Latest news with #KrishiVigyanKendra
India.com
6 days ago
- Health
- India.com
What Is Lumpy Skin Disease? Check Symptoms And Precautions Amid Outbreak Alert In Maharashtra
A health alert has been issued in Buldhana, Maharashtra, as officials warn of a fresh outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious viral disease that targets cattle and buffaloes. The District Information Office, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, has urged farmers to take immediate precautions to stop the spread of the disease and protect their livestock. Lumpy Skin Disease, though not harmful to humans, has devastated India's dairy industry over the last two years, causing significant economic losses and livestock deaths. With over 2 lakh cattle deaths reported previously and millions affected by reduced milk production, the warning in Buldhana is a call for timely action. What Is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)? Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection caused by the Capripox virus, primarily affecting cattle and buffaloes. It's classified as a transboundary animal disease, meaning it can spread rapidly across borders and regions. The disease spreads mainly through the bites of infected vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, and in some cases, through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated feed and water. Common Symptoms of LSD in Cattle Farmers and livestock keepers should look out for these warning signs: 1. Hard skin nodules or lumps spread across the body 2. Fever and fatigue 3. Swollen lymph nodes 4. Drastic drop in milk yield 5. Reduced appetite and movement difficulty 6. Discharge from eyes and nose Infected cattle often show symptoms within 4–14 days of exposure. How to Prevent Lumpy Skin Disease? To limit the outbreak and protect healthy cattle: 1. Vaccinate all eligible animals above 3 months with Biolumpivaxin, a once-a-year vaccine. 2. Isolate infected animals immediately and avoid moving them. 3. Control vectors by using insect repellents and maintaining clean sheds. 4. Avoid sharing equipment between infected and healthy animals. 5. Ensure regular vet check-ups and report any suspicious symptoms early. All About the Biolumpivaxin Vaccine The Biolumpivaxin vaccine has been successfully trialed by ICAR-NRCE, Hisar, and Biovet across thousands of cattle and buffaloes under field conditions, as reported earlier by IANS. Here are its key features: 1. Safe and effective for cattle of all age groups 2. Can be used for pregnant and lactating animals 3. Offers protection against severe symptoms and fatality 4. Must be administered once annually Government Response in Buldhana The Krishi Vigyan Kendra has initiated a public awareness campaign across Buldhana to educate farmers on how to recognise symptoms and adopt proper precautions. Officials emphasise that timely vaccination and isolation are the best defenses. Why This Matters to Dairy Farmers A single infected animal can disrupt the productivity of an entire herd. With LSD leading to milk production losses, reproductive failure, and long-term health issues, farmers are urged to treat this warning with seriousness. Prevention is not just about protecting livestock, it's about securing livelihoods, especially in rural and agrarian communities. Lumpy Skin Disease is a serious threat to cattle health and dairy economics. With a fresh outbreak looming in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, early action can help prevent another nationwide crisis. Farmers must stay alert, report symptoms early, and vaccinate their livestock without delay. FAQs 1. Is Lumpy Skin Disease dangerous to humans? No, LSD only affects cattle and buffaloes; it is not transmissible to humans. 2. What causes LSD to spread? It spreads through mosquito bites, ticks, flies, and direct contact with infected animals. 3. What is the best way to prevent LSD? Vaccination with Biolumpivaxin and controlling insect vectors are the most effective methods. 4. Can pregnant or lactating cows be vaccinated? Yes, Biolumpivaxin is safe for all groups including pregnant and lactating animals. 5. What should I do if my cattle show symptoms? Immediately isolate the affected animal and contact a local veterinarian for guidance and testing.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Coconut farmers association's plea to government
The East Coast Coconut Farmers Association has urged the State government to set up the proposed Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), an integral part of the Union Government-funded National Agricultural Research System (NARS) scheme, at Pattukottai instead of Eachankottai in Orathanadu taluk. In a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the association pointed out that the setting up of KVK at Pattukottai, instead of at the Agricultural College at Echankottai, had certain advantages in terms of infrastructure development and logistics. The KVK could be set up without delay on major capital outlay at the Regional Extension Training Centre (RETC), Pattukottai, where land and buildings were available. Also, East Coast Road was an excellent logistics corridor for export of value-added coconut and other agricultural products to reach the sea and air-borne shipment infrastructure facilities at Tuticorin. Claiming that the large concentration of coconut farming in Pattukottai and Peravurani region would ensure long-term rural employment opportunities from technical staff and filed demonstrators to input supplies, value-addition units and market link facilitators, the association said the setting up of a coconut-focused KVK at Pattukottai would help provide the latest, best-practice technologies in varietal selection, water-use efficiency, nutrient management, pest surveillance and post-harvest value addition directly to small and marginal coconut farmers, who currently rely on outdated methods.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
