SAFI Initiative

Food above all

AgriManipur
Vol. 1, Issue 3 June 2012

Lelen and his journey

with Nakuppi

INSIDE
Piggery Vermicomposting REVOLUTION

This issue is supported by Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Manipur.

AgriManipur

Viewpoint from Our consulting

Unwelcome Transformation
There had been a time when Manipur was not well familiar with the word "imports", whatever was imported then were few ,and yet without them everything could be managed. Then our needs were not diverse but with human mind being constantly at work, innovation and confidence were there. We were very much a secluded economy ,but we managed everything sufficiently in our own fashion and thus were able to create a self-sufficient one. This state which once prevailed has been transformed, after decades, almost to an unthinkable degree that for the present generation it is difficult to visualise such a picture from the past. But then Punjab rice, potatoes from Bihar hadn't started feeding our bellies. What is troubling is our complete and inevitable reliance on imports of our own staple food, a result of our own failure. It is the manifestation of the fact that in the last several decades we have become a people living only for the moment. Let's not translate this in the philosophical sense; let's examine this as the biggest failure which is by now so deeply ingrained in our mind that we consider ourselves a kind of people who are incapable of even producing enough rice, which our forefathers managed comfortably, to feed our own bellies. This harsh reality would only confront us only when the prices are inhumanly high and the supply lines are cut off. Below the glaring sun in the dust-blown Imphal city the pictures were pitiable and so defeating that any sensible person would instantly conclude that we all would begin a massive exodus, technically this has been going on in a noticeable scale, for the place has become synonymous to a green desert. I grew up in a village where the economy was very agrarian. The place is sandwiched between two sprawling paddy fields and the entire place is edged by the Imphal River and Leisha Heeden. In the eighties when other states in mainland India had prospered owing to their agricultural exports and many attempting to succeed the success. Our village, despite being few kilometres from the heart of Imphal town ,didn't know how irrigation could be done and no responsible being was seen around to show this simple possibility that water from the Imphal River could be used to feed the fields when required and whatever was excessive could be diverted to Leisha Heeden. And what was more disturbing was the fact that those better-off people in the village would not even think of anything like that, instead they became a class of people who had started courting an indignant attitude towards farming. There were years when the monsoon came late and farmers in the village would simply sit idle to eat worm-infested vegetable with powdered rice richly mixed with stones ,and sometimes someone would come to suggest that alligator weed was in fact edible. This disturbing case would repeat several times and it soon became a part of our sinking lifestyle. Meanwhile the agriculture department was somewhere soaked in its bog called corruption and without shame digging deeper to pilfer the last shikee. Had they intervened to an extent then ,at least ,the farmers would be equipped with some practical knowledge. Nothing happened and none displayed the desire. But what the mischievous children didn't know was the basic fact that they in fact had been sawing the very branch of the tree on which we all sat. The state of uncertainty and the lack of initiative from the government discouraged more farmers and they took up more uncertain jobs elsewhere where they would soon become a disgraced people and their menial employment created out of desperation would only depreciate the values of being human. Apparently people began to have indignant attitude towards farming. As no initiative and nothing significant has been done to address this crucial matter, productivity has nosedived. Then when the two highways are blocked by some malicious morons everybody crawls and begs the failed government and the morons not to deprive of basic necessities. Had our grandparents been alive ,they would have been deeply shocked and ashamed of their own descendants.

N. Bobo Meitei

What is troubling is our complete and inevitable reliance on imports of our own staple food, a result of our own failure.

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Volume 1, Issue 3

For a few kilograms of rice there were lines of women, I don't know what the men were doing, probably staying at home hugging their vanity and the place resembled some UN-run refugee camp in Rawanda. Though most have got over with the recent horrid incidents and living their life for the moment, it is hard to go to bed every night asking myself to let go of what hangs over the head. Nothing is complete without ironies, few days ago some I chanced upon some images from "chinjak festival" uploaded on Facebook. It was in some field in Imphal

and the makeshift booths of bamboos and corrugated sheets were draped in banners. After a day it was reported that there were people from other countries. It was good that people got the chance to interact with outsiders, perhaps they exchanged ideas. Never know. Then the cynic in me asked: from where the participants from the misnamed place sourced their ingredients? They must have cooked rice from Punjab, prepared Iromba with Ngaree made from imported fish and potatoes from Bihar. What was so indigenous about it then? If the Japanese get their fish from Thailand and Europeans theirs tinned-shrimps from Asia, it is understandable. Their economy

is propped by services, technological know-how and limited production they do, and besides it is the cost of production and the understanding that what quality products they need can be delivered. But an underdeveloped economy depending on imports ,even for its basic necessities, only displays its inefficiency and defeated selves. Hope those responsible are reading this, and even if they don't now, hopefully they will in the future.

AgriManipur
Chief Editor Dayanidhi Huidrom Consulting Editor N. Bobo Meitei Contributors A. Hemchandra T. Sanajaoba S. Surendro Publisher A. Hemchandra AgriManipur publishes thrice a year (February, June and October) by SAFI (Society for Agriculture, Food and Innovation) Imphal based NGO. We are happy to receive readers comments/ view/ criticism. SAFI Society for Agriculture, Food and Innovation Wankhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal Imphal795001 Manipur (India) safinmanipur@gmail.com daya.sym@gmail.com 011-91-9436020905 011-919862831561

Call for articles

> Are you anxious of transforming the agri and food policies? > Do you have the words that can touch the hearts of denizens? > Do you have path-breaking ideas that can change the world? If yes, why to wait any longer .
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AgriManipur

Letters to Editor
Editor AgriManipur, Thanx for the 2nd Issue Journal of AgriManipur endorsed to me. I warmly appreciate the pains and troubles that your Team might have shouldered in bringing out such a beautiful Journal that showcases Agriculture & allied activities of Manipur . However, I was astonished to read the inserted News Clip " Agri Department responsible for dependency on others". I believe you have misunderstood the words Grain & Seed. Grain is dealt by the Deptt. of Food & Civil Supplies and Seed is dealt by the Dept. of Agriculture / Horticulture. I wish in future you would surely censor such misuse of appropriate Terminology even if reported by any Media. With regards. M.S.Khaidem Project Coordinator, Manipur SFAC Directorate of Agriculture Sanjenthong, Imphal-795001 Phone: +91-385-2450515 Website: http://manipursfac.com

Team AgriManipurs response

Dear Khaidem, We are deeply regretted for the mistake committed in the mentioned news section. We will try to be careful as far as possible in future. Also thanking you for your warm words.

