`̀̀̀ AAAA GGGG RRRR IIII NNNN EEEE WWWWSSSS I CARI CARI CARI CAR TRI PTRI PTRI PTRI P, , , , URAURAURAURA

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

Vi si tVi si tVi si tVi si t ofofofof DrDrDrDr .... MMMM.... SSSS . . . . Swami nat hanSwami nat hanSwami nat hanSwami nat han

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Resear chResear chResear chResear ch Achi evement sAchi evement sAchi evement sAchi evement s • Plant Pathology

• Animal Reproduction

• Poultry Science

• Fisheries

Ext ensi onExt ensi onExt ensi onExt ensi on Act i vi t i esAct i vi t i esAct i vi t i esAct i vi t i es NAIP Sub-Project

Seminar/Meeting

Centre & Farm Visit

Distinguished Visitors

Published byPublished byPublished byPublished by : : : : Dr. M. Datta Dr. M. Datta Dr. M. Datta Dr. M. Datta, , , , Joint DirectorJoint DirectorJoint DirectorJoint Director ICAR, Tripura CentreICAR, Tripura CentreICAR, Tripura CentreICAR, Tripura Centre

For further information please contactFor further information please contactFor further information please contactFor further information please contact :

Dr. M. DattaDr. M. DattaDr. M. DattaDr. M. Datta,,,, Joint DirecJoint DirecJoint DirecJoint Directortortortor ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Tripura Centre, Lembucherra Tripura Centre, Lembucherra Tripura Centre, Lembucherra Tripura Centre, Lembucherra----799 210,799 210,799 210,799 210, Tripura, India Tripura, India Tripura, India Tripura, India

℡℡℡℡ (0381) 2917883, 2865354 (O)

FAX : (0381) 2865537, 2865201

Email : jd _icar.tripura@yahoo.com Website : www.tripuraicar.gov.in

OROROROR Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Dr.S.V.Ngachan, DireDireDireDirectorctorctorctor

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Umroi Road, UmiamUmroi Road, UmiamUmroi Road, UmiamUmroi Road, Umiam----793 103793 103793 103793 103 Meghalaya,India Meghalaya,India Meghalaya,India Meghalaya,India ℡℡℡℡ (0364) 2570257 (O) Fax ; (0364) 2570363/2570501

Editorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial Board

Dr. S.Dr. S.Dr. S.Dr. S.MalikMalikMalikMalik,,,, Sr. ScientistSr. ScientistSr. ScientistSr. Scientist SmtSmtSmtSmt. . . . L.L.L.L. SahooSahooSahooSahoo, , , , Scientist Scientist Scientist Scientist Shri A.RoyShri A.RoyShri A.RoyShri A.Roy, Technical Off, Technical Off, Technical Off, Technical Officericericericer DesignDesignDesignDesignedededed bybybyby :::: Shri A.Roy, TechnicalShri A.Roy, TechnicalShri A.Roy, TechnicalShri A.Roy, Technical Officer Officer Officer Officer

APRIL - JUNE, 2011 Vol. IVol. IVol. IVol. IX X X X , , , , No. No. No. No. IIII IIII

AAAA Newsl et t erNewsl et t erNewsl et t erNewsl et t er ofofofof I CARI CARI CARI CAR Resear chResear chResear chResear ch Compl exCompl exCompl exCompl ex f orf orf orf or NEHNEHNEHNEH Regi onRegi onRegi onRegi on

Vi si tVi si tVi si tVi si t ofofofof DrDrDrDr MMMM SSSS Swami nat hanSwami nat hanSwami nat hanSwami nat han. . . . . . . . . . . .

Inauguration of Exibition Hall by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, ChairmanChairmanChairmanChairman, MS Swaminathan Research , MS Swaminathan Research , MS Swaminathan Research , MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai and Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha had paid a visFoundation, Chennai and Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha had paid a visFoundation, Chennai and Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha had paid a visFoundation, Chennai and Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha had paid a visiiiit t t t to ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre on 20to ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre on 20to ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre on 20to ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre on 20thththth AAAApril, pril, pril, pril, 2011. After visiting our resea2011. After visiting our resea2011. After visiting our resea2011. After visiting our research farm at Cocotilla, rch farm at Cocotilla, rch farm at Cocotilla, rch farm at Cocotilla, Dr. Swaminathan Dr. Swaminathan Dr. Swaminathan Dr. Swaminathan had inaugurated the had inaugurated the had inaugurated the had inaugurated the EEEExhibition xhibition xhibition xhibition HallHallHallHall depicting research activities. A letter depicting research activities. A letter depicting research activities. A letter depicting research activities. A letter of appreciation as received through of appreciation as received through of appreciation as received through of appreciation as received through eeee----mail is stated below.mail is stated below.mail is stated below.mail is stated below.

