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ID: 64926
Title: Fuelwood production and utilization pattern along an altitudinal gradient in Kosi watershed of Kumaun Himalaya
Author: Manmohan Singh Kanwal,Anil Kumar Yadava and S.C.R.Vishvakarma
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 737-746 (2023)
Subject: Fuelwood production and utilization pattern along an altitudinal gradient in Kosi watershed of Kumaun Himalaya
Keywords: Fuelwood, Agrofrestry, Watershed, Kumaun, Himalaya
Abstract: Wood is a primary source of energy for billions of people, particularly in Himalayan region. With rapid increase in population, per capita consumption of fuelwood has increased, which resulted into the over exploitation and threat to woody species of this region. Present study deals with fuelwood production and consumption pattern in three villages of Kosi watershed area situated at different attitudinal zones in Kumaun Himalaya. Study revealed that total fuel wood production was in the range of 25.09 & 49.21 MT at study sites. Major source of fuel wood production was natural forests , which share about 76.91 to 82.5 % of the total annual fuel wood production while agroforestry systems contribute about 10.56 to 7.53% of the total annual fuel wood production. Quercus leucotrichophora, Celtis australis, Toona Ciliata, Bombax ceiba, Boehmeria regulosa and Bauhinia variegata were important fuel wood trees species of Agroforestry system. Per capita average were important fuel wood consumption at three altitudinal zones was in between 3.11 kg to 1.00 kg capita-1 day-1 with maximum consumption at highest altitude during winters and least consumption at lowest altitude during summer season. The present study would be helpful in planning and designing suitable technologies to develop energy plantations in the Kumaun region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bagwari H.K. and Todaria N.P. (2011). Resource use pattern and agroecosystem functioning in Rawanganga microwatershed in Garhwal Himalaya, India, Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the tropics and subtropics, 112(2): 101-112. Barnard G.W. (1987) .Woodfuel in developing countries. In: Biomass (D.O. Hall and R.P. Overend, Eds.), Chichester, UK: John Willey & Sons Press, pp.349-366
Literature cited 2: Bartwal P.S. (1987). Fuelwood consumption pattern in rural areas case study, Journal of Tropical Forestry, 3: 136-41. Bensel T. (2008). Fuelwood, deforestation and land degradation; 10 years of evidence from Cebu province, the Philippines, Land Degrade, Dev, 19: 587-605.

ID: 64925
Title: Pheno-morphological and biochemical characterization of Rhizobium sp. associated with Khejri seedlings isolated from different geographical locations of Rajasthan
Author: Sangeeta Singh, Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi,Sunil Choudhary, Vipula vyas and Kuldeep Sharma
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 728-736 (2023)
Subject: Pheno-morphological and biochemical characterization of Rhizobium sp. associated with Khejri seedlings isolated from different geographical locations of Rajasthan
Keywords: Characerization, Prosopis cineraria, Rhizobium
Abstract: This study aimed to isolate, characterize and purify microbial strains of Rhizobium specific to Khejri in a bid to increases this legume's productivity. In the present study 24 bacterial isolates were isolated from root nodule of Prosopis cineraria L. from 5 different districts of Western Rajasthan. The isolates were investigated for their morphological, conformity, phenotypic and biochemical characterization. Most of the isolates showed similar colony morphology and produced white or creamy white and raised colonies when grown on YEMA plates and they were rod shaped gram negative. Phenotypic characterization of24 isolates confirmed that most of the strains tested for BTB reaction were acid producers. Six isolates were showing NaCl tolerance up to 3% (w/v). Most of the tested isolates were able to tolerate a wild range of pH (5to 11). Moreover, in biochemical characterization most of the isolates showed positive result for catalase, phosphate solubilization, nitrate reductase and oxidase test and negative result for ammonia production and chitinase test. Furthermore, in the nursery experiment it was found that all the inoculated seedlings showed significant differences in terms of number of root nodules, collar diameter, root and shoot length, root ans shoot (wet and dry) weight as compared to the uninoculated control plants. Among the 24 Rhizobium isolates PCC, PCN and PCsk were found superior than other isolates in terms of number of nodule and plant dry matter and has been selected for a future field trial.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Arora D.R. (2003). The Textbook of Microbiology New Delhi: CBS Publisher.41-48 p. Arora n.k., Khare, E., Singh S. and Tewari S. (2018). Phenetic, genetic diversity and symbiotic compatibility of rhizobial strains nodulating pigeon pea in Northern India. Biotech, 8(1): 1-11.
