ID: 63172
Title: Spatial rice decision support system for effective rice crop management
Author: B. Sailaja, S. R. Voleti, D. Subrahmanyam , P. Raghuveer Rao, S. Gayatri, R. Nagarjuna Kumar and Shaik N. Meera
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (3) 422-436 (2019)
Subject: Spatial rice decision support system for effective rice crop management
Keywords: ARCGIS, ClimGen, Oryza2000, rice yield, SRDSS.
Abstract: Rice, a widely grown crop all over the world provides food security to millions of people. The average productivity of rice in India is still low due to diversified environments under which it is being cultivated. Prediction and assessment of rice yields needs simplified precision models. A spatial rice decision support system (SRDSS) was designed by integrating ClimGen climate model and Oryza2000 crop model with soil
and weather layers. This DSS facilitates input model parameters and geo-referenced maps to predict rice yield at polygon/pixel level. SRDSS is useful to researchers and planners not only in estimating rice yield but also to estimate optimum crop sowing dates and management practices to achieve target yield for the selected location. Further, SRDSS will be integrated with weather sensors to generate real time advisories to farmers at each level of decision making
and to plan and achieve the targets of doubling the farmer’s income by 2022.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://wgdpkerala.org/images/pdf/Soil_Information_System.pdf (accessed on 29 August 2018).
http://www.indiaagristat.co.in, Area, Production, Productivity of Rice Crop (accessed on 29 August 2018).
Literature cited 2: Sailaja, B., Voleti, S. R., Subrahmanyam, D., Rao, N. H. and Nathawat, M. S., Validation of Oryza2000 model under combined
nitrogen and water limited situations. Indian J. Plant Physiol., 2013, 18(1), 31–40.
Bouman, B. A. M., Van Keulen, H., Van Laar, H. H. and Rab binge, R., The school of de Wit’ crop growth simulation models:
pedigree and historical overview. Agric. Syst., 1996, 52, 171–198
ID: 63171
Title: Spatial rice decision support system for effective rice crop management
Author: B. Sailaja, S. R. Voleti, D. Subrahmanyam, P. Raghuveer Rao , S. Gayatri , R. Nagarjuna Kumar and Shaik N. Meera
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (3) 412-421 (2019)
Subject: Spatial rice decision support system for effective rice crop management
Keywords: ARCGIS, ClimGen, Oryza2000, rice yield, SRDSS.
Abstract: Rice, a widely grown crop all over the world provides food security to millions of people. The average productivity of rice in India is still low due to diversified environments under which it is being cultivated. Prediction and assessment of rice yields needs simplified precision models. A spatial rice decision support system (SRDSS) was designed by integrating ClimGen
climate model and Oryza2000 crop model with soil and weather layers. This DSS facilitates input model parameters and geo-referenced maps to predict rice yield at polygon/pixel level. SRDSS is useful to researchers and planners not only in estimating rice yield but also to estimate optimum crop sowing dates and management practices to achieve target yield for the selected location. Further, SRDSS will be integrated with weather sensors to generate real time advisories to farmers at each level of decision making
and to plan and achieve the targets of doubling the farmer’s income by 2022.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: http://wgdpkerala.org/images/pdf/Soil_Information_System.pdf (accessed on 29 August 2018).
http://www.indiaagristat.co.in, Area, Production, Productivity of Rice Crop (accessed on 29 August 2018).
Literature cited 2: Sailaja, B., Voleti, S. R., Subrahmanyam, D., Rao, N. H. and Nathawat, M. S., Validation of Oryza2000 model under combined
nitrogen and water limited situations. Indian J. Plant Physiol., 2013, 18(1), 31–40.
Bouman, B. A. M., Van Keulen, H., Van Laar, H. H. and Rabbinge, R., The school of de Wit’ crop growth simulation models:
pedigree and historical overview. Agric. Syst., 1996, 52, 171–198.
ID: 63170
Title: Focal plant and neighbourhood fruit crop size effects on fruit removal by frugivores in a semi-arid landscape invaded by Lantana camara L.
