly farm equipment andtechnologies.

MANDATE

• Carrying out basic, strategic andapplied research to identifygender issue and testappropriateness of availablefarm-technologies/programmes/policies with women perspective.

• To do training and consultancyfor promoting gendermainstreaming in research andextension for empowerment offarm-women and capacitybuilding of scientists, plannersand policy makers to respond tothe needs of the farm-women.

OBJECTIVES

• To conduct basic, strategic andapplied research on gender

issues in agriculture andallied fields.

• To create and maintaindatabase on genderspecific information aboutmen’s and women’s rolein food production andagriculture deveopmentfor effecting technologies,programmes and policies.

• To test theappropriateness of farmtechnologies andprogrammes and policiesin terms of gendersensitivity in collaborationwith relevant national andinternational organizationsand suggest suitablemodifications.

• To develop drudgeryreducing options fordecreasing the workloadand increasing theefficiency of women.

• To develop gender sensitivemodules and methodologies fortransfer of technology.

• To develop gender sensitivetraining modules and materialsand impart trainings, seminarsand workshop for capacitybuilding of scientists, researchers,planners and policy makers forgender mainstreaming andpractical application of genderrelated technologies.

• To develop and publish gendersensitive materials, createnetwork linkage through journalsand information sharing.

• To develop system of managingand sharing gender relatedknowledge to support institutionsand government in their efforts tomainstream gender in policy andprogrammes; and

• To develop effective evaluation

and monitoring arrangements forgender mainstreaming.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Centre has well equippedlaboratories for conducting genderresponsive research on agronomy,entomology, horticulture, post-harvesttechnology, seed technology, nutrition,ergonomics, animal sciences andfisheries. The Centre has an ARIS Cellwith latest computers, internet andanalytical softwares. The Centre hasabout 13-ha farm area to conducttechnology validation tr ials anddemonstrations includingvermicompost, mushroom andspawn production, net-house,greenhouse, zero energy coolchamber and fish ponds.

The library has 1,000 books and47 national and international journalsof different disciplines related to

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agriculture and gender. Otherupcoming facilities include a traininghostel, women technology park andgender data centre. The sub-centre,is equipped with an ergonomicslaboratory at CIAE, Bhopal.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The NRCWA, during the past fiveyears, has conducted researchagainst the following targets:

Documenting gender issues, rolesand relations in diverse contextsand situations in the country

Gender disaggregated data werecollected on different socio-culturalaspects and work participation fromOrissa, Andhra Pradesh, MadhyaPradesh, Kerala, and Haryana. TheCentre has also processed data fromsecondary sources for bringing outinferences on participation of womenin agriculture in different states ofIndia. The implications from genderanalysis brought out that utmostattention needs to be paid by researchorganizations for women who aremiddle-aged, educationally backward,malnourished and belonging toscheduled-caste, scheduled-tribe andbackward communities. The womenin Kerala and Orissa needimprovement in productive time usethrough farm diversification activities.Wage differences, between men andwomen labourers, were common inall the selected farming systems andwomen of Kerala were most affected.

In Orissa poor mechanization infarming was common which neededthe urgent attention of scientists,extension functionaries and policymakers. The plight of women in theprevailing dinning styles, collection offuel, fodder and water, diseases andconsumption of betel and tobacco aresome social issues connected withfarming households.

Collaborated projectsA collaborative research project on

'Studies of women in agriculture inIndia with special reference to cropproduction technologies', was carriedout with Central Research Institutefor Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad.Pilot study on approaches toengendering agricultural researchwas taken up in collaboration withChaudhary Charan Singh HaryanaAgricultural University, Hisar; andKerala Agricultural University,Vellanikkara. The Centre alsocollaborated with Maharana PratapUniversity of Agriculture andTechnology, Udaipur for studies onempowerment of women inagriculture. The studies led to theidentification of new themes forresearch, policy formulation andtraining. Great potentiality exists instrengthening the economic life ofwomen by drawing implications fromresearch and training on drudgeryreduction, skill upgradation, anddiversification. The road map forresearch for Vision 2025 is an

important outcome.

Multicentric research directionsMulticentric research approach

was implemented for agriculturalresearch and extension in Kerala,Haryana and Orissa. Studies on'Management of coastal eco-systemaffected by super cyclone in Orissa'was carried out in collaboration withCentral Rice Research Institute,Cuttack. Women empowermentprogramme in agriculture was takenup in Udaipur, Hisar, New Delhi,Pantnagar, Parbhani and Dharwadcentres. Experiences gained fromabove projects have helped theInstitute to plan and implementgender responsive projects coveringcross-cutting issues. Location specificfactors affecting the life of womenand varying impact of technologywere identified.

Rural women’s economic andsocial status, database information

Gender data base consists ofsocio-economic profile, timeutilization, extent of involvement ofwomen in agriculture includingduration in agriculture, tools andequipment used by men and womenin various farming operations,operation of improved farm-equipment, physical discomfort andinvolvement in household activities.A study was conducted among 10,059farm-women in 279 villages of 12districts of Madhya Pradesh and the

PROFILE

Gender related statistics *• Male work participation rate (WPR) increased from 51.55 to 51.9% and Female WPR increased from 22.54 to

25.66% between 1991 and 2001.• In absolute terms while the size of male work force has increased by over 10 million between 1991 and 2001,

the addition to the size of female work force has nearly doubled.• Mizoram has the highest (47.6%) female work participation rate.• Among states/ union territories, Nagaland has the highest (55.68%) percentage of cultivators among male

workers, while Himachal Pradesh has highest (86.2%) percentage of cultivators among female workers.• Bihar has the highest (63.2%) female agricultural labourers among female workers.• Himachal Pradesh has the highest (89%) cultivators and agricultural labourers taken together among female workers.

* Estimated from Census, 2001.


findings documented. Data were alsocompiled from secondary sources likeCensus on the use of tools andimplements, wage differential, intra-house access to and control overresources, home managementactivities, access to local developmentprogrammes and basic amenities,health hazards, diseases and vicesprevalent among men and women inselected farming systems of Orissa,Kerala and Haryana.

Empowerment of women inaquaculture technologies helped theparticipating farm-women inincreasing income generation fromcarp fry rear ing, carp culture,ornamental fish production andintegrated fish farming. The nurseryrearing in small rural pond has amplydemonstrated its utility in incomegeneration in short duration. Farm-women (140) have successfullyadopted the technology. The differentmodels of integrated fish farming, viz.fish-cum-poultry, fish-cum-duckeryand fish-cum-duckery-cum-horticulture generated newworthwhile experience for the farm-women and proved new avenues ofself-employment. Ornamental fishfarming units (9) were established in8 villages involving 36 women andscheduled-caste youth.

Farm-women (630) belonging to 25villages were trained in differentaquaculture practices, viz. pondpreparation and management, carpnursery management, ornamentalfish breeding and rearing, training onaquarium setting, feed management,common carp breeding anddiversification of carp culture byintroducing Puntius gonionotus.

Reducing drudgery of farm-womenand their social empowerment

Considering the drudgery facedby women in rice transplanting, astudy on transplanting of rice bywomen - an assessment of drudgerycomponents, was conducted with the

aim of developing technologies andfarm implements suitable to reducethe drudgery.