Team AgriManipur
Dear AgriManipur friends, All I wanted in life was to see every human have very basic needs... food,shelter and clothing....I might not be able to see it but wish you all continue to work harder and provide enough food to our State of Manipur, for our Country and around the globe...There are thousands of kids go to bed every single night,they go to school without a proper meal..., Please make sure that none of the kids go to bed with empty stomach..May you all be bless with the skill you have and pass it on to our younger generation...No one should go to bed hungry.... Mema Devi, Toronto, Canada

On AgriManipur Facebook page

Thank you so much Dayanidhi Huidrom. I checked your blog and found the workshop on business ideas planned in Nov this year. I will spread the word to few of my entrepreneur friends back home. I have a friend who pass out of from CFTRI, Mysore and is an expert in Food Processing. He should be able to work with your team in Imphal. As mentioned in your 2nd issue, Green Revolution and a self-sustainable Manipur in terms of food demand is the way for our state to progress. We were once and I am confident if the right set of brains work together, we can achieve that. Reminded me of a line from Tapta's Song 'Problem ni Problem' - "Shanti leiraba lamdamduda, Industry-kadu linglabadi, thabak-ki problem-bu kadaidano; Mishing pangyam yam pon-te, Lamshu pangpik pik-ponte, Miramda Mipan Tanglubagi Problem Mayamshi Thoklapani, Lei-ngak pathak shoirakpadei, wathok kayashe thoklakpani"

Sapam Shyamananda on NAMA facebook page

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Volume 1, Issue 3

FOOD MAKER

T. Sanajaoba

Consultant food technologist

Amla (Heikru) Pickle in Oil

Amla (Heikru)
http://www.vbfarms.org

Recipe
Amla Mustard powder Red chilli powder Fenugreek Salt Nigella ( kalijera) Turmeric powder. Black pepper. Fennol (saunf) Mustard Oil 1 Kg. 50 gm 10 gm 20 gm 100-120 gm. 30 gm. 20 gm. 30 gm. 25 gm 250 gm

Weighing, Sorting (mature and free from blemishes), Cleaning Washing

Blanch them for till soft 5 minutes

Separate the stone (seed) with the fruit Heated oil (heat till smoke ) Mixing Ripening and sealing Filling in glass bottles
For more information, please feel free to contact the author. Mobile: 91-9436020905 E-mail: sana.foodtech@gmail.com
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Powdered spices ingredients and salt

AgriManipur

Vermicomposting: Recycling Wastes into Valuable Organic Fertilizer

Sougaijam Surendro Singh after his bachelor degree in agriculture had Masters in food technology from prestigious CFTRI. He is presently working in VKL Flavor and Spices as a research and development executive. Email: surenfood2009@gmail.com/Facebook: suren singh; Twitter: maS. Surendro
What is Vermicomposting? Vermicomposting is a simple biotechnological process of composting, in which certain species of earthworms are used to enhance the process of waste conversion and produce a better end product. Vermicomposting differs from composting in several ways The process is faster than composting; because the material passes through the earthworm gut, a significant but not yet fully understood transformation takes place, whereby the resulting earthworm castings (worm manure) are rich in microbial activity and plant growth regulators, and fortified with pest repellence attributes as well. Importance of vermicompost 1. Source of plant nutrients: The moisture content of castings ranges between 32 and 66% and the pH is around 7.0. The worm castings contain higher percentage (nearly two fold) of both macro and micronutrients than the garden compost. Soil available nitrogen (N) increased significantly with increasing levels of vermicompost and highest N uptake was obtained at 50% of the recommended fertilizer rate plus 10 t ha-1 vermicompost. 2. Improved crop growth and yield: Vermicompost plays a major role in improving growth and yield of different field crops, vegetables,flower and fruit crops. The application of vermicompost gave higher germination (93%) of mung bean (Vigna radiata) compared to the control (84%). Further, the growth and yield of mung bean was also significantly higher with vermicompost application. 3. Reduction in soil C:N ratio: Vermicomposting converts household waste into compost within 30 days, reduces the C:N ratio and retains more N than the traditional methods of preparing composts. 4. Role in nitrogen cycle: Earthworms play an important role in the recycling of N in different agroecosystems, especially under jhum (shifting cultivation) where the use of agrochemicals is minimal.
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5. Improved soil physical, chemical and biological properties: Limited studies on vermicompost indicate that it increases macropore space ranging from 50 to 500 m, resulting in improved air-water relationship in the soil which favorably affect plant growth. Types of earthworms Earthworms are invertebrates. There are nearly 3600 types of earthworms in the world and they are mainly divided into two types: (1) burrowing; and (2) nonburrowing. The burrowing types Pertima elongata and Pertima asiatica live deep in the soil. On the other hand, the non-burrowing types Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugenae live in the upper layer of soil surface. The burrowing types are pale, 20 to 30 cm long and live for 15 years. The non-burrowing types are red or purple and 10 to 15 cm long but their life span is only 28 months. Methods of Vermicomposting 1. Pits below the ground: Pits made for vermicomposting are 1 m deep and 1.5 m wide. The length varies as required. 2. Heaping above the ground: The waste material is spread on a polythene sheet placed on the ground and then covered with cattle dung. 3. Tanks above the ground: Tanks made up of different materials such as normal bricks, hollow bricks, shabaz stones, asbestos sheets and locally available rocks were evaluated for vermicompost preparation. Materials Required for Vermicomposting A range of agricultural residues, all dry wastes, for example, sorghum straw and rice straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of crops and trees, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) husk, soybean residues, vegetable wastes, weed (Parthenium) plants before flowering, fiber from coconut (Cocos nucifera) trees and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) trash can be converted into vermicompost.