Author: Geetha Ramaswami, Brihadeesh Santharam and Suhel Quader
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (3) 405-411 (2019)
Subject: Focal plant and neighbourhood fruit crop size effects on fruit removal by frugivores in a semi-arid landscape invaded by Lantana camara L.
Keywords: Fruiting neighbourhood, invasive plant, Lantana camara, plant-frugivore association, semi-arid landscape.
Abstract: Mutualistic associations between frugivorous vertebrates and fleshy-fruited plants result in seed dispersal, a vital ecological process affecting plant populations and communities. Invasive fleshy-fruited plants can easily integrate into existing mutualistic networks if generalist frugivorous species start consuming invasive fruit. Additionally, the presence of a copiously fruiting invasive plant in the neighborhood of fruiting native plants could affect the fruit removal
from such plants by either reducing (competitive interaction), increasing (facilitative interaction) or not affecting (no interaction) visits by frugivorous vertebrates. In this study, we explore the effects of the presence of a fruiting invasive shrub Lantana camara L. in the neighborhood of fruiting native species
Erythroxylum monogynum Roxb. and Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. on the visit and fruit removal rate by avian frugivores in a semi-arid bird preserve in southern India. We conducted plant watches within fruiting
patches of 30 m radius and observed the identity, numbers and fruit-handling behaviour by avian frugivores on focal native plants. We found that, on average, for the same fruit crop size, E. monogynum
received more visits and more fruit removal than F. leucopyrus irrespective of the presence of fruiting neighbours. Focal tree fruit crop size was a better predictor of frugivore behaviour than the fruit crop
size of neighbouring plants (both native and invasive) and was positively associated with frugivore visit rate and fruit removal from focal plants. We infer that there is little evidence for facilitation or competition
by invasive neighbours for the dispersal services of vertebrate mutualists at the spatial and temporal scale examined in this study. Longer-term, larger-scale data
are required to assess the changing impacts of invasive plants on native plant–frugivore interactions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nathan, R. and Muller-Landau, H. C., Spatial patterns of seed dispersal, their determinants and consequences for recruitment.
Trends Ecol. Evol., 2000, 15, 278–285.
Levine, J. M. and Murrell, D. J., The community-level consequences of seed dispersal patterns. Annu. Rev. Ecol., Evol. Syst., 2003, 34, 549–574.
Literature cited 2: Bascompte, J., Jordano, P. and Olesen, J. M., Asymmetric coevolutionary networks facilitate biodiversity maintenance. Science,
2006, 312, 431–433.
Pearson, R. G. and Dawson, T. P., Long-distance plant dispersal and habitat fragmentation: identifying conservation targets for spatial landscape planning under climate change. Biol. Conserv., 2005, 123, 389–401.
ID: 63169
Title: Indian coastal ocean radar network
Author: B. K. Jena, K. S. Arunraj, V. Suseentharan, Kukadiya Tushar and T. Karthikeyan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (3) 372-378 (2019)
Subject: Indian coastal ocean radar network
Keywords: HF radar, EICC, ICORN, surface currents, waves
Abstract: As a part of the Indian Ocean Observation Network, National Institute of Ocean Technology operates and maintains a network of high frequency radar (HFR) systems along the Indian coast, known
as Indian coastal ocean radar network (ICORN). It is a land-based remote sensing system capable of measuring surface currents as far as 200 km from the coast and waves, and wind direction nearly 100 km offshore. The HFR systems utilize electromagnetic waves in the 3–45 MHz frequency band and use Bragg scattering principle to deduce the oceanographic parameters. ICORN currently operates and maintains five pairs (10 sites) of long-range systems (~5 MHz) which covers four states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These systems operate at a spatial resolution of
6 km and temporal resolution of one hour. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services at Hyderabad disseminates this data for scientific and maritime operations. The potential of HFR
systems is enormous and can be employed in various facets of operational oceanography and applied research.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Amol, P. et al., Observational evidence from direct current measurements for propagation of remotely forced waves on the shelf of the west coast of India. J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 2012, 117(C05017), 1–15; doi:10.1029/2011JC007606.