The Centre identified and refineddrudgery reducing implements, viz.CIAE hand ridger, CIAE fertilizerbroadcaster, CIAE refined seed-drill,PAU refined seed-drill, Naveendibbler, refined TNAU 4-row paddydrum seeder, CRRI 2-row ricetransplanter, CRRI 4-row r icetransplanter, CIAE IEP cono weeder,sickle, OUAT pedal operated paddythresher, CRRI paddy winnower andCIAE hanging type cleaner to makethem women fr iendly, increaseutilization efficiency of inputs, ensuretimeliness in field operations andreduce turn around time for next crop,increase productivity of worker-machine system, conserve energy,improve quality of work and alsoquality of produce and enhance thequality of work life of agriculturalwomen workers. The (600) farm-women were empowered for the useof 22 improved agriculture implementsfor reducing the drudgery in differentfarm operations.

Developing methods forquantitative measurement of non-remunerative work

Studies on 'agricultural andhousehold economy of tribals ofOrissa' indicated the extent of burdenof women for self and family.Quantification of gender relatedvariables and gender analysis inselected farming systems werecarried out. Studies on 'women inagriculture with special emphasis on

crop production technologies'indicated the contr ibution ofwomen in crop production anddairying. The ergonomic assessmentof farming operations was carried outwith a view to refining the farmimplements.

Case studies were taken up indifferent locations to understand thediverse socio-economic conditions ofwomen in rural areas. Theinvolvement of farm-women inagriculture and allied activities inMadhya Pradesh pertaining to timespent by women on household work,season-wise, was carr ied out.Changes in the socio-economic levelof farm-women through fisheriesinterventions were analysed.

Understanding strategies affectingrural women and their potentialsfor change

To develop gender sensitiveextension models data were gathered.The data on intense involvement oftribal women in agriculture in onehand and their socio-economicvulnerability in the other handsuggested changes in the structuraland functional aspects of theextension organizations associatedwith agriculture. The studyrecommended that the serviceproviders in this sector must considerthe needs and problems of the tribalfarm-women on priority so far asagricultural development in the tribalareas is concerned. Care must betaken to understand exactly theextension needs of the farm-women,areas of capacity building and otherrelated services associatedwith agricultural development.Emphasis should be given on thecreditability, and socio-culturalcompatibility of the change agentsfor making extension services veryeffective. The potentials and needs offarm-women are also being identifiedthrough different researchprogrammes of the Centre.

During the process ofpaddy transplanting women

• bent 11 times in an hour• work, on an average, for 6.11

hr/day in standing water, and• remain in bending position for

5.37 hr

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Development of awarenessgeneration and training tools

The Centre conducts awarenessmeetings, exhibitions, radio talks andtelevision programmes to help thestakeholders realize the importanceand approaches to womenempowerment. Training tools includinglectures, group discussions, technicalbulletins, booklets, leaflets, folders,posters, and CDs were brought out.

Developing trainers’ trainingmodules

The Centre developed the trainingmodules, 'Training module for gendersensitization in agriculture andengendering agricultural research andextension' which were published andcirculated among the ICAR Institutes,State Agricultural Universities andother government agenciesconcerned with women development.

Potential of Self-help Groups astool for sustainable livelihood offarm-women

Self-help Groups (SHGs) approachand skill development trainings havehelped the farm-women to establishdifferent enterprises. Farm-women(600) were organized into self-helpgroups(40) for providing them withskill trainings in different enterprises.After receiving trainings members ofwomen self-help groups have set upenterprises in the areas ofpisciculture, mushroom cultivation,poultry rearing, vegetable growing,floriculture, vermi-composting,preparation of different articles fromcoir and value addition of fruits andvegetables. The potential of SHGsparticularly the SHGs of scheduled-caste women in integrated fishproduction was studied. The factorsfor success of women self-helpgroups were identified. The impact ofthe above interventions on drudgeryreduction, adoption of technology,income generation and family nutritionwere analyzed.

Dietary and nutritional statusNutritional status of women in

coastal agro-eco-system affected bysuper cyclone in Orissa was studied.Anthropometric measurements offarm-women revealed that 50% farm-women were having poor nutrition and10% women had body mass index(BMI) less than 17 implying that theywere having chronic energydeficiency. The economic conditionof the family, nutritional knowledge ofthe farm-women and adversity ofsuper cyclone were crucial factors ofprevailing malnutrition. Nutritionalstatus of children of age group (1 to15 years) was studied throughanthropometric measurements andclinical examination which indicatedhigh degree of under nutrition andmalnutrition.

To enhance food and nutritionalsecurity to the farm families and forcombating malnutrition among infantsa low-cost weaning mix wasdeveloped with sweet potato as baseand locally available materials, viz.potato and green leafy vegetables.Awareness generated amongst farm-women on family nutrition and lowcost nutritious recipes motivated themto understand the importance ofbalanced diet.

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

The trainers’ training, organized byNRCWA for different stakeholderslikes scientists/ extensionfunctionaries of the ICAR institutes/SAUs/state depar tments ofagriculture, hor ticulture, animalhusbandry and fisheries, is a regularcapacity building programme. TheCentre organizes seminars,workshops, short-courses, winterschools and model training coursesfor different category of clientele.Several farmers’ trainingprogrammes, focused groupdiscussions and par ticipatoryappraisal are held in the projectlocations for enhancing knowledge

and skill upgradation on areas likeeco-friendly pest management,entrepreneurship development, post-harvest handling of vegetables, valueaddition, pisciculture and nutritioneducation and more than 5,000 farm-women have been trained so far.

Publications and MediaBesides the regular publications,

viz. Annual Report, the Centre haspublished Proceedings of theseminars, workshops, trainingmodules, bulletins, folders and gotprepared video films on variousaspects of women in agricultureincluding gender sensitization inagriculture.

New initiatives• Creating a repository of gender

disaggregated data anddocumentation

• Technology testing andrefinement

• System development andmanagement for genderresponsive agriculture, andextension approach

• Drudgery assessment andreduction

• Efficient resource management• Gender mainstreaming

In the context of globalization andemerging trade issues andunderstanding of women participationin agriculture, standardization ofproduction process, quality of theproducts, nutritional aspects andenvironmental and social labeling theCentre has to play a leading role inequipping the Indian farm-women forcompetition in the domestic andglobal markets. The NRCWA aims tofurther strengthen the research andtraining programmes with thisperspective.

Drs Krishna Srinath*,B.N. Sadangi** and P.C. Tripathi**,

*Director, **Scientists,e mail: [email protected]

PROFILE


SPECTRUM

SVBPUAT, Meerut. The UttarPradesh Variety Release Committeehas released an export qualitybasmati rice (Oryza sativa) and 4varieties of chickpea (Cicerarietinum), viz. Sadhbhawana, Surya,WCG 10 and Vallabh KallarChanna1. These were developed atSardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Universityof Agriculture and Technology,Meerut.

Vallabh Basmati 21 riceIts characters are parentage Khalsa

7/Pusa 1121//Type 3, days to maturity(120 days), plant height (110 cm),elongation after cooking excellent,water absorption (350 ml), amylosecontent (23%), head rice recovery(60%), long slender grains, kernellength after cooking (13 mm), aromaticwith good quality, moderately resistantto major insect and diseases, e.g.sheath root, neck blast and rice tungrovirus, yield potential 5 tonnes/ha, and

released for cultivation in 14 districts offour divisions, i.e. Saharanpur, Meerut,Moradabad and Bareilly of western UttarPradesh designated under AgricultureExport Zone (Basmati Rice).

