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Research experiments were carried out with six promising potato clones of International Potato Center (CIP) compared with four recommended varieties of Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) as checks with the objective to identify high yielding, short duration variety suitable for rice-wheat cropping system of subtropical region of Haryana. The trials were conducted at Potato Technology Center, Karnal during rabi season of two consecutive years, viz. 2018–19 and 2019–20 under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojna Project. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. All the cultural practices were followed with scientific management. Dehaulming was done after 75 days of planting. Physical characters of tubers like skin colour, flesh colour, tuber shape and eye depth were observed. Data related to vegetative growth and yield was recorded, pooled and statistically analyzed. It was observed from the data that the maximum plant vigour was recorded in cultivar Kufri Lima however, highest marketable and total tuber yield was recorded in a red skinned CIP clone CIP392797.22. This variety might be selected as a candidate variety fit for rice-wheat cropping system.

Area under organic cultivation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is increasing in India. The present two-year study was carried out during 2017–18 and 2018–19 to observe the yield performance of wheat with application of silicon solution (amorphous silica SiO2) under sub-humid conditions of southern plains and Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. Factorial RBD with five levels of silicon concentration and three growth stages, viz. CRI, tillering and jointing stages were replicated thrice during rabi season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Results revealed that application of silicon 8 g/litre water at tillering stage proved significantly superior in enhancing growth characteristics, yield attributes, yield and also gave maximum net returns of 110281/ha and B:C ratio of 2.32

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate agrometeorological parameters associated with seed yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) varieties in an organic production system. During the study, significant variation was recorded in crop phenophases, growth, yield attributes, and seed yield of mustard. Varieties NRCHB-101 and Pusa Mustard-25 have taken significantly minimum days to commence flowering (46–48 days) and attaining physiological maturity (89–90 days). Variety RGN-48 being at par with RH-406 and RGN-229, recorded significantly higher plant height, while RGN-229 recorded the significantly highest biomass accumulation at all the growth stages. Varieties RH-406, Pusa Bold, and DRMRIJ-31 recorded significantly higher seeds per siliqua (16.2–16.5), whereas significantly higher test weight was recorded in Pusa Bold (6.3 g) and DRMRIJ-31 (6.0 g). In seed yield, variety RH-406 (1.97 t/ha) and DRMRIJ-31 (1.42 t/ha) were found significantly highest and lowest, respectively. A significant positive correlations of mustard seed yield was noticed with biomass accumulation at 30 DAS (r=441**), 60 DAS (r=0.614**), 90 DAS (r=0.620**) and biological yield at harvest (r=0.496**). Contrary to test weight, seeds per siliqua had shown a positive effect (r=0.266*) on the seed yield of the mustard. Seed yield of mustard was also influenced by some agrometeorological indices with correlation coefficients (r) of mean minimum temperature at flowering and physiological maturity and mean maximum temperature at physiological maturity were -0.207*, -0.249*, and -0.241*, respectively. Net solar radiation and cumulative temperature difference at physiological maturity also had significant and positive effects on the seed yield of mustard.

Increasing energy use efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from agriculture are major challenges to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). An experiment, comprising 14 treatments, viz. sole peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), peanut-fallow-sesbania, peanut-fallow-green gram (GG), peanut-conventional tilled wheat (CTW), peanut-CTW-sesbania, peanut-CTW-GG, peanut-CTW-wheat straw incorporation (WSI), peanut-zero tilled wheat (ZTW), peanut-ZTW-sesbania, peanut-ZTW-GG, peanut-ZTW-WSI, peanut+pigeonpea, peanut+pigeonpeasesbania and peanut+pigeonpea-GG was laid out in randomized block design with three replications for five consecutive years (2011–12 to 2015–16) at Junagadh, Gujarat, at fixed site to study the influence of conservation agricultural practices on energetics and profitability of peanut-based cropping systems. Green manuring with sesbania significantly improved the pod yield of peanut (12.8%) and seed yield of pigeonpea (8.9%). Zero tillage (ZT) improved wheat yield by 4.8% over Conventional tillage (CT). The energy requirement of peanut+pigeonpea intercropping was 16.7% lower than peanut–wheat cropping system irrespective of GM and WSI. Peanut–ZT wheat with sesbania green manure recorded highest energy output (251.2 × 103 MJ/ha) and net energy (201.0 × 103 MJ/ha). This cropping system also fetched the highest system productivity (4551 kg/ha), and system profitability (` 125.7 × 103/ha) followed by peanut–ZT wheat (INR 120.6/ha × 103/ha). Therefore, peanut–ZT wheat–green manuring (sesbania/greengram) cropping system was found as productive, economical and energy efficient which might be promoted to intensify the sole peanut cropping in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

The present investigation was carried out to study the soil microbial dynamics and enzyme activities as influenced by organic nutrients management in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] under Typic Haplustepts soil of Rajasthan. The experiment comprised 12 treatment combinations of organic source of nutrients, i. e. control (T1), 100% RDF (T2), 100% FYM (T3), 100% vermicompost (T4), 100% compost (T5), 100% green-leaf manure (T6), 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost (T7), 50% FYM + 50% compost (T8), 50% FYM + 50% green-leaf manure (T9), 50% vermicompost + 50% compost (T10), 50% vermicompost + 50% green leaf manure (T11) and 50% compost + 50% green-leaf manure (T12). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. The soil microbial population (bacterial, fungal, actinomycetes) at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, dehydrogenase activity and alkaline phosphatase activity of soil significantly influenced due to organic nutrient fertilization, viz. 100% vermicompost treatment (T4) in pooled analysis. However, the application of 100% vermicompost (T4) on bacterial population, fungal population, actinomycetes population of soil at 30 DAS and 60 DAS was found statistically at par with the application of 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost (T7), 50% FYM + 50% compost (T8), 50% vermicompost + 50% compost (T10) and 50% vermicompost + 50% green-leaf manure (T11) in pooled analysis.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the impacts of phospho-enriched compost and fertility levels on soil biological properties in Typic Haplustepts soil of Sub-humid Southern Plain and Aravalli Hills Region in Rajasthan. The experiment was undertaken during kharif 2018 and 2019 at Instructional Farm (Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The treatments comprised four levels of phospho-enriched compost (PEC), i.e. control, PEC @ 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 t/ha and four levels of fertility (kg/ha) i.e. control, 50% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5%, 75% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5% and 100% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5%, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Significant improvement in different soil biological properties, i.e. alkaline phosphate activity, dehydrogenase activity and soil microbial biomass carbon was observed with increasing levels of phospho-enriched compost and fertility up to 6 t/ ha and 100% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5%, respectively after harvest of the maize (Zea mays L.) crop during both the years as well as in pooled analysis. In case of fertility levels, however, the microbial populations in soil after harvest of crop increase was significant up to 75% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5% which was found statistically at par with 100% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5%. The application of phospho-enriched compost @ 6 t/ha and 100% RDF + foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5% along with the recommended dose of fertilizer results in significantly higher biological properties of soil under Typic Haplustepts.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018-19 at Organic Unit of Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The experiment consisting of six soil applications in main plots (0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg/ha) and six foliar applications of active silica in sub plots (no spray, water spray, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%) was carried out in split-plot design with three replications. Results indicated that significantly higher number of rows/cob, number of grains/row, test weight, grain, stover and biological yield was recorded with 150 kg/ha active silica application. Similarly, higher protein content in grain, Si content and uptake by plant at 60, 75 DAS and harvest, and N, P and K content and uptake in grain as well in stover was recorded at 150 kg/ha active silica application. Among foliar application, the spray of 1.0% active silica significantly enhanced the yield attributes, yield, protein content in grain, Si content and uptake by plant at 60, 75 DAS and harvest; and N, P and K content and uptake in grain as well in stover in maize (Zea mays L.) under organic production system.