Amol, P. et al., Observed intraseasonal and seasonal variability of the West India coastal current on the continental slope. J. Earth
Syst. Sci., 2014, 123(5), 1045–1074.
Literature cited 2: Mukherjee, A. et al., Observed seasonal and intraseasonal variability of the east India coastal current on the continental slope. J.
Earth Syst. Sci., 2014, 123(6), 1197–1232.
Parks, A. B., Shay, L. K., Johns, W. E., Martinez-Pedraja, J. and Gurgel, K. W., HF radar observations of small-scale surface current variability in the straits of Florida. J. Geophys. Res. Oceans, 2009, 114(8), 1–17; doi:10.1029/2008JC005025.
ID: 63168
Title: A comparison of blood biochemical parameters as a tool to measure welfare in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) after chemical and physical restraint
Author: Chiara Mariti , Francesca Iacobelli, Eva Ricci, Marco Fusi, Manuel Mengoli , Alessandro Cozzi and Angelo Gazzano
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 319-325 (2019)
Subject: A comparison of blood biochemical parameters as a tool to measure welfare in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) after chemical and physical restraint
Keywords: Aminoacyl–imidazole dipeptides, anesthesia, animal welfare, red deer, restraint, stress
Abstract: Eighteen red deer were captured in box traps and then physically restrained in an immobilizing box; three red deer were captured twice, once by chemical restraint (anesthetized with a mixture of Xylazine,
Tiletamine and Zolazepam) and once in the immobilizing box. It was found that microhaematocrit, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, as well as plasma
cortisol, were higher after the physical restraint. Anserine and 3-methyl-L-histidine concentrations were higher after the physical restraint in animals undergoing both captures. Data supports previous
studies indicating that the physical restraint after capture is more stressful than the chemical one. Anserine and 3-methyl-L-histidine were higher after the physical restraint in red deer undergoing both methods, suggesting that measuring plasma aminoacyl–imidazole dipeptides and their components may be important in
stressed animals prone to capture myopathy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: VerCauteren, K. C., Beringer, J. and Hygnstrom, S. E., Use of netted cage traps for capturing white-tailed deer. In Mammal
Trapping (ed. Proulx), Alpha Wildlife Research & Management Ltd, Sherwood Park, Canada, 1999, pp. 155–164.
Marco, I. and Lavín, S., Effect of the method of capture on the hematology and blood chemistry of red deer (Cervus elaphus).
Vet. Sci., 1999, 66, 81–84.
Literature cited 2: Wesson, J. A., Scalon, P. F., Kirpatrick, R. L. and Mosby, H. S., Influence of chemical immobilization and physical restraint on
packed cell volume, total protein, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen in blood of white-tailed deer. Can. J. Zool., 1979, 57, 756–767.
Wesson, J. A., Scalon, P. F., Kirpatrick, R. L., Mosby, H. S. and Butcher, R. L., Influence of chemical immobilization and physical
restraint on steroid hormone levels in blood of white-tailed deer. Can. J. Zool., 1979, 57, 768–776.
ID: 63167
Title: Analysis of iron ore, iron slag and soils of termite nest from Wui village, Nagaland, India
Author: Tiatemjen Tzudir , Tiatoshi Jamir and Sukanya Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 311-319 (2019)
Subject: Analysis of iron ore, iron slag and soils of termite nest from Wui village, Nagaland, India
Keywords: Iron ore, haematite, metallographic analysis, slag, termite nest.
Abstract: Analysis of iron slag, iron ore and soils of termite nest traditionally utilized in iron forging was conducted in Wui village, Nagaland, India using various techniques.
The present study helps in understanding and identifying various chemical properties/compositions, mineralogical qualities and quantities of iron content along with other oxides from the region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Killick, S. C., Indgenious African metallurgy: nature and culture. Annu. Rev. Anthropol., 1993, 22, 317–337.