Sadhbhawana chickpeaIt is a mutant of variety C 235 and

bold-seeded, semi-spreading habit,deep red pigmented stem, branch andleaf margin, flowers in 75 days and

content (22.9%), dal recovery (70%),moderately resistant to wilt, root rot,collar rot, dry root rot, stunt virusetc, suitable for rice fields, and yieldpotential 2.1 tonnes/ha.

WCG 10 chickpeaIt is a mutant variety of G 130

and its characters are bold-seeded(100-seed weight, 25.4 g) deep greenstem, hairy and composite leaves,pods hairy, green and large, floweringin 73 days and maturity in 147 days,moderately resistant to wilt, root rot,dry root rot and stunt virus, proteincontent 22.8%, quality pulse recovery(70%), suitable for the late sowingconditions, and productivity 2.1 tonnes/ha.

Vallabh Kallar Channa 1 (WCG 3)It is a mutant of variety C 235. Its

characters are semi-spreading habitand medium bold grains, deep redpigmentation on stem, branches andmargin of leaves, flowering in 80 daysand matures in 133 days, average yield(1.9 tonnes/ha), yield potential (2.9tonnes/ha), dal recovery (70%),protein (23%), recommended forcultivation in saline soils, and tolerantto wilt and other local pests anddiseases.

Dr M P Yadav, Vice-Chancellore mail: [email protected]

New varieties of rice and pulses released

matures in 120 days, yield (2.0 tonnes/ha), dal recovery (70%), moderatelyresistant to root rot, stem virus andwilt, early vigour results in higher yieldand yield potential 1.2 tonnes/ha evenwhen sown on 5 February.

Surya (WCG 2) chickpeaIt is a mutant of variety G 130 and

its branches arise near the groundsurface. Its characters include earlyvigour, white flowers, flowering in 75days and maturity in 135 days, protein

IGFRI, Jhansi. A new variety ofJHGG 04-1 Guinea grass wasdeveloped at IGFRI and wasidentified for release by Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards in AllIndia basis. The variety possessedsuperiority over checks for greenfodder yield (587.3 q/ha), dry matteryield (147.2 q/ha) and crude proteinyield (13.4 q/ha). The variety has

adaptability to rainfed condition andresistance to drought under semi-aridcondition.

Heteropogon variety IGHC 03-4was developed at IGFRI and wasfound suitable for identification andrelease on All India basis. This varietypossessed superiority over checksfor green fodder yield (243.4 q/ha),dry matter yield (86.5 q/ha) and crude

protein yield (6.3 q/ha). Since there isno variety in this grass and the varietyis highly suitable for range land andcommunity grazing land in droughtprone areas, this variety is highlydesirable for the areas undernotification.

Dr S A Faruquie mail: [email protected]

New Guinea grass and heteropogon varieties released

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SPECTRUM

HARP, Ranchi. The new varietiesof garden pea, vegetable cowpea anddolichos bean were released afterconcerted breeding efforts, made atHorticulture and AgroforestyResearch Programme (HARP).

Swarna Mukti garden peaThe Swarna Mukti (IC 523085)

garden pea was released by theCentral Variety Release Committee forcommercial cultivation in Jharkhand,Bihar and Rajasthan. This mid-season

New vegetable legumes released

variety was developed throughhybridization between hoticulturallydesirable and powdery mildewsusceptible female line HC 17-11 andpowdery mildew resistant male lineFC-1 followed by pedigree selectionin segregating generation. The varietyis resistant to powdery mildew. Thepods are long (8.91-9.42 cm), lightgreen and 7-8 seeded and yield 48-52% light green, sweet and tastefulpeas. On an average, the shelled freshpeas contain 5.12% total sugar, 9.5mg/100 g ascorbic acid (vitamin C)and 1.4% soluble protein. The Swaran

Mukti garden pea comes to floweringin 58-60 days and pods becomes readyfor first harvest in 83-85 days aftersowing. The green pod yield potentialof the variety in 20-25 tonnes/ha.

Swarna Suphala vegetable cowpeaThe Swarna Suphala (IC 202932)

vegetable cowpea was released by theCentral Variety Release Committee forcommercial cultivation in Karnatakaand Kerala. This variety was developedthrough direct use of elite germplasm

line IC 202932, collected fromNBPGR, New Delhi, and showed itsresistant reaction to rust and cowpeamosaic viral diseases under fieldconditions. The pods of this pole typevariety are medium long (32.65-36.21cm), heavy (9.2-11.0 g), whitish andpulpy. The variety comes to floweringin 35-40 days and the pods becomeready for first harvest in 50–55 daysafter sowing. The fresh pod yieldpotential of the variety is 21-25tonnes/ha. The variety is suitable forcultivation both in the summer andrainy seasons.

Swarna Utkrisht dolichos beanThe Swarna Utkrisht (IC 397649)

dolichos bean, released by theCentral Variety Release Committeefor commercial cultivation inJharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh,was developed through pure lineselection from the germplasm linecollected from Thakurgaon underBurmu block in Ranchi, Jharkhand.This pole type variety comes toflowering in 98–100 days and thefresh pods becomes ready for first

harvest in 118–120 days after sowing.The straight, flat and fleshy pods areborne in bunches in longinflorescences. The pods are 11.51–12.41 cm in length, 2.40–2.91 cm inwidth, 1.02–1.05 cm in girth and18.06–19.51 g in weight. The greenpod yield potential of the variety is35–40 tonnes/ha.

Drs R S Pan*, A K Singh*, S Kumar*and Mathura Rai**,

*Scientists,**Directore mail: [email protected]

New varieties of spicesreleased

SVBPUA&T, Meerut. The UttarPradesh Variety Release Committeereleased 3 varieties of spices, viz.Vallabh Priya turmeric, Vallabh Chinikifenugreek, and Vallabh Nikki colocasia,developed by selection from gemplasm

maintained at the Sardar Vallabh BhaiPatel University of Agriculture andTechnology, Meerut.

Vallabh Priya turmericIt is recommended for plains as

well as for hills. This is superior toother varieties in yield (27.95 tonnes/ha), having high essential oil (content0.38%) and resistance to leaf blight.

It becomes ready for harvest between250 and 260 days.

Vallabh Chiniki fenugreekIt is recommended for plains as

well as hills. Farmers accept its highyield (1.90 tonnes/ha).

Vallabh Nikki colocasiaIt can be cultivated by following


SPECTRUM

New potato hybrids forplains and hills

CPRI, Shimla. Two new potatohybrids, viz. Hybrid SM/93-237 andHybrid J 93-86, were recommendedfor cultivation in the plains and hills ofIndia in the Group Meeting of PotatoWorkers at the Rajendra AgriculturalUniversity, Pusa, Bihar.

Potato hybrid SM/93-237The Hybrid SM/93-237, a late-blight-

resistant line has been developed forthe hilly regions where late blight is aperpetual menace. The hybridpossesses very high degree ofresistance to late blight which causes30 to 80% damage to the crop. Thishybrid has white oval-oblong tubers withpale yellow pulp. The hybrid showed itssuperiority to two important varieties,viz. Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Giriraj, nowpredominantly being grown in the hills.The resistance for late blight in KufriJyoti and Kufri Giriraj has eroded overthe years and it is expected thattogether with recently released varietyKufri Himalini, hybrid SM/93-237 willreplace the varieties Kufri Jyoti andKufri Giriraj. The breeder seed of thehybrids is likely to be available in thenext 2-3 years following its notificationin the Central Sub-Committee on CropStandards, Notification and Release ofVarieties of Horticultural Crops.