Literature cited 2: Biswas P., Hossain D., Ullah M., Akter N. and Bhuiya M.A.A. (2003). Performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogae L) under different levels of bradyrhizobial inoculum and nitrogen fertilizer. SAARC Journal of Agriculture, 1: 61-68. Brahmaprakssh G.P., Girisha H.C., Navi V., Laxmipathy R. and Hegde S.V. (2007). Liquid rhizobium inoculant formulations to enhance biological nitrogen fixation in food legumes. Journal of Food Legumes, 20 (1): 75.

ID: 64924
Title: Biomass and carbon stock of trees in Amchang wildlife Sancutary, Assam, North Eastern India
Author: J.Y. Yumnam
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 720-727 (2023)
Subject: Biomass and carbon stock of trees in Amchang wildlife Sancutary, Assam, North Eastern India
Keywords: Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, Carbon sequestartion, Guwahati City, Urban forest
Abstract: Forest in and around the urban areas are recognised as a major sequester of Carbon and store huge quantity of Carbon in their biomass. However, these forest patches are facing destruction and degradation due to the expanding urban limits. For efficient Carbon mitigation, it is essential to precisely quantify Carbon stock of forests. This study was taken up to quantify biomass and Carbon stock of trees growing in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated on the eastern side of Guwahati city 9Kamrup metropolitan) Assam, Northeast India. Extensive field survey was undertaken and sampling of all trees was made using random quadrat method. Altogether 50 quadrats of 10x10 m2 were laid down for the study. Biomass and Carbon stock of trees were calculated by using allometric formula. The total above ground biomass (AGB) , below ground biomass (BGB), total biomass (TB) and Carbon stock(TCS) of the sanctuary were 307.60 Mg ha-1, 79.97 Mg ha-1, cover (TBC) showed strong positive correlation with TCS (R2 =0.70 and 0.68 respectively) .However, wood density and diameter of the trees showed weak positive correlation with TCS (R2=0.02 and 0.12 respectively) in the study site. The present study revealed that Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, Northeast India has high Carbon stock.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anguluri R. and Narayanan P. (2017). Role of green space in urban planning: Outlook towards smart cities, Urban Forest Urban Green, 25:58-65. Baishya R., Barik S and Upadhyaya K. (2009). Distribution pattern of aboveground biomass in natural and planation forests of humid tropics in northeast India. Tropical Ecology, 50 (2): 295-304.