April 29, 2011

My dear Dr. Datta,

I am sorry for this delay in thanking you and all your colleagues for

showing me the outstanding work being done by our centre in Tripura. I

am glad you are helping the farming community in an effective manner. I

wish you and the centre continued success in the important work you

are doing.

With warm personal regards,

Yours sincerely,

M. S. Swaminathan

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Email: director@icarneh.ernet.in

NNNNational Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention ational Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention ational Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention ational Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention

through Biotech Interventionthrough Biotech Interventionthrough Biotech Interventionthrough Biotech Intervention

A National Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention through Biotech Intervention was

organised by Integrated Agromet Advisory Services, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre in

collaboration with Department of Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture, Govt of Tripura and in

association with National Initiatives on Climate Resilient Agriculture, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region,

Umiam (Barapani), Meghalaya on June 8-9, 2011 at Agartala, Tripura. Workshop was inaugurated by Sri

Aghore Debbarma, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura. Sri K V Satyanarayan, IAS, Principal

Secretary, Govt of Tripura, Dr M. Moni, Dy Director General, National Informatics Centre, Govt of India, New

Delhi, Sri Sriram Taranikanti, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Govt. of Tripura and Dr S V Ngachan, Director,

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya was also present in the workshop. Dr M. Datta, Joint

Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre while welcoming the delegates of the

National Workshop had narrated the importance of the disease forecasting in crops, animals and fishes

followed by the dissemination of this information through SMS directly to the farmers in order to avert losses

in Agriculture and allied activities.

On the 8th

June, 2011, the workshop had two technical sessions in the area of Weather & Agromet

Advisory Services and Pest & Diseases in Crops. On the 9th

June, 2011, the workshop had three technical

sessions in the area of Climatic responses on Agriculture & Horticultural Production, Climatic responses on

Animal Resources & Fisheries and ICT Application in Agriculture with following recommendations:

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Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR felicitating Lightening of lamp Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR delivering

Shri Aghore Debbarma,Hon’ble Minister inaugural address

Of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura

Recommendations :

Session I: Weather & Agromet Advisory Services

1. Assessment of impact of climate change on agricultural production, land resources, health, water resource

and fresh water conflicts.

2. Comprehensive and coherent legislation to deal with green house gases emission.

3. Precise forecasting system with proper value addition.

4. Development of location specific information system with micro level climate and hazard analysis in

relation to crop production.

5. Meteorological stations at block level.

Session II: Pest & Diseases

1. Quantification and correlation of emergence of pests / biotypes due to Climate Change.

2. Biotechnological interventions for overcoming of Pest Onslaughts, like Bio-Control Agents, Pheromones,

Virus Free Tissue Cultured Planting Materials etc.

3. Popularization of Acid Tolerant Bio-Inoculants.

4. Development of Forecasting System for North Eastern Region.

Session III: Climatic responses on Agricultural & Horticultural Productions

1. Screening of the local varieties for climate resilient genes.

2. Empirical models for the forecasting of the diseases.

3. Modification in the cultural practices in accordance with climate change.

4. Bio pesticides should be made locally available by training the Self Help groups as well as pilot units under

public private partnership.

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5. Screening of Germplasm of the pulses under climate change.

6. The promising plant disease antagonists should be promoted as consortia of species or strains.

7. The research and development on shelf life enhancement and liquid formulation standardization should

be strengthened.

8. Improving the local availability of bio pesticides should be achieved by training self help groups as well as

pilot units under public private partnerships.

9. Empowering farmers with biotech options and awareness to b e supported by on- farm demonstrations

under farmers field school model.

10. Promote the use of insect attractant, traps, especially for fruit flies and caterpillar pests, as tools of

monitoring and mass trapping.

11. Undertaking a regional network project to evolve climate linked forecasting and area wide male

annihilation of the fruit fly complex affecting tree fruits and cucurbit vegetable crops.

12. Launch focussed program to identify and/or develop climatically adapted strains/species of important

mass producible bio control agents.

13. Pulse Breeding efforts should be directed to pulse varieties with photo thermo insensitivity.

14. Pulses varieties should have synchronized maturity.

15. Varieties with tolerant to in situ germination will be very important for successful pulse cultivation in NEH

under increasing rainfall.