Potato hybrid J 93-86The Hybrid J 93-86, an early

bulking potato line for fitting in rice-wheat system, is a high-yielding whitetuber hybrid maturing in 75 to 80 days.It was recommended for release forcultivation in the plains, specificallyfor Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, UttarPradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, MadhyaPradesh and West Bengal. The

A nutritionally rich and rust-resistant VL Gehun 892 notified

VPKAS, Almora. VL Gehun 892, ahigh-yielding, disease-resistant wheatwas notified by Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards,Notifications and Release of Varietiesfor Food Crops for late sown restrictedconditions of Himachal Pradesh andUttarakhand. It has been developedby modified bulk pedigree methodfrom the cross WH 542/PBW 226. Ithas an average yield potential of 37.6q/ha and has shown an overall yieldsuperiority of 8.4, 7.7 and 3.6% overthe checks Sonalika, HS 420 and HS295 respectively. In agronomic

experiments, VL Gehun 892 performedbetter and gave 2.99% higher yieldunder late sown conditions whereas thereduction in the yields of two checks,HS 295 and HS 420 was 14.93 and

14.89% respectively. It possesseshigher degree of resistance againstyellow rust pathotype 46S119 and78S84, under natural and artificialepiphytotic conditions as well aspossessed moderate resistance tobrown rust. VL 892 wheat isnutritionally rich with higher Zn (35.7ppm), Cu (4.79 ppm) and Mn (49.8ppm) than best check Sonalika (33.1ppm), HS 295 (4.61 ppm) and Sonalika(48.7 ppm) respectively.

Dr H S Gupta, Director,e mail: [email protected]

standard cultural practices. The cormsof each clone were sown between 15February and 15 March at 60 cm ×25 cm distance of row-to-row andplant to-plant resepectively. It givesaverage yield of 28.18 tonnes/ha withNPK (100:80:80) kg/ha and seed rate1.0-1.5 tonnes/ha.

Dr M P Yadav, Vice-Chancellore mail: [email protected]

cultivation of this hybrid as a sandwichcrop between rice and wheat in theIndo-Gangetic plains is expected toincrease the area of potato neededfor meeting the targeted productionof 49 million tonnes by 2020 AD. Thehybrid showed superiority to an earlymaturing variety Kufri Ashoka and islikely to give added benefit to Indianfarming community by way ofproviding increased area andremuneration of potato crop. Hence,this hybrid is likely to be a goodreplacement of existing varieties KufriAshoka and Kufri Chandramukhi andmay help in increasing potato area inthe country.

Dr S K Pandey, Directore mail: [email protected]

16 ICAR NEWS

VPKAS, Almora. VL Matar 45 (VL24 × VL 46), a timely sown strainwith an average yield of 14.21 q/haover 9 loctions in All-India Co-ordinated Trials as compared to 9.62q/ha and 8.72 q/ha of checks DMR 7and Rachna, respectively, during the3 years of testing (2004-05 to 2006-07), was identified for release inUttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir,Himachal Pradesh and North-Eastern

States under rainfed conditions bythe AICRP on MULLaRP (ICAR). Thisvariety possess resistant to wiltdisease. It has 21.4% protein. Theplants are semi-erect, indeterminatein growth with light green foliage.The grain are round, yellow with(18.2 g) grain weight.

Dr H S Gupta, Director,e mail: [email protected]

VL matar 45 – new field pea strain identified

SPECTRUM

At the NRC for Grapes, Pune, effortsare being made to providetechnologies for improvment of grapecultivation, harvesting, packaging etc.

Longer freshness to grapesThe main concern in export grape

is pesticide residues, sulphur dioxideinjury and berry decay. To overcomethis problem, the NRC for Grapes hasidentified the post-harvest pathogensfrom grapes, stored at low and ambienttemperature. A natural strain ofTrichoderma harzianum was identifiedas a potential antagonist. The Centrehas developed a package of practicesinvolving pre-harvest sprays of thiswidely used beneficial antagonisticfungus and packing grapes with lowerdoses of sulphur dioxide (SO2)generating sodium metabisulphite(commercially available as ‘Grape-guard’). The use of this technologyminimizes pesticide residues andsulphur dioxide injury while effectivelyprotecting grapes against the post-harvest decay and retaining thefreshness of grapes for longer durationwhen compared with those treatedwith fungicides.

Dogridge and 110 R rootstocksof grape useful for cultivation

The saline conditions in grapegrowing areas of Maharashtra are

adversely affecting plant-health. Toidentify suitable methods for combatingthe adverse effects of soil and watersalinity and drought on vine productivityand fruit quality resarch was conducted.The results showed that Dogridge and110R rootstocks impart drought and salt-tolerance to the popular commercialscion varietes, viz. Thompson Seedlessand Tas-A-Ganesh. Rootstocks reducedthe sodium and chloride concentrationin the vine tissues under salinecondition. Dogridge rootstock wererecommended for cultivation under thesoil/water salinity and droughtconditions and accepted very well bythe grape growers all over the country.As a result of this work, all the newcultivation is by and large coming onrootstock irrespective of table or vinegrapes. More than 1,000 ha area is underrootstock. The Centre is supplying morethan 0.2 milion rootstock/year to thegrowers.

Improving water use efficiency ingrape farming

A growth stage-wise drip irrigationschedule was developed which usesvariable levels of water for irrigationat different growth phases. Thistechnology resulted in considerablesaving of water via 141% increment

in water use efficiency as comparedto uniform irrigation at 80%replenishment of pan evaporation.An irrigation schedule for sustainingproductivity under drought conditionwas also developed.

New standards for quality plantingmaterial of grapes

Bud sticks, buds and rootedcuttings are the plant materials usedin grape industry. New standards arebeing drafted based on deficienciesboth in the existing standards andplant material. At the Centre, effortswere being made to screen theplanting material at nursery stageitself for its genetic purity by DNAfinger printing and freedom fromdisease and insect pests, especiallymealybug, anthracnose, viruses likeleafroll virus and disorder resemblingRugose Wood Complex. Motherclones of each type have beenidentified based on DNAfingerprinting, being maintained andmultiplied as per the standardprotocols. Technology forcommercial multiplication ofrootstocks and in its original placegrafting have been standardized bythe Centre.

Dr P G Adisule, Directore mail: [email protected]

New researches in grape


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HARP, Ranchi. Lima bean, alsocalled butter bean, is an importantminor vegetable legume whoseshelled-immature seeds areconsumed as cooked vegetable. Theimmature fresh seeds are rich inprotein (7.9%), carbohydrate(22.2%), vitamin C (79 mg/100 g),calcium (102 mg/100 g), phosphorus(165 mg/100g), magnesium (51 mg/100g) and potassium (460 mg/100g).Considering the nutiritional value ofthis vegetable, two germplasm lines,one from Karnataka and the otherfrom Tamil Nadu, were collected andevaluated at Horticulture andAgroforestry Research Programme(HARP) Ranchi. This pole type andwhite flowered Karnataka LineHALB-1 comes to flowering at 55–60 days after sowing and podsbecome ready for first harvest at

around 90–100 days after sowing witha crop duration of around 180–200days (July-January). This line yields0.93–1.01 kg fresh pods/plant with atotal of 12–15 pickings. On anaverage, the pods are 5.94 g in weight,8.42 cm in length and 1.93 cm inwidth. The pods contain 3-4 flat andwhite seeds. The recovery of edibleportion i.e., the fresh immature seedsis around 50%. The shelled fresh

immature seeds were highly preferredby the consumers as a very palatablecooked vegetable. This line can begrown at a spacing of 60 cm (plant-to-plant) × 100 cm (row-to-row) witha support of vegetative growth onwire trellises or on bamboo structuresor an dried branches according tothe availability of materials. Due toits high nutritive value, better yieldpotential and easy-to-grow nature,this lima bean line, HALB-1, can berecommended for large-scalecultivation in Jharkhand for providingnutritional security especially to thetribal people of this state.