Volume 1, Issue 3

Fig 1a-j Steps of vermicomposting

Packing of vermicompost
manure (Fig. 1j). The culture in the bed contains different stages of the earthworms life cycle, namely, cocoons, juveniles and adults. Transfer this culture to fresh half decomposed feed material. The excess as well as big earthworms can be used for feeding fish or poultry. Pack the compost in bags and store the bags in a cool place (Fig. 2). Prepare another pile about 20 days before removing the compost and repeat the process by following the same procedure as described above.

In addition, animal manures, dairy and When the heat evolved during the de compoultry wastes, food industry position of the materials has subsided (15 wastes,municipal solid wastes, biogas 20 days after heaping), release selected earthsludge and bagasse from sugarcane factoworms (500 to 700) through the cracks deries also serve as good rawmaterials for veloped (Fig. 1f). vermicomposting. Cover the ring with wire mesh or gunny bag to prevent birds from picking the Steps for vermicomposting earthworms. Sprinkle water every three days to maintain adequate moisture and body Cover the bottom of the cement ring temperature of the earthworms (Fig. 1g). with a layer of tiles or coconut husk or The vermicompost is ready in about 2 polythene sheet (Fig. 1a). months if agricultural waste is used and Spread 1520 cm layer of organic waste about 4 weeks if sericulture waste is used as material on the polythene sheet (Fig. substrate (Fig. 1h). 1b). Sprinkle rock phosphate powder The processed vermicompost is black, light if available (it helps in improving nu- in weight and free from bad odor. tritional quality of compost) on the When the compost is ready, do not water for waste material and then sprinkle cow 23 days to make compost easy for sifting. dung slurry (Fig. 1c and d). Fill the Pile the compost in small heaps and leave ring completely in layers as described. under ambient conditions for a couple of Paste the top of the ring with soil or hours when all the worms move down the cow dung (Fig. 1e). Allow the material heap in the bed (Fig. 1i). Separate upper to decompose for 15 to 20 days. portion of the manure and sieve the lower portion to separate the earthworms from the Page 7

Benefits to farmers:
Less reliance on purchased inputs of nutrients leading to lower cost of production Increased soil productivity through improved soil quality Better quantity and quality of crops For landless people provides additional source of income generation

AgriManipur

Know your Food

Pineapple (Kee-hom)
Common name: Pineapple Botanical name: Ananas comosus Local name (Manipuri): Kee-hom Family: Use: One of the most popular fruits in the world. Ripened ones are sweet and used as such or extracted to consume as juice or processed in different forms. Medicinal benefit: Known to possess anti-inflammatory, antihelminthic and proteolytic properties. Source:
Monzon, R. B.; Adebiyi, Adebowale (1995). Southeast Asian J. Tro. Med and public health 26(3): 421 428.
Proximate composition of Raw Pineapple per 100 g Water Energy Carbohydrates - Sugars - Dietary fiber Fat Protein 86 gm 202 kJ (48 kcal) 12.63 g 9.26 g 1.4 g 0.12 g 0.54 g

Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Hale LP, Chichlowski M, Trinh CT, Greer PK N.B.: The given values are only representa(2010). Inflamm Bowel tive. It may varies from variety to variety, Dis 16 (12): 201221. climatic variation, etc.

Passion fruit (Sitaphon)

Common name: Passion Fruit Botanical name: Passiflora edulis Local name: Family: Passifloraceae Types: There are broadly two types based on the skin colour; green and yellow. Habitat: The purple passion fruit is subtropical and prefers a frost-free climate.
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Use: Normally consumed as juice after extraction. It has a distinct flavour and now added in flavoured tea and even ice crea m, smoothies, etc. Medicinal uses:

Proximate composition of Raw Passion (purple) fruit per 100 g

Water Energy Carbohydrates - Sugars - Dietary fiber Fat

72.93 g 97 kcal 23.38 g 11.20 g 10.4 g 0.70 g

There are reports sho2.20 g Protein ing beneficial effect in cancer prevention, asthma symptoms, Source: USDA Nutrient Database
osteoarthritis, etc.

N.B.: The given values are only representative. It may varies from variety to variety, climatic variation, etc.

Volume 1, Issue 3

Piggery as a source of income

Dr. Th. Sushilkumar

Dr. Sushilkumar is working as a Programme Assistant (Vety. & A. H.) at KVK (Andro, Imphal East).
pig. The numerical result of this simple division is known as the Feed Conversion Ratio or Factor and is defined as the weight of feed required to put on one unit of liveweight, e.g., Live weight increase of pig =90 kg; Feed consumed by pig = 270 kg and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) = 270/90 = 3 kg feed per kg live weight gain. 2. Pig store fat rapidly: No other animal produces per unit live weight, so much fat in so short a time or at the expense of so little feed.

IINTRODUCTION
Though the practices of swine (pig) husbandry is an omnipresent activity in the state for centuries, its production system and contribution to the state economy is very meager. Hog industry has remained undeveloped mainly due to rearing of traditional type, whose growth rate is relatively poor and mainly reared by socioeconomically weaker illiterate people. Their unscientific breeding practices, unhygienic management of pigs, have also been a contributing factor, which kept this industry in primitive stage. But the demand for pork is very high and still a wide gap exists between the need/demand and availability of pork. The production is hardly adequate for the population in the state. The pork deficit is further aggravated by the traditional ways of pig rearing like feeding of locally available feed stuff, inadequate housing, lack of disease management, unavailability of improved variety, exotic breeds, forage land with no food to eat, so usually they thrive as scavengers. Such a condition of rearing has deprived this animal a fair chance to grow resulting in production of poor quality and quantity of pork. Thus, local pig rearPage 9

ing has not been a profitable one. To exploit this traditional hog for large amount of pork, during the last two decade a great emphasis has been laid on the improvement of the productivity of pigs by implementing crossbreeding programme with exotic breeds of swine, to develop animals of large sized litter, efficient feed conversion (3:1), higher dressing percentage and better quality pork. These modern technologies are also performed in the Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, and Central Agricultural University, Imphal with the Hampshirec breed as a parent stock which would make pigs more economical to rear. ECONOMIC TRAIT OF PIG 1. Superior feed conversion powe: The capacity of pig to transform large amounts of vegetable concentrated feeds into valuable animal feed as pork, bacon etc., has brought them to their present pre-eminence in animal science. This capacity to digest and assimilate food is measured by dividing the line weight increase of the pig into the weight of food eaten by the