An experiment was conducted at SKRAU, Bikaner during 2016–18 comprising 28 treatments combinations havingfour crop establishment methods and seven weed management practices in a strip-plot design with four replicationsin wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop and its residual effect on succeeding greengram (Vigna radiata L.) crop wasobserved. Among crop establishment methods, stale seedbed (SSB)+ glyphosate 2.0 kg/ha significantly reduced thedry matter of weeds, viz. Chenopodium album, Rumex dentatus, Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon dactylon at all thestages, and increased the number of effective tillers, grain and straw yield of wheat to the tune of 8.02, 10.14 and 8.08,10.28 and 8.09, 10.85 percent (%) in comparison to deep and conventional tillage, respectively. Metsulfuron methyl4.0 g/ha + one hand hoeing registered the lowest dry matter of all the weeds except Cyperus rotundus and Cynodondactylon at 60 DAS and harvest and it also produced the maximum number of effective tillers (105.75), spike length(6.26 cm), grains per spike (38.53), grain yield (3354 kg) and straw yield (4403 kg) over other herbicidal treatments.In succeeding greengram crop the weed dry matter was not significantly affected due to crop establishment methodsexcept C. rotundus and C. dactylon. Yield of greengram was also not influenced by applied treatment in wheat.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), to study the effect of phospho enriched compost and zinc on soil properties and productivity of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in Typic Haplustepts soil of sub-humid southern plain of Rajasthan. The treatments comprised of four levels of phospho enriched compost (PEC), i.e. control, PEC @ 2, 4 and 6 t/ha and four levels of zinc i.e. control, Zn @ 2, 4 and 6 kg/ha.The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed significant increase in soil available nitrogen, potassium and zinc content with increasing levels of phospho enriched compost and zinc up to 4 t/ha and 4 kg/ha, respectively and also significantly enhanced the crop yield, protein content and economics of blackgram. However, interactive effect of the seed and stover yield was found to be significantly higher in combined application of phospho enriched compost @ 6 t/ha and zinc @ 6 kg/ ha as compared to other combinations of phospho enriched compost and zinc. The application of phospho enriched compost @ 4 t/ha and zinc @ 4 kg/ha along with the recommended dose of fertilizer results in significantly higher productivity, protein content and economics of blackgram under Typic Haplustepts soil.

Area under organic cultivation of crops is increasing not only in India but also in Rajasthan as well. Weeds are often recognized as the most serious threat to organic crop production and fear of ineffective weed control is often perceived by farmers as one of the major obstacles to conversion from conventional to organic farming. A two years field experiment was conducted to study the non-chemical methods of weed management in organically grown sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during 2018-19. Among the 12 organic weed management treatments, soil solarization + plastic mulch at sowing resulted in significantly lower weed density, weed dry matter, higher yield attributes and yield over other treatments but at par with stale seed bed preparation + plastic mulch at sowing during both the years. Stale seed bed preparation + plastic mulch at sowing gave highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio of ₹ 62746 and 105201 and 1.62 and 2.35, respectively followed by weedy check, which gave the net returns and benefit: cost ratio of ₹ 16093, 26858 and 0.96 and 2.18, respectively.

Varietal evaluation of maize under organic input management provides protection against reduction in yield due to lack of suitable technology for growing potential varieties with organic inputs especially for plant nutrition supply. In this study 12 varieties of different types of maize comprising Hybrids, Sweet corn, Baby corn, Popcorn and Local were grown in southern west tribal part of Rajasthan, India for evaluation under organic system of plant nutrient management during kharif 2015-16. Sweet corn variety, Misty recorded significantly higher plant height at flowering during kharif 2015-16 (121.44 cm and 117.67 cm, respectively), maize hybrid variety T3 (PHM-3) recorded significantly higher dry matter accumulation at tasseling stage (83.33 g/plant & 81.00 g/plant, respectively) and sweet corn variety T4 (Sugar-75) recorded significantly higher leaf area index at silking stage (4.23 and 4.23, respectively) as compared to other varieties of different types of maize grown under organic system of plant nutrient management. During 2015 and 2016, variety T9 (VL-Amber of popcorn) recorded maximum maize equivalent yield (165.57 q/ha and 117.03 q/ha, respectively) and net return (₹ 218120/ha and ₹ 139741/ha, respectively).

