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Department of JULY 2021
Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare VOLUME - 9
KERALA KARSHAKAN
Government of Kerala Farm Information Bureau ISSUE - 1
Aloe
The First English farm journal from the house of Kerala Karshakan
English journal
A Miracle
Plant
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 1
Inside
JULY 2021 Volume - 9 Issue - 1
KERALA KARSHAKAN
English journal
Mail: editorejournalkkfib@gmail.com Log on to http://www.fibkerala.gov.in
Phone: 0471-2314358
The First English farm journal from the house of Kerala Karshakan
Farm INFORMATION BUREAU 04 Genetically Engineered Crops
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Part 2: Benefits and Risks
Chairman Rakesh S. Chandran
Ishita Roy IAS
Agricultural Production Commissioner,
Principal Secretary (Agriculture) 08 Drought Proofing India: Policies and Plans
MEmbers Dr. G. Byju
Dr. K. Vasuki IAS
Director of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture & Development 12 THE BIRTH OF A GEM
Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar IAS Krishnapriya k b
Special Secertary (Agriculture)
Department of Agriculture & Development
15 Chemical Fertilization to Green Manuring:
S. Harikishore IAS
Director (I&PRD) “Moving towards Sustained Production”
Dr. K.M. Dileep Dr. Devideen Yadav1, Dr. Anita Kumawat2, Dr. Pushpendra Kumar3,
Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr. Saswat Kumar Kar4, Dr. Deepak Singh5, Dr. Dinesh Kumar6
Mini Raveendradas
Director (Dairy Department) 20 Snails and Slugs – An Emerging pest on crops
Station Director, Dr. Ramkumar J1., Dr. B. Venudevan1, Dr. P. Arunkumar1,
*
All India Radio
Ms. R. Mangaiyarkarasi2
Director
Doordarshan, Thiruvananthapuram
P.V. Manoj
Sayujyam, Manakkad P.O., Thiruvananthapuram
Sandhya R.
Adarsham, Anandeswaram, Chempazanthy
P.O., Thiruvananthapuram
C.R. Mahesh
Kailas Nagar, Kizhakkekkara, Kottarakkara
Saji John
Mission Director, State Horticulture Mission
Kerala
T.K. Bhaskara Panikkar
Renfru Cottage, USRA-72, Udarasiromani Road
Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram -10
Dr. Jalaja S. Menon
Assi. Prof. College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara
Thrissur
Dr. P. Indira Devi
Prof. & Head, Centre for Enviornmentel
Economics,
32
College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur
C.D. Suneesh
Chittilappally House, Thrikkaipatta P.O.,
Wayanad
ATTENTION AUTHORS
Dr.Mohan P.V
Karuna, Near Kannur Spinning Mill
Kakkad P.O., Kannur - 670005
Suresh Muthukulam
Sarayoo, Bapuji Nagar
Pongumoodu, Medical College P.O Articles for Kerala Karshakan E-journal should be certified
Trivandrum - 695011
by head of the institution concerned stating that the
CONVENOR
George Sebastian article is original and has not been published anywhere.
2
Principal
KERALA Information Officer
KARSHAKAN e-journal
Farm Information Bureau
JULY 2021 Reference should also be included wherever relevant.
Department of JULY 2021
Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare VOLUME - 9
KERALA KARSHAKAN
Government of Kerala Farm Information Bureau ISSUE - 1
Aloe
The First English farm journal from the house of Kerala Karshakan
English journal
45
A Miracle
Plant
25 Aluminet -Thermo Reflective Screen: A brand new
technology for net house of tropical regions.
Shankarprasad K. S., Hareesha C. B., Vinayak Deshi
PB KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
1
28 ALOE- A Miracle plant
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 JULY 2021
Dr. Sowmya Kumari1, Dr. Sachin U. S.2 Chief Editor
George Sebastian
32 Basics of Pulse Processing
Dr. Bhupendra M Ghodki, Dr. Yogesh B Kalnar, Dr. Th. Bidyalakshmi Devi* Editor
Sreekala S
41 Arsenic contamination in Indian soils and its mitigation
options Asst. Editor
*
AJajati Mandal, Shweta Shambhavi, Arkaprava Roy, Debasis Golui,
A B B Dr. Yamuna S
B
Rahul Kumar, BPragati Maurya, BDevi Prasad Upadhyay, BDivankar Dubey,
B
Anil Verma Editorial Assistant
Anoop R J
45 GUAVA: The Ultimate Superfood Design & Layout
Brinda G. B. Rajesh V
Articles/ Features appearing in this e-journal are either commissioned or assigned neverthless, other articles of
farm relevance are also welcome. A maximum of 750 wordage is appreciated. Such items should be addressed to
The Editor, Kerala Karshakan e-journal, Farm Information Bureau, Kowdiar PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Pin: 695003
These may also be mailed to editorejournalkkfib@gmail.com in word format. Responses can be also sent to
this mail. Authors are requested to provide the following details along with the articles, for quick processing of
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VIEWS expressed in the articles published in KeralaKarshakan e-journal are not, necessarily those ofKERALA KARSHAKAN
the Government. e-journal
Enquiries : 0471 2314358
JULY 2021 3
I
n the last issue, we discussed the amino acids and hence the Rakesh S. Chandran
Ph.D. Extension Specialist-Weed Science
advances in plant breeding proteins they code for, ultimately & Professor West Virginia University
at the molecular level changing the growth habit and Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 USA
that allow us to develop traits of the given crop. An
improved crop varieties in a analogy can be drawn where
fraction of time, compared changing certain alphabets in a
to classical breeding techniques. word or sentence can alter the
In summary, a rearrangement of message conveyed.
A, T, G and C or the base pairs Advances in genetic
building blocks of DNA can alter engineering have occurred at
Genetically
Engineered
4 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
Crops
e-journal
a speed in which supporting can provide cheaper food of Vitamin A) are capable of
disciplines of agriculture have by improving agricultural producing higher amounts of
not kept pace with. Therefore, productivity. By utilizing this nutrients and vitamins, which
it is imperative to implement technology, crops that can could have a great impact
this technology in a manner tolerate adverse environmental on solving nutrition problems
such that irreversible changes conditions (drought, cold, soil in heavily populated and
are not caused to cropping or salinity etc.), certain insect pests underdeveloped countries.
ecosystems, and that benefits of and plant diseases, can be Faster breeding
GM crops far outweigh any risks developed. Such crops may A definite benefit of
associated with them. A review also reduce the dependence on transgenic crops is that they can
article in Science (December insecticides and fungicides. For be bred for desirable traits very
2000) concluded that scientific example, Bt crops resist certain precisely and much faster when
information available was not insect pests and can reduce the compared to traditional method.
adequate to draw conclusive need for insecticides. Opponents A related disadvantage is that
deductions on GM crops’ of the technology argue that since the actual “breeding” in
potential benefits or risks to the transgenic crops can increase genetic engineering is carried
environment. In this issue, let us our dependence on herbicides out under laboratory or sterile
critically examine some of the through the buildup of herbicide- conditions, the implications
benefits and risks related to GM resistant weed biotypes. under field conditions may
crops in an objective manner. Nutrient levels not be fully understood until a
Food Supply and Pesticide Certain transgenic crops problem arises.
