Agriculture and Rural Development

Resource Institution: Horticultural College and Research Institute , TNAU, Mettupalayam

Overview:The study aims to improve clonal forestry by using superior vegetatively propagated planting materials, yielding 20–70% higher than seedlings. In India, 2.04 million hectares are affected by soil salinity or alkalinity, which severely impacts plant growth. The focus includes addressing challenges like fast growth, high biomass, and short rotation cycles.

Resource Institution:Tamil Nadu Dr.J.Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Ponneri

Overview:The study aims to promote Striped Murrel (Channa striata) for species diversification in aquaculture, which is urgently needed in India. This fish is highly preferred in Southeast Asia and India but is currently cultured on a small scale. Most Murrel production comes from inland capture fisheries. Developing cost-effective captive breeding techniques will increase production and encourage diversification beyond Carps, Shrimp, and Tilapia.

Resource 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.

Resource Institution: Tamil Nadu Dr.J.Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU)- Ponneri

Overview: The study focuses on developing a sustainable freshwater aquaculture system combining bio-floc tanks with farm ponds. The experiment involved raising Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) for two months in bio-floc tanks. Afterward, the fish and prawns were transferred to farm ponds for another two months before harvesting. The study aimed to find the optimal stocking density and the ratio of fish to prawn within this integrated system, settling on a 60:40 ratio. The study meticulously monitored and documented water quality parameters, growth rates, survival rates, and the overall health of the organisms. Training on the system was provided for the farmers (194 in total from Salem and nearby districts), and technical data on growth, survival, water quality, and organism health was documented. Overall, the project aimed to develop this polyculture model, train farmers in its use, and assess its economic viability and adoption rate.

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

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.

Resource 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.

Resource 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.

Resource 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.

Resource Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU),Guindy, Chennai

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.

Resource 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.

Resource Institution:Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore

Overview: This study explores sustainable human waste management strategies for improved sanitation and resource utilization in agriculture. Addressing waste disposal issues, it investigates methods to repurpose human waste beneficially within agricultural practices. The aim is to enhance sanitation while harnessing waste as a valuable resource for agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner.

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

Overview: The research examines the viability of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) in sustaining livelihoods for farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta Zone. Focused on enhancing year-round income in a region prone to various disasters, it assesses farmers’ understanding of IFS and aims to impart skills for sustainable farming practices

Resource Institution: M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai

Overview: This study investigates the prerequisites for sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta region, assessing factors influencing land use, infrastructure quality, crop diversification opportunities, and income enhancement. It also explores youth aspirations in agriculture, aiming to identify strategies to attract and retain them in farming. Commissioned by TNSLURB, it targets vital aspects for retaining agricultural viability.

Resource Institution: Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS), Chennai

Overview: This research analyzes affordable housing dynamics in Chennai. Using secondary data, it explores housing shortage, demand, affordability, state and private sector roles, policy impact, and self-built housing outcomes. The study aims to inform an effective and inclusive affordable housing policy for the metropolitan area

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

Overview: This study in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, evaluates beneficial microbes in forests and agriculture. It aims to assess their impact on seedling production in a nursery. Additionally, the research focuses on developing effective microbial consortia and training programs for bio-fertilizer production and application techniques, promoting sustainable practices for improved tree species productivity.

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

Overview: This study aims to understand the international germplasm of Casuarina equisetifolia across various parts of Tamil Nadu to develop superior clones with higher productivity. This will help to enhance wood production from plantations thereby supporting livelihoods.

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

Overview: The research work proposes to address the quantification of phytochemicals, standardization of different propagation methods, and standardization of cultivation packages including spacing, harvesting methods, and post-harvesting technologies for Salscia oblonga and Hemidesmus indicus.

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

Overview: This study investigated soil health management practices adopted by farmers in five agroclimatic zones in Tamil Nadu. It involved documenting current practices and identifying constraints, evaluating awareness, and proposing enhancements in the soil health management practices by farmers

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

Overview: The study aims to assess the soil nutrient status in eight districts in Tamil Nadu. This will help to enhance soil health for better biomass production to improve the profitability and productivity of livestock rearing. The study was conducted against the backdrop of fodder scarcity and only 4.4% of the cultivable land was used for fodder cultivation.

Resource Institution: Centre for Agricultural and Rural development Studies ( CARDS ), TNAU, Coimbatore

Overview: This study highlights the deteriorating performance of tank irrigation in Tamil Nadu due to climate variability and associated factors like siltation and encroachment. It aims to assess impacts, vulnerability, adaptive measures, and policy recommendations to bolster resilience against climate variability, crucial for sustaining tank-based agriculture in the region.

Resource Institution: Madras Veterinary College(MVC), Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai

Overview: The study focuses on enhancing cumbu napier hybrid grass yield under drip irrigation in Tamil Nadu. Objectives encompass assessing productivity with and without organics, resource efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, and soil nutrient balance. Addressing water scarcity, this research aims to optimize fodder production, crucial for enhancing livestock productivity amid green fodder shortage.

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

Overview: This study aims to develop suitable agroforestry systems for Tamil Nadu’s dry lands, notably the Ramanathapuram district, through socially, economically, and ecologically acceptable tree species. It sought to integrate superior tree stocks like Neem, Pungam, Ailanthus, Calophyllum, Casuarinas, and Teak to boost farm income and fulfill wood industry demands.