16. Germplasm of pulses should be screened for desirable characters under climate change.

17. Work on identification of QTLs for tolerance to different abiotic stress should be identified through Marker

Assisted Selection.

Session IV: Climatic responses on Animal Resources & Fisheries

1. Effect of climate change on Poultry productivity, adaptation and mitigation strategies, disease incidence

and prevention should be carried out.

2. Studies on better estrus synchronization protocols need to be undertaken for amelioration of infertility in

livestock in summer season.

3. Detailed studies providing evidence of stimulation of immune responses and productivity through

supplementation of specific ayurvedic plants to livestock should be conducted.

4. Haemonchus contortus infection in goats in sub-tropical hill area is predicted to occur during the months

from April to September.

5. To create disease surveillance network with emphasis on data gathering and outbreak incidence.

6. Development of monitoring and surveillance system for animal diseases including emerging ones should

be carried out.

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Release of book by Hon’ble Sri K V Satyanarayan, Principal Sri Sriram Taranikanti, Commissioner

Minister of Agriculture Secretary (Agriculture), Govt. of Tripura & Secretary , Science & Technology

Govt. of Tripura Govt. of Tripura

7. Fish being poikilotherms are more susceptible to climate change. Hence studies should be carried out to

determine thermoneutral zone for different fish varieties for various agroclimatic zones.

8. Intensive research investigation for propagation through captive breeding programme for Ompok and

other fishes and their economic application in integrated farming system should be conducted.

Session V: ICT Application in Agriculture

1. Involvement of the Governments, NGOs and other organisations to implement the Information System for

Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development.

The services recommended are

i) Location Specific Decision Support System in suitable local/ regional languages.

ii) Geometric Technology for the farmers.

iii) Soil Health Management.

a) Land Information System.

b) Database on Soil Health Card.

c) Soil Health Card Computerisation.

iv) Agricultural Bio Security network.

v) Palatable Agromet Bulletin

vi) Automation of Agromet Bulletin with proper value addition

vii) Web services from IMD to upgrade the existing generic software developed by NIC, Agartala

2. Base lining of suitable disease forecasting model

3. Capacity building of all field unit, such as KVKs, ATMAs, Farmers, NGOs.

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Dr. M. Datta, Joint Director delivering Release of book by Principal Secretary A view of participants in National

welcome address Workshop

Distribution of Tissue Culture BananaDistribution of Tissue Culture BananaDistribution of Tissue Culture BananaDistribution of Tissue Culture Banana

Sri JoyGivinda DebRoy, Hon’ble Minister, Science, Technology and Environment,

Govt. of Tripura distributing Tissue Culture Banana

A programme was held on 11th

May’2011 at ICAR, Lembucherra, West Tripura for distribution of

Tissue culture planting material of Banana ( Sabri var.) and the programme was graced by Shri JoyGovinda

Deb Roy, Hon’ble Minister, Science, Technology and Environment , Govt. of Tripura. Shri P. Biswas, Director,

DBT and Shri, M. Debnath, Member Dy. Secretary, TBC, Govt. of

Tripura were also present in the distribution programme, where

10,000 plants after undergoing secondary hardening for a period

of 50 days were distributed among the farmers for planting in an

area of nearly 6 ha. The secondary hardening of banana supplied

from Tripura Biotechnological Council, Govt. of Tripura was

carried out at ICAR under the supervision of Dr. S.P Das, Sr.

Scientist, Plant Breeding. In the distribution programme, the

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Plant PathologyPlant PathologyPlant PathologyPlant Pathology

importance of banana in fruit based cropping systems possessing a potentiality of high economic return was

illustrated by Dr. M. Datta, Joint Director, ICAR, Tripura Centre.

~ S.Biswas & M.Datta.

