ants exterminators What are some simple steps i can take to shoo away ants?
My house is INFESTED with ants-yes i should call an exterminator but before that are there some steps I can take to solve the problem?
Te mistake most people make when attempting to control ants is only spraying the ones they see. This approach usually fails because the ants seen foraging over exposed surfaces is only a small portion of the colony. Typically, there will be thousands of additional ants including one or more egg-laying queens hidden somewhere in a nest. Eliminating queens and other colony members within nests is often the key to effective ant control.
uildings contain many favorable hiding and nesting sites for ants. Preferred sites include spaces behind walls, cabinets, and appliances; behind window and door frames; and beneath floors and concrete slabs. Most of these areas are hidden, making it difficult to determine their precise location. When the location of the nest cannot be determined or is inaccessible, insecticide baits often are a good option, especially for homeowners.
The advantage in using baits is that foraging ants take the insecticide back to the nest and feed it to the queen(s) and other colony members. As a result, the entire colony often is destroyed. Most baits sold to homeowners come pre-packaged with the insecticide and food attractant confined within a plastic, child-resistant container.
Some of the more effective ant baits, sold in grocery and hardware stores, are Combat® Quick Kill Formula bait stations and Combat® Ant Killing Gel; Raid Ant Bait II, and Terro® Ant Killer II.
Place the baits next to wherever ants are seen, preferably beside ant “trails” (invisible odor trails which worker ants follow between food and the nest). Do not spray other insecticides or cleaning agents around the bait stations as this will deter ants from feeding on the bait. Initially, you should see an increase in the number of ants around the bait station — DO NOT SPRAY THEM. This indicates that the ants are feeding on the bait and transporting the insecticide back to the nest. Ant activity often will subside in a matter of days as the number of ants in the colony declines. Continue to place additional baits wherever ants are seen.
Ants are rather finicky in their food preferences and may alter them throughout the year. If one bait product isn’t attractive or doesn’t seem to be working, try another. Optimal results usually require a sustained period of feeding, not just a brief visitation by a few ants. Professional pest control firms have a wider selection of bait products to choose from (e.g., Advance™, Maxforce®), and can usually provide relief when homeowner efforts are unsuccessful. Professionals also have a larger arsenal of sprays and insecticide dusts which can be effective against ants, including Termidor®, Phantom®, Demand®, Talstar™, and Suspend®.
Ants Nesting Outdoors
Ants noticed inside the home may actually be nesting outdoors in the yard. Try to trace the ants back to the point where they are entering from outside. This may be along a window sill, beneath an entrance door, or where the exterior siding meets the foundation wall. Ants usually prefer to trail along lines and edges. When tracing ant trails indoors or outdoors, pay particular attention to cracks, seams, and edges created by baseboards, the tack strip beneath perimeter edges of carpeting, mortar joints, the foundation- siding interface, etc. Nests often will be located in the ground, marked by a mound or anthill. Other times, the nests will be concealed under mulch, gravel, stones, landscaping timbers, pavement, or beneath the grass edge adjoining the foundation wall of the building. Some kinds of ants prefer to nest behind exterior siding or wood trim that has been damaged by moisture. While it takes patience to locate an ant colony outdoors, results will be more rapid and permanent than if you only spray where ants are seen trailing. One way to entice ants to reveal the location of their hidden nest(s) outdoors or indoors, is to place small dabs of honey or jelly on an index card, etc., next to where ants are observed. After the ants have fed, they will head back to the nest.
When a below-ground nest is discovered, the colony often can be eliminated by spraying or drenching the nest location with a liquid insecticide such as carbaryl (Sevin), or a pyrethroid insecticide such as Spectracide Triazicide®, Ortho Home Defense System®, or Bayer Advanced® Lawn & Garden Multi-Insect Killer. Large colonies will require greater amounts of liquid to move the insecticide throughout the network of underground galleries within the nest (using a bucket to apply the diluted insecticide concentrate is an effective method). Follow label directions for treating ant mounds, paying attention to precautions for mixing and application. Another effective and convenient way to control some species of outdoor and indoor-nesting ants is with a granular bait product, such as Combat® Ant Killing Granules. Sprinkle the bait in small amounts beside outdoor ant mounds, along pavement cracks, and other areas where ants are nesting or trailing.
Ant entry into homes can be reduced by caulking around door thresholds, windows, and openings where utility pipes and wires enter buildings.
Ant entry can further be reduced by spraying one of the above-mentioned liquid insecticides around the outside perimeter of the building. Consider applying a 2 -to 6-foot swath along the ground adjacent to the foundation, and a 2-to 3-foot band up the foundation wall. Also treat ant trails and points of entry into the home, such as around doors and where utility pipes and wires enter from outside.
The odorous house ant has become the most common and difficult ant species to control throughout much of the United States. The ant is small (1/8-inch), darkish, and forms distinct trails along outdoor and indoor surfaces.
It is often mistaken for the pavement ant, which can readily be controlled with most baits. The most accurate diagnostic difference, visible under magnification, is the absence of a noticeable node or “bump” along the constricted area between thorax and abdomen of the odorous house ant. Pavement ants have two obvious nodes, and fine grooves or striations along the head and thorax. Pavement ants also are more likely to displace bits of soil from their typical nesting location under sidewalks, driveways and other paved areas. Odorous house ants emit what’s been described as a rotten coconut or pine scent when crushed with a finger and sniffed.
Odorous house ants ( see http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/images/ant_trail.jpg
and http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/images/ants_spoon.jpg)
will nest in virtually every imaginable location. They commonly nest outdoors under pavement, stones, mulch, woodpiles, flower pots, and house siding, foraging indoors for food and moisture. Nests also occur indoors within wall cavities, appliances, potted plants, etc., especially near sources of moisture. The nests tend to be mobile; colonies relocate fast and often in response to changes in weather and disturbance.
Ants forage indoors for food and moisture. Photo: M. Potter, Dept. of EntomologyOdorous house ant colonies tend to have numerous, egg-laying queens and the primary colonies may split into smaller ones for no apparent reason. Ants foraging indoors feed on all manner of foods, ranging from the trash can to the cereal bowl.
This particular ant is difficult to control, especially by householders. The better baits to try are often syrupy ones, such as Combat® Ant Killing Gel or Terro® Ant Killer II. As with all ants, activity indoors can sometimes be reduced by removing ready access to food and moisture (water leaks, spillage, trash cans, pet food dishes, etc). Temporary relief can sometimes be had by wiping away the invisible odor trails with a kitchen cleanser or mild detergent. Do not disturb foraging trails, however, if you are using a bait. Caulking obvious ant entry points also may be helpful, along with trimming back shrubs and limbs touching the building. In nature, this ant feeds extensively on plant nectar and honeydew excreted by plant-sucking insects such as aphids.
When odorous house ants are the problem, homeowners may be better off calling a professional, although they, too, are challenged by this ant. Some products used by professionals (e.g., Termidor®/Phantom® sprays, certain baits) can be effective, but are not available to the general public.
Ant Control and Prevention Dallas Texas Arrow Exterminators
What exactly is a Carpenter Ant?
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in the United States. There are several species of carpenter ants that may be found infesting homes and other buildings. Normally workers are black or red and black in color and range in size from 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Winged queen ants may be as large as one inch. However, size is not a reliable characteristic to identify carpenter ants. The workers of one species in can be no larger than 3/16 inch.
