Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is an important pulse, fodder and green manure crop. In symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria, cowpea fixes atmospheric dinitrogen in its root nodules. Hence cowpea forms an integral part of the cropping systems in Indian agriculture. A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2018-19 on a sandy loam soil of Bagusala Farm (23 0 39' N latitude, 87 o 42' E longitude), M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Gajapati District, Odisha, to study the effects of variety, plant spacing and variety x spacing interaction on the yield components of cowpea. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design with three replications. Three cowpea varieties, Ketaki, Kamini, and Gomati, were the main plots and three within row plant spacings of 10, 15 and 20 cm, corresponding to plant population densities of 333333, 222222 and 166666 plants ha -1 , were the split plots, forming a total of nine treatment combinations. The seeds of cowpea were sown in rows on ridges spaced 30 cm apart. At harvest the yield attributes, pod length, pods plant -1 , grain yield, 100 grain weight, biological yield, stover yield and harvest index were recorded. The three cowpea varieties tested did not differ significantly in pods plant -1 and pod length but differed in 100 grain test weight. Gomati had the highest grain test weight, followed by Ketaki, with Kamini having the least test weight. Higher grain yield was recorded in the widest spacing of 20 cm compared to the closest spacing of 10 cm. Cowpea varieties, plant spacings and variety x spacing interactions did not have significant effects on stover yields and harvest indices. The widest plant spacing of 20 cm had higher benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) than the closer spacings of 10 and 15 cm which had similar BC ratios. Variety x spacing interactions affected BC ratio.
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen and phosphorous on growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) at Centurion University, Paralakhemundi during summer (February-May), 2018. The combination of four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1) were tested in Split plot design with three replications. There was a significant improvement in plant height and yield attributes with the application of 90 kg N ha-1 as compared to lower levels of N application. With increase in levels of Phosphorus from 20 and 40 kg ha-1 has significantly increased yield. Significantly higher grain (1054kg ha-1) and straw yield (4369kg ha-1) were recorded with the application of 90kg N ha-1 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 while, the minimum yield was observed with 0 kg N ha-1 and 0 kg P2O5 ha-1.
Cotton cultivation is of immense importance for farmers in Odisha tribal regions as it is a ways of sustenance for their livelihood. A study was undertaken on 240 cotton growers from four blocks of two districts, Gajapati and Rayagada, of Odisha State. The objective of this research is to find out the constraints faced by the cotton growers and suggestive measures The tribal people of these districts have been cultivating cotton since a long time. The research methodology followed was through primary data collection. Data was collected personally on constraints in cotton cultivation as reported by farmers and suggestions to increase cotton production and productivity through a semi-structured schedule and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The respondents of both Gajapati and Rayagada districts gave priority to the suggestion that cotton growers should be organized properly. They suggested that soil testing needs to be done at appropriate time to assess the soil fertility status of the soil and suitable recommendations on application of fertilizers should be made available to ensure better productivity. Also, there should be transparency in grading and measurement. The respondents also emphasized the need for immediate payment for the produce to fulfill their prime financial obligations. The growers need to be educated about collection of market information enabling them to obtain better price for their product. Organizing the growers facilitates better supervision and management of various farm operations. Participatory decision facilitates better planning and management. Cluster approach helps in minimizing the cost of watch and ward and timely implementation of the various crop management practices. The officials of agricultural extension that promote cotton cultivation in these districts have to create more awareness about cluster approach of farmers through group formation as organizing better growers facilitates supervision of operations and an integrated crop management.
Modern day farming brings lot of stresses to farmers and farming communities. Farmers are affected by various types of mental issues. They are affected by time and financial pressure, weather uncertainty, market regulations, work unpredictability. When the pressures resulting in farming are beyond their control, farmers get frustrated. The effects of stress may be manifested in the form of mood swings, anxiety, change in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, fatigue, loss of interest in family, friends and hobbies, dependence on alcohol. Stress can affect family and social life. Agribusiness professionals should play a key role in helping mental health specialists find the reasons underlying farming stress. Farmers should be made aware of the physical, behavioural, emotional and cognitive symptoms of stress. Farmers should avoid unnecessary stress by learning how to say 'no', altering the stress situation, adapting to stressor by changing self, trying not to control the uncontrollable, spending time with family, going for a task. Farmers should be connected to well-wishing and close people, aware of people around them, do regular physical exercises, develop new interests, and show kindness and do good deeds for someone in need.
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