Henshilwood, C. S., d’Errico, F. and Watts, I., Engraved ochres form the middle Stone Age levels at Blombos cave, South Africa.
J. Hum. Evol., 2009, 57, 27–47.
Literature cited 2: Schweitzer, P. A., Metallic Materials – Physical, Mechanical and Corrision Properties, Marcel Dekker, New York, USA, 2003.
Stalics, A., Metallurgy Made in and for Europe – The Perspective of Producers and End-Users Roadmap, Luxmbourg Publication Office of the European Union, Brussels, 2014.
ID: 63166
Title: Magnetotelluric study to characterize sediment thickness across Kachchh and Cambay rift basins, western India
Author: Nagarjuna Danda and C. K. Rao
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 299-304 (2019)
Subject: Magnetotelluric study to characterize sediment thickness across Kachchh and Cambay rift basins, western India
Keywords: Cambay rift, Deccan traps, Kachchh rift, magnetotellurics, sediment thickness.
Abstract: The Kachchh and Cambay rift basins are two epicontinental rift basins at the western continental margin of India (WCMI), which evolved during different stages of the Mesozoic era. Magnetotelluric measurements were carried out at 68 stations along four east–west trending profiles across these basins with an aim
to infer basement configuration and sediment thickness. The data were analysed for galvanic distortions and decomposed into transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM)-modes by rotating the impedance tensor into corresponding geoelectric strike directions of the four profiles. The decomposed data responses were then inverted using a nonlinear conjugate gradient algorithm. The top conductive layers (~2500–7500 S) across the Kachchh and Cambay rift basins indicate the presence of Cenozoic sediments and Deccan traps, which corroborates the results of earlier geophysical studies across these basins. The
sediment thickness is low across Diyodar and Tharad ridges compared to the Sanchore, Patan and Mehsana sub-basins. A high conductive zone near Mehsana
may support the evidence for the presence of Mesozoic sediments beneath traps as inferred from a deep seismic sounding (DSS) study. Even though the Oil and
Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) drilled wells and DSS study reported the presence of Mesozoic sediments beneath the traps near Tharad ridge, their presence here is not clear from this study. Igneous intrusives and a Precambrian Aravalli–Delhi fold belt are delineated on either side of the Cambay rift basin. The electrical resistivity variations across these basins lead to the inference that the subsurface structure is highly heterogeneous in nature due to faults within the rift basins.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chave, A. D. and Jones, A. G., The Magnetotelluric Method: Theory and Practice, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Biswas, S. K., Rift basins in the western margin of India and their hydrocarbon prospects. Bull. Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., 1982, 66, 1497–1513.
Literature cited 2: Biswas, S. K., Regional tectonic framework, structure and evolution of the western marginal basins of India. Tectonophysics,
1987, 135, 307–327.
Kaila, K. L., Tewari, H. C., Krishna, V. G., Dixit, M. M., Sarkar, D. and Reddy, M. S., Deep seismic sounding studies in the north
Cambay and Sanchore basins, India. Geophys. J. Int., 1990, 103, 621–637.
ID: 63165
Title: Mapping spring canola and spring wheat using Radarsat-2 and Landsat-8 images with Google Earth Engine
Author: Haifeng Tian Meng Meng Mingquan Wu and Zheng Niu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 291-298 (2019)
Subject: Mapping spring canola and spring wheat using Radarsat-2 and Landsat-8 images with Google Earth Engine
Keywords: Google Earth Engine, Landsat-8, Radarsat2, spring canola, spring wheat.
Abstract: Using remote sensing, it is difficult to accurately extract spring canola and wheat planting area with only optical images because both crops have the same growth period and similar spectral characteristics.