HDPS boosts cotton yields in Siddipet, farmers report higher returns despite higher input costs
Cotton farmers in Siddipet, one of Telangana's major cotton-producing districts, are witnessing higher yields and improved returns with the adoption of the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) thanks to the Special Project on Cotton by the ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, being implemented since 2023. Implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tuniki in Medak district, the project is part of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and covers rainfed cotton farmers across five States, including Telangana. In Siddipet, 266 farmers adopted HDPS during the 2024 Kharif season. 'Traditionally, farmers in Siddipet cultivate cotton on sandy loam soils under rainfed conditions using the Square Planting System (SPS), maintaining a spacing of 90×90 cm and sowing two seeds per hill, resulting in around 10,000 plants per acre. This wider spacing facilitates bullock-drawn two-way hoeing, reducing manual weeding,' said Scientist (Plant Protection) ICAR-EGVF (Ekalavya Grameena Vikas Foundation), Krishi Vigyan Kendra,Tuniki, Dr Ravi Palithiya. In contrast, HDPS involves sowing a single seed per hill at a closer spacing of 90×15 cm, increasing the plant population threefold to 30,000 plants per acre. This denser system, while requiring more seeds and initial inputs, has shown notable advantages in yield and cost-efficiency. 'We advise the farmers to apply Mepiquat Chloride, a plant growth regulator (PGR), to manage canopy growth and ensure light and air penetration, thereby reducing pest and disease incidence,' Ravi Palthiya, who is a nodal officer, special project on Cotton, said, adding that this approach has also facilitated synchronised boll maturity, enabling faster harvesting and timely sowing of rabi crops. The transition to HDPS increased seed costs from ₹1,728 to ₹5,184 per acre and raised labour expenses for sowing. However, farmers saved on expenses related to row marking and bullock-drawn hoeing, reducing the need for traditional two-way intercultural operations. Overall, HDPS resulted in an additional expenditure of ₹11,256 per acre, according to a study by the ICAR. Despite the increased costs, yield improved significantly — from 8 quintals to 12 quintals per acre — generating an increased income of ₹30,084 per acre. The reduction in harvesting rounds, owing to uniform boll maturity, also helped cut labour costs during picking. Kunta Kista Reddy of Ahmadipur village in Gajwel mandal, who adopted HDPS on two acres, reported improved uniformity in plant growth and a 15–20% increase in yield. 'The well-managed canopy and synchronized maturity helped in avoiding late pest attacks. Though fertiliser and irrigation management required greater attention, the system proved beneficial,' he said. Chada Sudhakar Reddy of Eppalagudam in Markook mandal shared a similar experience. 'I was initially hesitant to adopt HDPS and machine sowing. But the results were beyond expectations. I used less labour and inputs but harvested more cotton and made better profits,' he noted.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Rare wild mushroom discovered in Arunachal's Longhua village
Longding: A large wild mushroom, tentatively identified as Infundibulicybe gibba (formerly Clitocybe gibba), a well-known edible species, was discovered in the moist, shaded bamboo structures of Longhua village in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. The mushroom was identified based on its distinct morphological characteristics by Deep Narayan Mishra, a subject matter specialist (plant pathology) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Longding. According to Mishra, the specimen exhibited typical features such as a pale, funnel-shaped cap, decurrent gills, a central stipe and growth on decomposing organic matter. These traits align with those commonly observed in Infundibulicybe species, which are generally found in temperate and subtropical forested regions and are known for their edibility and nutritional benefits, he said. In several tribal and rural communities, such mushrooms are traditionally consumed for their protein, fiber and mineral content. However, Mishra cautioned that the current identification is only tentative and should not be considered conclusive without laboratory confirmation. He stressed the importance of scientific validation through methods such as internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequencing, spore print analysis to assess colour and pattern and microscopic examination of spores and hyphal structures. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo These tests are essential not only for accurate taxonomic placement but also to differentiate the mushroom from closely related or potentially toxic species. He also advised that any wild mushrooms intended for consumption must be properly identified, thoroughly cleaned, and cooked — either by boiling or frying — to eliminate any harmful compounds that may be present. Mishra emphasised that this discovery reflects the rich biodiversity of the Longding area and presents opportunities to raise community awareness about wild edible mushrooms. It also offers potential for sustainable harvesting and further scientific research, which could enhance food security, nutrition, and income generation for rural and tribal populations in the region.