3. Pigs are prolific and bring quick return: Pigs grow rapidly, mature quickly and are prolific as judged either by the number of piglets (6-12) they can produce at one birth. A unit of 10 sows (female pig) and 1 boar (male pig) will produce about 160 piglets during the first year. Gilts may be breed between the ages of about 8 9 months farrow when approximately 13 months old, and their pigs, if kept healthy and fed well, will weigh more than 80 kg each by the time they are about 6 months old. Thus, the economic returns come quickly. 4. Enterprise requires moderate investment: The initial investment in getting into the business in small since pig require a small investment for building and equipments and are well-adapted to the practice of self feeding labour is kept to a minimum. 5. Pig excels in dressing percentage, yielding 65 80 percent of their live weight when dressed in packer style with head, leaf fat, kidneys and offel facings removed. On the other hand, cattle dress only (beef) 50 60 percent and lambs (chevon) and sheep (mutton) 45 55 percent. Moreover, because of the small production of bone the percentage of edible meat (pork) and offels in the carcass of the pig is greater.

AgriManipur

6. Pork is most nutritious and cheapest. Because of the higher content of fat and the slightly lower content of water, the energy value of pork is usually higher than that of leaf chevon (goat meat). HOUSE FOR PIG (PIGSTY) Pigs are very much susceptible to extremes of climate because they have poor thermo-regulating mechanism. Basic factors to be considered while designing pig housing system are temperature, ventilation, space requirement, relative humidity and light etc. The structure should be at least 15 m away from leveling, 30 m away from dairies cow and poultry houses, food grain storage structure etc. The structure should be raised on a fairly well drained site not liable to flooding. Adequate supply of water must be assured at the selected site. Structure should be located and oriented so as to avoid heavy drought and at the same time, should have plenty of fresh air circulation. DISPOSAL OF MANURE Frequency of removal of manure is twice daily. Methods are (a) Solid manure: By means of wheel barrow and shovel, disposed into a pit for decomposition. Such manure will return 75 % of its fertilizing value to soil. Manure pits should be about 200 meters away where no foul smell would pass through buildings. The production of manure from each adult is about 2 kg per day. The volumetric capacity of fresh manure is 700 to 900 kg/cm. (b) In a liquid form by means of Lagoon: Lagoon is a body of water like a small pond where in liquid manure is discharged and digested by bacterial action. In this method fertility value of manure is wasted but helps in saving of equipment and labour which may compensate the loss.

BREEDS AND BREEDING Pig production is an omnipresent activity in their state/region and the production system is totally depend on breeds like exotic breed and improved varieties.

Germplasm
Among the available pig germplasm in the region, the indigenous pigs occupy a major chunk of the population. The people of the region have a preference over the colour of the pig. Eg. Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur, the black coloured pigs are more preferred than the white ones. Improved Pig When a poor performing pig is crossed with a known superior, germplasm, the resultant offspring is an improved pig with enhanced productivity. For example, the local/indigenous pigs attain a body weight gain of 122 gm per day where as exotic pigs like Hampshire attains 248 gm per day. The weight gain of upgraded/ crossbred pig (Local X Hampshire) in 237 gm per day. These offsprings having comparatively higher performance than the local parent are called as improved pigs. It is well proved that the indigenous pigs attain low body weight gain compared to

improved and exotic pigs. Under the standard managemental conditions, the body weight at weaning was 5.59, 9.50 and 9.60 kg, for indigenous, improved and exotic pigs, respectively. The crossbred (Hampshire X indigenous) and exotic (Hampshire) pigs have an advantage of 170 and 172% over the indigenous pigs in response to the weight at weaning. Similar advantage is observed under field conditions also (crossbred 135%; Hampshire 156%). So, indigenous/desi pigs are very important for improved pig (Local X exotic) than the crossbred.

Breeding of Pigs
The following points should be recorded for breeding: Breeding age of gilts is 10 to 12 months Breeding weight of gilts is 90 100 g. Breeding age of boars is 18 to 24 months Age of puberty is upto 7 months Number of sows per boar is 10 Occurrence of heat after weaning is 2 to 10 days. Heat cycle is 19 23 days Heat period is for 2 3 days Mating time: Gilts First day of heat and Sow Second day of heat Gestation period is 112 114 days Suckling period (weaning) is 50 56 days

Amount of ration for Pigs Feed/Pigs per day

Class of Pig Growers Live weight in kg 25 26 45 46 100 About 100 Pregnant Sow Lactating sow Boars Sows 150 150 150 150 255 Feed to be fed in kg 1 2 3 4 3.5 5 3.5 4.5

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Volume 1, Issue 3

Cutting Water hyacinth (kabokang)

Intercropping of maize and topioca them limited quantity of feed. There are several non-conventional feedstuffs that can be fed to the pigs. 1. Jobs tear (Coix lachrymajobi) (Chaning in Manipuri) This is grown widely and the grain yield range between 25 30 q/ha. The gain contains 14 -15% protein and 1.2 1.4 % fiber. Full grain meant can be incorporated at 60% level in grower finishes ration. 2. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum Macula) (Angom Yensil in Manipuri) Buckweeed plant is propagated through seed @ 35 kg/ha, the plant population is generally maintained with a spacing between plant to plant of 10 cm and row of 15 cm. plant will begin blooming in 30 40 days from sowing and first seed mature about 30 -35 days later. Buckwheat plant is an excellent honey source too as the blooms are rich in nectar and blooming continuously throughout the year. The grain is generally used as human food as well as animal feed. The full grain contains