Ants are divided into different castes, i.e. workers, queens, and males. Some ants, including carpenter ants, have polymorphic workers, which means that within one species the workers occur in different sizes. The best method to separate carpenter ants from other ants is by the following characteristics: 1) a waist with one node (petiole) and 2) a thorax with an evenly rounded upper surface.
There are other ants that appear similar and are occasionally mistaken for carpenter ants. They may have one or two nodes. However, they can be distinguished from carpenter ants by the uneven profile of their thorax. These ants are usually not wood-infesting, so it is important to correctly identify the ants before control is attempted as control strategies vary with different ant species.
Carpenter ants differ from termites by having dark-colored bodies, narrow waists, elbowed (bent) antennae, and if present, hind wings shorter than front wing. Carpenter ants are very common and are frequently seen in the open. You should contact an ant exterminator if they are near your house.
Termites are light-colored, have no waist constriction, have straight antennae and, if present, wings are of equal length. Termites are much less common. They avoid light and are rarely seen outside of their colony.
Carpenter ants feed on sources of protein and sugar. Outdoors, carpenter ants feed on living and dead insects. They are also very attracted to honeydew, a sweet liquid produced by aphids and scale insects. Aphids and scales feed on trees, shrubs, and other plants. Indoors, carpenter ants feed on meats, as well as syrup, honey, sugar, jelly, and other sweets. Carpenter ants DO NOT eat wood. They remove wood as they create galleries and tunnels.
Most foraging is done at night between sunset and midnight during spring and summer months. Sometimes workers travel up to 100 yards from a nest in search of food.
Carpenter ants nest in moist wood including rotting trees, tree roots, tree stumps, and logs or boards lying on or buried in the ground. They can also nest in moist or decayed wood inside buildings. Wood decay may be caused by exposure to leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation. Nests have been found behind bathroom tiles; around tubs, sinks, showers, and dishwashers; under roofing, in attic beams, and under subfloor insulation; and in hollow spaces such as doors, curtain rods, and wall voids. Carpenter ants may also nest in foam insulation.
A parent carpenter ant colony sometimes establishes one or more satellite nests in nearby indoor or outdoor sites. Satellite nests are composed of workers, pupae, and mature larvae. A satellite nest does not require moisture because the workers do not tend eggs (the eggs would dry out without sufficient humidity). For this reason, satellite nests can be found in relatively dry locations, such as insulation, hollow doors, and sound wood. The workers of satellite colonies move readily between their nest and the parent colony. In late summer, winged reproductives (i.e. queens and males) may emerge from pupae transported into satellite colonies. They may appear in structures in late winter and early spring as they swarm from a satellite nest.
An ant exterminator will easily be able to address any problems that you may find if your property or house is at risk from termites or carpenter ants.
pest control companies Infestations on rise in U.S., southern NM
To see MSNBC’s question-and-answer session by Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., associate professor in Urban Pest Management at Virginia Tech’s Department of Entomology visit, click here.
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How to convert DVD movie Avatar to dvdmedia, iPad, iPod on Mac
So for now , Avatar is the most visually fantastic film I’ve ever seen. It will be hailed as the groundbreaking 3D release of its time while setting a new standard by which all blockbusters are measured. Yes, it’s that good.it had changed something.
Whatever in movie theater or computer，I’ll be seeing it again…and maybe again，and sure to store it.maybe you will too.
Use DVD Ripper for Mac helps you convert DVD movie Avatar to iPad, iPod, iPhone, PSP in high conversion speed and perfect output quality.
1. Click the “Load DVD” button to add DVD movie Avatar.
2. Select and output format according to the name of your devices you have like “iPad, iPod ” or select “QuickTime MOV” for playback on iMac, MacBook Pro etc.
3. Hit the “Convert” button to start convert. When the conversion is done, you can upload the output file to iTunes for iPad/iPhone.
we also can Copy Avatar to dvdmedia file on Mac
Copy Avatar to dvdmedia file to be played with Apple DVD Player on Mac directly.we can choose DVD Copy Pro for Mac tools ,or other copy softwares to achieve the task.
1. Launch DVD Copy Pro and Insert DVD.
2. Choose full disc copy or main movie copy(you can edit if necessary). Then selct .dvdmedia as output format.
3. Select a destination folder to save the output movie file.
4. Click the start button ,then,you need to do is just wait it.
5. When the copy is done, double click the dvdmedia file to play it with Apple DVD Player on mac.
summary about Avatar Summary
In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na’vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture.
When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge’s intentions of driving off the native humanoid “Na’vi” in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na’vi people with the use of an “avatar” identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand – and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.
This series of our articles shall be Jammu and Kashmir agricultural development centric. It may have repetition in some or the other of our articles in this and other websites.It is designed for the Jammu and kashmir state but may have relevence for the whole world too,espacilly similar ecosystems.
INTRODUCTION
Higher productivity gains can be achieved through application of technology and production recommendations at farmer’s field. We have 65% small and marginal farmers whose awareness potential is low. The production system prevailing with these farmers is a mixed farming or composite farming. In contrast to USA and European agriculture our necessity is to increase “Crop opportunities” RATHER than COMODITY production gains.
MIXED FARMING MODULES ARE OUR NEED
A mixed Agriculture University and Education set ups is our necessity. We are at present going astray to our need. Quick and fast measures are needed to unify our educational system, involving all agriculture and allied disciplines, industries, corporate sectors and farmers’ institutions.
GREEN REVOLUTION DAYS
It is worth mentioning that Indian Agricultural pride years of green revolution post 1968 saw reduction in food gain imports and subsequently white, blue and other revolutions sustained our population pressures and agriculture growth. Our agricultural growth rate needs to be equal if not more to population growth rate (PGR). Our AGR target ought to be double the PGR. This is important as consumption rates, purchasing power and employment /income prospects increase.
FOOD GRAIN SECURITY
An estimated food grain of 210 million tons at present may need to be doubled in next 10 years. We have to achieve higher targets of productivity by vertical expansion as horizontal land expansion is not possible. our target of 4 t/h of rice or wheat shall make Jammu and kashmir self sufficient ,a food security base shall need 5t/h.On an average we have 2-3 t/h rice and marginally less wheat production in the state. Combining vegetables ,fruits and other pulses we may be comparatively better off in the future. The per capita food grain consumption is marginally more than rest of the Indian state because of severe cold and more calorie are needed.
EXPERIEMENTAL YIELDS
Under our experimental stages and even under experimental trails of miniskirts our overall productivity in rice ranges between 5-6t/h, wheat 3-4 t/h, maize 3-5 t /h .The experimental peak yield of 8-10 t /h with some varieties was reported.The other details have been reported Wani, 2007.and is available on this website too. The increase in yield of paddy , from 1947 to 2009 have been amassing from 40-50 kegs a kanal (i/8th of an acre and measure of land in J& K )to round 350 to400 kgs a kanal.This achievement has been possible under assured irrigation systems with use of both biological, organic and chemical fertilizers. Organic experiments made under our supervision in an IVLP project showed higher production of 2 q per hectare with change of a wooden plough to an iron plough called as Shalimar plough.The use of manure both farm yard and green have reduced the chemical fertilizer use and increased productivity.Due to less than 1/10th of fertilizer use than recommended or that used in Punjab we are better off in JAMMU AND KASHMIR specially at terminal ends in the mountainous regions.We can directly swithch to the organic farming of all dry fruits and vegetables forth with,
COMMERCIAL CROPS
Commercial crops like mushroom,honey,flouriculture,dairy farming poultry and sheep for meat production have an tremendous potential for the development.The aquatic and forest vegetable along with naturally growm medicinal bushes and herbs have a trememdous market and economic viability.The bee keeping as polinizers and even around dal ,wular and other lakes have a tremendous potential of producing iodine rich honey which can fetch exorbant prices in the world market and can be used by the thyroid deficiency and gout patients.