Usage (e.g., “golden rice” capable Ecosystem diversity
Tr a n s g e n i c c r o p s of synthesizing the precursor Large-scale
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 5
adoption of GM crops carries the boost yield and profitability of products such as pesticides
risk of eroding the biodiversity of farming. However, since genetic made by the same company.
agroecosystems due to intensive engineering focuses on crops Such practices can ultimately
management practices that with certain highly desirable reduce cropping diversity in
encourage a monoculture. This traits, genetic diversity within intensive agricultural systems.
in turn can affect ecosystem the crop could be diminished. Herbicide-resistant weeds
services provided by related This can make crops more In the United States,
beneficial organisms. A study susceptible to natural calamities genetically modified crops
published in Nature (1999) such as disease outbreaks. simplified weed management for
indicated that secretions from Although such problems have farmers for a period of roughly
remains of Bt corn adversely been encountered with hybrids 10 years since their inception.
affected certain other soilborne generated by traditional breeding Technology encouraged farmers
nontarget insect species. While techniques, corporate interests to use cost-effective herbicides
herbicide-tolerant crops can have fueled the development such as glyphosate repeatedly.
provide farmers with cost- of hybrids with “stacked-genes” Subsequently, a major indirect
effective tools to manage weeds where multiple desirable traits problem was the buildup of
in no-till farming reducing soil are bred into a single variety herbicide-resistant weeds. The
erosion and nutrient losses, it and farmers are forced to buy evolution of weeds that are
involves total vegetation control, seed material at a premium resistant to multiple modes of
which can detrimentally affect an price although some of the traits action have escalated the use of
ecosystem’s species biodiversity. may not be used by the farmer. herbicides in major crops such
Crop diversity Similar profit-driven corporate as corn and soybean. Integrated
D o u b t l e s s l y, G M strategies have led farmers pest management practices such
crops have the capability to become dependent on related as crop and herbicide rotation,
6 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journal
cover-crops, mechanical control unknown risks to the ecosystem. been questioned. Several more
etc., are now being adopted to Once these genes are released, arguments for and against the
address such challenges. it is difficult to recall them. use of this technology are found
Allergies However, limited instances of in the media today. Most of them
There are claims that such genetic pollutions have are subjective and speculative.
consuming transgenic foods occurred over the past 25 years This topic is a very complex
has occasionally led to the to cause alarming problems. one, the ramifications of which
development of allergies. A study Long-term effects are unknown at may involve many disciplines.
reported in the New England this point. There are also claims Therefore, future research may
Journal of Medicine in 1998 that transgenic crops may lead provide answers to some of the
showed that people consuming to the release of resistant strains uncertainties we face now.
transgenic soybean intended of microbes into the environment Equipping farmers with
as animal feed, developed by plants. Proponents argue that appropriate technology to
certain allergic reactions. such risks are comparable to improve their productivity have
Transgenic crops marketed for similar releases from medical or always been a wise investment.
human consumption have not veterinary practices. One must also consider that
been linked directly to causing Pharmaceuticals changes are constantly occurring
widespread allergies. Also, Researchers are testing in the field of Agriculture to keep
crops capable of causing fewer transgenic plants that are valuable up with an increasing demand for
allergies are being developed to farmers and consumers. food with fewer hands engaged
using this technology. They are capable of producing in production. While we have
Gene flow vaccines, pharmaceutical and cutting-edge technology at our
In theory, the flow of other materials used in the disposal, wise use of the same
transgenes into other organisms medical industry. However, will help the economy, farmers,
through pollution (termed the ability of crops to safely consumer and the environment
“genetic pollution”) can pose contain such products has to achieve sustained benefits.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 7
F
ifty six percent of the for cultivation of kharif crops that Dr. G. Byju
Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI,
net cultivated area accounts for 90 percent paddy, Thiruvananthapuram 695017,
of India is rainfed, 70 percent coarse cereals and Kerala
accounting for 44 70 percent oilseed production in
percent of food the country. June-July rainfall is
production. Hence, rainfall crucial for sowing of these crops.
decides the food security of our Coastal areas of peninsular India,
country. South west monsoon especially Tamil Nadu, receive
(June to September) contributes a major portion of rain from
to 80 percent of the normal north east monsoon (October-
annual rainfall of 1187 mm. December). In addition, winter
Rainfall normals are computed rain (January-February) and pre
using rainfall records of 50 monsoon rains (March-May)
years (1961-2010) from a are also important for flowering
network of 2412 stations all and fruiting of plantations and
over India. Timely onset and tree crops. We faced recurrent
spatial distribution of south west drought events in the recent past
monsoon rainfall is very crucial and is one of the most common
Drought Proofing
India Policies
and Plans
8 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journal
and frequent natural disaster or less storage in reservoir. Such standardized precipitation index
affecting Indian agriculture. complex ground realities need (SPI), vegetation condition
During the past 74 years since attention of the governments index (VCI), area under sowing,
independence, 16 years were while taking decisions. Due to percent available soil moisture
declared drought years. these issues, from 2015 onwards, (PASM), moisture adequacy
According to the Manual IMD changed the nomenclature index (MAI), reservoir storage
for Drought Management of drought. It is now replaced index (RSI), groundwater drought
published in 2016 by Ministry of with ‘deficient year’ and severe index and stream-flow drought
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, drought year with ‘large deficient index (SFDI). Based on the data
Government of India, 68 per year’. Now it is left to the state generated, three steps are used
cent of cropped area in India are governments to declare a year for the determination of drought.
prone to drought, 35 percent of as drought year based on rainfall First step is the
which receives rainfall between alone or combined with other examination of mandatory
750 and 1125 mm (drought parameters. It is noteworthy indicators namely rainfall
prone) and 33 percent receives that the different states in India deviation, or SPI or dry spell as
less than 750 mm (chronically have different definitions of per a matrix suggested in the
drought prone). Unlike other drought and methods of crop manual (trigger 1). Inadequate
natural calamities such as loss estimation. Our country rainfall leads to the examination
flood, earthquakes and cyclone, needs a consensus for a single of impact indicators (trigger
drought does not cause any loss definition and loss estimation 2) like availability of water
of life or infrastructure and hence method for a uniform drought for crops, soil and at ground
it often lacks visibility and timely management policy. The new level reducing the crop sown
media attention. But its impact drought declaration guidelines area. Here remote sensing and
on agriculture and other sectors of 2016 was framed to deal with geographical information system
of the economy are large. such ambiguities and to avoid the (GIS) have great roles to play to
While analyzing drought subjective and flexible nature that assess the crop condition, soil
we need to consider many ground existed. There is no uniformity in moisture and groundwater level.
