Agriculture & Allied Sectors

Institution: Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Periyakulam

Overview: The study aims to develop a novel food supplement to improve immunity using fruits, vegetables, and herbs as remedies for viral infections. It involves technology standardization to create immune-boosting beverages and powders. The research will assess the nutritional composition and antiviral activity of the supplements, evaluate their effects on animal models, and determine consumer acceptability for commercialization.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Kattupakam

Overview: The study details the benefits of a ``homestead multi tier system`` for small and marginal farmers, especially after COVID-19. This system combines vegetable growing, livestock raising, and potential sales of excess produce. It enhances food security and nutrition by providing a year-round supply of varied food sources. Additionally, the model promotes sustainability through organic practices like manure recycling and reduces reliance on external resources. To assess the feasibility of implementing this system in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, researchers conducted a survey in three blocks (Kattankulathur, Maduranthagam, and Thirukalukundram) with the highest population density. This survey aimed to document existing homestead-based systems prevalent in these areas.

Institution: TamilNadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Trichy

Overview: Vertical farming is an alternative system of growing vegetable crops that could conserve water and cultivate vertically to meet the demand of urban and periurban population communities. The crops and the three different vertical farming systems evaluated were amaranthus, palak, coriander and mint under gutter; tomato, brinjal, chilli and bhendi under tower; bitter gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd and lablab under trellis system with different growing media combinations at Department of Vegetable Science, HC & RI(W), Trichy.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Madurai

Overview: The study explains the growing popularity of instant soups, particularly dehydrated mixes, due to their convenience, long shelf life, and ease of preparation. These dehydrated soups are perfect for various settings like hospitals, restaurants, and even military rations. However, researchers acknowledge the importance of maintaining nutrition in these instant foods. The study focuses on incorporating functional food ingredients like chekkurmanis (Sauropus androgynus) and drumstick leaves (Moringa oleifera) into instant soups. These leaves are known for their high vitamin and mineral content, making them ideal for boosting the immune system.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore

Overview: This study investigates micro irrigation adoption in the state, focusing on factors influencing its uptake, benefits (private and social), and required policy interventions. Goals include analyzing adoption dynamics, assessing impacts on resources and income, gauging micro-irrigation potential, and suggesting policies for wider adoption, addressing sustainability and water resource quality concerns.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Madurai

Overview: This study aims to enhance red gram productivity through bio-organo mineral nutri pellets. These pellets will be developed and evaluated to understand their nutrient release patterns and their impact on crop growth and yield. As red gram faces challenges in productivity and profitability, optimizing nutrient application strategies could bridge yield gaps and potentially double red gram production, crucial for meeting increasing consumption demands.

Institution: MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai

Overview: The study focuses to protect agriculture in the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and some blocks of Cuddalore and Pudukottai districts. This legislation has been considered as important one for retaining agricultural land in Cauvery delta region which is inevitable to ensure food production for the State of Tamil Nadu.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore

Overview: This study aims to underscore the importance of balanced fertilization in augmenting crop productivity and soil fertility. It intends to raise farmer awareness through field days and interactive sessions, focusing on identifying nutrient deficiencies and implementing balanced fertilization techniques. The goal is to enhance crop yields and subsequently increase farm income.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Kattupakkam

Overview: The objective of the study is to establish resilient silvipastures/hortipastures integrated with livestock in degraded wasteland of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu for providing year around fodder and augment livestock productivity and to disseminate the concept of climate smart integrated farming through capacity building workshops to farmers of Kancheepuram district.

Institution: Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore

Overview: One of the primary goals of the National Ayush Mission is to encourage the cultivation of medicinal plants by implementing GAPs, which will guarantee a steady supply of high-quality raw materials. Both the pharmaceutical industry and conventional medicine recognize the numerous medicinal benefits of S. oblonga and H. indicus plants. The plant is now endangered due to uncontrolled harvesting and human encroachment into forest land, necessitating their immediate conservation.

Institution: Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai

Overview: This study focuses on soil test based nutrient management to augment the fodder biomass and to obtain maximum productivity and profitability in livestock rearing. This study reveals the full picture of soil fertility and productivity. Soil testing refers to the chemical analysis of soils and is well recognized as a scientific means for quick characterization of the fertility status of soil and predicting the nutrient requirement of crops.

Institution: Madras Veterinary College (MVC), TANUVAS, Chennai

Overview: The focuses to include cultivation of high biomass producing fodder crops such as cumbu napier hybrid grass in the cropping system or in the farm holders within the available constraints to meet the requirement of green fodders for high productivity of animals. This study on enhancement of yield, nutrient and water use efficiency of cumbu napier hybrid grass under drip irrigation.

Institution: Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies (CARDS), TNAU, Coimbatore.

Overview: This study focuses to document present soil health management practices adopted by farmers in 5 agro-climatic zones of Tamil nadu viz., Western Zone, Southern Zone, Cauvery Delta Zone, North Eastern Zone and North Western Zone except Hilly and High rainfall zones where the soil is fertile.