DISEASE RESISTANT LOCAL GENOTYPE
A varieties of loca vegetables which grow of their own on the denuded forest and other bunds and nomams kand called nunar is rich in iron.Many other self growm weeds use as best and nutririve vegetables can be the best soil binders and providers of organic,rainfed vegetative cover to the denuded and eroded lands besides livestitritive cock fodder and human and poor nutritive support for the nomaids and the tribials.There are a number of the local genotype which grow of their own in our dry ,wet and marshy lands .A sequential DNA Mappling is needed to know their potential and nutritive value.There cultivation and propagation shall give a ready made organic .sustianable and low input base and food security.The mapping shall reveal their properties and one can plan and propagate them,One such model for the fine cashmere bearing goats was run by the author with fruitful results for the whole pashmina industry,This attempt referred saved our valuable gene pool,This gene pool was other wise being diluted with Russian and Mongolian bred DON goats.The cross breeding was stopped by the author and thus preserved the gene pool of our low yielder but fine diameter giats from cross breeding.Similar attempts to conserve and preserve the local vegetable,rice,ffruit and nut mfishmanimal gene pools are to be preserved and improved through biotechnological use.
Seed multiplication
We have developed many disease resistant and high yielding varieties, in paddy at rice research centre at Khodwani.The seed multiplication is slow and needs a proper state-central, icar-skuast convergence, which has not been forthcoming for problems at apex level.A policy decision has to be made to utilize the available agricultural and allied graduate to raise private-public partnership mode seed banks.We need 10,000 quintals of paddy seed alone per annum.We utilized all the land available under our KVK system but were hardly able to produce a few hundred quintals of the paddy seed.The private –public association and partnership too resulted in marginal than a substantial increase.The only solution to provide the seed farming land is the flood channels available for two among three years,The SRI IS A PROPOSITION yet to be tried in the state.Alternatively let us use these flood channels and utilize the unemployed graduate to harness seed farming revolutions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.The only risk of flood is once in five years which can be sustained by the profits or the insurance cover available for such ventures.A sectional judicious planning can even avert these risks too.
NATIONAL LEVEL PLANNING
. Likewise production of 100 million tonnes of wheat from 25 million hectares needs a productivity of 4t/hac.Jammu and Kashmir is 1/100 th of the country, Thus we need one million ton of wheat and rice each to feed our one crore population. Our population growth is slower than the rest of the states .purchasing power is better than the average farmer or the person in India. We our aim to double our per hectare productivity needs more technical manpower in extension, industry and at gross root level. The climate disasters, earthquakes, Titanic tsunami, floods; have affected our agricultural production in the past and additional requirements needs to be kept in mind while planning food security. We need to increase per capita consumption expenditures of Rs. 600 per month. We need to bridge the gaps between potential and actual yields at farmers’ level. The chemical farming hazards of poor soil fertility, low water availability, pollution and environmental concerns impede our agricultural development. Thus refined technology, participatory research and educational modules are needed. The new pressures of global marketing. World trade and tariff regulations have to be accommodated. This all will need incorporation of new themes like post-harvest management, value addition, packaging, communication, and credit and market information services in our course curricula. Thus a new multidimensional change in academic curriculum is envisaged.
“We feel pride in calling ourselves as the 2nd largest Agricultural Research System (ARS) in the world. When we review our performance, we are nowhere in top ten of most cited agriculture publications in the world. The USA tops the world list with 3, 62, 79,842 cited publication/annum, with small country like Switzerland at No.10. The scientific output in agriculture is highest in USA with 27 lakh publication/year followed by Japan, Germany, U.K, France, Canada, Italy, Russia, China and Australia. Our contribution to Agriculture publication is 5.48% only with our share of citation at 2.32%. This demands more focus on Quality Assurance. Our prime agenda should be quality, Accreditation, Desired Knowledge, Assessment, Skill and competence building and academic audit. Quality assurance means strengthening resources, information and maintenance of educational infrastructure. Thus we need to regulate grants and Centre-State relations rationally,” said a group of experts associated with the author of this report.
ICAR GRANT SYSTEM
We have Central Agricultural Universities and 200 general Universities, with 48 agricultural faculties. The total disciplines needing grants may be strengthened in 5 yrs by 1core grants to each discipline for quality assurance. We produce 10,000 under graduate, 5500 post graduates and 1600 Ph.D. in agriculture every years. They add to our unemployment pool. For making them self-employees in new ventures and for increased employment, they need competence building in global economics and trade policies. Biotechnology, Bio information, Bio fertilizers, Pesticides and Fungicides. New faculty development in all the Universities and colleges is to be executed in coming 5 years. Such as Pest information and survey; management Analysis; decision support system and Geographic information system. A new trust is to be given to course curriculum integrating field practices in a partnership mode with farmer. A teacher-student-farmer-industry, interaction and co-operation is to be integrated, unified and fine-tuned to end results. This will demand inter and inter faculty harmony and synchronized course curricula at UG, PG and PhD level. This has to be fine-tuned to our field requirements and location orient Agricultural extension is evolving worldwide and there is much emphasis today on community-based mechanisms of dissemination in order to bring sustainable change. The factors that make farmer groups successful in disseminating INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGIES NEED DETAILED analysis. A mixed methodology, multiple-stage approach stands used to obtain data.