Three different biopesticides, viz. Ramederma (Trichoderma viride), Rameflora (Pseudomonas

fluorescens) and Ramecide (Beauveria bassiana) of Ramel industries Ltd., Kolkata, were tested for their

efficacy against major diseases and pests of tomato (var- BT-10) and brinjal (var- Singnath). In tomato, the

diseases like, early leaf blight (ELB), wilt, leaf curl, mosaic, late blight (LLB) and pest, leaf miner were

considered for this study due to their prevalence in the season. The diseases like, ELB and LLB, were studied in

0-5 scale, where 0= nil, 1= trace to 5%, 2= 6-10%, 3= 11-20%, 4 = 20- below 50% & 5 = 50 % and above leaf

area covered by the disease. The systemic diseases, like leaf curl, wilt and mosaic, were estimated by counting

the number of plants affected in plot of 12 plants. The leaf miner was estimated in 0-5 scale, where 0 = not

affected and 5 = 100% affected as above. The results are presented in Table 1. The disease and pest incidences

in all the treatments were little low. However, there was significant increase in yield in biopesticides applied

field. The yield was highest in Ramederm (T. viride) treated field. This increase might be due to inhibition of

harmful effects of several unknown pathogens at root region.

Table 1. Performances of Biopesticides in tomato disease and pest control

Disease & pest incidences Treatment

(biopesticide) ELB

(0-5

scale)

LLB

(0-5 Scale)

Wilt

(No/plot)

Curl

(no/plot)

Mosaic

(no/plot)

Leaf

miner (0-

5 scale)

Yield

(g)

Ramederma 1 0 1.33 1.33 2.00 2.33 7117

Rameflora 1 0 0.67 2.00 3.67 1.67 6667

Ramecide 1 0 0.67 2.00 2.33 1.00 6117

Control 1.67 0 1.67 2.33 2.33 2.67 5833

In brinjal, the diseases like, leaf spot, Wilt, Stem rot, Little leaf and pests, shoot borer and mealy

bug were considered for this study due to their prevalence in the season.

The disease leaf spot was studied in 0-5 scale, where 0= nil, 1= trace to 5%, 2= 6-10%, 3= 11-20%, 4 = 20-

below 50% & 5 = 50 % and above leaf area covered by the disease. Other diseases and pests were estimated

by observing number of plants affected in a plot of 12 plants. The shoot and fruit borer was estimated both by

Evaluation of Evaluation of Evaluation of Evaluation of CCCCompany ompany ompany ompany SSSSponsored ponsored ponsored ponsored BBBBiopesticides for the iopesticides for the iopesticides for the iopesticides for the MMMManagement anagement anagement anagement of of of of DDDDiseases and iseases and iseases and iseases and PPPPests in ests in ests in ests in TTTTomato and omato and omato and omato and BBBBrinjalrinjalrinjalrinjal

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Animal ReproductionAnimal ReproductionAnimal ReproductionAnimal Reproduction

observing affected shoots and fruits. The results are depicted in Table-2. It was found that there was no clear

difference in disease and pest due to their fewer occurrences during the season. However, amongst the

treatments, the fruit yield (number of fruits) was more in Ramederm (T. viride) treated plots.

Table 2. Performances of Biopesticides in brinjal disease and pest control

Disease & pest incidences No of Fruits Treatment

(biopesticide) Leaf

spot

(0-5

scale)

Wilt

(No of

plant/

plot)

Shoot

borer

(twig

no/plot)

Stem

rot

(No of

plant

/plot)

Mealy

bug

(affected

plant

no/plot)

Little

leaf

(plant

no/plot)

Good Pierced

(by fruit

borer)

Total

Ramederma 1.33 0 0.33 0 0 0 58 4 61.33

Rameflora 1.33 0 1 0 0 0 32 5 37

Ramecide 1.33 1 0 0 0 0 31 7 37.67

Control 1.67 0.6

7

0 0 0 0 40 6 45.67

~ A. Haldar , M. Hzorika , S.K.Pal, S.Chakraborty & M.Datta

Ghungroo, an indigenous pig, was first reported in Eastern Sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal

(North Bengal in particular). This pig is popular among the local people of North Bengal, because of high

prolificacy and ability to perform well in low input system. Recently, Ghungroo pigs are maintained at ICAR

Research Complex, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra, West Tripura. Some investigations have been made on

Ghungroo pigs in terms of phenotypic descriptors, productive and reproductive traits. Ghungroo pigs are

black in colour with broad, flattened face and short, upwardly curved snout. Large, pendulous and heart

shaped ears resembling those of elephant’s ears are very distinct for identification. The body top line is

straight with flat type belly. Bristles are thick, coarse and long. A female ghungroo pig bears 5- 6 pairs of

teats with the ability to give birth of average 9 piglets at first farrowing. The average birth weights of male

and female piglet were recorded to be 0.70 and 0.69 kg, respectively. At 3- month of age, the average body

weights of male and female piglet were 11.57 and 10.97 kg, respectively. Behaviorally, Ghungroo pigs,

irrespective of sexes, are very much docile and easy to handle. Especially, females showed an excellent

GhungrooGhungrooGhungrooGhungroo---- an Indigenous Pig for Higher Growth and More Litte an Indigenous Pig for Higher Growth and More Litte an Indigenous Pig for Higher Growth and More Litte an Indigenous Pig for Higher Growth and More Litterrrr size size size size

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Poultry SciencePoultry SciencePoultry SciencePoultry Science

mothering ability which is an important trait in relation to the piglet survivability. The evaluation for

potential of Ghungroo pigs in the context of Tripura is in progress.