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 at organic farming unit of Instructional Agronomy Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, Rajasthan to study the influence of different concentrations of jeevamrut and its time of application on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat grown under organic farming. Results revealed that a significant increase in plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of effective tillers, number of spikelets/ear, number of grains/ear, ear length and grain weight/ear, was observed with the application of 10% jeevamrut over control, 4% jeevamrut and 6% jeevamrut. There was no significant difference observed in grain and straw yield of wheat with the application of 4% and 6% jeevamrut over control. However, application of 8% and 10% jeevamrut significantly increased the grain and straw yield of wheat over control. Application of jeevamrut at 60 and 75 DAS significantly increased plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of effective tillers, number of spikelets/ear, number of grains/ear, ear length and grain weight/ear over the application of jeevamrut at 75 and 90 DAS. Application of jeevamrut twice at 60 and 75 DAS and 75 and 90 DAS significantly increased the grain and straw yield of wheat as compared to one time application of jeevamrut 75 and 90 DAS alone. There was no significant interaction found in the concentration of jeevamrut and its time of application.

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of soil applied zinc on productivity, nutrient uptake and profitability of soybean (Glycine max L.) under Typic Haplustepts soil of sub-humid southern plain and aravalli hills region of Rajasthan during kharif 2016 and 2017. The treatments were consisted of five levels of zinc, viz. zero (control), 3 kg Zn/ha, 4 kg Zn/ha, 5 kg Zn/ha and 6 kg Zn/ha with four replications. Results revealed that significantly (P=0.05) maximum number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield, haulm yield, biological yield, nutrient content and uptake (N, K and Zn) in seed and haulm, net return and B:C ratio were recorded with the application of zinc @ 6 kg/ha along with the recommended dose of fertilizer (NPK) during 2016-17 and in pooled basis. However, the increase was significant up to 5 kg Zn/ha during both the years as well as in pooled analysis which was found statistically at par with 6 kg Zn/ha. Whereas, the application of zinc significantly decreased the phosphorus content in seed and haulm as compared to control and phosphorus uptake by seed and haulm was found to be non-significant with the application of zinc during both the years as well as in pooled analysis. The application of recommended dose of fertilizer along with combined application of Zn @ 5 kg/ha offered the best combination in realizing maximum yield of soybean and maximizing the economics both in absolute terms (net returns) and benefit-cost ratio.

Cleaning is the first unit operation performed on threshed grain to remove field impurities. Presently, cleaning machines are operated using conventional energy sources which are either uncertain or non-affordable to farmers. A solar powered multi-crop screen cleaner was developed (2014), modified and tested at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (2016).The modified unit consists of the frame, feed hopper and discharge chutes, adjustable screen cradle assembly, slope adjustment mechanism for screen and screen cradle and a variable drive unit. Developed machine was tested for soybean, lentil and chickpea and evaluated in terms of cleaning efficiency at different feed rate, speed and screen slope. The optimum performance was achieved at a screen slope of 5°, 200 rpm, and feed rate of 150 kg/h. Cleaning efficiency in the range of 74-79 % was observed. Multi-grain processing ability, better cleaning efficiency and green energy utilisation assures that the developed machine is an appropriate techno-economic solution for on farm grain processing.

The present field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh (Gujarat) for two consecutive summer of 2014 and 2015 to investigate the influence of drip fertigation on yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. There were 10 treatments including 100% normal fertilizers (NF) with surface method of irrigation as contral which were replicated three times. The study revealed that drip fertigation with 100% NF (T10) produced significantly higher pod yield over control and was at par with other treatments. However, haulm yield was significantly higher under the application of 100% WSF fertigation half at sowing and one-fourth each at 20 and 40 DAS (T4) over T6 to T9 and was at par with other treatments including control. Soil moisture status showed declining trend with successive increase in plant age but could not reach the level of significance. Drip fertigation with 100% NF (T10) registered markedly higher uptakes of N (114.4 kg/ha), P (30.5 kg/ha) and K (67.2 kg/ha) over all the treatments. As compared to initial status, available soil NPK status improved after harvest at all soil depths and showed declining trend with increase in soil depth. The study indicated the saving of 25% NPK fertilizers by adopting 75% WSF fertigation through drip irrigation at sowing in summer peanut with comparable yield.

To assess the influence of conservation agriculture (CA) practices on productivity and sustainability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) - based cropping systems, the present field experiment was conducted for five consecutive years (2011-12 to 2015-16) at Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The experiment, comprising 14 treatments, viz. sole peanut, peanut-Sesbania, peanut-green gram (GG), peanut-conventional tilled wheat (CTW), peanut-CTW-Sesbania, peanut- CTW-GG, peanut-CTW-wheat straw incorporation (WSI), peanut-zero tilled wheat (ZTW), peanut-ZTW-Sesbania, peanut-ZTW-GG, peanut-ZTW-WSI, peanut+pigeonpea, peanut+pigeonpea-Sesbania and peanut+pigeonpea-GG was laid out in randomized block design with three replications at fixed site. Peanut -CTW-Sesbania cropping system (2.94 t/ha) recorded maximum pod yield of peanut while haulm yield was higher under peanut-ZTW-Sesbania (3.24 t/ha). Green manuring with Sesbania in peanut-ZTW and peanut+pigeonpea recorded higher grain yield of wheat (2.91 t/ha) and sud yield of pigeonpea (1.93 t/ha), respectively. System productivity (4.55 t/ha) was significantly higher under peanut-ZTW-Sesbania cropping system over sole peanut (with or without GM), peanut-CTW/ZTW, peanut- ZTW-WSI and peanut+pigeonpea (with or without GM). Peanut-ZTW-Sesbania also recorded maximum sustainable yield index (0.46) and sustainable value index (0.48) than other cropping systems. Thus, peanut followed by ZTW or CTW and GM was more productive and sustainable than sole peanut.

Area under organic cultivation of wheat is increasing in India. Information on the yield performance and economic suitability of wheat varieties for organic farming in different agro climatic conditions is lacking. The present two year study was carried out during 2015 and 2016 to observe the yield performance of different varieties of bread, durum and local wheat under sub-humid conditions of southern plains and Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. Results revealed that among the 12 varieties of wheat tested under organic production system, the maximum grain yield (56.39 q/ha) was obtained from durum wheat variety HI-8713 having 53.50 grains/ear followed by bread wheat variety MP-3288 (45.74 q/ha grain yield) bearing 51.67 grains/ear during both the years. Under organic production system the durum wheat variety HI-8713 recorded maximum net profit of ₹ 170700/ha which was higher by ₹ 68247, ₹ 79436 and ₹ 85055 over the commonly grown wheat varieties Raj-4037, Raj-3765 and Raj-4120, respectively.