Literature cited 2: Borah N. Nath A.J. and Das A.K. (2013). Aboveground biomass and carbon stocks of trees species in tropical forests of Cachar District, Assam, Northeast India, International Journal of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, 39 (2): 97-106. Census India (2011). Census India.Censusindia.gov.in

ID: 64923
Title: Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of different tree plantations in forest research centre, Mulugu, Telangana state
Author: Milkuri Chiranjeeva reddy, Mhaiskar Priya rejendra,Rohith Ravula,M. Ooha, Kapil Sihag, Ram Charan Sharma,Ch.Bhargavi and Vishwajeet Sharma
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 716-719 (2023)
Subject: Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of different tree plantations in forest research centre, Mulugu, Telangana state
Keywords: Biomass,Carbon, Carbon sequestration, climate change, carbon sink
Abstract: The current study was conducted in five different plantations, Teak plantation (2500 stem/ha). Teak tissue cultured plantation, Dalgbergia latifolia, Eucalyptus and Hardwickia binata) raised in different years at Forest research Centre, Mulugu, Siddipet ,Telangana. The growth parameters were recorded and biomass and carbon stocks of five plantations were assessed. The highest volume was observed in Teak plantation 9Super-cultured) with 171.15 m3/ha followed by Eucalyptus plantation with 130.18 m3/ha. The aboveground biomass ranged from 8.53 t/ha-123.33 t/ha, Teak plantation (2500 sterns/ha) with highest aboveground biomass of 123.33 t/ha, belowground biomass ranged from 2.21 t/ha. The highest total biomass was recorded in Teak planation (2500 stems/ha) with 155.27 t/ha. The carbon stocks and carbon sequestration potential were also assessed, and the highest carbon stock and carbon sequestration potential was recorded in Teak plantation (2500 stems/ha) with 72.98 t/ha and 267.61 t/ha respectively. Not only as timber value and other uses but also the plantations were mitigating the impacts of climate change at a local level. These plantations also act as a carbon sink.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bishya R., Barik S.K. and Upadhaya K. (2009). Distribution pattern of aboveground biomass in natural and planation forests of humid tropics in northeast India. Tropical ecology, 50 (2): 295. Banday M., Bhardwaj D.R. and Pala N.A. (2018) .Variation of stem density and vegetation carbon pool in subtropical forests of Northwestern Himalaya. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 37(4) :389-402.
Literature cited 2: Bastlin J.F., Finegold Y., Garcia C., Mollicone D., Rezende M., Routh D., Zohner C.M. and Crowther T.W. (2019) .The global tree restoration potential. Science, 365 (6448): 76-79. Bonan G.B. (2008). Forests and climate change: Forcings, feedbacks, and the climate benefits of forests. Science,320 (5882): 1444-1449.

ID: 64922
Title: Ecological and economical impact of riverside stabilization with poplar based agroforestry
Author: R.C. Dhiman
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 710-715 (2023)
Subject: Ecological and economical impact of riverside stabilization with poplar based agroforestry
Keywords: Economical impact, ecological impact, Sandy river bed, Pillage cultivation
Abstract: This paper presents poplar-based agroforestry approach to stabilize eroding riverside of Gola River in Uttarakhand. The technique involved growing of vegetable plants and fruit vineds (locally called "Pallage Cultivation") in trenches made on sandy river beds and simultaneously planting of poplar saplings. Pallage crops grown during the first two years of poplar growth were tomato, capsicum, bitter gourd, egg gourd, cucumber, squash gourd, pumpkin, watermelon, and musk melon; and poplar was grown up to 6 years. Crop harvest yielded 80 qti and 60 qti vegetable and fruits per acre during first and second year respectively and final tree harvest yielded 612 qti fresh wood/acre. It provided a benefit: cost ratio of 2.58 which is much better for such less productive sandy river beds. The practice helped in carbon sequestration of 14.57 tC/acre, increased soil arrest inside poplar plantations and in stabilizing riverbanks along the water flow in the tried locations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dhanda R.S., Gill R.I.S, Singh Baljit and Kaur N. (2008). Agroforestry models for crop diversification in Punjab plains. Bulletin. Department of forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab, pp.24. Dhillon A, Sangwan V., Malik D.P. and Luhach M.S. (2001). An economic analysis of poplar cultivation. Indian Forester,127(1) : 86-90.
Literature cited 2: Dhiman R.C. (2022). Poplar-A trend setter for creating symbiotic synergy between farmers and wood-based industry for industrial wood production. Indian Wood and Allied Panels, 16 (1) :14-20. Dhiman R.C. and Gandhi J.N. (2007). Growing of medicinal and aromatic plants in agroforestry: Wimco's experience. ENVIS Forestry Bulletin, 7(2) :27-39.