KASHMIR CENTRIC FOOD SECURITY VISION
SERIES 2 THE TECHNOLOGY BASED FARMING
BY PROF GHULAM MOHYUDDIN WANI Moreover, we have to use more technology based cropping system to increase productivity per unit land. Horizontal expansion is not possible. Embargo on indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other farm-use-agents is another constraint to increase productivity of food grain. Unfortunately our food grain-production pace has declined. Growth rate of 1-2% has put pressures on our economy. Imports of food grains, an anomaly over past decade, needs problem-cause-analysis. The whole system of National Agricultural Research, extension and field functionaries have registered a fatigue. Similarly, the land degradation, mineral depletion and environmental pollution demands new mechanism to boost productivity. SAMETI “State Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute may help to make adjustments in our farming system so as to integrate agriculture, aquaculture, water conservation and livestock rearing with new technology driven profit earning enterprises. This needs a continued and farmer friendly policies of sustainable agriculture. Technology awareness and application is must to produce more unit of land. We do have a chance as our yields are lower than many countries and even our neighbouring states of India,” said a group of knowledgeable person of Kashmir valley. ORGANIC FARMING Organic farming is advocated as modern technology. We left our traditional organic farming for adopting chemical farming, which landed us in trouble. This rotation of modernity and traditionalist taxed us heavily. We perhaps jumped in adopting or testing technologies without comparing them with our own practices. Now reverting back to our own traditional ways is fraught with problems too. The questions often asked are, can we sustain or even maintain our productivity levels by restoring to the organic farming? The Blending of modern technology of today and traditional technology of yester years may answer this question. Can information and communication skills and technology bridge a new union? INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION The present day information and communication technology has trespassed all barriers of race, religion, culture and countries. A Comprehensive study of 23 review papers and a dozen book and journals were presented by the author in 2005. How communication and information can help production and sustain yields stands discussed in detail. Strong warning systems for climate risks, floods and cyclones, pests and mites could help to raise more crops. Farming informatics and awareness packages through print, mass and now E-mails is possible. The role of competitive farming, economic survey and evaluation of farming and women’s integration needs attention. Women, the half of agricultural work force, are still unaware of the technological skills. The barriers of customs, veil, religion and social bondages could be overcome by educating them through TV, cassettes, e-mails or other modern communication appliances. TECHNOLOGY TRANFER Technology transfer is easy. We can announce technology practices or even demonstrate them. The key issue is its adoption. India with 25% of its GDP from agriculture spends some 2% of the same on its subsidies rather than on transfer of technology. Blending subsides with agricultural exports will need a drastic cut under new WTO agreements. The global market access opportunity limit of 3% import shall further complicate the issues. The international standards of sanitation shall need more awareness at farmer’s door. Our Agricultural exports from agricultural items has been up and now we export around 18.45% agricultural good in the shape of apiculture, floriculture, fresh fruits, mushroom, spices, sugar, molasses, rice, tropical fruit juices, pulp, concentrates and even agro-chemicals. Fruit, nuts and vegetables have increased our export earnings. Our limitations in expanding our exports are infrastructure to provide international bio-safe packaging, phyto sanitation & quarantine measures. Our yields too are low to complete with others. Thus, transfer to technology has not to be limited to man methods, publication, leaflets, folders, bulletins, newsletters, journals, magazine, newspaper publication, rural farm broadcasts or television interviews but has to be supplemented with video conferencing, massive awareness campaigns through video cassettes, cable net works and other local farm telecasts. The propaganda, publicity and persuasion has to be supplied with communication skills like rural journalism, popular participation, motivation and more so through management of information systems. The farm visits, farmers calls, letters have to be intensified. Farmers need information on markets, bio standards and marketing research and networking mechanisms. Apple is an important principal crop of J&K State. The state produced 10414017 MT of apples from 100702 ha of orchard area during year 2005-2006. The state contributes 57% of national production of apples, while as Himachal Pradesh contributes 24% despite having received considerable governmental attention. The state produces early, mid and late season cultivation of apple. The commercial apple varieties are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Ambri, White Dotted Red, Royal delicious Kulu Delicious, Hazratbali, Benoni. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY Post harvest handling of apple encapsulated many management decisions and processes that are involved in harvesting, handling, storage, packing and transport of apple fruit necessary to provide consumer with an acceptable and product. The characteristics of apple which determine its acceptance in market place are size, shape, colour, texture, flavour, juiciness, freedom from blemishes and bruises. A proper export oriented packaging, sanitary evaluation and eco-friendly shall improve its consumer acceptability under WTO regime.
As regards walnut, it may be stated that it is an important nut crop grown in the state of J&K. The state produces 86263 tonnes of walnut from an area of 61723 hectares with the productivity of 1.39 tonnes/ha and has monopoly in the export to many countries of the world. Walnut cultivation is common in Badarwah, Poonch, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Srinagar, Anantnag and other hilly areas of J&K. Walnut are consumed as luxury snacks as well as commercially used for preparation of bakery products, chocolates, ice cream, ornaments, oils, confectionery and salad products. Shells are sued in glue and plastics and for making solutions for cleaning and polishing surfaces.
But there are constraints in walnut trade, which need to be addressed.
These include awareness of maturity indices, method of harvesting and non-scientific de-hulling. Besides there are post harvest bottlenecks such as improper storage, drying, grading practices at farm level. Lack of awareness about sanitary conditions to handle nuts and lack of integrated handling system to manage the nuts. Non-adoption of international standards of grades and lack of processing/storage facilities/orchard management.
Pertinent to mention that cherry is another important fruit crop of the valley, which is being marketed outside the state. In Kashmir cherry is the first fruit crop which comes to the market and fetches good prices. The quality of fruit is good in cool climate. Cherries after harvest is to be pre-cooled, stored packed and carried under refrigerated conditions to the terminal market. The fruit transport under refrigerated condition remains healthy for a longer period, compared to the fruits stored under ambient conditions. Storage, packaging, transport and preservation are needed at local level. EXPORT OF FRUITS For export of horticulture produce, we have to integrate production activities with post harvest management. Infrastructural facilities for Pre-cooling, packaging, grading, processing centers, refrigerated vans, cold storage, cargo handling facility at airport, laboratories for pesticide residue analysis, good road connectivity, market promotion through IT network, credit facility for exporters and awareness programmes are essential prerequisites for export of horticultural produce from the state.
“Major problems in Horticulture being poor quality planting materials & its inspection mechanization. Low disease diagnostic appliances and poor orchard management. Low capital-small farmer-holdings and poor technological applications. Besides poor post-harvest handling, industrial base and poor quality control measures and laboratories. Marketing network modernization and poor database and electronic use. Hence new options such as germplasm base, analysis, collection of materials across the state are needed. Besides standardization of rootstock for all important crops, development of horticultural cropping systems for all districts and certification and quality control laboratories need attention,” say people connected with horticulture trade.
Horticulture sector
As stated earlier, the major contributor to J&K’s Gross Domestic product is horticulture and horticultural global market share for India is around 15%. We dominate markets in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh. Our share is relatively less in countries like Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Israel, Kuwait, Pakistan, Oman and Brunei. But with enhancing trade in SAARC countries, we may have more opportunities of expansion in domestic Asian markets. Thus a trust towards horticultural export orientation is linked with peace and union among SAARC countries. We share cultural, religious and food habits, thus our products could be preferred over others. This needs proper post-harvest and market-led extension and outreach system. Given proper attention we may capture markets of Japan, Hong Kong, China and other countries too. For more aggressive development of horticulture in J&K state, there is need to lay stress on the development of marketing facilities, employment and income generation options and setting of export promotion zones.
In order to give boost to exports, thrust needs to be given to strawberry, mushroom and cumin seed, berries, wild fruits and indigenous vegetables. The local horticultural germplasm needs investigative and innovative projections. As local germplasm is well suited to our environment for it needs less water. The new market options for organic fruits produced in J&K need prioritization and certification under WTO regulation. International bio safety measures, grading and packaging of available fruits, initiates for development of new varieties of fruits like kiwi fruit, wild apricot, black cherry, broccoli and mushroom are the suggested ways for the development of this sector. The options for air transport, cargo from Leh, Srinagar and Jammu to centers of consumption like Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai need exploration. The agro-based industrial set-ups using low grade apple for juice, shampoo, bio fuels and use of available horticultural and floricultural wastes for marketable commodities as gift packs, scents, ornamentals, dehydrated flowers, perfumes and bio-fuel.