Plantation of Alocasia (Hungoo) 10.81% protein, 16.96% fibre, 2.11% fat and 2.07% minerals. The seeds contain relatively high level of protein with excellent quality. Thus, it has potential value as a dietary source of protein. The protein consists of well balanced essential amino acids than most of the cereals with a high level of albumin and glutellin. 3. Jack bean (Canavalia cusiformis L.) (Tebi in Manipuri) Jack bean, a bushy plant of 60 80 cm height. It is also known as sword of horse bean cultivated scale in Manipur and northeastern region of India. The seed of jack bean is a rich source of protein, carbohydrate an other nutrients with some toxic alkaloids. The effects of alkaloids can be easily reduced up to great extent (upto 82%) by treating with kitchen soda solution aat 80C temperature. The soda treated jack bean seed meal can be incorporated in Poultry mash ration to the level of 20% for use as a nonconventional livestock feed resources. 4. Sweet potato (Ipomea batata) (Mangra in Manipuri) The main nutritional importance of sweet potato is in the starch content of the root, rich in vitamin A, Ascorbic Acid, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. The fresh sweet potato root contains 4.6% crude protein, 4.2 7.2 g Lysine/100g of protein and 14 MJ of digestible energy/kg dry matter. The vines of sweet potato contain 18.5% CP and 4 6.5 lysine (100 g of protein).

Detection of heat in sow

Following are the symptoms of heat in sows: 1. Vulvar swelling and redness 2. Vaginal Discharge 3. Frequent urination. 4. Reduced appetite 5. Mounting behavior 6. Restlessness and excitement 7. Mucus discharge from vulva 8. Peculiar grunting so 9. Erection of ears when pressure applied on back 10. Immobility when norml pressure is applied on the back region Standing heat NON-CONVENTIONAL PIG FEED MATERIALS With the passage of time and almost zero availability of nutrients under free range conditions, the farmers have started semiintensive husbandry practices of offering

Floor Space of Pigs Category Weaner Grower Boar Lactating sow Dry sow
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Covered space/pig (sq.ft.) 10 15 12 20 35 50 70 100 20 -30

Open yard/pig 15 20 20 30 50 70 70 100 30 50

Newsletter Title

The energy that pigs can get from sweet potato meal is similar to that they get from maize and hence sweet potato meal can completely replace maize on pig rations. It has also been claimed ht sweet potato reduces the parasitic load, thus having an advantage in the body weight gain of pigs. Sweet potato vine meal can be used in compounded pig rations, but only at low levels.
5. Cassava (Manihot esculanta Crantz) (Umangra in Manipuri) It is one of the major sources of carbohydrates for human as well as animals. The carbohydrates content of cassava root is 2 to 4 %, true protein is 1 -2% and very rich in vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. The root contains 15 16% digestible energy and 2.2g lysine/100g nitrogen. 6. Bananas and Plantains

The average carbohydrates content of tubers ranges from 8 8.8 %. It contains high tryptophane content but deficient in lysine and other sulphur containing amino acids. Thus, the locally available native pastures like improved perennial grasses (setaria, congesignal and guinea) can be introduced in animal feed. Broom grass (thysanolaena maximal/indica), perennial legumes (stylosanthes), perennial groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and annual legumes (Rice Bean and Soyabean) etc. have been found to be another promising fodder in Manipur and northeastern region of India and red beet, radish can also feed in pigs by cooking. FEEDING PATTERN Pigs are simple stomach but their colon and caecum are like of ruminant (cattle, sheep and goat). In fact, 1 kg/ pig of green grasses and fodder can be given daily in grower and adult pig. Feeding should be 2 3 times per day, it must be enhanced to fully utilized in their digestive system. Pig rearing in Schedule Tribe and Schedule Cast area, the fermented rice (70 -80% carbohydrate) from the synthesis of local wine can be given with fortified vitamins and minerals.

Sweet Potato (Mangra) FEEDING ANTIBIOTICS TO PIGS: Feeding antibiotics as feed additives is an important for following reasons: Helps in success of intensive system of swine production. Reduces incidences of scouring and unthriftiness in pigs. Causes 10 to 15% more rapid gain and feed conversion. Enhances growth rate in early as of piglets. Increase feed efficiency of growing and finishing pigs up to 5%. Reduces the number of runts (last piglet) and thereby make more uniform crop of pigs. Types of antibiotics for pig: Penicillin, bacitracin, auromycin (chlorotetracycline), teramycin etc. Dose: 10 to 20 mg per kg feed depending upon types of antibiotics. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PIG FARM Castration in pig

The carbohydrates content of banana pseudostem leaf meal, plantain pseudostem, plaintain leaves, green banana and ripe banana is 2.5%, 9 10%, 23%, 9-10%, 4-5% and 5-6% respectively. The green banana meal can be fed to the pigs upto 20% of the feed. 7. Taro or cocovam (Colocasia esculanta) (Pan in Manipuri)

The starch grains of this corn are very small, which make be digestibility of te WATER REQUIREMENT tuber high. The level of crude protein (CP) 9%, slightly higher than that in Amount of water in a day per hog is 2 yam, cassava or sweet potato. to 3 litre per kg of dry feed which is in summer may be as high as 4 to 5 kg dry 8. Yam (Dioscorea spp.) (Ha in Mafeed. nipuri)

Purpose:
To eliminate undesirable males. To prevent indiscriminate breeding To make animals more docile To prevent boar odour in cooked meat. To develop pork of superior quality. Important in treatment of accidental injuries, tumour of testes, etc.

Chemical composition of jobs lears grain and fodder Chemical composition (g/100g DM) Protein Fiber Fat Total mineral Grain Fodder At 70 days harvest 11.15 26.24 1.74 16.30 At 90 days harvest 7.38 30.95 1.17 7.65

12.15 13.24 0.65 4.82

Methods:
Operation method can be done within 3 to 4 weeks age which males are not selected for breeding. The cost of operation will be reduced in early age of pig.