A field experiment entitled, impact of organic nutrients on soil health and enzyme activity in soybean (Glycine max L.) on typic Heplustepts soils in Rajasthan was conducted at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during consecutive kharif season of the year 2016 and 2017. The experiment was evaluated in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Organic manures (FYM, compost, green leaf manure and vermicompost) were incorporated in treated plots before 15 days of sowing. Variety JS-9560 of soybean was sown as per recommended package of practices. Results showed that organic carbon, available N, P, K and micronutrients, viz. Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in soil were found maximum at harvest stage of soybean with the application of 100% vermicompost treatment. Enzyme activity dehydrogenase and phosphate activity in soil were significantly influenced through organic nutrient fertilization of 100% vermicompost treatment. Maximum net return of ₹ 60785.07 with benefit cost ratio of 2.9 was obtained with the application of 100% RDF, followed by 100% vermicompost.

Salinity in agriculture creates a menace when exceeds the threshold limit, impacting heavily both soil and plants grown on it. K-fertilizer and mulching are often proposed to control salinity. In this backdrop, our study was aimed to analyze the effect of four important soil enzymes by combined application of muriate of potash as potassium fertilizer (control, 30, 60 kg K ha-1) and mulching (with and without polythene mulch) under saline irrigation (control, 2.0, 4.0dS m-1) during the active crop growth stages (50 and 100 DAS) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crop during summer, 2014. Results revealed that polythene mulching could effectively reduce the electrical conductivity of saturation extract of soil (ECe) across the salinity levels. The differentiating effects under mulching and potassium treatments were also observed for each of the enzymes studied. Dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and urease enzymes recorded more activity at 100 DAS than 50 DAS, while acid phosphatase showed a reverse trend. However, the benefits of using ameliorants like mulching and potassium fertilizer for soil biological activity under peanut crop were found to be salinity treatment specific, either at higher irrigation salinity (4.0 dS m-1) or at non-saline or lower irrigation salinity (2.0 dS m-1) plots. To reduce the impact of salinity both the ameliorants may or may not act jointly as observed in the present study. Overall, our study inevitably established the usefulness of mulching and potassium fertilizer for sustenance of soil biological health under salt-prone arid and semi-arid regions.

CropSyst is a daily time step crop growth simulation model that can be used to study the effect of cropping systems management on crop productivity and environment. A total five years experimental field observations (2009-10 to 2013-14) comprising four sowing dates, viz. November 1, 15, 30 and Dec 15 for wheat-fallow crop rotations were used to simulate the growth, phenology and yield for wheat cultivar GW 322 at Anand (Gujarat). Among the five years observations, initial two years observations (2009-10 and 2010-11) were used for model parameterization and remaining year’s observations (2011-12 to 2013-14) were used for model performance evaluation. The results indicated that the model was able to predict the wheat phenology precisely in terms of mean bias error (MBE) and root mean square error (RMSE) which was less than 6 days for all the phenological stages except maturity date on Dec 15 sowing. Nov 15 sowing has resulted in maximum grain and biological yield and found to be optimum date for sowing followed by Nov 30 for this region while Dec 15 resulted in highest yield reduction. It was also observed that CropSystmodel was efficient in simulation of yield and biomass of wheat crop during various years of observations. The model has efficiently predicted grain and biological yield with ±10% of model error for wheat crop. However, it failed to predict the leaf area index (LAI) precisely. It may also be concluded that the model error were less for early and normal sown crops but increased with the delay in sowing.

Marker assisted breeding has been successfully used for selecting disease resistance by identifying genetic markers linked to resistance genes/allele. In tomato, availability of molecular markers linked to genes conferring resilience against Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) reaction, late blight, Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and Tomato gray leaf spot were utilised to develop pyramided MAS derived lines for multiple disease resistance. For this purpose, markers for the tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD) resistance gene loci Ty-2, Ty-3 and Ty-3a, late blight resistant loci Ph-3, ToMV resistant allele Tm22 and Tomato gray leaf spot resistant gene Sm were validated using PCR assay. The assay correctly predicted the genotypes of tomato breeding lines harbouring resistant as well as susceptible alleles at each loci. Duplexing PCR assay combining two SCAR markers (T0302 and P6-25) for detecting simultaneously 3 important resistance gene loci (Ty-2, Ty-3 and Ty-3a) in tomato genotypes and thereby improving the cost efficiency of the PCR assay. Further, we have validated the Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infection in tomato leaves by Reverse transcription (RT) PCR with ToLCNDV genome specific AC4 primers.

A field investigation was carried out at ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram during 2013-15 to devise the best nutrient management strategy in basmati (Oryza sativa L.)– wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori and Paol) cropping system. Investigation used six nutrient management practices, viz. 100% organic; 75% organic + innovative practices; 50% organic + 50% inorganic; 75% organic + 25% inorganic; state recommendation and 100% inorganic. Grain yield and nutrient uptake of basmati rice and wheat were found at par under organic (100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices) and integrated nutrient management practices (50% organic + 50% inorganic and 75% organic + 25% inorganic), however it was significantly higher compared to 100% inorganic nutrient management. Organic nutrient management, i.e.100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices resulted in 42.4 and 37.7% higher grain yield in case of basmati rice and 29.3 and 39.7% higher yield in case of wheat, respectively over 100% inorganic; besides being superior in terms of soil available N, P, K and organic carbon. Additional net returns to the tune of ` 53.2 × 103/ha and ` 59.7 × 103/ha from basmati rice-wheat cropping system was recorded under 100% organic and 75% organic + innovative practices, respectively over 100% inorganic. Nutrient management through 75% organic + innovative practices in basmati rice-wheat cropping system resulted in ` 6.5 × 103/ha additional returns over 100% organic nutrient management and it also scored highest in terms of nitrogen use efficiency of both basmati rice (48.5 kg/kg N) and wheat (38.1 kg/kg N). A significantly higher residual soil fertility in terms of available N, P, K and organic carbon in soil as compared to 100% inorganic nutrient management was also observed.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important nutritious grains which have high moisture content during harvest. Moisture content of 24-25% (db) at the harvest has to be reduced below 14% (db) to prevent its deterioration during storage. Drying process is generally performed by forced convection by heating ambient air and blowing it over grains to be dried. The aim of heating the air at certain temperature is to reduce the relative humidity of the air, which has a positive effect on the drying potential. In this study, drying behaviour of thin layer of maize for different drying air temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70°C) and different air flow rates (20, 30 and 40) studied. The result shows that drying temperature has significant influence on a drying rate. With the increase in drying temperature drying rate increased. The moisture ratio reduced sharply up to 25 minutes of drying time, after that it decreased with drying time but at slower rate. In the beginning of the drying process, moisture transfer took place at faster rate than later. The effect of air flow rate on moisture content was found to be negligible except at the phase of drying. The analysis also illustrated that the drying of maize grains occurred during the falling rate period and no constant rate period was observed in this study. The drying rate constant was found to increase with increas in air temperature and was maximum for a combination of 700C air temperature and 40 air flow rate.