It is reported that Horticulture Planning and Marketing J&K has established Fruit and vegetable markets within the state. The department is in the process of strengthening three main operating markets of Nowpora (Sopore), Parimpora (Srinagar) and Narwal (Jammu). So far multipurpose grading, packing and auction sheds have been constructed at Nowpora Sopore. Further 17 satellite markets have been established within the state. Market information service has been introduced to collect and disseminate market intelligence through NET connectivity within and outside state. It is further reported that regular agricultural marketing news as Zariye Khabernama has been started in Kashmir Door Darshan.
Pertinent to mention that most of the fruit crops are rain-fed, need development of irrigation facility in the form of drip/sprinkler irrigation. Site specific nutrient management technique need to be adopted to improve and economize fertilizer use in fruit and vegetable crops.
Strategies need to be evolved for the development of cost effective, eco-friendly crop production and plant protection technologies free from all hazardous chemicals with minimal damage to soil, water, air, plants and animals. Besides diversification of fruit cultivation, cultivation of dry fruits in rain-fed areas is need of the hour. Use of local genotypes of wild fruits like nuts, berries etc shall help in a big way.
“There is need for the production of fruits, vegetables and flowers in off-season and creation of facilities for making off-season products thereof. Rejuvenation of sick and unproductive horticulture units such as orchards, fruit nurseries and processing units etc. Promotion and popularization of hybrid technology in vegetables and establishment of tissue culture laboratories and green houses for mass multiplication of disease free planting material, tubers/corms and seeds. Degraded soils of the fruit crops where crops are growing for decades due to soil erosion or in soil chemical change, need to be given attention to ameliorate it. Above all establishment of modernized fruits and vegetables processing/preservation units. Infrastructure facilities are needed for post harvest management of horticulture industry in J&K State,” suggest experts.
Lack of technical knowledge, lack of soil-tested seeds, high cost of fertilizers retard development of Agriculture/ Horticulture
Hence people urge Govt., to launch Farmers’ awareness programme, provide them subsidized fertilizers and irrigation-facilities to boost production in J&K
KASHMIR CENTRIC FOOD SECURITY VISION
3. GLOBAL VILLAGE AGRICULTURE
The world has shrunk into a global village and as such technological developments taking place in any advanced country become known instantly, which help other countries like ours to adopt and follow their techniques to remain updated. One of such countries is Israel, which is characterized by topographical variations and a wide range of soils, enabling the growing and raising of a variety of crops and animals. A large increase in population immediately after 1948 required a rapid increase in food production, followed by development of research and extension facilities and services. In recent years Israel, like many other countries, has faced difficulties in continuing the supply of services it previously provided. This difficulty led agricultural organizations to begin assuming the responsibility of partially financing extension for a few years, and later trying to reflect the cost into the farmers. Farmers are apparently willing to pay for on-farm extension visits. Under this system, the Flower Board is financing many public extension activities and charging the farmer for partial costs of on-farm visits. This system operates successfully, aided by reports that are filed electronically by agents all over Israel to the Floricultural Department Head Office, and from the Head Office to the Flower Board. Advantages of the new system being a tremendous increase in agent-to-farmer commitment; the professional level of agents remains at least the same as before; and the financial situation of the majority of agents is better than before. The disadvantage is that some farmers are consuming less extension than before.
Similarly, California’s land grant extension programme has been successful in assisting agricultural Industries develop as major world producers. Extension has been a leader in facilitating quality-of-state. However, population explosion has transformed California into an urban state, with changing societal issues, values and priorities. Agricultural extension programmes continue to directly serve a declining number of clientele that represent less than 1.5% of the population. Financial support for extension is decreasing at the country and state levels, thus such models used by us in SAU could be catastrophic and need change.
As far as Horticulture sector is concerned, Iran has marched ahead in this field and is one of the world’s top ten horticultural producers. However, post-harvest losses in Iran are six times greater than the world average. Even after establishing an agricultural extension service, Iran still experiences great problems in reducing post-harvest losses. Results revealed that education, material possession, mass media exposure, extension contact, scientific orientation and risk preference were significantly and positively correlated with the knowledge level of farmers pre- and post training. Its model can be adopted after attempting to contain post-harvest losses so that horticultural potential could be exploited and harnessed to improve our economy in J&K State.
“We must remember that agricultural development programmes often produce unexpected results as we have come to know from the history sheet of several countries of the world. This can be attributed to the fact that the target farmers already have their own knowledge and competencies that determine their practices. In order to improve their knowledge, it would be appropriate to adopt models of those countries, which have earned laurels in different sectors of Agriculture. Ours being an agricultural-based economy, so this sector needs to be given due thrust, especially after having failed to revolutionize Industrial sector in Kashmir valley,” suggested a group of keen Watchers of Kashmir valley.
From the study of advanced countries of the world, it has emanated that the attitudes of the farmers have been significantly and positively related to education, organizational membership, land holdings, contact with extension agent, mass media exposure, socio-economic status, awareness, income and material possession. Lack of proper technical knowledge, lack of irrigation facility and high cost of fertilizers/chemical can be the retarding factors to reduce the level of production of agricultural products. Hence, we must lay emphasis on the adoption of models of agriculturally advanced countries of the world so that hackneyed methods are discarded and agricultural base revolutionized to become responsive to our present and future needs in J&K.
Experts suggest replacement of top down planning with grass root planning, improved seeds and extensive participation of farmers
With launching ‘Grow More Food’ slogan, we witnessed green revolution, freedom from hunger, but harmed environment. We have to look for alternate options for the execution of research and develop database for patent formulations. We need replacement of top down planning with grass root planning. And more farmer’s participation reduced risks. Research in past, cantered on improved seeds, irrigation, and chemical use.
Extension education, dissemination of information to farmer has to be the first concern of the public and private establishments and planners. Bird’s eye viewers have to be replaced with visionary professors and professionals. Farmer farming and farm business shall be the first ranking scientific. Pursuit investing at least an equivalent amount on it has to be spent on health or nuclear establishments. Our polity should be Independent and self-conscious farmers, with records of annual balances, gains and losses, risks and benefits.
We shall have to bring self-reliant proud farmer trained & well versed in Agri-business. Farming concepts and international zoo-phytosanitation recommendations and regulations. We need to stop WTO restrictions or options till our farming and farmers are not completely knowledge driven and economically resourceful to face the global farming competitions.
Four paradigms of Agricultural Extension consists of Technology transfer, prevalent since colonial times & later National Agriculture Extension Project (NAEP), reshaped in 1970-80 as training and visit system across Asia. It involved top down approach. Its role needs discussion. The second paradigm called as Advisory work is what is present system of extension, where, government agencies, NGO and technical industries respond to farmer’s inquiries which we call advisory role. The third paradigm consists of Human Resource Development. This innovation helped Europe and North America. The Universities gave training to rural youth. It is these educated, trained youth, which became future farmers in developed countries. What is known as outreach system of colleges and universities is still unknown in our Agricultural Research System including State Agriculture Universities. A half hearted attempt as Agri-business and Agri-clinical is still to be backed with University, research, banking and economic support. Is it, which can help us to increase productivity in India or Asia needs consideration?
