The present study was undertaken to study the trends of area, production and productivity of pineapple in Manipur. The study was based on the secondary data from 2001 to 2011. To analyze the trend of area, production and productivity of pineapple in Manipur, semi log linear functional form was used. Beside these, compound growth rate and instability index was also estimated. The effect of area, production and their interaction towards increasing production were also estimated in the present study. The instability indices for area, production and productivity of pineapple crop in Manipur were positive there by indicating less risk for growing pineapple in the State.&nbsp;

Growth and instability of pineapple production in Manipur, India

<div>Background: Yield is a complex entity. The pre-requisite for achieving high yields in rice depends on identification of superior new genotypes for various traits associated with yield. These characters may help in advancing the yield like the plant height, tillers per plant, length of panicle, grains per panicle, grain weight and their relationship with yield and direct and indirect contribution to grain 
yield. The present study was conducted to identify the yield and its related characters of all the rice cultivars which are collected from the hill farmers of Manipur. 
 
Methods: Field experiment of 90 local rice cultivars were conducted in the experimental farm of ICAR, Lamphel, Imphal, Manipur. Sample random sampling technique with a sample size of 6 competitive plant were study in the present study. Data of plant height, total tillers per plant, length of panicle, total spikelet&rsquo;s per panicle, grain per panicle, grain weight, grain yield per plant were analysed. 
 
Result: The present finding shows that a large number of local cultivars are used by the hill farmers of Manipur without appropriate selection. Some of these cultivars were having those agronomic traits which are considered to be associated with yield characters of rice. If improved high yielding varieties for upland rice cropping is not available to the farmers&rsquo; they can select to those local cultivars having desirable yield characters.</div>

​Yields and its Component Characters in Upland Rice of Manipur

Background: Turmeric is a vital crop in Manipur, but its production is increasingly influenced by changing climatic conditions. Understanding the relationship between climate variables and turmeric output is essential for sustainable agricultural planning in the region. 
 
Methods: This study analyzes the causal relationship between climate factors and turmeric production in Manipur using secondary data from 2001-02 to 2020-21. Key climate variables examined include minimum temperature (&deg;C), relative humidity (RH%), wind speed (m/s), solar radiation (W/m&sup2;), and rainfall (mm). Statistical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), mean, standard deviation, standard error, and the Cuddy Della Valle Index (CDVI) were used to assess variability and trends. Additionally, the Correlogram and Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was applied to data from 2013 to 2022 to evaluate the stationarity of climate and production variables. 
 
Result: The findings indicate high instability in turmeric cultivation area during Periods I and III, alongside moderate fluctuations in production and significant variability in rainfall and wind speed. The ADF test revealed stationary behavior in variables such as turmeric area, production, productivity, maximum RH, and wind speed. Conversely, temperature, wind direction, solar radiation, and rainfall exhibited non-stationary patterns. A strong positive correlation was found between turmeric production and factors like cultivation area, solar radiation, and maximum temperature. This study highlights the significant influence of climate variability on turmeric production in Manipur. The insights can guide policymakers and farmers in developing climate-resilient agricultural strategies to ensure stable turmeric yields in the future. 
&nbsp;

Study on Relationship between Climate Variability and Turmeric Production in Manipur; India