Volume 1, Issue 1 Chemical method: in this method, 2ml of chemical solution(0.25 g potassium permanganate + 17 ml of glacial acetic acid + 83 ml of distilled water) is injected in each testis. Swelling of testes occurs after injection but subsides soon. This is very effective method of castration of pigs. It is easy and economic practices to the farmers. Care of orphan piglets HEALTH CALENDAR OF PIG Causes of orphan piglets: 1. Large size litters than sow can raise 2. Death of sow after farrowing 3. Failure of lactation 4. Mastitis Methods of raising: 1. Use of foster sow 2. Use of milk replacer Note: To see that foster accepts new piglets, these must be sprayed with some deodorant disinfectant to mask the smell. And paint all the body of piglets by Lochia (farrowing discharge) of foster mother for undictating smell. Removal of needle teeth: Baby pig at birth have 4 pairs of sharp teeth on each jaw called needle teeth. These are of not use to piglets and may cause injury to mothers udder. These should be clipped by means of piler or nail cutter. Care to be taken not to injure jaw or gum of piglets. Swine fever vaccines: lapinised (a vaccine derived from rabbit tissue) swine fever vaccine health should be given at the dose of 1 ml intra muscularly in all age categories of pig. It is effectiveness of immunity lasting period in 1 year. Vaccination should be done every year for good health. PIGLETS ANAEMIA (NUTRITIONAL ANAEMIA IN SULKING PIGS) It is highly fatal disease of sulking pigs caused by marked decrease in haemoglobin and fatty degeneration of liver. Causes: Lack of iron and copper salts in milk of sow pigs kept in indoor pens, on concrete floor and limited milk diet from row. Age group of pigs affected: 3 to 6 weeks. Symptoms: Pigs are dull and inactive, fatigued, lack of vigour. Pig show dyspnea (difficult in respiration), thumps and rough coats, depression on slight HEALTH MANAGEMENT: Swine fever, swine paratyphoids, swine dysentery, swine vesicular exanthema, swine erysipelas and swine influenza are highly contagious and sporadic diseases of pig. It can be treated by antibiotics and other supportive treatment medicines. In case of swine fever, vaccination of healthy pigs is the only means of safety health.

the muscle are flabby. Suddenly wrinkles are found over the legs. Pigs may develop diarrhoea. BIO-SECURITY OF PIG FARMING Swiss flu is caused by H1N1 virus while bird flu is caused by H5N1 and other virulent strain of H & N series. Swine flu is a new synthetic strain virus by gene mutation of different strain virus like Swine influenza, human influenza and Avian influenza as a reservoir in the pig health without any symptoms. By means of shrift & drift methods of genetic variation, these three virus may make a new strain, which can cause very dangerous disease in human beings. FACTORS AFFECTING ECONOMY OF PIG FARMING In order to achieve remunerative farming of pigs, some factors to be considered are: 1. Selection of site 2. Supply of feed, water etc. 3. Right choice of breed 4. Expenditure on feed, labour etc. 5. Principles of regular marketing. 6. Diseases and mortality. 7. Live birth and growth rate.

exer-

tion. Pig may be weak and thin, fat yet Commonly used Deworming drugs: Sl. No. 1. 2. 3. Name Albendazole Fenbedazole Inj. Ivernectic Dose 5 10 mg/kg. body wt. 7.5 10 mg per kg 0.3 mg.kg (s/c) Effective against Gastrointestinal nametodes and larvae Round worm and tape worm Hystrongylus strongyloides, Ascarids. Oesophagostomum and Trichuris.

Note: Deworm the pregnant females 2 weeks before farrowing with piprezine adepate @ 1 gm/10kg. body weight because total
littre (piglets) weight was greater for litters from dewormed sows.
Page 13

AgriManipur

HAPPENINGS
Poisonous substances in food items alarming
Imphal, March 02 2012: Cautioning the general public that consumption of vegetable items and local fish products could pose health threats due to excessive use of pesticide and other poisonous substances in growing/catching consumable items, a top official of the Director of Health Services said relevant measures have been initiated to test some food items at reputed laboratories outside Manipur. Interacting with The Sangai Express, Deputy Food Safety Commissioner Brojendro Khaba Meitei said recent en masse detection of dead fishes on the eastern corner of Loktak Lake at Phoubakchao area is a grim reminder that the fishing community do not care for the safety of t h e c o n s u m e r s . Referring to the discovery of an empty can of the banned Hildan pesticide from Phoubakchao area where large number of dead fishes were found floating, the Commissioner construed that the incident is a grim reminder of threat posed to the consumers. Source: Sangai Express

Glaring example of the use of pesticide in catching fish

Rs 50 lakh for supplying piglets gone into thin air

Imphal, March 18: Some officials who were holding top posts in the Veterinary Department of Manipur at one time have allegedly paved the way for abolition of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY) Scheme in the state, which is being implemented under Union Agriculture Ministry with the stated objective of ensuring self-employment among unemployed people to augment their inc o m e . A highly placed source revealed that the an amount of Rs 50 lakhs, which was meant for supplying piglets to 299 beneficiaries under RKVY for the year 2009-10 had been sanctioned to the State Veterinary Department. But no supply of piglets has been made to the beneficiaries so far and there is strong apprehension that the fund sanctioned may have gone in the pockets of the few top officials of the department. The source disclosed that in early part of fiscal year, 2009-2010, a meeting was held in connection with implementation of RKVY scheme in the state with then Principal Secretary, IS Laishram in the chair. The meeting was also attended by Director, Th Rajen, Joint Director (Administration), Dr L Saratkumar and Deputy Director Dr H Chaoba. The said meeting discussed matter related to sanctioning of Rs 1 crore by the State Agriculture Department to the Veterinary Department for implementation of RKVY Scheme.

http://farmville4u.blogspot.ca/2010/07/piglets.html

Source: Hueiyen lanpao

Tamenglong oranges dying, losing its juiciness; Dist Horticulture office indifferent
Imphal, March 28 2012: Even as Tamenglong district, the orange basket of Manipur, is fast losing its orange plants owing to an unknown plant disease, the District Horticulture office has been remaining locked since the past few years without paying any attention to the serio u s m e n a c e .
Page 14

It is said that orange plants in the district are dying without any fathomable reason, while the oranges produced from different villages of the district are also losing its juicy taste. At this critical juncture, instead of paying attention to the serious threat, officials and scientists of District Horticulture office have been enjoying the comforts of keeping the office locked since

t h e p a s t f e w y e a r s . Representatives of Zeliangrong Women Union (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Kabui Mother's Association and Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur recently conducted an inspection tour of the district with a team of reporters in this regard. Source: Sangai Express

Volume 1, Issue 3

First embryo transfer Mithun calf born at ICAR

Dimapur, March 30, 2012: The worlds first-ever Mithun calf through embryo transfer technology was born at the National Research Centre on Mithun, In dian Council of Agricu ltural Research, Jharnapani in Nagaland on March 27, a Press release said today. system of Mithun rearing at its natural forest habitat results in considerable inbreeding and cross-breeding with the local cattle thereby resulting in loss of quality Mithun germplasm.