ID: 64921
Title: Scenario of import and export of bamboo products in India
Author: V.K.Upadhayay, Anand Nandanwar, Pradeep Kushwaha,Narsimhamurthy, Manish Ranjan and M.P. Singh
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2023
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 149 (7) Pg No. 703-709 (2023)
Subject: Scenario of import and export of bamboo products in India
Keywords: Trends, import, Export, Bamboo products
Abstract: The study aims to examine the import and export of products made of bamboo other than incense sticks (Agarbatti). The evaluation is based on data on India's import and export of bamboo-based products from 2015 to 2020.According to the findings of the study, India exported small bamboo sticks (88.68 percent) and imported bamboo raw materials (76.4%). China and Vietnam exported the most bamboo products to India and United States, Germany, United Kingdom and Neterlands were India's primary buyers. During the five years' time frame, Incense sticks (Agarbatti) area covered 60%of import and 69% of commodity from India out of all bamboo items. Small bamboo sticks were the most widely exported item, while bamboo raw materials were the most widely imported product. China and Vietnam were major suppliers during this time, and the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands were major buyers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon (2019). Bamboos Market size, Share & Trends Analysis Report. By application (Raw materials, Industrial Products, Furniture, Shoots). By region, and segment Forecasts, 2019-2025.Bamboos Market Size & Share /Global Industry Report,2019-2015 (grandviewresearch.com). Buckingham K., Jepson P., Wu L., Rao I.R., Jiang S., Liese W. and Fu M. (2011). The potential of bamboo is constrained by outmoded policy frames. Ambio,40 (5): 544-548.
Literature cited 2: Chaowana P. (2013). Bamboo: An alternative Raw material for Wood and Wood Based. Journal of Material Science Research, 2(2): (February 17, 2013). INBAR (2016). Bamboo and Rattan Products in the International Market, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, INBAR, Beijing, China.

ID: 64920
Title: Copper–molybdenum–tungsten mineralization in granitoids around Kanchanpur–Thuni area, western Bundelkhand craton, central India
Author: S. N. Rana, P. Singh, S. K. Patle and V. P. Gaur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 561-567 (2023)
Subject: Copper–molybdenum–tungsten mineralization in granitoids around Kanchanpur–Thuni area, western Bundelkhand craton, central India
Keywords: Craton, granitoids, hydrothermal alteration, mineral assemblages, metallogenic studies
Abstract: Highly altered granitoids in the western part of Bundelkhand craton around Kanchanpur and Thuni villages in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, India, are significantly associated with copper–molybdenum–tungsten mineralization which is manifested as stringers, blebs, clots and fine specks of chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite and scheelite and as vein-fillings associated with hydrothermal alteration within the ore zone and adjacent host rocks. The cumulative strike length of the zone of mineralization (NW–SE) and associated alteration is around 3.5 km. Various mineral assemblages, viz. Kfeldspar–biotite–chlorite, K-feldspar–sericite–chlorite and quartz–epidote–chlorite–sericite indicate intense hydrothermal alteration in the area. Analytical results have shown anomalous values for Cu (up to 1530 ppm), Mo (up to 4080 ppm) and W (up to 1449 ppm). Field observations and chemical analysis have been further supplemented by ore microscopic, petrographic, geochemical and EPMA studies to identify sulphide phases (of Fe, Cu and Mo) and scheelite. All the field and laboratory studies collectively indicate a probable hydrothermal origin of mineralization in the study area. The present study on Cu, Mo and W mineralization of economic grade in the western Bundelkhand craton has important implications for further metallogenic studies and mineral exploration in the area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Basu, A. K., Geology of parts of the Bundelkhand granite massif, central India. Rec. Geol. Surv. India, 1986, 117, 61–124. Ramakrishnan, M. and Vaidyanadhan, R., Geology of India, Geological Society of India, Bangal
Literature cited 2: Kaur, P., Zeh, A. and Chaudhari, N., Characteristic of U–Pb–Hf isotope record of the 3.55 Ga felsic crust from the Bundelkhand Craton, northern India. Precambrian Res., 2014, 255, 236–244. Singh, S. P., Subramanyam, K. S. V., Manikyamba, C., Santosh, M., Rajanikanta Singh, M. and Chandan Kumar, B., Geochemical systematics of the Mauranipur–Babina greenstone belt, Bundelkhand Craton, Central India: insights on Neoarchean mantle plume-arc accretion and crustal evolution. Geosci. Front., 2018, 9, 769–788.