Ghungroo pig

~ S. Malik

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♂ DDDD75757575 NDNDNDND cr osscr osscr osscr oss,,,, (((( %)%)%)%) , , , , : : : :

A total of 2988 eggs of ND cross were set for hatching. The percent fertility was: 81.72 % and the

percent hatchability on total egg set and fertile egg set were: 64.69 and 79.16 %, respectively.

The mean performance of body weights of ND cross were measured from 2 to 20 weeks and then

at 40 weeks of age in both the sexes at farm. The mean body weights of ND cross at 8 weeks of age were:

538.07±7.42 g., 486.84±7.26 g. and 511.90±5.51 g., respectively, for male, female and overall mean,

respectively at farm. The mean body weights at 20 weeks of age were: 1.721±0.037, 1.317±0.026 and

1.520±0.028 kg., respectively at the farm. The age at first egg was 174 days at the ICAR Lembucherra farm.

The egg weight at 28 weeks of age was: 50.13±0.55g. The egg production upto 40 weeks of age was: 54.93

eggs at the ICAR Lembucherra farm.

All India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry BreedingAll India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry BreedingAll India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry BreedingAll India Coordinated Research Project on Poultry Breeding (Rural Poultry Production)(Rural Poultry Production)(Rural Poultry Production)(Rural Poultry Production)

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Female and Male birds of Dahlem Red (75%)× Tripura black native cross.

MeanMeanMeanMean Per f or mancePer f or mancePer f or mancePer f or mance ofofofof Dahl emDahl emDahl emDahl em RedRedRedRed (((( ♂ ×××× Tr i pur aTr i pur aTr i pur aTr i pur a bl ackbl ackbl ackbl ack nat i venat i venat i venat i ve ger mpl asmger mpl asmger mpl asmger mpl asm ♀) ) ) ) ♀×××× Dahl emDahl emDahl emDahl em

RedRedRedRed ♂ DDDD75757575 DNDNDNDN cr osscr osscr osscr oss(((( %)%)%)%) , , , , : : : :

The 1686 chicks of DN cross were hatched out using 2403 fertile eggs of the cross. The percent

fertility was: 79.98 % and the percent hatchability on total egg set and fertile egg set were: 70.16 and

87.72 %, respectively.

The mean body weights of DN cross at 8 weeks of age were: 517.39±9.74, 471.08±10.43 and

495.47±7.35 g., respectively, for male, female and overall mean at the farm. However, the mean body

weights at 20 weeks of age were: 1.764±0.033, 1.364±0.024 and 1.583±0.027 kg., respectively in male,

female and overall mean at the ICAR Lembucherra farm. The age at first egg was 156 days. The egg weight

at 28 weeks of age was: 50.09±0.46g. The egg production upto 40 weeks of age was: 60.69 eggs at the

farm.

Per f or mancePer f or mancePer f or mancePer f or mance ofofofof Tr i pur aTr i pur aTr i pur aTr i pur a Br ownBr ownBr ownBr own NNNNat i veat i veat i veat i ve GGGGermpl asmer mpl asmer mpl asmer mpl asm atatatat t het het het he

I nst i t ut eI nst i t ut eI nst i t ut eI nst i t ut e FFFFar mar mar mar m: : : :

A total of 2215 fertile eggs of Tripura brown native germplasm were set for hatching. The percent

fertility was: 77.25 % and the percent hatchability on total egg set and fertile egg set were: 64.51 and

83.51 %, respectively.

The mean body weights of Tripura brown were: 313.12±9.02, 278.69±6.33 and 289.29±5.27 g.,

respectively, at 8 weeks of age at the farm. However, the mean body weights at 20 weeks of age were:

1.279±0.029, 0.906±0.015 and 1.027±0.018 kg., respectively in male, female and overall mean at ICAR

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FisheriesFisheriesFisheriesFisheries

Lembucherra farm. The age at first egg was 143 days. The egg weight at 28 weeks of age was: 40.0±0.29 g.