Background: The indigenous cattle of Manipur known as Meetei San are medium size, stout, hardy and a dual-purpose and non descript animal. Even though the role of these local indigenous cattle in the household and national economies, they are currently under-utilised, their productivity remains low andpopulations are faced with extinction. In addition to that, inadequate measures are taken to secure their present and future value. In the present study, an attempt was made to study the reproductive and productive performances of local female cattle of Manipur. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A total number of 40 (forty) Manipuri local cattle were included in this experimental process. The experiment was carried out at the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, CAU, Imphal, Manipur and adjoining private indigenous cattle farms of Imphal west and Imphal east districts of Manipur. The mean values of age at sexual maturity, length of oestrous cycle, duration of oestrus, age at first calving, gestation length, inter-calving period, open days, dry period, number of service per conception, daily milk production, total milk production, lactation length of local female cattle of Manipur were recorded. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The mean values of age at sexual maturity, length of oestrous cycle, duration of oestrus, age at first calving, gestation length, inter-calving period, open days, dry period, number of service per conception, daily milk production, total milk production, lactation length of local female cattle of Manipur were 26.00&plusmn;0.36 months, 21.50&plusmn;0.13 days, 18.43&plusmn;0.11 hours, 37.35&plusmn;0.33 months, 280.10&plusmn;0.17 days, 555.23&plusmn;3.97 days, 275.13&plusmn;3.95 days, 148.00&plusmn;3.00 days, 2.28&plusmn;0.12, 2.86&plusmn;0.03 Kg, 363.34&plusmn;5.86 Kg and&nbsp; 407.23&plusmn;1.83 days, respectively. The behavioural signs of oestrus i.e. restlessness, frequent urination, bellowing were prominent in local female cattle of Manipur. The swollen vulva, hyperemia of vulvar mucous membrane and genital discharge during oestrus was noticed. In conclusion, the different reproductive and productive parameters in local female cattle of Manipur (Meetei San) were found to be comparable with other cattle&nbsp; breeds/crossbreds with variation in terms of age at sexual maturity, behavioural and physical oestrus signs, inter-calving period, service period, dry period, milk production and lactation length.

Reproductive and Productive Performance Evaluation of Local Indigenous Non-descript Cattle of Manipur (Meetei San), India

Background: The present research work was undertaken to known about the farmer perception and determinant as the adoption of the horticultural crops and major production constraints faced by them in Nagaland and Manipur states. 
 
Methods: For the present study by selecting 100 respondents each from Nagaland and Manipur states to have 200 respondents in total by using purposive stratified simple random sampling technique with the help of data collected through personnel interview methods during the Agricultural calendar year 2019 to 2022 (contain 3 years survey field data).

Result: About the farmer perceptions for the horticultural crops in the study area viz; pineapple and chili both were selected due to the prominent crops; based on benefit-cost ratio pineapple crops of Nagaland was recorded as highest (3.31:1) returns, followed by pineapple crop of Manipur (3.01:1) state; also based on benefit-cost ratio, chili crop of Manipur was recorded highest (2.70:1) returns, followed by chili crop of Nagaland (2.76:1) state, respectively. About the perception level it increase by maximum 17.00 per cent for Dimapur Pineapple, followed by Thoubal Chili was 16 per cent, Kohima Chili was 12.00 per cent and minimum Senapati Pineapple was 10 per cent, respectively. About the major constraints faced by the respondents during the production, the foremost was due to the need for high investment in inputs, followed by the size of the land holding and lack of technical knowledge, respectively. 
&nbsp;

Farmer&rsquo;s Perception and Determinant of Horticultural Crops in Nagaland and Manipur States&nbsp;

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are natural adversaries of insects, serving a crucial role in the regulation of insect pest populations. In response to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize environmental protection, human safety and animal welfare, the utilization of bio-control agents like entomopathogenic fungi offers a superior and safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi effectively infect and eliminate insects, thereby contributing to the control of insect populations through the induction of lethal infections known as epizootics. Isolating EPF from the soil is an effective method as they naturally inhabit soil ecosystems. The north-eastern region of India possesses a forest cover exceeding 80%, with Manipur alone accounting for nearly 75% of forest cover in its total geographical area. This abundant forest cover, along with undisturbed land, contributes to the region&rsquo;s wealth of micro flora and fauna, including a thriving population of entomopathogenic fungi. However, the potential of these fungi in pest population management remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the diversity of these promising entomopathogenic fungi. 
 
Methods: In this study, we isolated fungi from the soils of ten districts of Manipur and identified several isolates with entomopathogenic properties. Soil bating using Galleria mellonella larvae was employed for the isolation of entomopathogenic fungi.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of 73 fungal isolates were obtained from 100 soil samples, out of which 54 were identified as entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Aspergillus constituted the most commonly isolated entomopathogenic fungi, followed by isolates of Beauveria, Clonostachys, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida and Meyerozyma genera. Diversity studies revealed variations in the types and proportions of fungi among different regions of Manipur. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi, with 14 isolates of Beauveria bassiana and two isolates of Talaromyces purpureogenus causing 100% mortality of the test insects. The isolated fungi exhibited excellent performance in insect control and could be further mass-produced for effective pest management.