Besides, optical images are susceptible to cloud contamination. Synthetic aperture radar is sensitive to canopy structure and is hardly influenced by weather; however, it is difficult to distinguish spring wheat and
grass due to the similarity of both canopy structures during the major growth cycle. In order to resolve this problem, the present study proposed a method to extract spring canola and wheat by combining Radarsat-2 and Landsat-8 images based on Google Earth Engine. First, spring canola, forest, water and spring wheat and grass (both were regarded as one object) were extracted from Radarsat-2 image. Second, the cropland was extracted from Landsat-8 image. Third, synthetic mapping was carried out to achieve spring canola and wheat extraction. The result demonstrates that spring canola and wheat were successfully
extracted with an overall accuracy of 96.04%.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kim, Y., Jackson, T., Bindlish, R., Hong, S., Jung, G. and Lee, K.,Retrieval of wheat growth parameters with radar vegetation
indices. IEEE Geosci. Remote Sci., 2014, 11, 808–812.
Cable, J., Kovacs, J., Jiao, X. and Shang, J., Agricultural monitoring in northeastern Ontario, Canada, using multi-temporal
polarimetric Radarsat-2 data. Remote Sensing, 2014, 6, 2343–2371.
Literature cited 2: Jiao, X., Kovacs, J. M., Shang, J., McNairn, H., Walters, D., Ma,B. and Geng, X., Object-oriented crop mapping and monitoring
using multi-temporal polarimetric Radarsat-2 data. ISPRS J. Photogramm. Remote Sensing, 2014, 96, 38–46.
Wiseman, G., McNairn, H., Homayouni, S. and Shang, J. L., Radarsat-2 polarimetric SAR response to crop biomass for agricultural production monitoring. IEEE J-Stars, 2014, 7, 4461–4471.
ID: 63164
Title: Genetic variability for osmotic adjustment in pollen grains and its association with field tolerance to moisture stress in maize inbred lines
Author: S. Ashwini, N. Chandrakala and R. L. Ravikumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 279-285 (2019)
Subject: Genetic variability for osmotic adjustment in pollen grains and its association with field tolerance to moisture stress in maize inbred lines
Keywords: Drought tolerance, gametophytic selection, osmotic adjustment, maize.
Abstract: Drought severely affects gametophytic development in maize. To explore pollen tolerance to drought stress, the pollen grains of 16 inbred lines were subjected to
osmotic stress (without and with osmolyte; 10 mM CaCl2) under in vitro conditions. The effect of stress was observed as a measure of intrinsic osmotic adjustment (OA) and induced OA. Evaluation of inbreeds for drought tolerance in field indicated significant differences for sensitivity drought index (SDI) among the lines. The Δ13 surrogate trait indicated genotypic differences for drought tolerance. Significant negative correlation was observed between pollen OA and SDI
values; and positive correlation between pollen OA and ∆13 values, suggesting correspondence in drought tolerance between pollen and sporophyte. The superoxide dismutase isozyme expression also indicated. the overlap drought tolerance mechanism. Thus, the present study provides an insight into overlapping
behaviour regarding stress response mechanism of pollen grains and plants.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nesmith, D. S. and Ritchie, J. T., Effects of soil waterdeficits during tassel emergence on development and yield component of maize (Zea mays). Field Crops Res., 1992, 28(3), 251–256.
Saini, H. S. and Westgate, M. E., Reproductive development in grain crops during drought. Adv. Agron., 1999, 68, 59–96.
Literature cited 2: Ghooshchi, F., Seilsepour, M. and Jafari, P., Effects of water stress on yield and some agronomic traits of maize [SC 301].
Am.–Eurasian J. Agric. Environ. Sci., 2008, 4(3), 302–305.
Molla, M. S. H., Nakasathien, S., Sarobol, E. and Vichukit, V., Effects of nitrogen and water on maize varieties under short and
prolonged drought. J. Dev. Sustain. Agric., 2014, 9, 97–110.
ID: 63163
Title: Yield prediction in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using spectral reflectance indices
Author: N. S. Chandel, P. S. Tiwari, K. P. Singh, D. Jat, B. B. Gaikwad, H. Tripathi and K. Golhani
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 272-278 (2019)
Subject: Yield prediction in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using spectral reflectance indices
Keywords: Nitrogen management, spectral reflectance, vegetation indices, wheat, yield estimation.