To address the issues of inbreeding and crossbreeding, the scientists of Animal Physiology section of the institute have successfully applied the Artificial InsemiMithun (Bos frontalis), a rare bovine nation (AI) technique both at farm and of South-east Asia is mainly confined field at Khonoma village of Nagaland and in four different States, viz., Arun- produced AI-borne calves. achal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Present free range Source: The Assam Tribune

http://photos.merinews.com

Militants ban import of onion, potatoes in Manipur

Imphal, April 09, 2012 : Militant outfit United Revolutionary Front (URF) today said it has banned import of onions and potatoes in Manipur from other states. In a statement here, URF publicity secretary A K Pibarel said they consider it necessary to develop a selfreliant economy of Manipur and urged farmers in the state to cultivate and produce the agricultural products a b u n d a n t l y . They have also threaten to ban the entry of othervegetables and tobacco products like cigarette, bidi, etc, from J u n e 1 8 . Official sources said it would not be possible to prevent the sale of all these daily-need items because the state doesn't produce onion, potatoes of other vegetables enough to feed people of the s t a t e . They said steps would be taken to make the inflow of all essential items from states. Source: Economic Times
http://manipuronline.com

First Watermelon Festival in Manipur

Imphal, June 08 2012: The five-day inaugural State Level Watermelon Festival organised by Nahakpam Foundation for Development under the sponsorship of State's Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department commenced from today at Ibo yai m a S hu m ang L eela Sh anglen . As chief guest of the festival inauguration, Hort & Soil Consvn Joint Director M Kuber informed that from its origin in south Africa watermelon is at present one of the most commercialised food i t e m s i n t h e w o r l d . Maintaining that watermelon, with 72 percent water content and 6 percent sugar, is a relatively new food item in Manipur. The Joint Director conveyed that it has substantial nutritional value and is one of the favourite food items of the summer season. Pledging the Department's support in the form of seed provision to enhance watermelon productivity in Manipur, Kuber suggested that a common organising committee be formed ahead of the next festival to ensure more particip a t i o n . He also stated that all possible measures would be taken by the Department to present prizes in order to boost morale of the watermelon producers/farmers. Source: The Sangai Express

http://www.whataboutwatermelon.com

Page 15

AgriManipur

Meeting with a Star: N. Lelen

Lelen story is startling given the level of education he had. He paved a way for future farmers that farming cannot only be exciting but also be remunerative. His farms never fade their colour; lush green anytime, everywhere. His greatest message to the youngsters is that education empowered everyone; knowledge gained though education should guide you. Read the interview with Lelen to know further..
Lelen
Man with a mission 1. AgriManipur: Can you tell us something about your educational and family background? Also how it was started? Lelen (L): I was born in a poor family of a countryside. My poor widow illiterate loving mother has been taking important role in our family as my father died young. Our family members had been depending upon gardening and waving for livelihood and educational purposes. I used moon light in reading books during my student life. Memorization method in the dark during night time was the most effective method which I used in my student life. I used to spend daytime mainly in manual work and going to college and university. I have been fallowing the principle of Simple living, Simple eating, Simple clothing & high thinking. I could never forget one important teaching from political Science i.e. It is better to become an unsatisfied Socrates than a pig satisfied. I completed my gr a du at io n in h i st or y (honours) with first class first and post graduation in history with 1st class 1st (Gold Medalist) from Manipur University. The knowledge acquired from education decided my future life career. I never dreamed of any Government job. So I feed no interview for any job in life. Formerly, I served as a dedicated teacher of History in the N.G. Mani College to save the educational career of the students just after the declaration of M.A. final examination result only at the request of the college authority. Still, I am ready to serve the nation at all levels if the nation is needful of my service free of cost. I started my career of farming with no difficulty after acquiring a little knowledge from higher education 2. AgriManipur: Can you please describe the farming/ business you are doing? How is it unique from others? How techniques you followed to make it unique? L: I transformed my activity of gardening to farming by 2002 A.D. along with my family members. Nowadays, most of the farmers are lacking in knowledge of higher education, labour, sincerity, will power, simplicity, patience etc. The adoption of advanced technologies (e.g. use for sprinkler) and other advanced ideas and conceptions make our farming a little different from others.

The knowledge acquired from education decided my future life career. I never dreamed of any Government job.

Lelens sprawling farms

Page 16

Volume 1, Issue 3 for the welfare of progressive farmers/ entrepreneurs? L: Regarding the support system for the welfare of the farmers entrepreneurs (excluding me), a dutiful, ideal and least corrupted democratic form of Government which is quite different from present day government is needed.
Photo courtesy: TEDx Imphal , independently organised TED event

8. AgriManipur: What is your future plans? Expansion and diversification? L: My future plans are of top secrets.

3. AgriManipur: Agriculture is no longer considered as a lucrative business. Youth of this generation do not see bright future in farming. What prompted you to start venture like this when everyone is not interested in? What motivates you? L: Knowledge through education is the supreme of all wealth which could never be stolen by thief . It is worth of accumulation as far as possible unlike material wealth. The above advice was given me by my father during my childhood. History is the mountain top of human knowledge. I came across histories of the rise and fall of many civilizations of the world and historical personalities in history. Over and above, I came across one renowned economic historian Prof. N. Lokendra Singh (presently Registrar M.U.) while I was reading M.A. history in Manipur University. His teachings on economic history enabled me to take up different necessary suitable steps in farming according to time, place and situation. His teachings motivated me to do so. I applied the knowledge acquired from economic history to practical life, though other people did not have interest in farming. 4. AgriManipur: What may be the reasons your business survives for a long period of time when many other farming/ agriculture based business died? L: My business is related to food production. Man cannot live without food. So this business will survive as long as man lives on earth. I am not an opportunist or money hunger. My target is to give economic salva-