We must remember that the impact of National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) (1986-92) revealed that technologies generated were few and adoption rate not high, even then an estimated monetary benefit of Rs. 2000/ per hectare was observed. Low relationship between technologies developed and adopted a mixed farming technology capsule as 65% of our farmer’s of our farmer’s are small and marginal farmers. This needs a total shift to left in our agricultural extension methodology. T&V Programme initiated with central assistance in state have around all round technological awareness among agricultural experts. Its dialogue and technology transfer from University (Scientists) to experts’ agricultural extension workers was nearly total revolution. The (ZAREC) Zonal Agricultural advisory Research and Extension counselling was the best plate farm to discuss main issues impeding agricultural development. The missionary publication of production recommendations helps a lot in transfer to technology. The presentation of production recommendations in local language is helpful in increasing productivity in many countries.
“Brinjal production technology adoption in Parbani, Maharashtra was the result of social participation, risk management guarantee, marketing orientation, information websites and communication methods. Various limitation of transport, extension staff was the reasons of poor productivity gains in Malakhand agency of Pakistan. The adoption of legume production technologies under Jodhpur arid conditions was low. The problems as indicated by farmers are small farm size. Small holder farmer was less interested to adopt these technologies. Non-existence of market and pricing policy, risk of failure, feeding habits, social taboo and lack of Post Harvest Technology (PHT) were identified. Proper guidance or information support was the major constraint to 60.8% non-adoption rate among farmers. Other contributory factors are technological unawareness (13.33%), sloppy land (11.31%), farm input cost (9.41%), non-availability of irrigation (8.29%) and lack of inputs (7.95%), said a few experts. ………………………………………………………………………………………(To be continued).
Agriculture becoming less remunerative
The adoption of improved varieties and biotechnological use to make Agriculture more attractive has to be on our top agenda.
We in developing countries in future will have Industrial expansion to have more economic security. This will mean fewer people being attracted to agriculture or in other words agriculture becoming less remunerative. We need improved varieties, their rapid propagation through biotechnological use. We may have little options not to use modern bio techniques.
This is where we talk now of molecular farming, using biotechnology for more transgenic crops, animals, aquaculture and commercial floriculture. Besides methodologies for analysis of farming system, options for development & sustainable eco-friendly farm science technology are need of the hour. We do have subject-matter-specialists, but the agents for evaluating the composite effect of various discipline oriented technology cover is yet to be structured. This is exactly where we should intervene and restructures the discipline, programmes and divisions of extension education in the country. In fact a total change from existing slow action, low innovative, conventional and disintegrated extension system has to be refined into analytic, manage mental, social, economical, marketable system, so that the whole technology transfer could be evaluated in terms of productivity and combinations need to be evaluated & monitored. The impact analysis of wide range of agricultural technology transfer be it training, entrepreneurship or agric business is needed, both before and after technology application.
A survey conducted among 120 farmers in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India, revealed that education, social participation, scientific orientation, risk management, mass media exposure, economic and market orientation were positively and significantly correlated to the extent of adoption recommended hybrid jowar (sorghum) seed practices by the farmers. Majority of the farmers (43.33%) had a medium level of the adoption of the recommended practices. (Kumar et al, 2005). It is suggested that five categories of factors determine the adoption of irrigation systems and are the keys to designing relevant, effective and innovative irrigation extension programmes among horticulturists. The five categories of factories being soil type and topography; crop quality; sowing time; saving water and crop yield (Kaine & Beswell, 2005). We in J&K under SREP Strategic Research extension plan of Districts notice lack of information on sowing time, seed rate and fertilizer application in almost all the crops.
“The available research results have to pierce the farmers farming practices. Non-adoption is the result of our low productivity levels per unit of land. Inspire of tremendous yield gains, the per unit profitability has not raised the economic conditions of our farmers. Our farm economy still fluctuates between seasons’ rainy years among regions. Now for any widespread rains farm technology, it is essential to know its impact and adaptability rate. It is therefore necessary to develop new technologies after considering socio-organizational arrangements, local existing soil, water, human needs and resources. The local skills need to be known and refinement is made to improve profitability. Our experience under IVLP showed a net productivity gains of 2 /hac in rice production by improving local village driven plough. Similar innovative ideas and local technologies with improved or exotic ones gave good results in development of profitable farming,” remarked some knowledgeable persons of Kashmir valley.
Hence conscientious citizens suggest that improved varieties and adoption of latest technologies need to be adopted to revolutionize agricultural production to woo farmers, who can get attracted by industrial expansion to earn quick bucks. It is not the question of monetary considerations, but the level of agricultural production to ensure food security .
Low agricultural production is attributed to untested fertilizers, economic constraints and lack of advanced technology
Hence application of Precision Agriculture needs to be clubbed with information and communication networking to boost productivity in J&K
In Kenya, use of advanced information and communication technologies reduced gaps in yields of agricultural crops between research and farmer’s fields. It is the country where 70% population is connected with agriculture for livelihood directly or indirectly and 80% of its export is agricultural oriented. Reduction in yield gaps through effective use of information and communication technology will have a significant impact.
This stands proved by the low productivity in Soybean, which was found to be due to partial adoption of production recommendations by farmers in Maharashtra. The low yield factors were analyzed. Economic constraints, situational factors and communication gaps on crop production, protection, seed treatment and fertilizer application were found responsible for it. The modernization of agricultural production and rural development on a pilot basis could have worked well.
It has been observed that Precision Agriculture till date has focused on site-specific data collection for soil and crop management. The technologies for the site-specific field operations and automated data recording are available, but precision agriculture rarely involves them for improvement. The application of precision agriculture has to be clubbed with information and communication networking to harvest the gains and to improve productivity. This network may consist of an open software platform, which can be operated by the farmer himself. For efficient communication Internet and mobile telecommunication have been identified as important components. The development of an information and communication network integrating modern software and hardware technologies in a new user-friendly manner is necessary to achieve better acceptance of technologies and improved productivity.
It is worth mentioning that the Australian centre for remote sensing (ACRES) has introduced a new service to provide satellite data for near real time applications. The STAR (Speedy Transmission after reception) service provides access to digital satellite data products in full resolution or compressed format within 12 hrs of a Satellite overpass. The data obtained from ground stations is processed at a facility via a high-speed communication link and high priority procession. This system provides Satellite data on critical applications, like crop yield modelling, pre-harvest crop production forecasting, detecting crop diseases, monitoring crop stress, pest infestation, floods, fires and oil-spills. SPOT –late is a low cost, off the shelf satellite data product from ACRES that is ideal for use in Geographical information system (GIS). SPOT-LIFE can be accessed at any time via the Internet and is available in the form of tiles covering most of Australia. Advance studies with high applications for increasing agricultural production needs quick dissemination. The effect of rooting zone restriction (RZR) on vegetative and reproduction growth of fruit trees via grapes, peach and citrus has been investigated. It is known that it improved crop productivity under low availability of water.
“The available communication facilities for agricultural information in 15 states of India were studied. The results suggest that while communication networking opens up agricultural economy, it is not cost effective. The communication networking has to become cost effective. An attempt to have better communication between various forest research divisions and other organizations interested in sustainable forestry has shown encouraging results. An attempt was made to have quick information flow among and between researchers, extension officers and dairy farmers in East Azerbaijan. The information input, output and intersystem communication were studied. The information likes advertising, public relation and personal selling was found to be best promoters,” said a group of knowledgeable persons of Kashmir valley.