Drs R S Pan*, A K Singh*, S Kumar*and Mathura Rai**, *Scientist,

**Director, ICAR Research Complexfor Eastern Region,


A new lima bean line for nutritional security of tribals

Micro-organism helpsin high temperaturestress tolerance in

plantsCRIDA, Hyderabad. Pseudomonas

strain (P6) was identified afterscreening several strains isolated fromdifferent agro-ecological regions ofIndia under the ICAR network projecton ‘Application of Microorganisms inAgriculture and Applied Sectors’(AMAAS) and testing at elevatedtemperatures. Sorghum (SPV 462)seedlings were grown in plant cups(150 ml) containing sterile red soil.Seeds treated with cell suspension (108

cfu/ml) of Pseudomonas and control(uninoculated) were sown inplastic cups @ 5 seeds/cup. Fivedays after the germination, 5 of thecups were transferred to an illuminatedgrowth chamber with a diurnal cycle of50° C during day and 32° C during

night temperature. Another half cupswere maintained at 28° C during dayand 23° C during night temperature.The light intensity was maintainedsimilar (6000 lux) in both treatments.

Uninoculated plants diedcompletely by 7-8 days while seedstreated with the bacterium survivedup to 18 days. In the seedlings keptat 28° C, there was a marginalincrease in growth of inoculatedseedlings compared to control whichwas attr ibuted to the growthpromotion effects of Pseudomonas .However, there was a significantdifference in the shoot and root

biomass of control and treatedseedlings exposed to elevatedtemperatures. Treated seedlingsproduced almost comparable biomassas that of seedlings incubated undernormal temperatures (28° C), whileuninoculated seedlings produced50% lower biomass.

To understand the mechanism of thisprotection, the leaves of the inoculatedand control plants were extracted inphosphate buffer and the extract wassubjected to total leaf count fordetermination of sugars and SDS-PAGE for detection of heat shockproteins. Inoculated plants accumulatedproline (80µg/g FW), which was foundonly in traces in control. Likewise, highmolecular weight proteins weredetected with molecular weight of 30to 100 KDa in treated plants subjectedto stress, which were not found in theuntreated plants; and in seedlingsincubated under normal conditions. Themembrane integrity was alsoconsiderably higher in inoculated plants

18 ICAR NEWS

The spawned bags are placed/arrangedin incubation rooms and temperaturebetween 23° and 25°C is maintainedfor mycelial growth. Mycelia spreadover the whole bag after 20-25 days.When mycelial spread has completed

up to 90% of the bag space, the plugis pulled off, the neck of the bag isunfolded and the surface of the mediais made smooth for fruiting. Bags arethen placed in the dark at atemperature of 10°-14°C and thehumidity is maintained at 80-85%.Primordia are formed in 10-14 daysafter reducing the temperature. Whenthe fruit bodies are 14-18 cm long,these are harvested. They are packedin PP bags or can be sun-dried. Afterharvesting second flush appears inabout 15 days.

Dr R P Tewari, Director,e mail: [email protected]

Technology for growing winter mushroomNRC for Mushroom, Chambaghat.

Winter mushroom (Flammulinavelutipes) is grown on mixed sawdustwetted thoroughly with water for 16-18 hr supplemented with 5% wheatbran and mixed thoroughly. The wetsubstrate (2kg) is filled in eachpolyproplene bag. The bags areplugged with non-absorbent cottonby inserting a PVC ring in the mouthof the bag. The filled bags are sterilizedin the autoclaves for 90 to 120 min at22 Ibs/inch2.

After the bags have been sterilizedand cooled down to roomtemperature, they are inoculated with4% wheat grain based spawn.

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when subjected to elevatedtemperatures. Transmission ElectronMicrography research showed that theorganism enters the root system andcolonizes the endorhizosphere. Thestrain was identified as Pseudomonasputida through 16 S r DNA analysis.

These preliminary results showedthat Pseudomonas putida strain P6can induce temperature tolerance insorghum seedlings through inductionof high molecular weight proteinsynthesis, causing accumulation ofproline as an osmolyte andhelping seedlings maintain highermembrane integrity under temperaturestress. This is the first ever report onimplicating microorganisms in allevia-ting high temperature stress effects inplants. It opens up avenues to developinoculants for field use for rabi cropslike wheat where high temperaturesduring seed filling affect grain yields.

Dr Y S Ramakrishna, Directore mail: Ramakrishna. [email protected]

Kradi, semi-soft cheese,manufacturing

technologyNDRI, Karnal. Kradi is prepared

by coagulating milk, a traditional

dairy product of Jammu and Kashmir,and is consumed either as a friedspiced item or a culinary dish. For itspreparation, a technology has beenstandardlized at this Institute afterthorough market survey of thisproduct in different regions of Jammuand Kashmir, and after subjecting themarket samples to descr iptivesensory analysis, physico-chemical,microbiological, textural, mechanical,funtional and instrumental colouranalysis.

The standardization trials with 2RSM (4 factors CCRD) designs werecarried out to develop manufacturingtechnology with culture NCDC 167and NCDC 144 respectively. Theoptimized product developed wasfound better than market samples ofany region in comparison to sensoryanalysis, physico-chemical,microbiological, textural, mechanical,funtional and instrumental colouranalysis. The vacuum-packedproduct had shelf-life of 15 to 20 daysat 25 °C while non-vacuum-packedproduct 12 to 15 days at 25 °C. Thevacuum-packed product had shelf-life of 3.5 to 4 months at 5°C whilenon-vacuum packed product 2.5 to 3

months at 5°C. The vacuum-packedproduct had a shelf-life of more than6 months at –20 °C while non-vacuum packed product had a shelf-life of 4 to 5 months at –20 °C. Thetechnology wil l greatly help inpopularizing this indigenous productof Jammu and Kashmir region.

Drs H A Punoo, G R Patil and RRB SinghScientist


Amorphophallus spp.as a source of food

and medicineICAR Research Complex for NEH

Region, Lembucherra. A survey wasconducted in 10 tribal villages ofBhishramganj Block, West Tripura, tocollect the wild edible species ofelephant foot yam. The survey wasconducted in cultivated fields,wastelands, homestead gardens andperiphery of forest lands.

Amorphophallus muelleri, aspecies of elephant foot yam, hasbeen found growing vigorously inWest Tripura and has tendency toproduce bulbils on the leaf midrib. No


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cormel on the corms was found. A.paeoniifolius was found to producecormels. It produced bigger sizecorms when compared with A. mulleri.Both species were found in theirnatural habitat. Plants were harvestedfor sprout (May-June) and petiole(July-August) also. Matured cormsand bulbils were harvested inNovember–December. With regard toquality, A. muelleri was found withhigh amount of calcium oxalate, whichwas responsible for the acridity ascompared to A. paeoniifolius.