Integrated farming system (IFS) is a sustainable and effective means for improving rural economy due to its cumulative cost effectiveness, low investment and higher profitability. IFS has greater role for livelihood improvement in north eastern region (NER) of India where most of the farmers are small and marginal. Farm pond for multiple uses is the integral part of IFS system in the region. In a typical farm pond, about 40-60% area is given to dyke, which is generally very productive area due to water and organic matter availability in the vicinity. In-spite of its high production potential, pond dykes are seldom effectively utilized. Fish pond dyke intensification with crops and poultry an play a significant role in increasing manifold production, income, nutrition and employment opportunities of rural populations. In present study, three different components like fish, poultry and sequential vegetables production were employed in at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya (980 amsl). The results indicated that in integrated pond management, two additional enterprises, viz. poultry and year round vegetable cultivation exhibited production and income enhanced over traditional practice. Integration of fish-poultry and year round vegetable production recorded 750% higher system production efficiency and 858.6% higher average profitability over the traditional practice. Furthermore, pond dyke intensification and poultry production also recorded 600% higher employment generation over non-integration. The utilization of family labour round the year in pond based integrated production system increases the production as well as employment opportunities for income generation. The overall results revealed that the integrated pond management with poultry, fish and vegetables on pond dyke is an excellent approach for sustainable production as well as income and employment generation for the resource poor rural households.

Harvested grain mass contains various impurities that need to be removed before further processing. A solar powered screen cleaner was designed, fabricated and tested for separating impurities from soybean, lentil and chickpea grains. The machine consists of frame, feeding chute, screen cradle, discharge outlets, and drive unit. The angle of tilt of the sieve was varied between 3 and 8° while the hanger angle was maintained at 5°. Operating parameters such as screen cradle angle, oscillation and feed rate were optimized and the optimum performance was achieved at a screen cradle angle of 50, screen oscillation of 3.6 Hz, and feed rate of 150 kg/h.The slope of the sieve unit, cradle speed and stroke length could be adjusted easily. The developed unit was evaluated with 5 kg sample consisting of 80%, 85%, and 90% pure hand-cleaned grains mixed with 20%,15% and 10% impurities (chaff, stem, other crop seeds, weed seeds, clods, stones, etc.). The cleaning efficiency for whole chickpea, soybean and lentil was found to be 88.27%, 87.14% and 84.3%, respectively, and the losses observed was 2.12%, 1.25% and 1.73%, respectively. Overall machine efficiency was observed to be 83%.This machine assures good quality grain at affordable energy cost to small and marginal farmers in rural India.

Under organic management condition, it is presumed that the nutrients applied to preceding crops exhibits the considerable effect on succeeding crops, hence a fixed plot field experiment was conducted during three years (2011 to 2014) at Research Farm, National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong, Gangtok to assess the residual effect of mulching and vermicompost on growth, productivity, profitability and energetics of popcorn (Zea mays everta) under toria (Brassica campestris)-popcorn cropping system. The results revealed that the mulching materials applied to the preceding crops exhibited significant residual effect on growth, yield attributes and grain yield of succeeding popcorn over non-mulching (bare soil). However, among the mulching materials, rice straw mulch @ 5 t/ha exerted maximum residual effect and resulted in higher cob length (16.0 cm), cob girth (12.0 cm), grain yield (1.93 ha), stover yield (3.07 t/ha), net returns (72.8 × 103 rs.`/ha), B:C ratio (2.87) and energy use efficiency (20.62%) of popcorn. With regards to the vermicompost levels, residual effect of vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha recorded the maximum grain yield (1.9 t/ha), net returns (71.3× 103 rs.`/ha), B:C ratio (2.81) and energy use efficiency (20.34%) of the succeeding popcorn under toria-popcorn cropping system.

A three year fixed plot field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2011 to 2014 at Research Farm of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre to study the effect of organic mulches and vermicompost on productivity, profitability and energetics of mustard under popcorn (Zea mays everta)-mustard (Brassica campestris) cropping system. The results revealed that crop residue and/or forest litter mulching exhibited significant effect on yield attributes, yields, economics and energetics of mustard. Among the mulches, application of tree leaf mulch (TLM) @ 5 t/ha recorded the significantly higher seed yield (1.05 t/ha), net returns (19.86×103 `rs./ha) and net rupees per rupees invested (NRPRI) (1.87) over other mulching materials including control. Systematic energy analysis also showed that the maximum values of gross energy output (59.69 GJ/ha) and net energy output (52.85 GJ/ha) was recorded with TLM @ 5 t/ha, whereas energy productivity (0.54 kg/MJ) was higher with rice residue mulch (RRM) @ 5 t/ha followed by maize residue mulch (MRM) @ 5 t/ha. Among the different levels of vermicompost (VC), application of VC @ 1.5 t/ha recorded the highest seed yield (1.05 t/ha) and net return (15.38 × 103 rs./ha) followed by VC @ 1.0 t/ha and control (no vermicompost). However, NRPRI was higher with VC @ 1.0 t/ha (1.62) followed by VC @ 1.5 t/ha. With regards to the energy budgeting, among the various levels of VC, application of VC @ 1.5 t/ha recorded 2.1% and 18.9% higher energy use efficiency (EUE) over VC @ 1.0 t/ha and control, respectively.