realities. Based on the rainfall drought declaration parameters The indicators for measuring
data recorded at meteorological and this seriously affected relief the impact are VCI, the area
stations at district/tehsil/village measures. The Supreme Court under sowing, PASM and RSI.
level, meteorological drought of India urged the government In the event that a trigger is set
is declared in the administrative of India to adopt a new system off, states will conduct sample
units when the rainfall deficiency for drought declaration and the survey for ground truthing for
is more than 10%. Hydrological Union Ministry of Agriculture making a final determination of
drought is the situation of and Farmers Welfare introduced drought. This field verification
inadequate ground water due the Manual for Drought exercise will be the final basis for
to prolonged meteorological Management, 2016 which judging the intensity of drought
drought while agricultural superseded the 2009 manual. as ‘severe’ or ‘moderate’.
drought occurs when insufficient In order to develop a Unusual outmigration of labour
soil moisture leads to crop monitoring matrix for drought, in search of employment, fodder
losses. Normally meteorological five categories of indices availability and its prices, supply
drought leads to agricultural and are recommended. They are of food grains, scarcity of
then to hydrological drought. But rainfall, vegetation, water, drinking water supply for human
there are situations where there crop and others. The drought and livestock, and current wages
is no meteorological drought as monitoring cell (DMC) in for both agricultural and non-
the total rainfall may be within the states will monitor data agricultural sector may be used
normal range, but its uneven regularly on various parameters as supportive parameters for
distribution may cause depletion for enabling estimations of drought declaration. The kharif
of soil moisture or groundwater rainfall deviation, dry spell, drought should be declared by
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 9
30 October and rabi drought by government for additional funds. season. This is a ready reckoner
31 March every year. The State government can submit for drought preparedness,
Now we have only two a memorandum for assistance drought reporting and drought
categories of drought, moderate from National Disaster Response responses. If a particular district
or severe. If a moderate drought Fund (NDRF). It is now very is declared drought-hit, we have
occurs, the state government clear that managing drought is to consult the District Agriculture
is responsible for managing it the sole responsibility of state Contingency Plan (DACP) for the
with the State Disaster Relief governments. district (https://farmer.gov.in/
Fund (SDRF) or by utilizing Once drought is ContingencyPlan.aspx ). Such
its own resources. This is one declared, government will have plans are prepared by CRIDA,
of the major deviations from to initiate relief and response Hyderabad for 614 districts and
the earlier provisions where measures. For this, we have to is available in the above website.
even in the case of moderate consult the Crisis Management The drought management
drought, the central government Plan (CMP) for drought, which is policy of the Government of
provided funds to States. In being prepared by the Ministry India aims to manage drought at
case of severe drought, the of Agriculture and Farmers two stages. First is the mitigation
States may approach the Central Welfare, before each kharif and prevention measures such
10 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalas linking of rivers, canals, conservation tillage), harvesting this varies from crop to crop as
expanding area under irrigation and efficient use of rainwater well as for different soil types.
and watershed development at (rainwater harvesting structures, The new guidelines also stipulate
the pre-drought stage. Drought farm ponds, percolation tanks, more than three weeks of dry
mitigation measures are aimed micro irrigation systems), spell coupled with more than
to reduce soil erosion, augment cropping systems with suitable 50 percent rainfall deficiency to
soil moisture, restrict surface crops and varieties (seed bank, declare drought.
runoff of rainwater and to fodder bank, seed treatment, Moreover, area under
improve water use efficiency. intercropping, agroforestry, sowing must be less than 33.3
Water harvesting and conservation agriculture), need percent in kharif and below 50
conservation is an important based nutrient management percent in rabi season than the
aspect which include artificial (nutrient banks, site specific normal area sown to declare
recharge of ground water nutrient management, foliar a district/block/panchayat as
and traditional methods such nutrition, organic recycling, drought affected. In practice,
as contour bunding, contour tank silt application), farm many farmers sow the crops in
trenching, contour cultivation, mechanization (suitable anticipation of a good rainfall
bench terracing, graded implements, labour sharing and hence this criteria may
bunding, gully plugging, check mechanization, custom hiring not be fulfilled by many places
dams, gabion structure, stream centres) and fodder systems even though they are severely
bank protection, farm ponds, (silage, household/community drought-hit.
percolation tanks, anicuts, systems, fodder systems). Since the frequency
sub-surface barriers, injection Wa t e r r e s o u r c e s of drought is increasing
wells, dug well recharge, village management is another over the years, we need to
pond/tank, tankas/kunds/ important aspect of drought develop a comprehensive
kundis, khadin, vav/vavdi/baoli, r e l i e f. U n l i k e p a d d y a n d drought management policy
hill slope collection, spring sugarcane, which are water- incorporating drought risk
water harvesting and rooftop intensive crops, choose alternate financing, household’s risk
water harvesting. Water saving crops such as maize, pulses, management strategies, climate
technologies include drip and groundnut, sunflower, soybean, change adaptation practices,
sprinkler irrigation systems, fodder, cassava and millets. preparedness and mitigation
improved water saving farm Promote crop diversification of and drought-induced migration.
practices such as increased use of mixed/intercropping of main Farmers from drought risk
organic manure, mulching, crop crop with drought tolerant regions may be encouraged
rotation and use of biocontrol companion crops, thinning to undertake crop insurance.
agents. of plant population, weed In contrast to other natural
The post-drought policies management, mulching for hazards, it is difficult to determine
are mostly financial assistance soil moisture conservation and the beginning and end of a
to drought affected farmers. In protective irrigation. drought episode because of
our country, the post-drought Though the new drought the slow, ‘creepy’ onset, silent
relief measures outweigh management policy made many spread and gradual withdrawal.