ID: 64919
Title: Effect of cement dust on residents in the vicinity of Bokajan factory, Assam, North East India
Author: Darshana Chetia and Bijoylaxmi Bhuyan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 557-560 (2023)
Subject: Effect of cement dust on residents in the vicinity of Bokajan factory, Assam, North East India
Keywords: Cement industry, dust particles, household activities, pollution, residences
Abstract: Cement manufacturing industries are among the most common sources of air, water (surface and ground) and noise pollution, indirectly affecting those residing near cement plants. The present study was conducted to quantify the effect of cement dust emission from Cement Corporation of India’s Bokajan factory in Assam, North East India, on the residences nearby, some selected household activities and the general well-being of people in its vicinity. An experiment was carried out to estimate the accumulated cement dust in households. The findings showed that household activities performed by the residents were dependent upon dust exposure, thus affecting the degree of cleaning and maintenance of their dwellings. Further, the adverse effect of cement dust was found to be more pronounced for people residing in the southern direction and lowest for those in the eastern direction.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Darçın, M. (ed.), How air pollution affects subjective well-being. In Well-being and Quality of Life: Medical Perspective, 2017, p. 211 (open access peer reviewed chapter); doi:10.5772/67742. Sharma, T., Rainey, R., Neumann, C., Shrestha, I., Shabi, K., Shakya, A. and Khatri, S., Roadside particulate levels at 30 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Int. J. Environ. Pollut., 2002, 17(4), 293–305.
Literature cited 2: https://www.eea.europa.eu› topics › in-depth › air-po... (accessed on 10 February 2023). http://www.floridadep.org/air/about_us/local_contacts.htm (accessed on 11 February 2023).

ID: 64918
Title: Effectiveness of insect-repellent food packaging film incorporating thymol against rice weevil, Sitophylus oryzae
Author: Aishah Mohd Marsin and Ida Idayu Muhamad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 551-556 (2023)
Subject: Effectiveness of insect-repellent food packaging film incorporating thymol against rice weevil, Sitophylus oryzae
Keywords: Essential oils, insect repellent, packaging film, rice weevil, thymol.
Abstract: This study aimed at assessing the repellent efficacy of different levels of thymol (2%, 4% and 6% (w/w)) in rice packaging against rice weevil, Sitophylus oryzae. Insect repellent assays performed in the study showed 51.84%, 48.15% and 48.15% repellency effects for 2%, 4% and 6% thymol film respectively, within three days. Films containing over 2% thymol exhibited a mortality rate of Sitophylus oryzae (n > 40%), while the penetration of rice weevil specimens through the repellent film was prevented, demonstrating the potential for the usage of thymol in insect-repellent packaging for rice.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Querner, P., Sterflinger, K., Piombino-Mascali, D., Morrow, J. J., Pospischil, R. and Pinar, G., Insect pests and integrated pest management in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy. Int. Biodeterior. Biodegrad., 2016, 131, 107–114. Marsin, A. M., Muhamad, I. I., Anis, S. N. S., Lazim, N. A. M., Ching, L. W. and Dolhaji, N. H., Essential oils as insect repellent agents in food packaging: a review. Eur. Food Res. Technol.., 2020, 246(8), 1519–1532.
Literature cited 2: Licciardello, F., Muratore, G., Suma, P., Russo, A. and Nerín, C. Effectiveness of a novel insect-repellent food packaging incorporating essential oils against the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). Innov. Food Sci. Emerg. Technol., 2013, 19, 173– 180. Rita Devi, S., Thomas, A., Rebijith, K. B. and Ramamurthy, V. V., Biology, morphology and molecular characterization of Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). J. Stored Prod. Res., 2017, 73, 135–141.