Corms of A. mulleri were used forindigenous medicine preparation. Thecorm were peeled and cut into smallpieces. Under the hot sun, the pieceswere dried and pounded into powder.Powder made into small-sized ballswith the addition of water. This ballwas encapsulated with pulp of seededbanana and again sun-dried. Thedried balls were taken for controllingstomach disorders and piles.

Amorphophallus spp. dried cake waspopular among tribes in Tripura. Thetribals of the studied area were found

CIAH, Bikaner. The realization ofthe importance of the technology bythe farmers is the key factor for itswide spread and quick diseminationamong the benificiaries. Keeping inview the importance of vegetativelypropogated planting material of fruitcrop over the seedling plants whichgenerally come into bearing afterpassing a long juvenile phase of 5-8years or more in the many fruit treespecies. A zero-day-juvenilityconcept has developed invegetatively propogated plants ofseveral crops such as ber, mulberry,pomegranate, lime, lemon, karondaand fig. The concept involves rootformation, shoot growth andflowering or fruit setting simultounsly

Zero-day-juvenility in planting material of fruit cropsin the saplings during multiplicationstage of propogation either throughcuting or buding techniques.

The concept of zero-day-juvenilityhas been developed throughmanipulation of propagationenvironment by altering thetempreature, humidity, photoperiodand light intensity under Hi-Techglasshouse facility. Farmers facelosses of different kinds such asvariability, long juvenile phase,uneven fruiting in the seedlingplanting material.

Dr T A More*, andDr Dhurendra Singh**, *Director,

**Senior Scientiste mail: [email protected]

to be consuming Amorphophalluscorms and bulbils in their own way.Hence, these species could becultivated as a source of food andmedicine.

Drs M Sankaram, N P Singh,M Nedunchezhiyan*, B Santhosh and

S V Ngachan, Scientists,*Regional centre, CTCRI,

Bhubaneshwar 751019,e mail: [email protected]

Mineral mixture pelletsfor higher productivity

of sheepCSWRI, Avikanagar. Majority of

sheep flocks in the Rajasthan aremaintained under extensive rearingmanagement on grazing resourceswith little supplementation ofagricultural byproducts or tree leavesor natural grasses during scarcityperiod. These resources are deficientin essential minerals in semi-aridRajasthan. The imbalances ordeficiencies of these minerals affect

reproduction, growth and health insheep resulting in economic loss tofarmers. To overcome the economiclosses from deteriorating productionand reproduction due to mineraldeficiences, viz. Ca, P, Cu and Zn,identified by well-planned survey andanalysis of feed and fodder resourcescommonly fed to sheep in 5 agro-climatic zones of semi-arid Rajasthan,area-specific mineral mixture hasbeen developed for enchancing theoverall productivity of sheep.

The work was initiated ondevelopment of ideal method or toolfor supplementation of mineralmixture. After extensive work fordevelopment of module ofsupplementation, pellets of 5gincorporating the required mineralswere prepared with the help ofmolasses as binder and tested in fieldflocks for its suitability at differentlocations. A series of demonstrationsin field were laid for supplementationof mineral mixture to sheepmaintained under extensive range

20 ICAR NEWS

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CISH, Lucknow. High densityorcharding is one of the ways toincrease the productivity of theorchards. The pre-requisites for thehigh density orcharding are to developdwarfing rootstocks and controllingthe tree size. However, dwarfingrootstock has not yet beenstandardized in mango. Therefore, theonly possible way for gettingsustainable production and increasethe productivity of mango in thecountry is to control the tree size andaccommodating more number ofplants per unit area and managingthem by adopting judicious trainingand pruning.

The study showed that estimatedfruit yield was 11.0 tonnes/ha in the

management. Overall pictureemerging from the study showed thatsupplementation of mineral mixturepellets daily in sheep maintained oncommunity grazing lands induced 60to 65% of anoestrus sheep intooestrus within 15 to 20 days andincreased milk yield by 10 to 15% inlactating sheep besides other benefitsof better feed intake and generalhealth of animals.

The research showed that criticalmineral supplementation costingRe 0.25/day/animal brought aboutsizable improvement in production,reproduction and economic returnsto the farmer. The technology haswide spread-field applicability.

Dr SA Karim, Directore mail: [email protected]

traditional system, whereas 41.48tonnes/ha was recorded from mediumdensity plantation, which was aboutfour times more than traditionaldensity. Medium density orchardingis found to be appropriate for farmers.In this density, after 20 years, deeppruning/ heading back of branches can

be done to counteract the problemof overcrowding and induce newgrowth. Thus medium densityplanting can be managedsuccessfully up to 40 years andeffective production 4-5 times morecan be obtained as compared totraditional density, if goodmanagement practices followed.Calculation of inputs and out putsshowed that after 14 year of orchardestablishment, there was net profitof Rs 4,33,577 per ha from mediumdensity as compared to onlyRs 77,490 per ha from traditionaldensity.

Dr B. Lal and Dr Dushyant Mishrae mail: [email protected]

Medium density mango orchardingpays more

Dual-purpose spentmushroom substrateNRC for Mushroom, Chambaghat.

The spent mushroom substrate

(SMS) compost, was found to be agood nutrient source for agricultureand its addition in nutrient poor soilleads to an improvement in soiltexture, water-holding capacity andnutrient status.

The utilities of Spent MushroomSubstrate (SMS) include ability toadsorb the organic and inorganicpollutants and biodegrade them innon-toxic forms thus can help inreclamation of chemically contaminedsoils. The research proved its role asbioremediative agent for degradationof the systemic and non-systemicfungicides, and insecticides oforganophosphate and syntheticpyrethroid nature commonly used inagriculture. The microbes thrive onSMS also have high biodegradationpotential for agricultural pesticides.The results, based on laboratory andon-farm conditions, showed that onmixing SMS @ 20%, v/v withcontaminated soil, it degrades morethan 50% of the available fungicides,and insecticides within 30 days. The

concentrations of different fungicidesand insecticides reach the minimallevel after 4-6 months of SMS mixingin soil. The Aspergillus spp.,Brachysporium spp. and Trichodermaspp., and unidentified bacteria wererecorded to play major role inpesticides degradation in the SMSmixed soil. It was also recorded tohave great effect on heavy metalslike lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)availability in soil and negligibleconcentrations of these two could berecorded after 3-4 months of SMSmixing.

The availability of these2 heavy metals reduces to 1.8 to5.50% just after mixing of SMS incontaminated soil. Thus the spentmushroom substrate has the abilityof serving the dual purpose ofnutrients source to the growing plantsand remediating contaminated soilsfrom harmful chemicals.

Dr R P Tewari, Director,e mail: [email protected]


Breaking the seasonalbarrier in rohu breeding

CIFA, Kausalyaganga. The Institutehas been able to break the seasonalbarr iers in the breeding of thefreshwater fishes, as it hassuccessfully bred rohu for the firsttime in the country.

The breeding season of carps isbetween May and August dependingon the onset of monsoon. Therefore,the stockable fish seed is available tothe farmers earliest by October.This research work will enable thefarmers to have the fingerlings (80-100 mm) by mid-April for stocking intheir ponds and utilize at least 5months earlier as the growing period.As the suitable environmentalconditions for fast growth of fishprevail between April and October,farmers and entrepreneurs will behighly benefited from the newtechnological development.

