Rashtriya Krishi (English)

Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture (B.C.K.V.), Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

India has to sustain 16 per cent of the world's population on 2.4 per cent of the global land area. It has to feed its burgeoning population using 3 per cent and 5 per cent of global farm land and water resources. Hence, its dependence on aquatic resources for production of additional food is obvious and shall become more and more necessary. Fish, as a source of 'rich food for poor people', can play an important role in improving food security and nutritional status of rural people as indispensable source of micronutrients and vitamins. Where there is a lack of alternative locally produced protein, fish provides the major cheap source of protein intake as well as contributes towards calorie supply for rural people.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture (B.C.K.V.), Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

The concept of seed treatment is the use and application of biological and chemical agents that control or contain primary soil and seed borne infestation of insects and diseases which pose devastating consequences to crop production and improving crop safety leading to good establishment of healthy and vigorous plants resulting better yields. Seed treatment refers to the application of fungicides, insecticides, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect and disinfect them from seed borne or soil borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects. Many diseases can be controlled by a simple chemical seed treatment. Plant disease organisms survive from season to season through spores carried on or in seeds.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture (B.C.K.V.), Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Tea plantation industry is a combination of industry and agriculture. Production of leaf is an agricultural activity while its processing is an industrial activity. Most of the large estates process raw leaf in their own factories. India continues to be the largest producer of tea accounting for 28.09 per cent of global output. India is also the largest consumer of tea. In terms of area, it occupies 19.05 per cent of the world tea area.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture (B.C.K.V.), Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

In India betelvine is known as 'Paan'. It is grown as an important cash crop. India has a long ancient history of betelvine culture as mentioned in Atharva Veda. The betel leaf occupies a significant place in everyday life of Indian people as it is used in rituals and in Indian system of medicine as cure for many diseases and disorders. It is the most important commercial crop and also most profitable amongst all cultivated crops which plays a vital role in the overall livelihood security of farm families.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture (B.C.K.V.), Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

PRA indicates Participatory Rural Appraisal. The rich experience of the farmers generally do not get priority in planning , as the action plans for development of their areas are mostly prepared elsewhere, what is generally done is the incorporation of technologies which are developed and tested elsewhere for increasing production and productivity. The micro-environments by and large remain unobserved.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Another name of water caltrop is water chestnut. Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is one of the most important minor fruit crops grown in India. It is an aquatic nut crop grown mainly in the tropical and sub-tropical region, as submersed plant community. It also thrives in the soft nutrient rich waters in lakes, ponds and streams with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The plant is well adapted to life at the water’s edge and prospers even when stranded along muddy shores.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

The ambarella (as English name) is also known as the hog plum or golden apple is one of the newer fruits on the ever expanding list of exotics which is quickly gaining popularity. Despite being tropical, the ambarella has proven to be quite hardy and is very fast to become established in the sub-tropics and fruit begins to appear after only three years. Ambarella is perennial, deciduous, semi-evergreen plant, can grow in tropical, sub-tropical or mediterranean climate. Ambarella is a fruit of south and south-east Asia. From there, it spread to other tropical parts of the western countries. The green as well as ripe fruits of ambarella are used in a variety of ways.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Most of the extension organizations in India rely on the policy of promotion for middle and top level positions. The advantage is that, while experience counts and promotes loyalty, it falls back on competency, as lateral performances take a back seat. This is a unique but persistent hindrance, to quality performances and to combat this, many institutes are depending highly on training of employees, as it has a direct impact on development of human resources in any organization. For effective management, training could be used as an effective tool of planning and control. It develops skills among the employees and prepares them for handling present and future jobs. It helps in increasing the productivity and quality which are the cherished goals of any modern organization. Training not only improves the morale of employees but also enhances their job security and satisfaction. The more satisfied the employee is, the greater is the morale, the more he/she will contribute to organizational success. A well trained employee will show both quantitative and qualitative performances. EEI as a guiding force shapes the personal and professional outlook of the extension officers of various line departments of client states and never stops going that extra mile ahead in providing greater value to the training in terms of quality, quantity and promoting client satisfaction by following a highly application oriented and participative style of training. Only after understanding the quality and skilled work force requirement of the sector, the institute designs the course content. The institutes created a record of hundred per cent client coverage and satisfaction with respect to quality and quantity.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Planning is the key to development for a developing country. For a mixed economy like India where both public sector and private sector exist alongside in the nation building process, the aim of the planning process is to offer quality of life to its citizens. In a welfare state equal opportunity in terms of education and employment, equitable distribution of wealth, health and social security are crucial. For that purpose, Planning Commission of India was established in India on March, 1950. Agriculture plays the most important role in Indian economy. The annual agricultural production decides the GDP of the country, directly as well as indirectly. Presently, the share of agriculture in GDP is 23 per cent, industries 27 per cent and service sector 50 per cent. However, industries and service sectors are influenced by agriculture sector. Since agriculture sector creates purchasing power amongst farmers, which fuels growth in industries and services. Therefore, unless agricultural production increases national GDP can not increase in spite of advancement in industrial and software technology which is the backbone of service sector. In the new millennium, the challenges in the agricultural sector are quite different from those met in the previous decades. The enormous pressure of produce more food from less land with shrinking natural resources is a tough task for the farmers. While agriculture held an important place in the national economy, its’ efficiency remained at low level. No doubt, agriculture is the basis of Indian Planning. Therefore, here the trend of foodgrains production in different plans is discussed and analyzed chronologically.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