ID: 64917
Title: Water footprint assessment towards food sustainability for the valley region of Manipur, North East India
Author: N. Bidyarani Chanu and Bakimchandra Oinam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 544-550 (2023)
Subject: Water footprint assessment towards food sustainability for the valley region of Manipur, North East India
Keywords: Food sustainability, rice, satellite data, valley region, water footprint.
Abstract: Water is a scarce resource. Thus water consumption by crops needs to be monitored to maintain future food sustainability. Water footprint (WF) is a tool to estimate water consumption by humans and the available freshwater. Assessment of WF is significant for planning and managing water scarcity and food security. Rice is a staple crop in Manipur, North East India, requiring a large amount of water for production. In this study, the WF of rice is estimated for the valley region of Manipur for three years using satellite remote sensing and meteorological datasets. The critical parameters required for assessing WF of rice are evapotranspiration, precipitation and yield. For the analysis of WF, MODIS 8 daily evapotranspiration data and the CHIRPS dataset were used for evapotranspiration and precipitation respectively. Three components of WF were analysed in order to attain the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The analysis of green and blue water footprints suggests that the green-to-blue water footprint ratio is 0.8 to 10. The area exhibits a green-to-blue ratio of less than 1, which indicates a greater utilization of irrigation water (blue water) in comparison to rainwater (green water). A value less than 1 demonstrates the need to reduce blue water use in these areas by selecting alternative food crops and increasing green water throughout the valley region to achieve the food sustainability goal.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anna, M., Hans, C. K., Elga, S., Solomon, S., Marloes, L. M. and Ann, V. G., Comparison of blue and green water fluxes for different land use classes in a semi-arid cultivated catchment using remote sensing. J. Hydrol.: Reg. Stud., 2021, 36, 100860. Libor, A. and Lada, S., Water footprint as a tool for selection of alternatives (comments on ‘food recommendations for reducing water footprint’). Sustainability, 2022, 14, 6317.
Literature cited 2: Lovarelli, D., Bacenetti, J. and Fiala, M., Water footprint of crop productions: a review. Sci. Total Environ., 2016, 548, 236–251. UN-DESA, World population prospects: the 2017 revision, key findings and advance tables, Working Paper No. ESA/P/WP/248, New York, USA, 2017; https://population.un.org/wpp/publications/ files/wpp2017_keyfindings.pdf.

ID: 64916
Title: Crop diversification vis-á-vis shifting cultivation in Karbi Anglong district of Assam: an empirical analysis
Author: Brota S. Bey, Rizwan Ahmed , Ram Singh and Saddam Hossen Majumder
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 536-543 (2023)
Subject: Crop diversification vis-á-vis shifting cultivation in Karbi Anglong district of Assam: an empirical analysis
Keywords: Crop diversification, farm income, hilly regions, shifting cultivation, sustainability.
Abstract: The present study estimates crop diversification in the Karbi Anglong district, Assam, North East India, as well as the cost and returns from shifting cultivation in the hilly areas, along with policy measures for maintaining their sustainability in the long run. The study comprised both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from four blocks of the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Two villages from each block were selected based on the intensive shifting practices, and 10 respondents from each village were selected randomly, making a total sample of 80 respondents. The average crop diversification in the region was greater than 0.8, indicating that the region is highly rich in diversity. The variable cost mainly consisted of hired human labour and seeds, of which labour cost was highest for cultivation because shifting cultivation is labour-intensive. Though the returns over total cost and variable cost for different crop mixes showed positive outcomes, it was necessary to recommend a policy to reduce human labour costs in hilly regions. So, a policy has been recommended to make small farm machinery (smaller than power tillers) readily available to farmers for cultivation in hilly regions. This will help reduce the human labour cost, thereby increasing the net returns of the farming community and distribution of higher-yielding seeding materials among them. This would enhance their income, so farmers in the study region must be encouraged to increase the extent of crop diversification
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon., India: Distribution of the workforce across economic sectors from 2019. Statista; https://www.statista.com/statistics/271320/distribution-of-the-workforce-across-economic-sectors-in-india/ (accessed on 26 March 2023). Mertz, O., Padocb, C., Fox, J., Cramb, R. A., Leisz, S. J., Lam, N. T. and Vien, T. D., Swidden change in Southeast Asia: understanding causes and consequences. Hum. Ecol., 2009, 37(3), 259–264.