Himanshu K Dee mail: [email protected]

CIPHET, Ludhiana. At present in thecountry, there is no mechanical methodor machine, commercially availablefor safe separation of arils from thepomegranate. The Central Institute ofPost-Harvest Engineering andTechnology (CIPHET) has developedthe pomegranate ( Punica granatum)aril extractor, a hand tool for breakingof pomegranate and consequently easyseparation of arils from its peel. Theresult of the hand tool was found to beencouraging as it makes the task ofsafe separation of arils from the peeland sheath effortless. CIPHET is willingto license the design of this hand toolfor its commercial manufacture andthe negotiations for this are going onwith prominent hand toolmanufacturers in Punjab. It works asimportant gadgets for saving the fruitsand vegetables while harvesting andcutting from damage. Use of properhand tool not only safely removes thefruit from tree or branch but alsoeffectively recovers the edible portionfrom it. It helps in preventing the storagelosses as single damaged fruit can alsolead to damage to the whole lot.

The first step in processing ofpomegranate is to extract or separate thearils (juice-enclosed seeds) from its peeland other non-edible parts of the fruit.

The traditional method forextraction of aril from pomegranateinvolves cutting the fruit in piecesand then removing the arils by hittingon the fruit by wooden mallet. Thismethod also cuts some arils andshortens their shelf life. For juice theseparated arils are pressed in thescrew press or basket press. Juiceextracted is clarified by chemicalmethods because peel contributeshigh amount of tannins and otherundesirable biochemical.

The fresh arils may have apromising market, if packed inattractive package for directconsumption or further processinginto various products. The tool

consists of fruit holders having knifearrangement in such a way that itonly penetrates into the peel.Pomegranate fruit has to be heldbetween the pair of holders, and theholders are turned by hand inopposite direction to each other. Dueto rotating action of the holders, fruitis broken into two irregular halves asa simultaneous effect of compressionwith twist on the peel. During thisaction the whole fruit experiences ashearing effect; and inside arils getloosened which are easy to separate.About 20-25% arils get separated inthe process of irregular breaking dueto shearing action on the inner sheathand outer peel, and fingers can easilyseparate rest of them. The hand toolis designed considering the medium-size of fruit because the maximumdistribution of medium-sized fruit isobserved on pomegranate plant.

The hard peel of pomegranatefruits makes it difficult to release thearils, thus limiting its consumptionas fresh fruit.

In India, pomegranate is grown inMaharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat,Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, andUttar Pradesh, as a commercialhorticulture. Large quantities of fruitsare consumed in fresh form, howevermany products like pomegranatejuice, RTS beverage, squash, jelly andanardana (dried arils/seeds) can beprepared on commercial scale.

Dr R T Patil, Director,e mal: [email protected]

Aril extractor developed for easyprocessing of pomegranate

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NORV Database fornew plant varieties

NBPGR, Delhi. Notified andReleased Vareities database containsthe detailed information like pedigree,important traits, yield parameters,availability of the seed in the NationalGene Bank besides generalinformation like year of release,notification number, name ofdeveloping institute(s) etc.

Presently, information of about4,328 centrally released varieties,1,431 state release varieties and 814from institutes/universities etc. isavailable in this database. Thisdatabase is only for authorized users.

To authenticate the informationavailable in this database, one canquery at http://www.nbpgr.ernet.inunder NORV database on 21 fields,including Crop Name, Variety Name,

22 ICAR NEWS

WINDOWS

IISR, Calicut. Indian Institute ofSpices Research has developed andimplemented ‘ARISoft’, novel officeautomation software for the firsttime under ICAR. This software wasdeveloped by outsourcing to aprivate software firm based at Kochiwhich worked in closecollaboration with a team of IISRstaff members. ‘ARISoft’ is a fullyintegrated system that automatesthe multifarious functions and day-to-day operations in an agriculturalresearch institute. The software hasLinux based programmesexclusively developed using OpenAccess Software. It comprises thefollowing modules, viz. DocumentFlow, HRMS, Stores, Works,Accounts, Despatch, Technical,Vehicle, Guest House, Visitors andIntranet messaging. The softwarehas the following features:

• Automation of movement of alldocuments and indents, usingcommon e-forms provided in theintranet through a predefinedpath in the network. Eachdepartment head is provided amodule for acceptingdocuments/indents and verifyingthem before forwarding to thenext point. There are facilities tocreate, edit, or delete the node/route by the systemadministrator. The security ofany transaction is ensuredthrough secure passwords,digital signatures and otherindustry standards.

• The software includes provisionto track the current status of anydocument/indent (inward/out-ward) from anywhere in thenetwork using the search facility.Besides current status of budgetof any project, leave, GPF,personal loans etc. are availableat one’s fingertips.

• The software facili tatesgeneration of automated pay roll,automated personnel historysheets and easy preparation ofbills. It is also bundled with toolsfor preparing quick reports likecomparative statements, assetregisters, ledgers, f inancialstatements and routine reports to

be sent to Council etc.• Tools for generating stock

numbers, bar coding ofequipment, repair andmaintenance of equipment arealso integrated in the software.

• Perfect budget control can beachieved by using this softwareas the availability of fundsunder each head andexpenditure details can bewatched on a real time basis.Project based budgeting will bea reality once this software isimplemented.

Dr VA Parathasarthy, Directore mail: [email protected]

Decision tree in VisualBasic

CTRI, Rajahmundry. An attemptwas made to develop an exper tsystem to identify and retrieve theinformation on deficiency symptoms,

predisposing factors and correctivemeasures of macro- and micro-nutrients for flue-cured tobacco byusing one of the classificationtechniques in Data Mining, i.e.Decision tree at CTRI. Software ofthis expert system was developed in

ARISoft: for multifarious functions

Taxonomic Name, Parentage/pedigree, Vernacular Name, CropGroup, Recommended area, Area ofadoption, Distinguishing features,Yield Potential, etc.

Dr S K Sharma , Directore mail: [email protected]

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES

EDITORIAL BOARD

ChairmanDr Mangala Rai

Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR

MembersDr P Das, DDG (Agric. Extn)

Dr S Ayyappan, DDG (Fisheries)Dr K M Bujarbaruah, DDG (Anim. Sci.)

Dr S P Tiwari, DDG (Education)Dr P L Gautam, DDG (Crop Sciences)

Dr Nawab Ali, DDG (Agric. Engg.)Dr A K Singh, DDG (NRM)

Dr H P Singh, DDG (Horticulture)Dr J P Mishra, ADG (Co-ordination)

Dr Mruthyunjaya, ND (NAIP)

Member-SecretaryDr T P Trivedi

Project Director (DIPA), ICAR

Published by Dr. T.P. Trivedi, Project Director (DIPA), Directorate of Information and Publications of Agriculture, Indian Council of AgriculturalResearch, New Delhi 110 012. Lasertypeset by M/s Print-O-World, 2579, Mandir Lane, Shadipur, New Delhi 110 008, and printed in India atM/s Royal Offset Printers, A-89/1, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase I, New Delhi 110 028.