mit iga t io n stra teg i es. Fo r improvements over the previous Hence drought monitoring and
effective implementation of the system, the system became more management require a strong
contingency plan, the practices complicated and there are many institutional setup in each state
which to be compulsorily taken criticisms too. For example, to study drought episode and
are: land treatment (sowing drought is confirmed when the related indicators such as soil
across slope, ridge and furrow percent available soil moisture moisture, crop sown and crop
system, compartmental bunding, is less than 25 percent of plant lost; as drought management
broad bed and furrow system, available water (field capacity is the responsibility of the state
raised bed and sunken system, – permanent wilting point). But government.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 11The birth of a gem
P
earl’ as the word a living shelled mollusk. In this KRISHNAPRIYA K B
Final year student
suggests is a arena of sustainable farming, BSc.(hons) Agriculture College of
AgricultureVellayani, TVM
valuable glistening pearl culture is an adoptable
object produced option as it is an eco-friendly
within soft tissues of and profitable venture. Also it
12 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalpaves way for unemployed youth on the size and number of nuclei process during implantation of
for establishing an enterprise. implanted. In India the common nuclei. Here, collected mussels
This also fetches higher price species under freshwater are kept in a crowed condition
ranging from Rs 360 to Rs 1800 environment are Lamellidens under captivity for 2 to 3 days
depending on the quality and size marginalis and L. corrianus. with aged tap water at a soaking
of the pearl. Naturally they are The basic steps in pearl farming density of 1 mussel/ L. During
seen in certain oysters, mussels includes collection of mussels, the process of implantation, the
or clam, which is produced as pre-operative conditioning, beads or nuclei are placed in
a result of an irritant entering implantation of nuclei, pond desired location either in mussel
into their body. As a defensive culture of implanted nuclei and cavity or in the mantle tissue.
mechanism these organisms harvest of mussels and pearls. This is a crucial process as care
secrete fluids to coat the irritant. Healthy mussels are must be taken not to cause injury
After several coatings a lustrous collected from freshwater to the mussel as it may lead to
pearl is formed. bodies. Now a days mussels its death.
‘All you need is an are available in the market also. During post-operative
investment in time’, this is what Usually mussels over 8cm in care of mussel, the implanted
someone would say about pearl anterior posterior length would ones are kept in nylon bags for
culture. Fresh water pearl culture be preferred for pearl culture. 10 days with antibiotic treatment
takes around 6 to 12 months for Pre-operative conditioning and supply of natural food. Then
development of pearl depending is done to ease the handling these are stocked in the ponds.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 13The mussels kept in the nylon and pearls are cut out of the pearl culture. Mr. Mathachan,
bags @ 2 mussels per bag are shell valve. The success rate is a farmer from Kasaragod is
hung from bamboo or PVC about 60 to 70 % of the mussels popular for cultivation of pearls
pipes and placed in ponds at implanted. in bucket and had gained wide
a depth of 1m. The ponds are As mentioned pearl popularity in this field. Allegedly,
to be fertilized with organic and culture requires technical innovative ideas are always
inorganic fertilizers periodically. know-how for implantation appreciated. Pearl culture will
At the end of the culture period and care of mussels. There are be a profitable venture for those
pearls are harvested. The various firms and government with some passion, interest and
mussels are opened one by one institutions providing training for innovativeness.
14 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalIntroduction by day. Such conditions need Dr. Devideen Yadav1
Imbalanced use of utilization of low cost plant Dr. Anita Kumawat2
chemical fertilizers to soil and based nutrient sources like green Dr. Pushpendra Kumar3
crops, reduce soil fertility, manure crops. Green manuring Dr. Saswat Kumar Kar4
increase environmental pollution is the practice of incorporating Dr. Deepak Singh5
and decrease crop productivity. green manure crops into soil Dr. Dinesh Kumar6
Scientist,
through ploughing, while they
1,2,4,5,6
Managing soil health and crop ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and
productivity on sustainable are green or soon after they Water Conservation, Dehradun,
Uttarakhand,India
basis is a vital challenge for start flowering. Green manuring 3
Assistant Professor,
Central Agricultural University,
the growers, especially in the maintains and improves soil Imphal, Manipur, India
situation, when crop production health through addition of
resources are getting costly day organic matter, minimize nutrient
Chemical
Fertilization to
Green Manuring:
“Moving towards
Sustained
Production”
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 15Figure1. Sesbania aculeata green manure crop (Source–Yadav et al., 2017)
fixation loss, produces huge mass green manuring e.g. sunhemp, of dhaincha is about 20-30 t/ha.
of humus and helps in reducing dhaincha, pillipesara, shervi, Dhaincha can fix about 96-135
leaching losses of soil nutrients. urd, mung, cowpea, berseem, kg nitrogen per hectare through
Green manuring practice not senji, etc. biological nitrogen fixation.
only improve composition 2. Ex-situ green manuring- 2. Sesbania rostrata
and nutrient balance of soil, It refers to turning of green (Sesbania)
but also provides a basis for leaves and tender green twigs Sesbania rostrata green manure
a more environment friendly of shrubs and trees into the soil, crop has nodules both on the
approach to modern farming. collected from bunds, waste stem and root. It thrives well
This article provides knowledge lands and nearby forest area e.g. under waterlogged condition.
about cultivation practices of glyricidia, wild dhaincha, karanj The normal seed rate for sowing
some important green manure etc. Potential green manure is about 30-40 kg per ha. It can
crops and the benefits of green crops produce about 15-20 t/ha fresh
manuring practices on soil 1. Sesbania aculeata matter. Sesbania rostrata fixes
health. (Dhaincha) about 80-110 kg biological
Green manure crops: Dhaincha crop originated in nitrogen per hectare within a
Green manure crops Africa. It is one of the most period of 7 to 8 weeks. Sesbania
are those, that are grown either preferable green manure crops crop has good potential for
in-situ or ex-situ and to be among the farmers. It is a quick incorporation in alley-cropping
turned in to the soil to improve growing succulent crop, which system. Farmers also plant
physical, chemical and biological can be incorporated at about Sesbania rostrata on field bunds.
properties of soil (FAO, 2011). 6 to 8 weeks after sowing. This Pruning of Sesbania crop grown
There are two types of crop adapts to varying conditions on bunds would be a source of
green manuring: of soil and climate and can be readily available green manure.