Literature cited 2: Fujisaka, S., Hurtado, L. and Uribe, R., A working classification of slash and burn agricultural systems. Agrofor. Syst., 1996, 34(2), 151–169; https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00148159. Ramakrishnan, P. S. and Toky, O. P., Cropping and yields in agricultural systems of the north-eastern hill region of India. AgroEcosyst., 1981,

ID: 64915
Title: Marketing analysis of apple crop in High Hills of Himachal Pradesh
Author: Bharti, Kaustav Aditya and Sarita Devi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 530-535 (2023)
Subject: Marketing analysis of apple crop in High Hills of Himachal Pradesh
Keywords: Apple, arrival trend, high hills, marketing efficiency, price spread.
Abstract: Apple crop is the predominant temperate fruit in the high hills of Himachal Pradesh (HP), India, primarily due to the ideal temperate climate of the region characterized by high altitude and significant snowfall. This study aims to examine the marketing aspects of apple crops in the high hills of HP, taking into account the complex nature of its marketing patterns. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cautious approach within the marketing channel, as any oversight can reduce prices and profits. Additionally, the study examines the arrival trends of apples in the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee of HP. The findings reveal that the retail channel demonstrated the highest marketing efficiency, followed by the commission agent’s channel, suggesting that reducing the intermediaries in the channel contributes to enhanced marketing efficiency.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: FAOSTAT, 2021; https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL (accessed on 3 February 2023). Horticultural Statistics at a Glance, Horticulture Statistics Division, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and fare (DAC&FW), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India, 2018.
Literature cited 2: GoI, Agricultural Statistics at a Glance, DAC&FW, MoA&FW, Government of India, 2021. Wani, F. A. and Songara, M., Production and marketing of apples in Himachal Pradesh: an empirical study. Int. J. Res. Cult. Soc., 2017, 10(1), 34–40

ID: 64914
Title: Spatial approach for the estimation of average yield of cotton using reduced number of crop cutting experiments
Author: Nobin Chandra Paul, Anil Rai, Tauqueer Ahmad, Ankur Biswas and Prachi Misra Sahoo
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 518-529 (2023)
Subject: Spatial approach for the estimation of average yield of cotton using reduced number of crop cutting experiments
Keywords: Cotton yield, crop cutting experiments, district level, geographically weighted regression, spatial non-stationarity
Abstract: In India, cotton yield estimates are done using crop cutting experiments (CCEs) conducted within the framework of the general crop estimation surveys (GCES) methodology. In recent times, for obtaining reliable estimates at levels lower than the district, the number of CCEs has increased in comparison to the existing set-up of GCES. This puts an additional financial burden on Government agencies. There is a possibility of reducing the number of CCEs under the GCES methodology and predicting the remaining CCE points using an appropriate spatial prediction model. In this article, the predictive performance of different spatial models has been compared. Furthermore, district-level estimate of average productivity of cotton has been determined using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) technique and the results compared with those obtained using the traditional GCES methodology. The proposed spatial estimator of the average yield of cotton obtained using the GWR approach is more efficient and the results are comparable with the estimates obtained using the GCES methodology. The developed methodology can be utilized to reduce the number of CCEs and capture the spatial non-stationarity present in the cotton crop yield.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ahmad, T., Sud, U. C., Rai, A. and Sahoo, P. M., An alternative sampling methodology for estimation of cotton yield using double sampling approach. J. Indian Soc. Agric. Stat., 2020, 74(3), 217–226. Moury, P. K., Estimation of finite population total using robust geographically weighted regression approach. Ph.D. thesis, ICARIARI, New Delhi,
Literature cited 2: Ahmad, T., Bhatia, V. K., Sud, U. C., Rai, A. and Sahoo, P. M., Study to develop an alternative methodology for estimation of cotton production. Project Report, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, 2013. Brunsdon, C., Fotheringham, A. S. and Charlton, M. E., geographically weighted regression: a method for exploring spatial nonstationarity. Ge

ID: 64913
Title: Stacked framework of machine learning classifiers for protein family prediction using protein characteristics
Author: T. Idhaya, A. Suruliandi and S. P. Raja
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 508-517 (2023)
Subject: Stacked framework of machine learning classifiers for protein family prediction using protein characteristics
Keywords: Alignment free method, machine learning, protein family prediction, stacked framework, twilight zone proteins.