Enhancing crop productivity, profitability and saving of precious natural resources (soil and water), is a matter of prime concern. With this backdrop, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2011-2013 at Junagadh (Gujarat) with mulching and fertigation treatments in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in split plot design with three replications. Polythene mulching significantly enhanced pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields over no mulch. Moreover, it also ensured higher partial factor productivity, water productivity, net return, soil moisture content (at flowering, pegging, and pod formation stages of peanut), and N, P and K uptake over no mulch. Amongst the fertigation treatments, F2 was found better in improving pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields, and P uptake over F1. However, maximum partial factor productivity was recorded under F1 while water productivity, net return, soil moisture content, and N and K uptake under F4. Alkaline phosphatase activity was better sustained in F3 over F1 and F2. Soil N, P and K status improved under mulching and fertigation treatments. Our study revealed the possibility of adoption of mulch and fertigation at farmers’ fields implying judicious use of water and nutrients assuring a good yield and net profit.

A field experiment was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 at Junagadh (Gujarat) with fourteen treatment combinations comprising cropping systems, tillage, crop residues incorporation and green manuring with three replications. Results revealed that maximum biomass production (30.05 t/ha) and carbon sequestration potential (12.63 t/ha) were recorded under peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)+pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-Sesbania cropping system. On the other hand, maximum peanut-pod equivalent yield (3.64 t/ha) was obtained under peanutwheat (ZT)-Sesbania which was significantly higher by 102.2 per cent compared to sole peanut. The inorganic soil carbon was significantly altered in peanut-based cropping systems whereas soil organic carbon (SOC) was found non-significant both in plough and sub-soil layers. The highest labile soil carbon was recorded under peanut-wheat (ZT)-Sesbania cropping system (0.77 g/kg) under plough soil layer. On the other hand, the highest non-labile soil carbon was found in peanut-wheat (ZT) (7.07 to 8.03 g/kg) with and without plant residues incorporation at both soil depths (i.e. plough and sub-soil layers). The inorganic carbon increased appreciably (3 to 57%) with increase in soil depth. In contrary, values of organic, labile and non-labile soil carbons, showed declining trend with the increase in soil depth under these cropping systems. In general, the highest values of all soil carbon fractions were observed in peanut-wheat (ZT) at all the soil depths except 15-30 cm for inorganic carbon. The highest MBC (441 mg/kg), SOC stock (17.3 t/ha) and CMI (188.8) were registered under peanut-wheat (ZT)-Sesbania while MQ was higher in peanut-wheat (CT) (4.90%).

A study on Dendrocalamus strictus + Sesamum indicum based agroforestry was conducted at ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), India during 2007 to 2012 to find out the suitability of bamboo based agroforestry system (AFS) in the semi-arid region. Bamboo recorded survival of 62 to 77% (1st year), 86 to 96 (2nd year) and 100% thereafter. D. strictus culm (No.) varied in the range of 178-388 (1st year); 936 to 1439 (2nd year); 1507 to 2134 (3rd year); 2182 to 2901 (4th year) and 2422 to 3215 (5th year, i.e. at harvest stage). Bamboo did not influence the sesame yields during initial two years, however, yield level got reduced during subsequent years. During 5th year intercropped sesame yield got reduced 15.69 (10m × 10m bamboo) and 10.09% (10m × 12m bamboo) as compared to pure crop. Bamboo clump affected the sesame yield substantially and 16.3, 14.3, 7.5 and 0.3% sesame yield reduction was observed at a distance of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0m, respectively, during 5th year. Organic C increased from 3.92 to 6.24 g/kg soil over a period of five years in bamboo based AFS. At harvest stage of bamboo (5th year), highest B:C ratio of 2.83 was observed in 10m×10m bamboo + sesame followed by 2.59 (10m×12m bamboo + sesame) and 1.43 (pure sesame). Therefore, bamboo based AFS has economic and environmental advantages over the sole crop and due to this, the system could be one of best alternative livelihood options for farmers of semi-arid tropics.

Field experimentation was conducted during rabi 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess the performance of weed management practices and nitrogen (N) fertilization on weed dynamics, productivity and profitability of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Results indicated that hand–weeding at 25 and 50 days after sowing (DAS), and metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g/ha resulted in significant reduction in weed infestation and weed biomass production at different growth stages. The highest weed control efficiency (WCE) was recorded with 2 HWs' at 25 and 50 DAS followed by metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g/ha with lowest NPK depletion by weeds than other treatments. Two HWs' also remained superiormost w.r.t. grain (5.21 tonnes/ha) and straw (7.13 tonnes/ha) yields. Application of metsulfuron methyl also exhibited higher grain yield with minimum weed competition index (8.57%). Among N levels, application of 90 kg N/ha to barley resulted in highest weed count, weed intensity, weed infestation and their dry weight at all the stages as well as higher NPK concentrations in weeds and NPK depletion by weeds at harvest stage. Application of 90 kg N/ha also produced 20.8 and 20.6% more grain and straw yields over control (N0). Overall, metsulfuron methyl and N application at the rate of 90 kg/ha proved their superiority w.r.t. weed management, productivity and profitability in barley in hot semi-arid region of western India.

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong rabi 2011 and 2012 to find out the optimum dose of vermincompost for obtaining higher productivity, profitability and energetics of two local buckwheat cultivars in Sikkim Himalaya. Results revealed that among the two cultivars, Teethey recorded significantly higher number of grains/plant (170 and 165), test weight (23.8 and 23.2g), gross returns (60 × 103 and 54 × 103 ₹/ha), net returns (41 × 103 and 36 × 103 ₹/ha), B:C ratio (2.18 and 1.89), profitability (306 and 264 ₹/ha/day), production efficiency (7.88 and 7.09 kg/ha/day) and EUE (22.7 and 20.8%) over Meethey. This led to 10.8 and 9.4%, 17.2 and 18.4% and 11.7 and 8.4% increment in grain yield, B:C ratio and energy use efficiency (EUE) over Meethey. Application of vermicompost (VC) @ 2.5 tonnes/ha recorded higher values of grains/plant, test weight, grain yield and haulm yield resulting in highest gross returns. However, significantly higher B:C ratio (2.30 and 2.14) was found with VC @ 1.5 tonnes/ha over other VC levels during both years. Similarly, application of VC @ 1.5 tonnes/ha recorded maximum EUE (23.4 and 22.3%), energy productivity (1.34 and 1.28 kg/MJ) resulting in more energy saving for buckwheat production as compared to other levels of VC.