1. In-situ green manuring: successfully grown even under 3. Crotalaria juncea
When green manure crops are drought, water logging and (Sunhemp)
grown in the field itself either as salinity situations. Recommended Sunhemp crop has originated
a pure crop or as intercrop with seed rate for sowing of Sesbania from South Asia (Bangladesh,
the main crop and buried in the aculeata is about 40-50 kg per Bhutan and India). Sunhemp as
same field, it is known as in-situ hectare. The green biomass yield a green manure crop is generally
16 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalgrown during rainy season. Fast of which contain about 3-4% good moisture and mixing with
growth habit of sunhemp makes N. Leucaena tree fixes about adequate aeration in the soil.
it ideally suited for planting 260-320 kg N/ha per year. The It is also important that the
in late summer. Sunhemp is incorporated leaves of Leucaena green manure crops should be
normally incorporated in soil at decompose quickly, providing a incorporated at succulent stage
30-45 days of crop age. The rapid influx of nutrients. Other (almost at flowering) and not
normal seed rate is about 35 important green manure crops become too mature and woody.
kg/ha. Sunhemp crop can fix for improving soil fertility and In heavy soils the green manure
about 95-100 kg atmospheric crop productivity are Vigna crops should not be incorporated
nitrogen per hectare. It is very unguiculata (cow pea), Vigna too deep as it can slow down or
high yielding and generally radiata (mung bean), Vigna prevent the decomposition.
drought resistant. umbellata (rice bean), etc. Benefits of green manuring
4. Leucaena leucocephala Incorporation techniques in crop production
(Subabul) of green manure crops 1. Effect on soil properties
Leucaena leucocephala is Effective incorporation of the Adoption of green manure
native to Central America. This green manure crop is as much crops add soil organic matter
multipurpose tree is used for fuel important as the growing of the through biomass decomposition.
wood, lumber, animal fodder and crop. Degradation of the green Increased organic matter in soil
green manure. It is a promising manure crops in the field should as a result of incorporation of
forage tree crop, the leaves be quickly and this requires green manure, improves soil
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 17Table1. Biological nitrogen fixation of in-situ and ex-situ green manure crops
Green manure crops Biological nitrogen References
fixation (kg/ha)
In-situ green manuring crops
Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) 96-135 (Masood and Bano, 2016)
Sesbania rostrata (Sesbania) 83-109 (Masood and Bano, 2016)
Crotalaria juncea (Sunhemp) 95-100 (Mendonça et al., 2017)
Vigna unguiculata (Cow pea) 60-65 (Keston et al., 2017)
Vigna radiata (Mung bean) 35-50 (Hayat et el.,2008)
Ex-situ green manuring crops
Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul) 260-320 (Rajendren and Mohan,2014)
Pongamia glabra (Karanj) 200-210 (Rajendren and Mohan, 2014)
Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia) 105-110 (Mendonça et al., 2017)
Table 2. Nutrient compositions of green manure crops (Source-Sangma, 2017)
Crop Nutrient content (%) on dry weightbasis
N P K
Green manure crops
Sesbania aculeata 3.3 0.7 1.3
Crotalaria juncea 2.6 0.6 2.0
Sesbania speciosa 2.7 0.5 2.2
Tephrosia purpurea 2.4 0.3 0.8
Green leaf manure crops
Pongamia glabra 3.2 0.3 1.3
Glyricidea maculeata 2.9 0.5 2.8
Azadirachta indica 2.8 0.3 0.4
physical properties by increasing Green manure crops several essential plant nutrients
the distribution and stability of soil protect soil from soil erosion are also added to soil. The
aggregates and decreasing soil by preventing the direct impact nutrient leaf manure crops are
bulk density (Yadav et al., 2017). of raindrops on and reducing given below:
Soil aggregation may reduce the velocity of surface runoff by 4. Effect on Weeds
soil bulk density and increase acting as barrier for water flow. Growing of green manure crops
soil porosity with greater water Furthermore, green manure offer saving of labour, reduce the
retention capacities. Vegetative crop cover also reduces the loss use of herbicides thus lowering
cover of green manure increase of soil nutrients and organic production costs and promote
infiltration rate and moisture matter through soil erosion. ecological farming practices.
retention capacity of the soil. 3. Biological nitrogen Green manure crops suppress
2. Protection from soil fixation and nutrient the weed growth at early stage
erosion addition (Table 1). and cut down the amount of
Conventional tillage system Green manure crops add large water, light and nutrients resource
offers dominance of bare soils in quantities of nitrogen to the used by weed population.
which intensive and direct fall of soil through biological nitrogen 5. Increase crop
raindrops breaks soil aggregates fixation in the nodules, located on productivity
and create obstruction to the soil their roots or stem. The amount Cultivation of appropriate green
pores. This causes the sealing of nitrogen fixation is depending manure crops and their efficient
of the soil surface and reduces on species of leguminous green incorporation, increase crop
infiltration which leads to soil manure crops Beside a huge production and also cut down
erosion. amount of biological nitrogen, cost of cultivation through saving
18 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalFigure 2 Sunhemp green manure crop (Source- https://www.southernexposure.com/
products/sunn-hemp-cover-crop/)
of resources, mainly the chemical Keston O.W.N., Ernest, Ciência do Solo 41: 160–178.
fertilizers. The amazing results S., Jerome, P.M. and Patson, Rajendren, K. and Mohan,
from green manuring practices C.N. 2017. Biological nitrogen E. 2014. Tree species with
could be seen, when adopted fixation by pigeon pea and potential of nitrogen fixation in
on a long term basis as a soil cowpea in the “doubled-up” agro forestry system adopted
management tool. and other cropping systems on by farmers in semi-arid region
References: the Luvisols of Central Malawi. of Southern India. Bioresearch
Food and Agricultural African Journal of Agricultural Bulletin 1: 1–4.
Organization, 2011. Green Research 15: 1341–1352. Sangma, C.B.K. 2017.
manure/cover crops and Masood, S. and Bano, Organic manures as an
crop rotation in conservation A. 2016. Mechanism of amendment of acid soil. The
agriculture on small farms. In: potassium solublization in the Morung Express, November
Integrated crop management agricultural soils by the help 6, ICAR Nagaland Centre,
12: 9–68. of soil microorganisms. In: Jharnapani, Medziphema,
Hayat, R., Ali, S., Agriculturally important microbes Nagaland.
Siddique, M.T. and Chatha, for sustainable agriculture. Yadav, D.D., Shivay,
T.H. 2008. Biological nitrogen Springer publishers, 2: 137– Y.S., Singh, Y.V., Bhatia, A. and
fixation of summer legumes 147. Sharma, V.K. 2017. Response
and their residual effects on Mendonça, E.S., Lima, of basmati rice-wheat cropping
subsequent rainfed wheat yield. P.C., Guimarães, G.P., Moura, system to in-situ and ex-situ green
Pakistan Journal of Botany 40(2): W.M. and Andrade, F.V. 2017. manuring and zinc fertilization–
711–722. Biological nitrogen fixation by a Ph.D. Thesis submitted to Post
https://www.southernexposure. legumes and N uptake by coffee Graduate School, ICAR–Indian
com/products/sunn-hemp - plants. Agricultural Research Institute,
cover-crop/ Sociedade Brasileira de New Delhi 110012.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 19Dr. Ramkumar J1
Dr. B. Venudevan1
Dr. P. Arunkumar1
Ms. R. Mangaiyarkarasi2
1
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Aruppukottai, Virudhunagar Dist., Tamil Nadu.