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

<div>Background: The primary objective of the study was to find out the effect of Weather parameters on the Chakhao production. Reports postulated that crop productivity is impacted by agricultural practises rather than climate. However, yield is very much dependent on environmental and cultural conditions which are less studied and not yet defined.&nbsp;Since Chakhao is traditionally a low yielding crop of Manipur. Despite of being their great values in nutrition, medicinally and economically, the farmers of Manipur neglect the cultivation of the black scented rice in large scale due its low yield. Thus, the current study was taken to have a better understanding of the growth and yield with effect to weather parameters of the three Chakhao cultivars viz. Poireiton, Amubi, Angouba. 
 
Methods: The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of various weather parameters on growth and yield of black scented and aromatic rice cultivars of Manipur. During this study, three local rice cultivars of Manipur was cultivated&nbsp; in kharif crop season&nbsp; (June-July to November-December)&nbsp; during the year 2019 , 2020 and 2021 at PDDUIAS, Research farm of Utlou, Manipur. The experimental field is located at 24&deg;43&#39;78&rdquo;N Latitude, 93&deg;51&#39;60&rdquo;E Longitude and the elevation or altitude of 2513 feet above mean sea level. During these experiments different major growth stages were recorded, while all other input parameters were kept constant. For this study the spacing adopted was 25 cm x 25 cm. After harvesting, the agro-morphological characters compared to analyse the effect of weather parameters were Temperature, Relative Humidity, Rainfall and Wind speed for the period of 3 years i.e., 2019, 2020, 2021.&nbsp; 
 
Result: It was observed that the rice variety Chakhao Angouba resulted the highest yield followed by Chakhao Poireiton and Chakhao Amubi. The correlation between weather parameters and agro-morphological growth and yield related parameters were estimated by Pearson correlation coefficient and degree of dependencies of these agro-morphological parameters on weather parameters were analysed by using linear regression analysis. All the yield attributing characters i.e., number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight (g) were taken but they do not showed significant correlation except average rainfall and the number of leaves.</div>

The Effect of Weather Parameters on Yield Performance of Some Aromatic Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) of Manipur

Root-knot nematode is one of the major pest of vegetable crops that produces root galls in the infected roots, seriously reducing the farmer&rsquo;s produce. According to statistics, phyto-parasitic nematodes affect 12.3% of the world&rsquo;s major crops each year, resulting in yield losses. Most common species of root-knot nematodes have been reported to be vulnerable to cucumber and they can reduce productivity by up to 60% in protected commercial farming. Till now, there was no report of root knot nematode affecting cucumber in the state of Manipur (India). In 2021, an extensive investigation was conducted in each block of Kakching district, Manipur to observe for the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting the cucumber crop of that area based on morphological characteristic symptoms of the infected plant. The root samples forming galls and soil were collected for confirmatory studies at the laboratory. For the first time, it was discovered during the study that the cucumber crop was infested by the Meloidogyne spp. showing the general symptoms like water and nutrient stress, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, wilting of infested plants and patchiness of plants in the infested field, together with the typical symptoms of gall formation in the root system. According to morphological investigations, the southern root-knot nematode (M. incognita) was found to be responsible for the infestation of the cucumber plant sample taken from a farmer&rsquo;s field in the Kakching district of Manipur.

A southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) first reported on cucumber in Manipur

Background: One of the most important oil seed crops grown in India is Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). It is abundant in energy, minerals and vitamins. It is a significant food legume and oilseed crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions of India that is used in various forms and aids in the reduction of malnutrition. Even if groundnut cultivation is not customary in the North Eastern Region of India, more groundnuts must be produced there to provide food security and nutrition. The crop has been newly introduced for cultivation in Manipur and found successful as rainfed crop during kharif season and has got very high yield potential. The technical gap is a major barrier to increasing groundnut output in Chandel district, Manipur State. Frontline demonstration (FLD), is one of the most significant and effective methods for technology transfer. By using the newest technologies, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel&rsquo;s interventions aim to boost productivity and production.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present front-line demonstration was carried out by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandel, ICAR-Manipur Centre to find out yield gaps and it impact between demonstration practices under Front Line Demonstration and farmer&rsquo;s practice of kharif groundnut in 22 hectares of land with 54 numbers of demonstrations in different villages during 2018 to 2022, respectively. Prior to the demonstrations, a survey was conducted to collect the data on groundnut farming methods and based on survey data selection of farmers was done and improved technology for cultivation of groundnut was demonstrated.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of the frontline demonstrations indicated that average seed yield of groundnut in Demonstration practices ranged between 18.10 q/ha to 24.45 q/ha whereas in Farmers practices it was 10.55 q/ha to 13.80 q/ha during demonstrated years. The per cent increased in yield with Demonstration practices over Farmer Practices was ranged between 41.71% to 43.56 %. The technological or Yield Gap ranges from 5.55 q/ha to 11.90 q/ha and extension gap were from 7.55 q/ha to 10.65 q/ha respectively. Similarly, technological index decreased from 39.67% to 18.50% during the study period. The benefit cost ratio was in the range of 2.81:1 to 3.94:1 under demonstrations, while it was 1.67:1 to 2.30:1 under farmer practices. By conducting front line demonstration on improved practices with High Yielding Verities of proven technologies in farmer&rsquo;s field can reduce the yield/technology Gap to a considerable extent and thus yield potential of groundnut enhanced to a great extent which increased in the income level of farmers and improved livelihood of farming community in the region by reducing the technology gaps.&nbsp;

Yield Gap and Impact Analysis of Groundnut Cultivation Through Front Line in Chandel District, Manipur&nbsp;

Background: Blackgram is the major pulse crop cultivated all over the India. The crop is resistant to unfavourable weather patterns and helps in enhancing soil fertility. It is a significant component of the Indian diet since it provides vegetable protein and balances the diet. About 26 per cent of it is protein, which is nearly three times more than cereal and other vitamins and minerals. In addition, it is utilised as nutrient-rich fodder, particularly for dairy cattle. A significant obstacle to expanding blackgram production in Chandel district, Manipur State is the technology gap. Frontline demonstration (FLD), is one of the most significant and effective methods for technology transfer. By using the newest technologies, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel&rsquo;s interventions aim to boost productivity and production. 
 
Methods: The study on Blackgram var. PU-31 under rainfed farming situations of Chandel district, Manipur was carried out by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Chandel, during Kharif 2017 to 2022 with the objectives to increase production and productivity of pulse in the district conducted in the farmers&rsquo; field for 118 hectares of land with all the scientific package of practices. 
 
Result: The average grain yield of 776.50 kg/ha was obtained in the demonstration plot with 38.13 per cent increase in yield over farmers practices. The technological and extension gap were 723.50 kg/ha and 214.33 kg/ha respectively. Similarly, technological index was decreased from 50.33 percent to 44.53 percent during the study period, revealing satisfactory performance of technological interventions which can further be improved by bridging the gaps with more efficient research and extension services.

Growth and instability of pineapple production in Manipur, India

Yields and its Component Characters in Upland Rice of Manipur

Study on Relationship between Climate Variability and Turmeric Production in Manipur; India

Reproductive and Productive Performance Evaluation of Local Indigenous Non-descript Cattle of Manipur (Meetei San), India

Farmer’s Perception and Determinant of Horticultural Crops in Nagaland and Manipur States

Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soils of Manipur (N-E India)

The Effect of Weather Parameters on Yield Performance of Some Aromatic Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) of Manipur

A southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) first reported on cucumber in Manipur

Yield Gap and Impact Analysis of Groundnut Cultivation Through Front Line in Chandel District, Manipur

The Impact Analysis on Productivity Enhancement of Blackgram through Front Line Demonstration in Chandel District of Manipur State