MANAGE was established in 1987, as the National Centre for Management of Agricultural Extension at Hyderabad, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India as an autonomous institute, from which its acronym MANAGE is derived. Its status was elevated to that of a National Institute in 1992 and re-christened with its present name - the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management. The pioneer institute deals with management education in the field of agricultural and its practices. The institute offers degree course for post graduate aspirants, viz., Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM), Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Agri Business Management) – PGDM (ABM). The NIAEM/MANAGE is an autonomous institute located in the knowledge hub of India – Hyderabad. MANAGE is an ISO 9001:2008 certified institution. This institute supports agriculture and focuses on the current plight of farmers. MANAGE has highly learned professionals as faculties who preach the students and inculcate in them values of ethics and integrity. MANAGE is the Indian response to challenges of agricultural extension in a rapidly growing and diverse agriculture sector. The policies of liberalization and globalization of the economy and the level of agricultural technology becoming more sophisticated and complex, called for major initiatives towards reorientation and modernization of the agricultural extension system. Effective ways of managing the extension system needed to be evolved and extension organizations enabled to transform the existing set up through professional guidance and training of critical manpower. MANAGE is the response to this imperative need.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Fisheries in India, is yet another important economic activity especially creating employment in rural sector. This flourishing sector has varied resources and potentials. Only after independence, fisheries together with agriculture have been recognized as a vital sector with regards to generating income. The vibrancy of the sector can be visualized by the eleven fold increase that India achieved in fish production in just six decades, i.e. from 0.75 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 9.6 million tonnes during 2012-13. This resulted in an unparalleled average annual growth rate of over 4.5 per cent over the years which have placed the country on the forefront of global fish production, only after China. Besides meeting the domestic needs, the dependence of over 14.5 million people on fisheries activities for their livelihood and foreign exchange earnings to the tune of US $ 3.51 billion (2012-13) from fish and fisheries products, amply justifies the importance of the sector on the country’s economy and in livelihood security. Fish farming is a type of business that requires perseverance and adept skills. The first thing to be considered in order to be successful in this kind of business is to be aware of problems with fish farming.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Betelvine (Piper betle L.) is a perennial evergreen shade loving creeper to the family piperaceae. In India, it is commercially cultivated as an important and potential cash crop. The betel leaf occupies a significant place in everyday life of Indian people as it is used in rituals and in Indian system of medicine as cure of many diseases and disorders Betelvine crop cultivation is a profitable enterprise.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Agriculture is locomotive of our economy and a prosperous rural economy based on agriculture will ultimately make the nation prosperous." -Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

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Hiralal Jana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

There is no option except to produce more food and other commodities under conditions of diminishing per capita arable land and irrigation water resources.”-Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. Irrigation is the method in which a controlled amount of water is supplied to plants at regular intervals for agriculture. It is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and revegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall. The world over, the irrigation sector is the largest user of water-almost 80 per cent of the water in the world is taken up by irrigation. In India, the irrigation sector uses 85 per cent of its available water resources. The average rainfall in India is 1170 mm and given the geographical area of 3.3 million km, gives India 4000 cu km of water. Almost 50 per cent of this water is lost to evaporation, percolation, sub-surface flows to ocean and only 1953 bcm is accounted for. The population of our country in 2050 AD will be around 1593 million for middle variant growth, as projected by United Nations (2004 revision) and corresponding food grain requirement will be about 450 million tones. Development of irrigation coupled with high yielding varieties of crops and increased use of fertilizers may possibly be the only strategy available to achieve the required level of production. Availability of water for irrigation is thus critical to self-sufficiency in food. In-basin water resources development alone cannot increase the irrigation area beyond certain limits. The ultimate irrigation potential that can be achieved from in-basin development is estimated to be around 140 million hectares. But, for achieving the food production level of about 450-500 million tones, it is imperative that an irrigation potential of at least 130 million hectares for food crops alone and 160 million hectares for all crops is created. One of the major strategies for achieving such a massive increase in irrigation potential could be inter-basin transfer of water.