In the “Unique Selling” approach of the communicator effects target audience, the impact of integrated approach utilizing computers in agricultural information & dissemination in Greece and Poland was studied. The gap in technology known and applied at farmers’ field was found. Researchers lack training in using new information technologies. Thus improvement in agricultural productivity has to keep pace with advanced communication and information technology using computers. Hence application of Precision Agriculture needs to be clubbed with information and communication networking to boost productivity in J&K
China, Denmark and other countries have made remarkable progress in the field of Agriculture, Animal husbandry
Hence Experts suggest copying their models to gain experience and improve our socio-economic conditions in J&K
In order to improve our socio-economic conditions, we must undertake study of other countries of the world to see how they have marched ahead. Chinese experience needs a try as their successful improvement of Sheep and yak herds can be a good example for use in India. Under this project, they first took stock of rangeland and livestock resources. Then socio-economic conditions of the livestock breeders were analyzed. Livestock and pasture management by rodents was studied. Rangeland revelation methods were tested and propagated. Seeded fodders and effect of these improved methods of pasture development on disease control and profits from livestock were analyzed. Thus, the extension education programmes should ensure facilitation of Farmer empowerment and not dependence on subsidy. This means incorporating studies and programmes of Agri-livestock economics, grassland and rangeland management, crop and tree production in Agri-extension curricula.
Similarly, a new participating approach of clubbing local and outside knowledge to solve the agricultural problem is needed. Innovate approaches for soil and water conservation in Ethiopia and Tanzania was helpful. A new model of particularly modified Technology development approach is first being recognized, as the only way of clubbing traditional and modern technologies for agric-development.
The Dutch Model for total reformation of agricultural technology transfer shall need refinement of elementary methodologies used in extension consisting of PRA, PERT or other specific management, communication and modern IS-Geographic Information System use. This would involve a total change in Extension Education, objectives, methodology & course curriculum. We need agricultural networking for bringing out results of transferable technologies. Experimental learning and knowledge sharing has to be incorporated, as research on farmers field. Farmers have to be part of our learning, and experimentation process. Dutch model could be used. In India to ensure quick technology use. Let us evaluate technology use. It been seen that some progressive farmers have awareness of technology but being absentee farmers, their workers have no knowledge or skills to use them in the field. It is time to come out of “Technology dissemination Scenario” to “Technology Use Status in the field” and “Productivity gain assessment models”.
“Besides experience learning, market designs, farm economics, sustainable agriculture, Agri-information, communication skills and farm business shall be the knowledge bank available to Agri-Extension & communication experts, whom we should name “FBM” – “Farm Business management Experts”, suggest a group of experts of Kashmir valley.
The Extension Education is outdated and too often used and misunderstood phrase. Extension includes now every attempt to communicate with farmers. Today’s Extension agencies can be university scientists, Subject matter specialists, Agri experts, farmers or even partially Agri known NGO or their agents. Thus, the whole blame of others has to be shared by University experts. Agri-University, applied knowledge has to be communicated to farmers as “end product” as pharmaceutical companies do. Thus all the current ‘building block”, known knowledge has to be computerized and stored. This has to be reshaped and re-arranged as knowledge packs for innovative and whole farming capsules rather than one commodity knowledge sharing as in the West. We do have commodity but not composite agriculture packages. A booklet on its composite effects has been published as Broad Based Extension Education. Training & visits on farm level failed but farmer-training & farmer-research participation or demonstrations at farmers’ field did achieve a great success. With constraints of men and resources and crop insurance in vogue, we must induce researchers to have direct participatory research at farmer’s doors, on their fields. This venture can be on cost-sharing basis or with participatory involvement of Industry. Our farm economy still depends on seasonal rains, lacks assured irrigation facilities and lacks technological back up
New strategies and our missions
Hence people demand development of Canal-networks and adoption of Chinese Model to improve food production in J&K
Methodologies for analysis of farming system, options for development & sustainable eco-friendly farm science technology are needs of the hour. We do have subject-matter-specialists, but the agents for evaluating the composite effect of various discipline oriented technology covers is yet to be structured. This is exactly where we should intervene and restructures the discipline, programmes and divisions of extension education in the country. In fact a total change from existing slow action, low innovative, conventional and disintegrated extension system has to be refined into analytic, management, social, economical, marketable system, so that the whole technology transfer could be evaluated in terms of productivity and combinations need to be evaluated & monitored. The impact analysis of wide range of agricultural technology transfer be it training, entrepreneurship or agri-business is needed, both before and after technology application.
The available research results have to pierce the farmers farming practices. Non-adoption is the result of our low productivity levels per unit of land. Inspire of tremendous yield gains per unit profitability has not raised the economic conditions of our farmers. Our farm economy still fluctuates between seasons, rainy years and among regions. Now for any widespread rains from technology, it is essential to know its impact and adaptability rate. It is therefore necessary to develop new technologies after considering socio-organizational arrangements, local existing soil, water, human needs and resources. The local skills need to be known and refinement made to improve profitability.
“Chinese experiences need a try under our socio-economic conditions. Besides successful improvement of Sheep and yak herds in China can be a good example for use in our country in general and J&K in particular. Under this project they first took stock of range-land and livestock resources. Then socio-economic conditions of the livestock breeders were analysed. Livestock and pasture management by rodents was studied. Rangeland revelation methods were tested and propagated. Seeded fodders and effect of these improved methods of pasture development on disease control and profits from livestock were analysed. Thus extension education programmes should ensure facilitation of Farmer empowerment and not dependence on subsidy. This means incorporating studies and programmes of Agri-livestock economics, grassland and range land management, crop and tree production in Agri-extension curricula,” suggested a few prominent experts of Kashmir valley.
A new participating approach of clubbing local and outside knowledge to solve the agricultural problem is needed. Innovate approaches for soil and water conservation in Ethiopia and Tanzania were helpful. A new model of particularly modified Technology development approach is first being recognized, as the only way of clubbing traditional and modern technologies for agric-development. The total reformation of agricultural technology transfer shall need refinement of elementary methodologies used in extension consisting of PRA, PERT or other specific management, communication and modern IS-Geographic Information System use. This would involve a total change in Extension Education, objectives, methodology & course curriculum. We need agricultural networking for bringing out results of transferable technologies. Experimental learning and knowledge sharing has to be incorporated, as research on farmers field. Farmers have to be part of our learning, and experimentation process. Dutch model could be used in India to ensure quick technology use. Let us evaluate technology use. It been seen that some progressive farmers have awareness of technology but being absentee farmers, their workers have no knowledge or skills to use them in the field.
Small farmers are neglected by extension services and need proper awareness. Agricultural extension specialists must specialize in community structure, development, education learning tools, technology and policy issues. Thus these disciplines or topics need incorporation in Farm business Management curriculum. Partnership process, management and communication should be the main thrust. Co-operative mechanism, farm business management and evaluation and monitoring tools should be used.
But for revolutionizing our farm economy, people demand development of Canal-networks and adoption of latest Models to improve food production in J&K.Our irrigation system has not come up to our requirements despite pumping huge sums of money in this Sector. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop scientific irrigation system to reduce dependence on rains and share experiences of other advanced countries, particularly that of China to boost food production in J&K State.