The egg production upto 40 weeks of age was: 34.50 eggs at the farm.

~ L. Sahoo & C. Debnath Pre stocking management is an essential component of aquaculture practice since it ensures good

survivability and growth of fishes.

Some of the management practices that were followed in FSR ponds are as follows:

1. Clearing of submerged and marginal vegetation from the ponds- This was done manually.

2. Application of piscicide- The ponds were infested with weed fishes mostly Tilapia. So to remove

those fishes urea and bleaching powder was used @100 kg/ha and 250 kg/ha respectively. The

ammonium chloride that is released because of the combined effects of the two agents is highly

neurotoxic to the fishes. The fishes that were killed in the process were removed from the water.

3. Application of lime-Lime is required for maintaining the necessary pH of water. For fish culture the

pH should be in the range of 6.5-8. Lime also maintains the buffering quality of water. Lime was applied @

300kg/ha. Lime was applied after a week from the application of piscicide.

4. Application of organic manure- Organic manure is necessary to maintain the natural productivity

of the ponds. It was applied at the rate of 2 t/ha.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

NAI PNAI PNAI PNAI P SubSubSubSub Pr oj ectPr oj ectPr oj ectPr oj ect ::::

~ S.Biswas , M.Datta., G.C.Munda, R.Sarkar & R. Sarma

PrePrePrePre----stocking stocking stocking stocking MMMManagement of Farming anagement of Farming anagement of Farming anagement of Farming SSSSystem ystem ystem ystem RRRResearch (FSR) esearch (FSR) esearch (FSR) esearch (FSR) PPPPondsondsondsonds

Mushroom Mushroom Mushroom Mushroom CCCCulululultivation as a tivation as a tivation as a tivation as a MMMMean for ean for ean for ean for IIIIncreasing ncreasing ncreasing ncreasing LLLLivelihood in Dhalaiivelihood in Dhalaiivelihood in Dhalaiivelihood in Dhalai

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Mushroom cultivation at Balaram and Maracherra villages was introduced by giving training and

demonstration (Fig. 1 & 2). The spawn and other requisite materials were either supplied from this centre

or supplied by purchasing from state Government laboratories. Low-cost mushroom houses were

prepared in the houses of progressive and interested farmers. Considerable number of farmers learned

the techniques and produced mushroom for the first time in their houses. The farmers earned money

from selling of fresh mushroom @ Rs. 80/- per kg in the local markets.

In all, 88 farmers of Balaram cultivated mushroom during the period starting from April, 2010 to

March, 2011. They used 975 mushroom spawns (each 150g) and produced 396.7 kg of fresh mushroom.

There expenditure was calculated as Rs. 11700/- @ Rs. 12 for a poly bag filling. The farmers sold their

produce @ Rs. 80/- per kg fresh mushroom to the local markets and earned Rs. 31736/-, which resulted

Rs. 16468/- as net profit.

While, in Maracherra, 52 farmers cultivated mushroom during the period starting from April,

2010 to March, 2011. They used 775 mushroom spawns (each 150g) and produced 324.25 kg of fresh

mushroom. There expenditure was calculated as Rs. 9300- @ Rs. 12 for a poly bag filling. The farmers sold

their produce @ Rs. 80/- per kg fresh mushroom to the local markets and earned Rs. 25940/-, which

resulted Rs. 15160/- as net profit.

Fig.1 Farmers showing mushroom production under NAIP project

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Dr. M.Datta, Joint Director distributing rural

poultry birds to farmers at Balaram

Fig. 2 Training & demonstration of mushroom cultivation

~ ,S.Mal ik & M.Datta

Suppl ySuppl ySuppl ySuppl y ofofofof IIII mpr ovedmpr ovedmpr ovedmpr oved Ger mpl asmGer mpl asmGer mpl asmGer mpl asm ofofofof PPPPoul t r youl t r youl t r youl t r y t ot ot ot o t het het het he Far mer sFar mer sFar mer sFar mer s ofofofof

Dhal aiDhal aiDhal aiDhal ai DDDD i st r i cti st r i cti st r i cti st r i ct

A total of 1004 nos. of good chicks of 6 weeks of age of improved germplasm of poultry supplied

to the farmers of different villages of Dhalai district of Tripura.