Three-year (2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15) fixed plot field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong with five maize (Zea mays L.) – based crop sequences, viz. maize–fallow, maize–rajmash, maize–toria, maize–buckwheat and maize (green cob)–urdbean–buckwheat to identify the resource efficient cropping systems under resource scarce, rainfed conditions of Sikkim Himalayas at an altitude of 1 300 amsl. Results showed that all the intensified cropping systems were significantly superior over maize–fallow system under rainfed condition of Sikkim at mid-altitude in terms of productivity, production efficiency, profitability, land use efficiency, employment generation and energy-use efficiency. However, among the intensified cropping sequence, maize (green cobs)–urdbean– buckwheat system was most resource efficient and recorded significantly higher values of system productivity (8.89 tonnes/ha), relative system production efficiency (24.36 kg/ha/day), net return (303.4 × 103 `/ha), B:C ratio (2.59) and system employment generation (285 man-days/ha) over other cropping systems. With regards to the energetics, cultivation of three crops {maize (green cob)–urdbean–buckwheat} in a year recorded 188.9%, 192%, 25.8% and 6.5% higher gross energy return, net energy return, energy use efficiency and energy productivity, respectively, over maize–fallow rotation of the region. Contrarily, maximum value of specific energy (MJ/kg) was recorded with maize-fallow and least with maize (green cob)–urdbean–buckwheat. This indicated that for the production of unit amount of grain, higher energy was required in maize–fallow system as compared to other diversified sequences.

A fixed plot field experiment was carried out during kharif and spring seasons of 2008-09 and 2009-10 at New Delhi, to study the effect of sunflower stover and nutrient management on growth, yield and energy dynamics of sunflower in a pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] -sunflower (Helianthus annuus L). cropping system. Results revealed that residual effects of sunflower stover incorporation resulted in higher values of growth attributes, seed yield (2.45 tonnes/ha), oil content (41.3%) and energy use efficiency (8.3) in succeeding sunflower crop in a pigeonpeasunflower cropping system. Residual effect of sunflower stover incorporation increased seed yield of sunflower by 19.5% over the no stover incorporation. Among the P levels applied to preceding pigeonpea, residual effect of 30 kg P/ha recorded the highest values of growth parameters resulted in 23.3% increase in the seed yield of sunflower over the control. Direct effect of RD of N and P (80 kg N+15 kg P/ha) recorded the significantly higher values of growth parameters, seed (2.71 tonnes/ha) and stover (4.44 tonnes/ha) yields, oil (42.3 %) and protein (14.9%) contents and net energy output (120.0× 103 MJ/ha)). Increase in seed yield due to RD of NP was 12.4% and 66.3% higher than 50% RD of NP and control, respectively.

Fixed plot field experimentation was carried out at Research Farm of ICAR Sikkim Centre during 2013 and 2014 to identify the efficient tillage and organic nitrogen management practices for achieving higher productivity, profitability and energy use efficiency (EUE) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rice–vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.) cropping system of Sikkim Himalaya. The results revealed that higher productive tillers/hill, panicle length (cm), panicle weight (g), grains/panicle, 1000–grain weight (g) and grain yield (3.27 t/ha) were recorded with reduced tillage (RT) followed by conventional tillage (CT) and no–till (NT). Maximum gross returns (96×103 `/ha) was recorded with RT followed by NT (95.8×103 `/ha) and CT (95.5×103 `/ha). However, maximum net returns (67×103 `/ha) and B:C ratio (2.34) was recorded with NT over RT and CT. NT was most energy efficient practice and had 33% less energy requirement as compared to CT. Amongst the organic nitrogen sources, higher yield attributes and grain yield (3.7 tonnes/ha) were recorded with the application of 50% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) through FYM (Farmyard manure)+ 50% RDN through VC (vermicompost)+BF (biofertilizer) which was significantly superior over other organic nitrogen sources. The grain yield increased by 29.7% over the farmers’ practice. With respect to the economic and energy indicators, application of 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through VC+BF proved its superiority over others and recorded 32.4% higher net returns and 9.2% higher EUE over the prevailing farmers’ practice (FYM @5 tonnes/ha) of the region.

Thrips, leafhoppers, flea beetle and caterpillars cause significant damage to grapes in two pruning-single cropping system of peninsular India and occur simultaneously. Against this pest complex,differential sensitivity of 12 insecticides was evaluated based on their bio-efficacy in laboratory and field. Thiamethoxam 25 WG, lambda cyhalothrin 5 CS, fipronil 80 WG, methomyl 40 SP and spinosad 45 SC recorded 96.45-100 and 89.34-92.98 per cent mortality of Scelodonta strigicollis adults in laboratory and field, respectively. Against Spodoptera litura 2nd instar larvae,emamectin benzoate 5 SG, fipronil 80 WG and cyantraniliprole 10 OD were able to provide mortality ranging from 79.6-99.0 and 73.65-84.8 percent in laboratory and field, respectively. Spinosad 45 SC, emamectin benzoate 5 SG, fipronil 80 WG and cyantraniliprole 10 OD provided Scirtothrips dorsalis mortality from 85.09-98.02 in laboratory and 65.36-91.5 per cent population reduction over control in field. Thiamethoxam 25 WG, clothianidin 50 WDG and fipronil 80 WG recorded Amrasca biguttula biguttula mortality from 93.06-100 per cent in laboratory and 80-91.3 per cent population reduction over control in field. The insecticides were classified into four categories, viz. not effective, slightly effective, moderately effective and highly effective; on the basis of their bio-efficacy to various insects. This will help the farmers in selection of right insecticide when multiple pests are present in the vineyard than their conventional practice of tank-mixing separate insecticides for different pests, thus, helping in reducing pesticide load in the environment as well as reduction in cost of cultivation.

The study identified constraints encountered by farm women in vegetable farming in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The data were personally collected from 100 farm women of two vegetable growing blocks of the district by using multi-stage sampling technique. Overall, majority (69%) of respondents encountered medium to high extent of constraints. The study revealed that lack of knowledge about enterprise, marketing linkages, schemes of developmental departments, training and financial institutions, lack of financial institutions and difficulty in getting loan, high cost and non-availability of quality inputs in time, lack of entrepreneurship development oriented trainings and requisite support were the major constraints. Lack of marketing centers, low price of produce, lack of storage and irrigation facilities, non-availability of labour, and stray animals were the major general constraints. Effective policy at government level for stray animals and monkeys, timely availability of quality inputs at subsidized rates, promotion of processing units and financial institutes at village level and trainings on entrepreneurship development for socio economic upliftment of farm women are the prime concerns to be looked upon.