Spiders Help Farmers Grow Safer Crops: China and California, USA part 1
Survey Shows Majority of California Pear Growers Practice Sustainable Farming
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—-A recent survey of California pear farmers has found that when it comes to sustainable farming practices such as employing Integrated Pest Management methods to reduce the use of pesticides, the California pear industry has a very high level of adoption.
pest control tucson how can i kill bees under my mobile home?
ok i have bees under my house and people tell me to call a bee keeper im not calling a bee keeper or pest control because they want a shit load of money to take them and in Tucson AZ people r not cheap how can i kill them bcuz i have a new born to and she is allergic to bees
As long as you yourself aren’t allergic to bees, you can buy the cans of bee killer at the hardware, home improvement, big discount, or even grocery store. Look for the ones that promise to kill the nest. Wait until late evening when most of the bees are back in the nest and then hose it down good. Most of these aerosol cans can be used from several feet away from the nest itself, but be careful nonetheless. I’ll be honest – you might even get stung once or twice, but short of calling a professional to take care of it, this is probably your best bet. And be sure to wash yourself thoroughly before handling your baby again – the bee spray isn’t great for people either.
Good luck and be careful!
Arizona Pest & Termite Control-Home of the Million Dollar Roach!
Yorkshire Terrier
In another land and time the Yorkshire terrier was not a small longhaired show dog and pet. Rather, he was a larger rat killing dynamo. Tracing back to the 1600′s the breed was valued in textile mills, mines and farms where pest control was important. In the 1860s era the breed was quite popular in rat killing contests – with the dog credited with being the foundation of the breed showing as well as winning many contests. Huddersfield Ben helped establish the Yorkshire Terrier.
It was 1872 before the breed was brought to the United States, and was recognized by the AKC just six years later. As late as the 1930′s the Yorkshire terrier was said to look as they do today but were closer to 30 pounds, not the 3-7 pounds of today. They were for some time in their history a 12-14 pound wire haired dog known as the “broken-haired Scotch terrier.”
Today the Yorkshire terrier is in the toy, not the terrier, group. Their longer show coat is not a practical point on many farms. With their jobs reduced, they were bred down as pets, a role that they have taken on with overwhelming success.
With their small size few would see them as hero potential. Yet in World War II a Yorkie named Smoky became a war dog, outwardly entertaining soldiers with tricks they taught her. Her small size meant she could do something valuable the big dogs couldn’t – she helped run communication lines through a culvert under a runway. This meant the runway did not need to be shut down for several critical days. After her service she returned to her home in Ohio with her handler. One report was that she was awarded eight battle stars for her service, and her story is remembered many years later.
They have a spirited temperament and are normally an intelligent small dog with a little “fire.” It is worth noting that some can be quite territorial and must be closely watched. Their attacking a much larger dog can prove a fatal flaw if the large dog retaliates. Like other terriers, they can be bold and bossy.
Their independence can be viewed as hard to train by some. They take patience and a willingness to think ahead of the dog. They can be successfully trained for many activities including obedience, agility, earth dog, flyball, canine freestyle, entertainment and pet therapy. Agility courses involve running through a series of obstacles. One of the newer competitions is called rally, evolving from road rally competitions. This also has a series of obstacles, but unlike agility where there is a course to be followed, this involves moving from one sign to another, and you don’t know where you’re going in advance.
Basic obedience training is good for all dogs to learn. The above competition events are an outlet for a Yorkie’s energy – even if you just do it at home for fun. Keep the sessions fun and play-filled.
From a health standpoint Yorkies tend to be rather long lived but they can develop cataracts as they age. An issue with tracheal collapse can result when an improperly trained Yorkie pulls excessively on the leash, although some believe this is partly genetic. Liver issues are not unheard of also, and require veterinary treatment to live a comfortable life. Failure to diagnose and treat this can result in, among other symptoms, seizures and behavioral problems.
Patellar luxation and retinal dysplasia are two other serious disorders that can affect Yorkies. The latter is an eye disorder which can be passed on by genetics. Buying from a reliable breeder is important.
A condition called hemorrhagic gastric enteritis is particularly dangerous to small dogs, with less body reserve than large dogs. Health issues should be discussed with the breeder when you purchase your puppy – many offer health guarantees.
Hypoglycemia is another problem that can occur more often with toy breeds. Because of their small size, they have little reserve. Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can result from temperature, stress or too long between meals. Feed regular meals of good quality food. Keep Karo syrup or honey on hand just in case there is a problem. If your puppy looks sluggish or wobbly rub his gums with the honey or Karo. If you catch it early placing a little on the tongue so he swallows it is good. Do not ignore this – it can be fatal.
With their smaller size extra attention is needed to insure the dog does not become overweight and that they get sufficient exercise. While many people simply carry them, they need to walk, run and play like other dogs also.
For those interested in the show standard it can be found at http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/ – and is worth noting by the standard there is specific markings allowed and a maximum weight of seven pounds.
This leaves an opening for pets of those that are slightly larger or don’t have the perfect marking and color allowed. Being a small dog, 2-3 puppies per litter is normal.
There are people who advertise “teacup” or “teeny” Yorkies – many breeders recommend against these extra small dogs due to health issues and other problems that breeding for the extra small size can bring. The breed is already small. There are some that have solid or parti-color dogs – these do not meet the standard and may not be registered.
The long flowing coat of today takes maintenance and regular grooming. This is a breed that is said to not shed – regular brushing takes care of dead and damaged hair. Show dogs are kept up quite intensely, like long-haired dogs of all breeds. That coat that catches the eye also needs much attention. For the pet home, regular brushing to keep the coat from being tangled and matted is important. Be sure to get all the way down into the coat.
For those not wanting to keep up the long coat, get a pair of good electric clippers and clip the belly, “under arm” area, between the hind legs and up to the anal area. While this is basic, it keeps the hair shorter and easier to groom. There are several good grooming guides online and in print that can help guide you to a cut and routine that works best for you and your dog.
Like other long haired breeds use caution bathing so as to not tangle the coat, and rinse all traces out of the coat thoroughly. If desired, and depending on the situation, use a good quality conditioner rinse and rinse thoroughly. Use a hair dryer and comb to comb through and completely dry the coat. Extra caution should be used to not use the high heat that can burn puppies as well as bigger dogs.
A good metal comb with long teeth can be found for under $10 – this gets all the way down into the coat. Comb through the coat to insure no tangles start that can become matts. This doesn’t take a long time if done regularly, and brushes can miss some tangles that can easily be removed when starting, before it gets to a tangled mess.
Teeth should be cleaned regularly, which can be helped with appropriate chew toys. Ears should be trimmed so as to allow them to stand erect.
Joan Rivers and Eva Gabor (of Green Acres fame) are but two celebrities who have a Yorkie as their dog. Others reported to have Yorkies include Bruce Willis, Richard Nixon, Justin Timberlake, Audrey Hepburn and Brett Favre.
In popularity the Yorkshire Terrier has found favor with those in cities, with limited room for a bigger dog. They are second overall with the Labrador Retreiver by AKC standings. For individual cities they top the list in Orlando and are tied with Labradors in Tampa. They’re second most popular in Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Vegas, Miami, New York City, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Washington D.C. In Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Knoxville, New Orleans, Seattle and Tucson they are third, and the only city they don’t appear in the top ten is Milwaukee.
A lifespan of 12-16 years, sometimes longer, underscores the importance of taking on the puppy for life. Good food, proper care and safe management can result in a dog that is with you for quite some time. Putting time and effort into a good dog is never wasted!