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Hiralal Jana ¹, L. C. Patel ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN

Abstract

The National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) was established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Hyderabad, in 1976, to address issues related to agricultural research and education management. In the initial years, the Academy primarily imparted foundation training to the new entrants of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of ICAR. Subsequently, its role expanded to include research, capacity building of senior professionals of national and international NARS in agricultural research and education management, and policy and consultancy support to NARS (National Agricultural Research System). The Academy also renders services for building IP (Intellectual Property) portfolios like patents and geographical indications to various stakeholders including farmers and scientists. Keeping in view the increasing national and global need to integrate agriculture with agribusiness for raising rural incomes, and the increased emphasis on the creation, dissemination, application and exchange of knowledge in this vital area, the Academy has recently initiated post graduate education programmes and set up an Agribusiness Knowledge Centre.

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Hiralal Jana ¹, Suchhanda Jana ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati University, Sriniketan, Birbhum (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Palmyra tree is a tall and swaying tree well known as “Borassus flabellifer”. The word “Borassus” was derived from a Greek word and it means the leathery covering of the fruit and “flabellifer”, means fan-bearer. Palmyra palm tree belongs to the ‘palme’ family. Palakkad district of Kerala is popularly known as land of palmyra trees. Palmyra trees are known as the icon of this district and have a vast cultural, heritage and literary association. Many novels, stories and poems revolve around these trees. The Palmyra tree is the official tree of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil culture it is called karpaha , “nungu” “celestial tree”, and is highly respected because all its parts can be used. The Asian Palmyra palm is a symbol of Cambodia where it is a very common palm, found all over the country. It also grows near the Angkor Wat temple. In Indonesia the Palmyra tree is the symbol of South Sulawesi province. This plant has captured the imagination of Bengalis, especially in the words of Rabindranath Tagore whose nursery rhyme ‘Taal Gaach ek paye daariye, sab gaach chhariye, akaashete uki mare….’ literally tall tree standing on a single leg, surpassing all other trees, looking to the sky…. In Sahaj Path is a staple reading material in most of schools in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

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Hiralal Jana ¹, Suchhanda Jana ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati University, Sriniketan, Birbhum (W.B.), IN

Abstract

Arsenic is a semi-metallic element-although it is generally referred to as a heavy metal-that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and has no perceptible taste or odor. In its pure element state, arsenic has a grey colour and is relatively solid. Arsenic is a chemical element with the symbol “As”. Arsenic is recognized as a poison and cancer causing substance (carcinogen). It occurs within organic compounds (combined with hydrogen and carbon), and within inorganic compounds (combined with sulphur, chlorine or oxygen). In water arsenic has no smell or taste and can only be detected through a chemical test. When arsenic combined with other elements in the environment, it changes to a powder form that is either white or colourless and is very difficult to distinguish. This, along with its lack of smell and taste, makes arsenic compounds in water, air, or on food extremely hard to detect. Traces of arsenic can be found in air, soil, water and food. Though naturally occurring arsenic in the soil is usually only found in very low concentrations, some regions of the world contain arsenic-heavy deposits, which have been estimated to tremendously increase arsenic levels in the ground. These arsenic-rich areas have frequently contaminated groundwater supplies, which are often the only source of drinking water for local communities. Arsenic contamination of groundwater is a form of groundwater pollution which is often due to naturally occurring high concentrations of arsenic in deeper levels of groundwater. It is a high profile problem due to the use of deep tube-wells for water supply in the Ganges Delta, causing serious arsenic poisoning to large numbers of people. A 2007 study found that over 137 million people in more than 70 countries are probably affected by arsenic poisoning of drinking water. Arsenic contamination of groundwater is found in many countries throughout the world, including USA.

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Hiralal Jana ¹, Suchhanda Jana ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Agricultural Extension College of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Agricultural Farm, Burdwan (W.B.), IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati University, Sriniketan, Birbhum (W.B.), IN

Abstract

The Agricultural Scientists Recruitments Board (ASRB) in pursuance of the recommendations of the Gajendragadkar Committee Report on ICAR, 1972 was established on 1 November 1973 as an independent recruitment agency. Agriculture Research Services abbreviated as ARS is the research services of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) conducts all India competitive examination for ARS examination, to recruit entry level posts in the Agricultural Research Services of ICAR. Problems in agriculture now are complex than in the past. To solve complex problems recruitment of competent scientific manpower and putting right person for the right job is need of the hour. To achieve this, every effort will be made for holding merit, integrity and transparency in ASRB examinations, promotions and recruitments. The basic purpose of the service is to set a cutting edge model of education, perform research for its application in agriculture, agro forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, home science and allied sciences. The agricultural research services has been playing a major role in make the country self-reliant as far as production of food grains, horticultural crops, milk, meat, fish and eggs are concerned and the role of the services goes further scathing and challenging owing to widening demand of the country growing at a decadal growth rate of 17.2 per cent.

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