Editorial Incharge : Dr Sudhir Pradhan; Production : V.K. Bharti and Punit Bhasin; Art : Suresh Dhawale

Farmers motivated forrejuvenation trial

CISH, Lucknow. Farmers arehighly motivated for rejuvenationtrial of this Institute but its adoptionis not increasing due to economicconstraints. Forest laws also preventadoption of the technology. Thefarmers adopting the technologiesdeveloped by the institute got about103 kg yield/tree when comparedwith non-adopters with an averageyield of 64 kg/tree. Polythenebanding for the control of mealy bugis being adopted by 93% of adoptedfarmers successfully. Even afterdemonstrating technology of ripeningof mango fruits with the help ofethrel, the farmers were not veryenthusiastic towards its adoption.About 90% farmers use self-madeharvester for harvesting the fruitswhile only 10% farmers usedimproved harvester developed by theInstitute.

Dr BMC Reddy, Directore mail: [email protected]

Impact assessment of newagricultural technologies

NCAP, New Delhi. A 2-day nationalworkshop on ‘Impact Assessment of NewAgricultural Technologies’ was started atNational Centre for AgriculturalEconomics and Policy Research (NCAP),New Delhi on 30 January 2008. Thiswas a part of the recently launchedproject ‘Visioning, Policy Analysis andGender (VPAGe)’, supported under theNational Agriculture Innovation Project(NAIP), by the Indian Council ofAgricultural Research with NCAP as thelead Centre. The main objectives of thisworkshop were to (i) document thepromising agricultural technologies, (ii)assess their adoption and initial impact,and (iii) plan the case studies forsystematic impact evaluation.

Recommendations• The participants unanimously

agreed to undertake impact studiesof recently developed technologieswhich have gone to farmers’ fields,and for other improved technologiesex-ante framework was suggested.

• The scope of research impact

assessment should be broadenedand factors influencing spread oftechnology and realizing finalimpacts should also be studied.

• Selection of indicators for measu-ring research impact should be donecarefully and these should amplycapture sustainability, environ-mental, social and other issues,besides economic indicators. Theindictors should demonstrate howresearch is contributing to inclusiveagricultural growth

• The need-based technicalbackstopping should be providedfor the studies on research impactassessment and appropriatemechanism should be used fordissemination of the results.

• All the PME Cells should completeall the requirements likeconstitution of the Cell,Memoranda of Understandings,submission of audit certificate ofState Agricultural Universities, andbank account details for timelyrelease of the funds.

Dr P K Joshi, Director,e mail : [email protected]

Visual Basic. Net and various formswere designed and the code wasimplemented, tested for execution ofthe same. Reports were designedusing ‘Crystal reports 9.0’ by providingflexibility to the user to view theselected parameters and take thehard-copy. Interface was provided tothe back-end to access the databasefrom ‘MS-Access’ and store the newinformation into it.

To classify an unknown sample,the attribute values of the sample aretested against the Decision tree. Apath is traced from the root node to aleaf node that holds the classprediction for that sample.

This Decision tree softwareenables the viewer to match itsproblem with the different symptoms

displayed on the system and identifythe problem as well as remedialmeasures at many locations.Withuser friendly menus, it is easy toexecute this system and retrieve theinformation as per requirements andtake the hard-copy of the same.

Drs H Ravi Sankar*, M Anuradha*,C Chandrasekharrao*, K Nageswararao* andV Krishnamurthy** *Scientsist and **Director,


NDIA with a total area of 329 million/ha is theseventh largest country in the world. Traversing from eastto west and north to south boundaries, one finds thatnature has given us diverse climatic and edaphicconditions. We have snow covered mountains, extremelyarid Thar desert, Chirapunjee in east with highest rainfallin the world , tropical and subtropical areas as well as8,100 km long coastline.

About 57 % of the total land area in our country is underagriculture as against the world average of 11.5 %. Signifi-cant land use changes have occurred where, the net sownarea increased from 118.75 million ha in 1950-51 to about140.0 million ha by 1970-71, but for some minor variations(± 2 million ha) has remained static till date. Also, the netirrigated area in India increased from about 21 million ha in1950-51 to 48 million ha by 1990-91, which in the last 18years increased only by about 10 million ha. Similarly, thehighest increase in the cropping intensity, from 111 to 130% was achieved in the same period, i.e 1950-51 to 1990-91, and during the last 18 years the increase is only by 7 %and now it stands at 137%. The forest cover in our countryis around 22.8 % as against the desirable 33 %. The de-graded lands in our country are about 107 million ha.

Recently, the loss in productive potential of soils isattributed to an imbalanced use of fertilizers and chemicals,over-mining and poor replenishment of nutrients, loss oforganic carbon, pollution, lack of biological activity,uncontrolled irrigation, water-logging, salinization etc. andin many regions the land use, which is not commensuratewith the land capability.

In the context of regional agricultural development, LandUse Planning that is the sectoral allocation of land to optimizethe postulated objectives under the existing environmentaland societal opportunities and constraints, is consideredbasic. Hence, resource managers (development planners,decision and policy makers) are often concerned aboutminimizing the adverse effect of agricultural/land use(economic) activities on the quality of natural resources.For undertaking these complex tasks they need anexploratory Land Use Analysis and Decision Support Systemwhich use a rational, scientific analysis and evaluation ofdifferent land use options. This Decision Support Systemmust evaluate land resources, socio-economic conditionsof land users, current and future life style and policy optionsfor land use planning.

An ideal land use system for such a programme shouldbe targeted for increasing the agricultural production, con-servation of soils, improving the productivity of water, en-suring livelihood, generating employment and above all forensuring much-needed Sujalam, Suphalam, Malayajasheetlam. Alongside using amelioration and amendments,we must identify and plan for large-scale plantation of stress-tolerant species for amelioration of acid soils, which arespread to nearly 25 million ha mainly in North-eastern re-gion, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Kerala,Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh and around 7 million

The Last Page

ha saline/alkaline lands. We should consider plantation ofbiofuels species like jatropha and pongamia in eroded/de-graded lands. Similarly, plants of economic importance couldbe planted on hill slopes to check soil erosion and landslides, generate and enhance income and employment andimprove soil health. For the arid regions developing a veg-etation cover consisting of multipurpose tree species, viz.Prosopis cineraria (khejri), Acacia species, date palm, pome-granate, Ziziphus etc. and developing pastures using fod-der grasses, would be ideal land use in most of the areas.

A system of multi-functional land use would thus providean opportunity for promoting agriculture in and around thecity as well. In an intensive agriculture the emphasis wouldbe on reducing the agricultural sources of environmentalpollution, judicious use of chemical inputs that are morecompatible with the ecological capacities of the ecosys-tems, and on promoting the recycling of wastes as bio-en-ergy and biochemical inputs.

It is important to develop a long-term perspective planon type of land to be allocated for urbanization/ industrial-ization in various regions. Besides, proper urban planningneed is to restrict conversion of prime agricultural lands tonon-agricultural uses. The existing database on land use ishighly inadequate. Therefore, strengthening of the data-base, using traditional cadastral surveys, modern remotesensing techniques, GIS and computerization of landrecords would be necessary. In fact, the available techniquesfor data collection should be complementary to each other.There is need for a strong monitoring mechanism to docu-ment the on-going land use changes either driven by mar-ket or policy or both.

Realizing the very basic need to draw a road map theCouncil has contemplated to have a national brainstormingmeeting on land use in May 2008 at Nagpur. In a diversecountry like ours, the land use systems for multifunctionalagriculture shall be varied, best suited to local agro-ecologicalconditions but ultimately aiming for overall rural development.

(Mangala Rai)e mail: [email protected]

I

Documents

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