Abstract: Influence of nitrogen on vegetative growth of wheat is significant, and can be monitored and assessed using vegetation indices derived from canopy reflectance at
different phenological growth stages. The aim of the present work was to establish a regression model for yield prediction of wheat using spectral reflectance indices (SRIs), normalized difference nitrogen index
(NDNI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) for selected phenological growth stages of wheat. The canopy spectral reflectance was recorded during three winter seasons (2014–2017) for irrigated wheat. A hyperspectral library of canopy reflectance was developed, which
enables the study of spectra independent of different nitrogen management practices. It indicated that the precise level of nitrogen for irrigated wheat may be 90 kg ha–1 in vertisols under agro-climatic of central
India. Coefficient of variation (CV) was determined based on significance test between eight levels of nitrogen and SRI values. On the basis of CV, NDVI and
NDWI were selected among the four spectral indices for the study of correlation between grain and biomass yields and nitrogen levels for four growth stages,
viz. tillering, booting, heading and milking. A regression model was developed to find the best representative stage for yield prediction among the four stages.
The regression model indicated that the relations of NDVI with grain and biomass yields were stronger in the heading stage, and it resulted in 96% accurate estimation of grain and biomass yields in irrigated
wheat.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Li, F. et al., Estimating N status of winter wheat using a handheld spectrometer in the North China Plain. Field Crops Res., 2008,
106(1), 77–85.
Hansen, P. M. and Schjoerring, J. K., Reflectance measurement of canopy biomass and nitrogen status in wheat crops using normalized difference vegetation indices and partial least square regression. Remote Sensing Environ., 2002, 86, 542–553.
Literature cited 2: Clay, D. E., Kim, K. I., Chang, J., Clay, S. A. and Dalsted, K., Characterizing water and nitrogen stress in corn using remote sensing. Agron. J., 2006, 98, 579–587.
Zhang, J. H., Wang, K., Bailey, J. S. and Wang, R. C., predicting nitrogen status of rice using multispectral data at canopy scale.Pedosphere, 2006, 16, 108–117.
ID: 63162
Title: Future climate analogues of current wheat production zones in India
Author: Nimisha Agarwal and Anindya Sinha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 264-271 (2019)
Subject: Future climate analogues of current wheat production zones in India
Keywords: Climate analogue, future temperature, similar site, wheat production
Abstract: The future of agriculture in India will be affected by substantial changes in the environment, although not uniformly across the country. These changes, as projected by the well-known General Circulation Model
will grossly impact the food-cropping system. While developing adaptation strategies, it would be useful to understand the current climatic and farming regimes
in similar or analogue sites, which have already experienced future conditions. The data used in this article are from a study using the Climate Analogues tool, a web-based tool developed by the Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security, which uses spatial and temporal variability in climate projections for different climatic scenarios using the
General Circulation Model. Sites with statistically similar climates were thus identified and mapped; these include two sites from four different agroecological regions of wheat cropping in India. Comparisons were made specifically for the year 2030, keeping in mind changes in agricultural techniques and mechanisms that could potentially occur over a
span of one and a half decades. Temperature was prioritized over other climatic variables in this study, which was conducted using the ECHAM model for the
A2 scenario. A comparison of the current yields of the selected sites with those of the future analogue sites revealed the former to be at low, moderate or high risk, in accordance with the projected future climatic conditions for wheat cultivation. Most sites appeared to be at moderate risk due to temperature increase at these sites by the year 2030, and except for two sites,
had significantly reduced yields.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Masutomi, Y., Takahashi, K., Harasawa, H. and Matsuoka, Y., Impact assessment of climate change on rice production in Asia in
comprehensive consideration of process/parameter uncertainty in
general circulation models. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 2009, 131,281–291.
Jayaraman, T. and Murari, K., Climate change and agriculture: current and future trends and implications for India. Rev. Agrar.
