The experiment was conducted during kharif season for three years to assess the impact of lime and FYM onsoybean. Application of lime and FYM enhanced grain yield by 79% and 33%, respectively over control. Similar trend was observed with respect to haulm yield, oil content, protein content and nutrient NPK uptake.
The present study was designed and conducted to increase the shelf life of fresh cut papaya cubes. The papaya fruit is the richest sources of antioxidant and nutrients such as Vitamin A (carotenes), vitamin C and flavonoids, vitamins-B, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium and fiber. As the shelf life of peeled papaya is very less, to extend the shelf life of the papaya there is a need of new technologies. Edible coating is good alternatives and used as a barrier to minimize water loss. Edible coating made from carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was used to preserve the quality of papaya product. The independent factors selected for coating of papaya cubes were, ratio of CMC and HPMC (1:0, 1:1, 0:1) and packaging materials (Aluminium foil and Cling wrap) were taken into account. The storage study of edible coated papaya cubes was carried out for 12 days in different conditions. The effect of independent variables on the responses like vitamin C, reducing sugar and storage lifewere analyzed at an interval of 4 days. The amount of ascorbic acid was found to be 41.55 to 24.75mg/100g and range of reducing sugar was obtained to be 3.49 to 4.1%.The maximum effect on storage life on papaya cubes was when coated with CMC and packed with aluminium foil. The best results on shelf life of papaya coated with CMC obtained 12 days while the shelf life of papaya packed with aluminium foil was found 11 days.
Self-help group (SHG) approach is used by the government, NGOs and other institutions involved in rural development to implement developmental schemes at the grassroots level. SHGs benefit its members by providing regular saving, employment opportunities, access to credit, participation in local government, and change in family decision-making. Present study shows that of the 400 SHGs surveyed in six districts of Uttarakhand only 24% remained active after eight years of their formation. These groups were engaged in individual income generating activities only and large number of them discontinued or were dormant i.e. involved only in collection of money and micro-finance. The credit was used only to add more heads of milch animals and no new enterprise was developed by the groups covered under the survey. A number of reasons were reported for the dormancy and discontinuation of these SHG's mainly lack of interest and knowledge. But an important reason remains the lack of follow up by agencies responsible for their formation. The overall picture emerged that women SHGs in Uttarakhand were not very effective in improving their economic status and in generating any new enterprise.