tion to the common people through green revolution (Economy is the backbone of the society) as Mahatama Gandhi, Subaschandra Bose stood for Political salvation of the Indians and Gautama Buddha for spiritual salvation of the humanity. This is the reason why my business is surviving for long while other people died their agricultural business. 5. AgriManipur: We are hoping that your profession is beneficial to you. Would you give a brief picture about the size of your business? (Eg. Production per annum season, revenue and profit, etc. L: My profession is beneficial to me. About 10 farmers including our family members are now in the farm in an area of about 6 acres of land. (N.B. most of the land being on lease from other people). Remaining part of the answer is that our familys economy support as well as of other laborers working in the farm depend upon the income out of the farming. 6. AgriManipur: As a farmer and businessman what kind of difficulties were faced/ are facing? Technical, financial and moral? L: As a farmer and businessman, I face no difficulty in technical, financial and moral. 7. AgriManipur: What kind of support system (policies and program) is needed

9. AgriManipur: You might also agree that todays youth are not interested very much in entrepreneurship and hard earned profession but more prone to short route of earning money. What, in your opinion, are required to reverse this trend? What message you want to convey to them? L: Education is the nerve centre of the Society, present day defective education system is the most important reason why youth of the present day are not interested in entrepreneurship and hard earned profession (with the exception of some youth) but more prone to short route of earning money. The intellectuals and think tanks from the universities should take a lading role to grasp the political power to establish a dutiful, ideal and least corrupted democratic government in order to eliminate the present day defects in education system. If so, the mind and way of thinking of the present day youth can be reversed. Otherwise, there is no remedy and the situation will become serious day by day. The message what I want to convey is

Money loss is nothing loss Health loss is something loss. Character loss is everything loss. & Money is only for this human world and not necessary in the heavenly abode.

AgriManipur

CoooooNECT

Hope this will connect you with useful information you are longing for. This information hub intends to help you in advancing your enterprises/ business making use of it.

NABARD was set up as an apex Development Bank with a mandate for facilitating credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts. It also has the mandate to support all other allied economic activities in rural areas, promote integrated and sustainable rural development and secure prosperity of rural areas.

Objectives
The National Bank will be an apex organisation in respect of all matters relating to policy, planning operational aspects in the field of credit for promotion of Agriculture, Small Scale Industries, Cottage and Village Industries, Handicrafts and other rural crafts and other allied economic activities in rural areas. The Bank will serve as a refinancing institution for institutional credit such as long-term, short-term for the promotion of activities in the rural areas. The Bank will also provide direct lending to any institution as may approved by the Central Government. The Bank will have organic links with the Reserve Bank and maintain a close link within

Major activities
Preparing of Potential Linked Credit Plans for identification of exploitable potentials under agriculture and other activities available for development through bank credit. Refinancing banks for extending loans for investment and production purpose in rural areas. Providing loans to State Government/Non Government Organizations (NGOs)/Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for developing rural infrastructure. Supporting credit innovations of Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and other non-formal agencies. Extending formal banking services to the unreached rural poor by evolving a supplementary credit delivery strategy in a cost effective manner by promoting Self Help Groups (SHGs). Promoting participatory watershed development for enhancing productivity and profitability of rainfed agriculture in a Shri S V Nemlekar General Manager Manipur Regional Office Leiren Mansion 2nd Floor, Opp Lamphel Super Market Lamphelpat , Imphal - 795 004 Tel: (91) 0385 2416192, 0385 2410706 Email: imphal@nabard.org

Head Office: NABARD

2nd Floor, 'D' Wing C-24, 'G' Block Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) Mumbai 400 051 Website: http://www.nabard.org

Contacts

Volume 1, Issue 3

REVOLUTION

Keithelmapi.in

Respected AgriManipur Team Thank you for your acknowledgment and encouragement to Keithelmapi. To be honest with you we have not reached that confidence level as we are really in experimental stage (prototype) and we are trying our best to come up with good service after studying responses from the supporters specially regarding mode of payment (Advance payment or Cash on Delivery/VPP) and delivery time. Our motive is to able to serve those increasing north east families in mainland india as well as to exhibit the traditionally rich dresses, books, regional movies (to reduce piracy), regional pickles and so on to the outsiders. As future belong to e-market, we are confident that there will be a lot of supporters in the coming days. It was launched formally on 23rd March,2012 in a small room near Rajaji Nagar (nr IISc),Bangalore.Some of photos of hosting is attached herewith. Regarding team, one is a MBA student at IISc,Bangalore, second is a Software Programmer based at Bangalore, third is a graduate student operating at Imphal and some of the friends who are supporting the team financially as well as in promoting the venture. (regret for not disclosing the names) Last but not the least, we would like to interact with your team regarding preservation of foods during postal journey,way of packaging, etc.
Regards Keithelmapi Team

Chak-hao in web now!

www.blackriceindia.com
http://listverse.com/2011/11/11/20-heirloom-vegetables/

Our society is based on the Self help group of young and old people who earns

their livelihood through farming and cultivation. Chakhao Self Help Group Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai P.O: Canchipur, Imphal West Manipur - 795003 E: blackriceindia@gmail.com The member consists of 20 active person and will eventually upgraded to thousands. The current work is based on processing of aromatic Black Rice and cultivation of Mushroom and other products produced in Manipur.

AgriManipur

Vol. 1, Issue 3

Contact us to get your copy today

safinmanipur@gmail.com daya.sym@gmail.com 011-91-9436020905 011-91-9862831561

www.facebook.com/safimanipur

safimanipur.wordpress.com

Food Adulteration : An Insight

Next issue
October 2012

Wine making Pesticide: Addictive monster?

Dear farmers, food processors, nutritionist, ...torchbearers of Manipur Do you have stories to share?

Please feel free to write. Your success stories or setback centered around agriculture, food and nutrition are most welcome no matter how big or small. If required we will try to solve through our experts network. You can write in any languages. We will translate and publish. Be a part of the movement.

AgriManipur is an initiative of Society for Agriculture, Food and Innovation, Imphal based NGO