Stud., 2014, 130, 1–49.
Literature cited 2: Srivastava, P., Singh, R., Tripathi, S. and Raghubanshi, A. S., An urgent need for sustainable thinking in agriculture – an Indian
scenario. Ecol. Indic., 2016, 67, 611–622.
Brown, M. E. and Funk, C. C., Climate. Food security under climate change. Science, 2008, 319, 580–581.
ID: 63161
Title: Holistic approach for biogas technology implementation to improve sustainability
Author: Vidyarani S. Kshirsagar , Prashant M. Pawar and Sayaji T. Mehetre
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 249-255 (2019)
Subject: Holistic approach for biogas technology implementation to improve sustainability
Keywords: Biogas technology, holistic approach, solid waste management, sustainability.
Abstract: The sustainability of a technology can be improved by using a holistic approach. In this study, one such approach of implementation is demonstrated using the
example of biogas technology. This case study is presented based on implementation experience of biogas
technology in an academic campus located in a rural area in India. Though this is a well-known technology, it has not yet become sustainable due to various issues.
Components of biogas technology can be categorized into three subgroups as preprocessing, main digester and post-processing. In the preprocessing phase, it is
important to consider easily available feeds and their preprocessing to improve the performance of the anaerobic process. The improved design of a preprocessor helps in adopting various types of feeds available resulting into solid waste management. The
performance of anaerobic process in the main digester is governed by the design of the digester, standard operating practices and maintenance processes. The appropriate consideration and implementation of these three parameters help in improving the gas production rate and fault tolerance. In the postprocessing phase, biogas and biogas manure need to
be processed effectively for economic benefits from the biogas plant. These three processes of biogas technology are considered through holistic approach to
improve collective performance and acceptability of the plant. The approach looks into modifications in the existing processes to serve other purposes like solid waste management, improvement in usage of biogas and manure along with inclusion of allied technologies to improve acceptability. Further, design modifications in the main digester are carried out through
CFD analysis to improve velocity patterns in the digester with the objective of minimizing the biological faults and maximizing the mixing performance.
This study shows how the holistic approach can bring together various interdependent components of a technology for simultaneous modifications.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Beede, D. N. and Bloom, D. E., Economics of the generation and management of municipal solid waste. The National Bureau of Economic Research Working, 1995, Paper series no. 5116, p. 96.
Visvanathan, C., Trankler, J., Joseph, K., Chiemchaisri, C., Basnayake, B. F. A. and Gongming, Z., Municipal Solid Waste Management in Asia: Asian Regional Research Program on Environmental Technology (ARRPET), Asian Institute of Technology Publication, 2004, ISBN: 974-417-258-1.
Literature cited 2: Liu, C., Li, H., Zhang, Y. and Liu, C., Improve biogas production from low-organic-content sludge through high-solids anaerobic co-digestion with food waste. Bioresour. Technol., 2016, 219,
252–260.
El-Mashad, H. M. and Zhang, R., Biogas production from codigestion of dairy manure and food waste. Bioresour. Technol.,
2010, 101, 4021–4028.
ID: 63160
Title: Marching towards self-sufficiency in chickpea
Author: G. P. Dixit, A. K. Srivastava and N. P. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 239-242 (2019)
Subject: Marching towards self-sufficiency in chickpea
Keywords: Chickpea, improved varieties, production technologies, self-sufficiency
Abstract: Chickpea is a major pulse crop of India accounting for more than 40% of the total pulses area and production. From a mere 3.86 million tonnes (mt) during 2000-01, chickpea production rose steadily to an all-time high of 11.23 mt during 2017–18. The central and southern states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have benefited most
from chickpea revolution in the country, with remarkable increase in both area and production. This has been achieved through development of suitable technologies like high-yielding varieties along with matching production and protection technologies,
quality seed producing units, etc. To attain self-sufficiency by 2050, the total pulse production in the country needs to reach 39 mt. This includes chickpea requirement of about 16–17.5 mt by 2050 from an
area of about 10.5 m ha with average productivity of 15–17 q/ha. The potential yield observed in AICRP (Chickpea) trials has increased from 10 to 17.50 q/ha
during the past 20 years (CAGR = 1.51%). At this rate, the increased chickpea requirement can be easily achieved by 2050, provided there is proper policy
backstopping. Here we review chickpea research in India during the last five decades and future research priorities to tackle newer challenges.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gaur, P. M. et al., Climate change and heat stress tolerance in chickpea. In Climate Change and Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance,
Vol. 2 (eds Tuteja, N. and Gill, S. S.), Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA, Weinheim, Germany, 2000, pp. 839–855.