The chicks were hatched out and brooded in the Division of

Poultry Science of the ICAR Tripura Centre. During the

brooding period the chicks were inoculated by the vaccines of

deadly viral diseases. Out of 1004 chicks, 500 chicks were

distributed on 30th

March, 2011 to the 42 farmers of Balaram

village and 504 chicks on 13th

April, 2011 to the 42 farmers of

Maracherra village of the Dhalai district in the presence of

members of the concerned Gram Panchyat and Dr. M. Datta,

Joint Director of the ICAR Tripura Centre. During the programme Dr. M. Datta emphasized the importance

of rural poultry production for the livelihood improvement of poor people.

Tr ai ni ngTr ai ni ngTr ai ni ngTr ai ni ng onononon Rur alRur alRur alRur al Poul t r yPoul t r yPoul t r yPoul t r y Pr oduct i onPr oduct i onPr oduct i onPr oduct i on t ot ot ot o t het het het he FFFFar mer sar mer sar mer sar mer s ofofofof

Dhal aiDhal aiDhal aiDhal ai DDDDi st r i cti st r i cti st r i cti st r i ct ::::

Di ssemi nat i onDi ssemi nat i onDi ssemi nat i onDi ssemi nat i on ofofofof IIII mpr ovedmpr ovedmpr ovedmpr oved GGGGermpl asmer mpl asmer mpl asmer mpl asm ofofofof BBBBackyar dackyar dackyar dackyar d PPPPoul t r youl t r youl t r youl t r y f orf orf orf or BBBBet t eret t eret t eret t er LLLLi vel i hoodi vel i hoodi vel i hoodi vel i hood ofofofof RRRRur alur alur alur al PPPPeopl eeopl eeopl eeopl e

AAAA GGGG RRRR IIII NNNN EEEE WWWWSSSS

Dr. S.Malik, Sr. Scientist imparting training

on Rural Poultry Production at Moracherra

Training on Rural Poultry Production was imparted to the farmers of different villages of Dhalai

District. The training was imparted to the 75 farmers of Balaram village on 30th

March, 2011 and 75

farmers of Maracherra village on 13th

April, 2011 of Dhalai

district of Tripura. The training was imparted before the

distribution of chicks to the farmers so that they can get

maximum production benefit. The main emphasis of training

was given to formulate low cost ration from locally available

ingredients to feed as minimum supplement, increasing egg

production by avoiding unnecessary broodiness and

minimizing mortality by maintaining better management.

During the training programme Dr. M. Datta, Joint Director of the ICAR Tripura Centre emphasized the

need of training for enhancing poultry production.

Dr. M. Datta, Joint Director

� Attended workshop on “Maintain Agriculture in Himalayan region: Status, Constraints and

Potentials, organized by CSWCRTI, Dehradun during 2nd

& 3rd

April, 2011.

� Attended a Workshop on “Agricultural Development in Tripura- Challenges and Prospects organised

by Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura in connection with the visit of Prof. M. S.

Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on the 20th

& 21st

April, 2011.

� Attended Meeting cum Workshop on “Towards more effective role of Heads of Division and

Regional Station in ICAR Institutes” organised at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal

on the 14th

& 15th

June, 2011.

� Attended Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal

Husbandry, Organised by ARDD, Govt. of Tripura on the 19th

June 2011.

Seminar/ Symposium/ Meeting and Training Seminar/ Symposium/ Meeting and Training Seminar/ Symposium/ Meeting and Training Seminar/ Symposium/ Meeting and Training AAAAttendedttendedttendedttended / / / / OrgOrgOrgOrganizedanizedanizedanized by by by by the the the the SSSScientistscientistscientistscientists

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� Attended Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting, organised by Divyodaya Krishi Vigyan

Kendra, West Tripura on the 21st

June 2011.

� Attended Regional Conference on Coconut Cultivation and Value Addition, Organized by Coconut

Development Board, Guwahati on the 24th

June’ 2011.

� Attended 5th

Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South

Tripura on the 28th

June 2011.

Dr. S. Biswas, Sr. Scientist (Plant Pathology)

� Attended workshop on Agricultural development of Tripura- challenges and prospects. Organised by

Department of Agriculture (Tripura State) at Pragna Bhawan on 20th

& 21st

April, 2011.

� Attended in National Workshop on disease forecasting & prevention through biotech intervention,

organized by Agromet Advisory Service Unit of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura

Centre, Lembucherra in collaboration with National Initiatives on Climate Resilience of Agriculture

(NICRA), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Directorate of Biotechnology, Govt of

Tripura and department of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala on 8th

June & 9th

June, 2011.