2
Ph.D., Scholar, Dept. of Floriculture
and Landscape Architecture, TNAU,
Coimbatore *Corresponding Author
e-mail: jramtnau@gmail.com
Snails
& Slugs
An Emerging
pest on crops
20 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalIntroduction foot. All the members of this class before development of eggs.
Snails and slugs are commonly named as “snail”, They are very active during night
(gastropods) are most destructive but include only those species hours when the temperature
pests of garden land crops having external big sized shell drops and at day time they rest
and landscapes. They belong so that the soft parts of the body in moist places or under debris.
to a large taxonomic class of can be withdrawn completely Snails secrete light yellow slime
invertebrates coming under into it. The slugs are without and slugs secrete colourless
phylum Mollusca and class a shell, or only have much slime which becomes silvery after
Gastropoda. The word reduced or internal shell. Snails drying. Nearly 1450 snails and
Gastropod derived from Greek and slugs are hermaphrodites slugs are recorded in India. The
language, “gastro” means but there is reciprocal exchange North-East Indian states have
stomach and “podos” means of spermatozoa as they mature highest diversity of gastropod
Giant African snail on banana Cornu aspersum
snail on coconut Tree snail on banana Tree
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 21followed by the Western Ghats. (i) Giant African snail debris during summer months.
Some species of snails and 12 (Achatina fulica): The Giant They are much active in cool
species of slugs have been found African Land Snail is one of and damp situations. Laevicaulis
to damage both horticultural the largest terrestrial gastropod alte is a round, dark-coloured
and field crops. coming under the family slug with absence of shell. Its
Morphology and biology of Achatinidae. They have light to skin is slightly tuberculated and
major species of snails and dark brown shells with vertical measures 7 or 8 cm. This slug
slugs stripes of darker shade of brown has very narrow foot and small
Both Snails and slugs are on them. The average total life tentacles of 2-3 mm length.
hermaphrodites. Mating usually span is about 5-7 years. But, Eggs are laid in groups of 6-45
takes place after summer when under favourable condition numbers in moist soil. Eggs are
favourable moist conditions some of them can live up to 10 oval & creamy white in colour.
return. The mating individuals years. The fecundity range is Incubation period ranges from
(couple) of snails and slugs can 50-200 eggs per individual in a 9-18 days with an average of
lay eggs. year. An individual snail can lay about 13 days. They become
They begin to lay about 1000 eggs in its total life sexually matured adults within
spherical white coloured eggs span of five years. a period of 240- 323 days. Its
into moist soil two to four weeks (ii) Garden slug (Laevicaulis average body size is 55 mm
after mating. The incubation alte): It is also known as tropical broad and 50 mm long.
period is 2-4 weeks. The hatched leather leaf and comes under (iii) Garden snail (Cornu
out young ones take one year to the family Veronicellidae. It aspersum): It is also known
attain sexual maturity. is usually found in soil under as land snail. This snail is
Giant African snail
22 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalconsumed as a food item in When the population is high, cocoa caused by Phytophthora
some areas. It comes under the they do serious damage. They palmivora.
family Helicidae. prefer to feed on plants having The slug species
Previously it was classified succulent foliage and flowers. Laevicaulis a l t e f e e d s o n
under the name Helix aspera, Based on the presence of silvery cucumber, apple, spinach,
but now categorized in the genus mucous trails the damage carrot, a number of ornamental
Cornu. It is a medium sized snail caused by the snails and slugs plants like balsam, portulaca,
with a helical shell. The colour is confirmed. pot- marigold, verbena, dahlia,
of the shell is yellow-brown and The Giant African snail cosmos and lily. In tomato it
may possess darker brown spiral is known to feed on at least nibbles the skin first and then the
stripes with banded appearance 500 species of plants. It got its pulp.
due to the presence of irregular invasion into India during 1847. The Cornu aspersum is
markings and streaks. The garden It is found to attack many crops primarily a herbivore having
snail can lay as many as 80 eggs viz., cereals, vegetables, fruits, wide range on host plants. It
per clutch. The juveniles of this ornamentals, coffee arecanut feeds of numerous types of fruit
species will achieve maturity in etc.. On orchids it feed on the trees, vegetable crops, rose
1-2 years. The average life span young leaves, roots, flower buds bushes, garden flowers and
is 4-5 years. and even open flowers. Papaya cereals.
Damage caused by is one of the preferred fruits The horntail snail
Gastropods which are seriously damaged Macrochlamys indica is found
Snails and slugs appear by A. fulica, resulting in falling to feed on seedlings, fallen &
as sporadic pests in those places and decaying of fruit. It is known decomposed leaves, vegetables
where damp conditions prevail. to transmit black rot disease in such as beans, lettuce, cabbage,
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 23Laevicaulis alte
cauliflower, cucurbits and fruit containing 1% common salt • Dust metaldehyde 15% D
crops viz., papaya, banana, is very effective. This method @20 kg per acre or sprinkle
guava. The ornamentals crops can be done only in the dark metaldehyde 2.5% pellets
marigold, chrysanthemum, hours since snails move around the infested fields.
hibiscus, roses etc.are also freely after dusk. • The voracious predatory snail
damaged by the M. indica. • A physical barrier / protective / cannibal snail Euglandina
The snail Indrella ampulla border can be used to rosea may be used against
is a serious pest on cardamom prevent the movement to snails and slugs.
plants. the crop. Application of
Apart from being a pest common salt, saw dust, ash, References:
on crops, they may also appear lime and copper sulphate 1. Ramesh, V., J Ramkumar, J.
in large number on roads and as barrier line is effective to Alice and A. Shanthi. 2010.
runways, creating problems prevent the entry. Managing snails in garden and
during the taking- off or the • Mechanical barriers such as orchard. Indian Horticulture,
landing of the aircraft. copper or zinc sheets of 0.8 (January-February), P. No. 14-
Management mm thickness can be used. 15.
• If population is low, hand • Spray copper sulphate 3% @ 2. Routray, S. and D. Dey. 2016.
picking of snails and slugs 5 kg dissolved in 160 lt. of Snails and slugs as crop pests,
and putting into a bucket water per acre. Rashtriya Krishi, 11(1): 40-41.