DAC, Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2016, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer’s Welfare, Directorate of Economics
and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India 2016, p. 519; ttp://eands.dacnet.nic.in/PDF/
Glance-2016.pdf
Literature cited 2: Anon., 4th Advance estimate of Production of Foodgrains for 2017–18. Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, 2018; https://
eands.dacnet.nic.in/Advance Estimate/4th_Adv_Estimates2017-18_
Eng.pdf (accessed on 17 October 2018).
Dixit, G. P., Project Coordinator’s Report, All India Coordinated Research Project on Chickpea, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, 2016.
ID: 63159
Title: Islet transplantation: the Indian perspective
Author: Mitnala Sasikala,G.V.Rao, D.Nageshwara Reddy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 175-176 (2019)
Subject: Islet transplantation: the Indian perspective
Keywords: Islet transplantation
Abstract: In continuation of the comprehensive review on clinical islet transplantation by
Saravanan et al that focuses on the
global scenario, it is appropriate to consider this important issue in the Indian context. The advantages and safety of islet transplantation in selected patients
with type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM),
experiencing life-threatening episodes of
severe hypoglycaemia and in patients
undergoing total/partial pancreatic resections, have been well demonstrated in the western as well as in certain Asian countries. Such transplantation is recognized by their national health systems and is reimbursable by their insurance systems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saravanan, P. B., Loganathan, G., Nasiruddin, B. and Balamurugan, A. N.,
Curr. Sci.., 2017, 113, 1267–1276.
Shapiro, A. M., Pokrywczynska, M. and
Ricordi, C., Nature Rev. Endocrinol., 2017, 13, 268–277.
Literature cited 2: WHO, Global report on diabetes: World
Health Organization, Geneva, 2016.
Das, A. K., Indian J. Endocrinol. Metab.,
2015, 19, S31–S33.
ID: 63158
Title: Carbon stock assessment in changing land uses of Mon, Nagaland: an important learning for climate change mitigation from North East India
Author: Gaurav Mishra, Krishna Giri, Juri Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (2) 174-175 (2019)
Subject: Carbon stock assessment in changing land uses of Mon, Nagaland: an important learning for climate change mitigation from North East India
Keywords: Carbon stock assessment,climate change mitigation, North East India, Nagaland
Abstract: Forests are the most important terrestrial
ecosystems on earth, as they have rich
biodiversity, provide ecosystems services
and have the capacity to offset climate
change impact through carbon sequestration. North East (NE) India, one of the 35 biodiversity spots of the world,
comprises 8 states and has an area of
171,964 sq. km (65% of the geographical
area) under forests . Another major land
use in NE India is agricultural land. Although 86% of this area is under ‘shifting or jhum’ cultivation, it is the main
source of livelihood for the local people.
In NE India, clearing of forest lands,
burning of vegetation and conversion into jhum fields is a common practice. This
practice not only increases soil fertility
for 1–2 years, but also aggravates issues
of soil erosion and carbon loss after the
cultivation phase.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FSI, India State of Forest Report. Forest
Survey of India, Dehradun, 2015.
http://indianews.worldnewsnetwork.co.in/
2018/08/indias-devastating-rains-match-climate-change-forecasts (accessed on 27
August 2018)
Literature cited 2: http://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/gis/thematic/tools/
document/LULC502/MAP/NL.pdf (accessed
on 29 August 2018).