� Attended QRT Meeting on AICRP Mushroom at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam on

16th

June, 2011.

� Attended Organizing Committee Meeting of Tripura Science Congress at Secretariat Conference Hall

No.2 of New Capital Complex, Agartala on 29th

June, 2011.

� Attended 6th

Governing Body Meeting of State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA), Tripura, Organized by

Deptt. of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura on 30th

June 2011.

Dr. A. Haldar, Sr. Scientist (Animal Reproduction)

� Participated in ‘National Workshop on Disease Forecasting & Prevention through Biotech

Intervention’, on 8th

& 9th

June 2011 at Agartala, Tripura.

AAAA GGGG RRRR IIII NNNN EEEE WWWWSSSS

DDDDistinguishedistinguishedistinguishedistinguished VVVVisitorsisitorsisitorsisitors

Centre & Farm VisitCentre & Farm VisitCentre & Farm VisitCentre & Farm Visit

� A 30-days summer training programme on ‘Application of biotechniques in agriculture and animal

sciences’ was organized from 10th

May to 10th

June, 2011 at ICAR Research complex, Tripura Centre,

Lembucherra to impart hands on training to a student of B.Sc. in Biotechnology of SRM University,

Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu.

✰ Twenty eight Village Level Workers from Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Tripura visited

ICAR, Tripura Centre on 27th

April, 2011 as a part of their training in U.G.T.C, Lembucherra

accompanied by Dr.B.B.Sarkar, IGNOU Centre, Agartala.

✰ Eighteen P.G.Students of Rural Development Course under Tripura University visited ICAR

Centre and Cocotilla Farm on 30th

May, 2011.

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai and Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha visited on 20Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha visited on 20Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha visited on 20Hon’ble Member, Rajya Sabha visited on 20thththth April, 2011. April, 2011. April, 2011. April, 2011.

SSSSmt. mt. mt. mt. Suman SahaiSuman SahaiSuman SahaiSuman Sahai, , , , Gene CampaiGene CampaiGene CampaiGene Campaign Programme, Dehradun visited on 20gn Programme, Dehradun visited on 20gn Programme, Dehradun visited on 20gn Programme, Dehradun visited on 20thththth April, 2011. April, 2011. April, 2011. April, 2011.

Dr.B.Gangwar, Project Director, Project Directorate Dr.B.Gangwar, Project Director, Project Directorate Dr.B.Gangwar, Project Director, Project Directorate Dr.B.Gangwar, Project Director, Project Directorate for Farming System Research, for Farming System Research, for Farming System Research, for Farming System Research, Modipuram, MeerutModipuram, MeerutModipuram, MeerutModipuram, Meerut----250 110, U.P v250 110, U.P v250 110, U.P v250 110, U.P visited on 21isited on 21isited on 21isited on 21stststst April, 2011 April, 2011 April, 2011 April, 2011....

Shri JoyGodinda Deb Roy, Hon’ble Minister of Shri JoyGodinda Deb Roy, Hon’ble Minister of Shri JoyGodinda Deb Roy, Hon’ble Minister of Shri JoyGodinda Deb Roy, Hon’ble Minister of ScienceScienceScienceScience, , , , TechTechTechTechnologynologynologynology & Environment, & Environment, & Environment, & Environment, Govt. of Tripura, Agartala visited on 11 Govt. of Tripura, Agartala visited on 11 Govt. of Tripura, Agartala visited on 11 Govt. of Tripura, Agartala visited on 11thththth May, 2011. May, 2011. May, 2011. May, 2011.

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Shri P. Biswas, Director, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Tripura visited on 11Shri P. Biswas, Director, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Tripura visited on 11Shri P. Biswas, Director, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Tripura visited on 11Shri P. Biswas, Director, Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of Tripura visited on 11thththth May, May, May, May, 2011.2011.2011.2011.

Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex Dr.S.V.Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalfor NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalfor NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalfor NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya visited on 8aya visited on 8aya visited on 8aya visited on 8thththth June, 2011.June, 2011.June, 2011.June, 2011. Dr.U.C.Sharma, Vice President, International Water Dr.U.C.Sharma, Vice President, International Water Dr.U.C.Sharma, Vice President, International Water Dr.U.C.Sharma, Vice President, International Water Quality Commission visited on 8Quality Commission visited on 8Quality Commission visited on 8Quality Commission visited on 8thththth June, 2011. June, 2011. June, 2011. June, 2011.

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