24 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalB
uild-up of heat is the fiber material like durability and Shankarprasad K. S.
major problem in green longevity. These properties allow Hareesha C. B.
houses of tropical regions Aluminet to function like a mirror Vinayak Deshi
University of Horticultural Sciences,
during summer. Hence, during summer months as its Bagalakote, Karnataka
e-mail: shankru.ks@gmail.com
the net-house construction is unique aluminized fibers reflect
getting popularity in locations unwanted sunlight and heat
where the temperature is too from greenhouse. These same
high and rainfall is moderate. properties also serve to retain
Here comes the use of new valuable heat during the winter
technology called Aluminet. It is months.
a high quality reflective metalized Used in greenhouse
HDPE knitted screen giving the thermal screens and as an
ALUMINET - THERMO
REFLECTIVE SCREEN
A brand new technology for
Net house of tropical regions
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021
JUNE 25alternative to black shade cloth. with optimized light management, products to its customers for
It is specially treated to prevent ensure maximum yield from long-term use under harsh and
oxidation and protects against greenhouse. Aluminet screens diverse field conditions. On an
frost radiation damages. It raise plant temperatures at average one can expect a life of
comes with unique properties night, avoid overheating in the 6-8 years from the installation.
which help to repel several pests day and improve photosynthesis How Does It Work?
including thrips. Main advantage by increasing the amount • Double-side reflection:
of this net is moderation of day/ of scattered light within the Aluminet screens reflect sun
night temperatures. Ease in greenhouse or net-house. radiation during the day,
installation and operation of Protects against frost: Many reducing overexposure to
this net are attributed to its light outdoor crops benefit from heat, and reflect IR radiation
weight and high elasticity. improved climate management. at night, increasing plant
Energy saving: Aluminet Aluminet screens installed on temperature and reducing
screens have been tested and light-frame shade houses protect risk of freezing. The screens
proved to save higher amount of crops from frost, wind and heat also prevent condensation
heat energy by reflecting a part of stress, increasing both crop on leaves.
energy to the outer environment, quality and productivity. • Light Diffusion: Aluminet’s
which means direct reduction Durability: Aluminet screens special texture improves
of operational costs in case of carry a long-term guarantee on light management. The use
electrically cooled polyhouses product quality and depending on of special additives and
and also in naturally ventilated the manufacturers, the durability the multifaceted reflection
polyhouses and net-houses. will vary. The companies’ quality of the twisted Aluminet
Y i e l d i n c r e m e n t : B etter assurance policies generally strips contribute to efficient
temperature control, together focus on supply of quality diffusion of incoming
26 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalradiation, creating uniform
light throughout the
greenhouse.
Available variants: Presently
Aluminet are produced by various
manufacturers and available in
variety ranging from shade of
40-43% to 70-74% respective
to diffused light transmission of
72-45% which results in lowering
of around 5-7oC temperature
within net-house or greenhouse
compared to outer environment.
Currently the product
may cost approx. Rs. 76-85/
m2 in the Indian markets. Even
though this net comes with a
large bunch of benefits, the
market will expand and more
growers/farmers will be attracted
towards it only when the cost is
reduced considerably.
Hence manufacturers
need to orient their production effective. They have to expand farmers who are the major
s y s t e m s t o m a k e i t m o r e their market to make it affordable players in Indian agriculture
sustainable and more cost even to the small and marginal system.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 27Dr. Sowmya Kumari1
Dr. Sachin U. S.2
Department of Horticulture, CoA, Shivamogga
1
KVK, Bramhavara, UAHS, Shivamogga
2
Aloe A loe species are perennial
succulents belonging to the
family Liliaceae. They are
the source of drug called
‘aloe’. The name Aloe
comes from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’
A Miracle
meaning a “shining bitter substance” and
‘vera’ in Latin means ‘true’. The botanical
name is Aloe barbadensis Miller. As
Plant
per the Egyptians, Aloe is “the plant of
immortality.” In Ayurveda, Aloe is known
as Kumari or “Young Girl”. It is because;
aloe is believed to bring back youthful
energy and femininity. It grows mainly
in dry regions of India, Africa, America,
28 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalEurope, Venezuela, Aruba,
Bonaire and Haiti. In India, it is
found in Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh,Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Aloe is obtained by
cutting the leaves at their base
and letting the yellow bitter
juice drain out. This is present
in the group of specialized cells
known as the pericyclic tubules.
After extraction, the water is
evaporated off from the juice
by heat and the resulting light
to dark-brown mass is the ‘durg
aloe’. Of the two major products
derived from the leaves, the
yellow bitter juice present in
specialized cells beneath the
thick epidermis yields the drug
aloe and the parenchymatous
tissue in the centre of the leaf
contains a mucilaginous gel
which yields aloe gel or aloe vera
gel. Aloe vera gel is currently
obtained from A. barbadensis.
This gel is a clear, tasteless, thin,
jelly like material.
There are over 100 active
biologic constituents found
within aloe. It contains cathartic
anthraglycosides as its active
principles; these are mostly
C-glucosides, notably barbaloin,
which is a glucoside of aloe
emodin. The concentrations
of these glucosides vary with
the types of aloe ranging form
4.5 to 25 per cent of aloin.
Other constituents present
include aloesin and its aglycone
aloesone (a chromone), free
anthraquinones (e.g. aloe-
emodin) and resins.
Aloe vera gel contains
99 per cent of water with a pH
of 4.5 and it has glucomannan
which is a polysaccharide and
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 29is believed to be the active or wound healer in various ploughed twice and the field
constituent. Other constituents cosmetic and pharmaceutical should be cleaned thoroughly
reported or otherwise claimed formulations. for the weeds. If required, small
to be present include other Extracts of aloe or aloin canals may be prepared for
polysaccharides (containing are used in sun screen, x-ray drainage. About 25 tonnes of
galactose, xylose and arabinose), burns, dermatitis, cutaneous cowdung manure per hectare is
steroids, organic acids, enzymes, leishmaniasis and other cosmetic added during land preparation.
antibiotic principles, amino acids, prepartions. Now a days, Aloe Planting
“biogenic stimulators”, “wound vera is widely used in food. It Itis to be planted at a
healing hormones”, saponins, is also approved by the FDA spacing of 60 x 30 cm or 60 x
minerals and it provides vitamin as a flavoring agent & as a 45 cm. About 15-18 cm long
C, A, E, B, β-Carotene, Zinc, food supplement. It is also a root suckers or rhizome cuttings
Calcium, Copper,Magnesium, main ingredient in many herbal are planted in such a way that
Manganese and phosphates. It remedies and extracts are used 2/3rd portion of the root sucker
also contains four plants steroids as a flavour ingredient primarily or rhizome cutting should be
like campestrol, cholesterol, in alcoholic and non-alcoholic under the ground.
bsitosterol and Fresh aloe vera beverages and in candy to Manuring
gel is well known for its domestic impart a bitter note. It is a newly domesticated
medicinal values. For this reason Soil and climate crop and its full production
Aloe vera is also called “burn”, Aloe is a hardy plant technology including manurial
“first aid” or “medicine” plant. and grows on a variety of requirement is yet to be worked
When freshly obtained, the gel soils. It comes up well in the out. On adhoc basis, application
has the property of relieving sandy coastal soils to loamy of a mixture of 150 kg per hectare
thermal burn and sunburn soils of plains with pH upto of nitrogen, potassium and
as well as promoting wound 8.5. However, water logged phosphorus is recommended.