Abstract: A protein family must be identified, so that the protein can be modified and controlled for using it in the identification of drug target interactions, structure prediction, etc. Protein families are identified using the similarity between protein sequences. Alignment-free approaches use machine learning (ML) techniques for protein family prediction. In this study, two novel ML-based models, viz. a stacked framework of random forest, and a stacked framework of random forest, decision tree and naive Bayes for protein family prediction have been developed for a better identification of protein families. Both the models outperform state-of-the-art methods with an accuracy of 98.21% and 98.49% respectively. The proposed models give better results for twilight zone protein datasets as we
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.dnastar.com/blog/structural-biology/why-structure-prediction-matters (accessed on 12 September 2022). Ranjini, K., Suruliandi, A. and Raja, S. P., A stacked framework of heterogeneous incremental classifiers for assisted reproductive technology outcome prediction. IEEE Trans. Comput. Soc. Syst., 2021, 8(3), 557–567.
Literature cited 2: Cao, R. et al., DeepQA: improving the estimation of single protein model quality with deep belief networks. BMC Bioinform., 2016, 17, 495; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-016-1405-y. Mukherjee, S. et al., Genomes OnLine database (GOLD) v.7: updates and new features. Nucleic Acids Res., 2019, 47(D1), D649–D659; https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gky977.

ID: 64912
Title: Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with reference to diseases diagnosis and special emphasis on lipoarabinomannan
Author: Pooja Chaudhary, Arun P. Sikarwar , K. K. Mohanty and Shripad A. Patil
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (5) 494-507 (2023)
Subject: Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with reference to diseases diagnosis and special emphasis on lipoarabinomannan
Keywords: Antigens, diagnostic marker, lipoarabinomannan, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tuberculosis.
Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious and notorious disease globally. There are several tests available for the detection of TB, but they have severe limitations. There is no reliable test present that quickly can detect TB at an early stage and also discern between different stages of the disease. Detection of TB is the major problem. Resolving it may lead to initiation of early treatment and thus controlling further spread. Methods to detect TB are continuously evolving to achieve rapid, cheaper, sensitive, and specific results. Here, we review Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan (LAM) as a diagnostic marker, which is present in the sputum and body fluids, including urine and blood. Thus, it could be an innovative approach in the diagnosis of childhood TB using urine as a sample. There is a need for developing better diagnostic tools to detect TB and using LAM as a diagnostic marker, we can overcome the shortcomings of the present tools and techniques. The application of rapid LAM test has the potential to evolve with innovative approaches being attempted to increase the sensitivity of TB detection.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Riley, R. L. and Moodie, A. S., Infectivity of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in inner city homes. Am. Rev. Respirat. Dis., 1974, 110(6P1), 810–812. Vynnycky, E. and Fine, P. E., Lifetime risks, incubation period, and serial interval of tuberculosis. Am. J. Epidemiol., 2000, 152(3), 247–263.
Literature cited 2: Houben, R. M. G. J. and Dodd, P. J., The global burden of latent tuberculosis infection: a re-estimation using mathematical modelling. PLOS Med., 2016, 13(10), e1002152. MacLean, E. and Pai, M., Urine lipoarabinomannan for tuberculosis diagnosis: evolution and prospects. Clin. Chem., 2018, 64(8), 1133– 1135.