The study was conducted at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong during 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the performance of three potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties, viz. Kufri Megha, Kufri Himalini and Kufri Himsona in an aeroponics system installed under net cum polyhouse. All the varieties exhibited more than 90% survival with root initiation within 4-5 days of transplanting. Kufri Megha started tuber initiation within a month in both the years. Tuber initiation was late in Kufri Himalini in 2014 (60 days) as compared to 2013 (39 days). Kufri Himsona exhibited delayed tuber initiation at 69 to 75 days after transplanting in both the years. The first picking was done within 40 and 80 days after transplanting in Kufri Megha and Kufri Himsona, respectively, in both the years. First picking in Kufri Himalini was delayed by 15days in 2014 as compared to 50 days after transplanting in 2013 due to delayed tuber initiation. The crop duration of Kufri Megha was 110 and 134 days in 2013 and 2014, respectively, allowing for 8 to 9 pickings that yielded 108 to 118 g ubers/plant (38 to 42 tubers/plant) with mean mini-tuber weight of 2.91 to 2.96 g. The number of pickings reduced significantly from 11 to 5 in Kufri Himalini and 7 to 4 in Kufri Himsona from 2013 to 2014. In Kufri Himalini, delay in tuber initiation and reduction in crop duration was observed in 2014. There was a significant reduction in per plant yield in both Kufri Himalini (162 g to 102 g) and Kufri Himsona (138 g to 39.25 g) accompanied by reduction in number of tubers/plant (38 to 27 tubers in Kufri Himalini and 29 to 11 tubers in Kufri Himsona). The mean mini-tuber weight also reduced from 4.32g to 3.87g in Kufri Himalini and 5.03g to 4.13g in Kufri Himsona.

A field study was conducted at Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur during winter season of 2008-09 and 2009-10 to study the weed control efficiency of different weed management practices including post-emergence herbicides in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) + mustard (Brassica juncea L.) intercropping system. Treatment comprised two different doses of quizalofop-ethyl, imazethapyr and chlorimuron-p-ethyl along with pendimethalin and manual weeding. Cyperus rotundus, Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Polygonum plebejum and Phalaris minor were the dominant weeds. Cyperus rotundus was the most dominant weeds with highest relative density and relative dry weight. The toxic effect of imazethapyr and chlorimuron was recorded on both chickpea and mustard. Among herbicide treatments, significantly lowest weed density and weed dry weight and highest weed control efficiency, weed control index, nodule specific weight and plant dry matter were recorded in quizalofop-ethyl @ 60 g/ha. Similarly, higher chickpea and mustard yield, system productivity, net return and B/C ratio were recorded in quizalofop-ethyl @ 60 g/ha and manual weeding.

A field experiment was conducted during three consecutive years of 2011 to 2013 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong to evaluate the economic feasibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) based cropping system under rainfed condition of eastern Himalayan region. There were seven cropping systems replicated thrice under randomized block design. The potato was the main crop during summer season while succeeding seven crops (potato, maize, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, rajmash and radish) were taken during autumn season. Results revealed that potato based various cropping sequence differ significantly for most of the desirable parameters which decided the economic viability to adopt the system approach for efficient utilization of natural resources. Among the cropping systems, potato-cabbage recorded significantly the highest potato tuber equivalent yield (51.6 tonnes/ha), production efficiency (210.5 kg/ha/day), economic efficiency (Rupees 1414.6 /ha/day), maximum net monetary return (Rupees 366.8 x 103/ha), benefit cost ratio (3.5) and energy productivity (1.35 kg/MJ). Hence, potato-cabbage was concluded as the most stable and profitable cropping system for the ecosystem of eastern Himalayan region.

The study was conducted with the objective to identify the factors influencing the entrepreneurial behaviour of farm women in vegetable enterprise in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The data collected from 100 farm women of two blocks of the district by personal interview using multi-stage sampling technique revealed that majority of respondents had low to medium level of management orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, self confidence, moderate to high level of achievement motivation and leadership ability. The majority respondents had low level of utilisation of available assistance, medium level of farm decision making, less innovative and poor level of knowledge about the enterprise. The overall entrepreneurial behaviour of majority respondents (92%) was of low to medium level. Except age and family size, all the personal attributes of the respondents were positively and significantly correlated with overall entrepreneurial behaviour. The regression coefficient of formal education, experience in enterprise, information sources utilization and scientific orientation were significant emphasizing the need to concentrate more on these factors for promoting entrepreneurship development among the vegetable women farmers. Apart, these farm women should be encouraged for formation of groups and made aware of technical knowhow through trainings, demonstrations and exposure visits besides strengthening the marketing facilities in the area. The co-efficient of determination (R2) explained 47.35 per cent of variation in the entrepreneurial behaviour by all the variables together emphasizing the need of identification of other unidentified variables through future research.

Our study showed, the zero tillage basin planting with 180 kg N/ha enhanced the marketable yield, water productivity in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italica) and save 71.2% water over flat bed planting with conventional tillage. Study revealed, it is an alternative system for small holder farmers of North East India for growing late planted broccoli under limited water availability.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources has the major responsibility of introducing genetic resources and distributing the same to various research Institutes/organizations within the country. It is involved in enrichment of plant genetic resources through germplasm exchange, procurement and collection from centres of diversity suitable for different agro-climatic conditions. Different biotic and abiotic stresses are the major production constraints in many crops, hence, introduction of crops from the centre of diversity is much needed to bring into superior seeds of various crops with high yield, quality, resistance to pest and diseases and tolerant to abiotic stresses through crop improvements programmes. Future emphasis is to introduce specific genotypes with special characters especially like high quality lines and lines resistant to various biotic and abiotic stresses. During the past five years 211 298 accessions including 467 995 samples of seed/planting material were introduced from 103 countries. Out of theses 116 149 accessions having 138 352 samples were germplasm while 58 024 entries having 329 704 samples were trials/nurseries entries and 1 139 wild species of different agri-horticultural crops were also introduced. During this period a total of 78 298 accessions were exported as per norms/regulation lay down by NBA and with permission of ICAR/DARE, for research purposes only. NBPGR has supplied 50 657 samples of various crops to national users in different institutes/organizations across the country for various crop improvement and breeding programmes.