healing. It also has moisturizing conditions and problamatic soils The fertilizers are applied in soil
and emollient properties. Aloe does not suit for its cultivation. near the root system after the
is also believed to give good Aloe is cultivated during the plants are established.
solution to all the three Ayurveda period between March and Irrigation
constitutions, Vatha, Pitha and June. The plant has a wide Immediately after
Kapha.The plant is used as a adaptability and can be seen planting, the land is irrigated.
home remedy for these purposes. growing throughout the length During the crop period irrigation
The only officially recognized and breadth of the country. It is must be given according to the
use of aloe is, as an ingredient found growing in warm humid moisture content of the soil.
in skin treatment owing to its or dry. With even 150-200 cm Generally, 4 to 5 irrigations per
beneficial properties on the skin. to about 35-40 cm yearly rainfall year is sufficient. Water should
Gel have anti-tumor, anti-ulcer during the growing period. not be allowed to lodge near the
effects, anti-bacterial, anti-viral However, in dry regions the plant.
activity, anti-septic and analgesic crop should be provided with Weeding
properties protective irrigations. Weeding may be done
Aloe and aloin are Cultivation twice a year. The land is to be
extensively used as active Propagation kept weed free.
ingredients in laxative The plants are generally Pests and diseases
preparations. Aloin is also used propagated by root suckers or Leaf-spot disease caused
in antiobesity prepration. Aloe rhizome cuttings. by Altarnaria alternata and
gel and sometimes drug aloe are Land preparation Fusarium solani is reported from
used as moisturizer, emollient The land should be some areas.
30 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalHarvesting and yield crop. An Aloe plantation gives Cultivation of medicinal and
The plants are harvested commercial yield from second aromatic crops, pp. 23-28.
8 m o n t h s a f t e r p l a n t i n g. year upto an age of 5 years, Lanka, S., 2018, A
While harvesting the plants where after it needs replantation. review on Aloe vera-the wonder
can be removed manually or The yield of the crop on medicinal plant, J. Drug Deliv.
with the help of Tractor drawn fresh weight basis will be around Ther.,8(5):94-99.
Disc Harrow or cultivator. The 10,000-12,000 kg per hectare. Sangh, S. B., 2015, Aloe
broken rhizome parts left in the Reference: vera: a medicinal herb, Int. J.
soil throws out new sprouts in Fa r o o q i , A . A . a n d Res.Granthaalayah, 3(11):32-
spring for raising the succeeding Sreeramu, B. S., 2004, 34.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 31Basics of
Dr. Bhupendra M Ghodki
Dr. Yogesh B Kalnar
Dr. Th. Bidyalakshmi Devi*
Pulse
ICAR-Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering
and Technology, Ludhiana, 141004, India
Processing
32 KERALA KARSHAKAN
JULY 2021
e-journalIntroduction food grain basket. India has soybean and groundnut), and
Pulses are edible dry exported nearly 2.35 lakh tons leguminous crops for sowing
seeds of plants belonging to the of pulses worth Rs.1, 533.69 purpose (e.g. seeds of clover
leguminosae family. Pulses are crores to the world during the and alfalfa). legume fruit is a
a rich source of dietary protein year 2019-20 (APEDA). Pulses simple dry fruit that develops
(vegetable), minerals, and are generally grown across the from a simple carpel and usually
fibres which fulfil the majority country and can be divided dehisces (opens along a seam)
of our energy requirements. into five important major pulse on two sides. Common name
In general, pulses are used growing zones/agro-climatic for this type of fruit is pod. All
for human consumption and zones (Table 3). Based on the pulses have a similar structure
animal feeding. Major pulse area and production, central but differ in color, shape, size,
species consumed by humans zone leads among all the five and thickness of the seed coat.
encompass common bean, zones comprising Madhya Mature seeds have three major
dry pea, cowpea, urd bean, Pradesh, Maharashtra, parts of components: the seed coat, the
chickpea, lentil, mung bean, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. cotyledons, and the embryo (Fig.
and pigeon pea while common Major pulses producing states 2).
animal feed pulses include: dry are shown in Figure 1 (Source: Indian farmers usually
pea, faba beans, and lupin. Farmers’ Portal, MoA&FW). find pulse production unattractive
The nutrition profile of common The seed coat or hull due to the low productivity of
pulses, relative to cereals is accounts for 7-15% of the whole crops followed by a lack of an
shown in Table 1. Pulses are seed mass. Cotyledons are about assured market. Processing and
an integral part of the Indian 85% of the seed mass, and the value addition of the produce
diet providing protein and aids embryo constitutes the remaining at the production site and direct
to carbohydrate-rich diet for a 1-4%. The external structures of marketing is a feasible solution
complete typical Indian meal. the seed are the testa (i.e., seed for increasing farmer’s income
Pulses contain 20-25% protein coat), hilum (seed attached to rather than selling the raw
by weight which is double the the stalk), micropyle (opening produce. Hence, pulse milling
protein content of wheat and of seed coat), and raphe (ridge has a huge potential. This dal
three times that of rice (APEDA). on the side of the hilum). When is an integral part of the Indian
The level of daily intake of pulses the seed coat is removed from diet. Pulses are consumed as
recommended in the dietary the grain, the remaining part fresh vegetables, fermented
guidelines for India is shown in is the embryonic structure. The products, sprouts, flour and
Table 2. Pulses can play a critical embryonic structure consists of dal. According to an estimate,
role in addressing national food two cotyledons (or seed leaves) 75% of pulses produced are
and nutritional security. and a short axis above and processed for making dal using
India is the largest pulse below them. The two cotyledons mills of different capacities. Pulse
producer and consumer in the are not physically attached to milling is the third-largest food
world contributing 28-29% of each other except at the axis and processing industry in the country
global production (FAOSTAT; weak protection provided by the after rice and flour milling. In
DPD, MoA & FW, 2018). In India, seed coat. India, total harvest and post-
the area under pulses production In general, the term pulses harvest losses for pulses range
is 299.93 lakh ha with 252.35 is limited to crops harvested from 6.4% to 8.4% (Nanda et
lakh tons of production and 841 solely for dry grain, thereby al., 2012) prominently due to
kg/ha of productivity during excluding crops harvested green vermin and insect infestation,
2017-18 (DPD, MoA&FW, for food mainly as vegetables early harvesting, physical
2018). Moreover, pulses share (peas, beans, etc.), crops used losses at milling, processing at
9-10% of the national total mainly for oil extraction (e.g. inappropriate moisture level,
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
JULY 2021 33You can also read
