BSc agriculture 3rd semester syllabus and Notes

BSc Agriculture 3rd Semester Syllabus

Crop Production Technology-I (Kharif Crops)

Theory

Origin, geographical distribution, economic importance, soil and climatic requirements, varieties, cultural practices and yield of Kharif crops. Cereals – rice, maize, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, pulses-pigeonpea, mungbean and urban; oilseeds- groundnut, and soybean; fibre crops- cotton & Jute; forage crops-sorghum, cowpea, cluster bean and napier.

Practical

Rice nursery preparation, transplanting of Rice, sowing of soybean, pigeon pea and mungbean. maize, groundnut and cotton, the effect of seed size on germination and seedling vigour of Kharif season crops, the effect of sowing depth on germination of Kharif crops, identification of weeds in Kharif season crops, top dressing and foliar feeding of nutrients, the study of yield contributing characters and yield calculation of Kharif season crops, the study of crop varieties and important agronomic experiments at experimental farm. study of forage experiments, morphological description of Kharif season crops, and visits to research centres of related crops.

BSc agriculture 3rd semester syllabus and important books

Fundamentals of Plant Breeding

Theory

Historical development, concept, nature and role of plant breeding, major achievements and future prospects; Genetics in relation to plant breeding, modes of reproduction and apomixes, self – incompatibility and male sterility- genetic consequences, cultivar options. Domestication, Acclimatization, introduction; Centre of origin/diversity, a component of Genetic variation; Heritability and genetic advance; Genetic basis and breeding methods in self-pollinated crops-mass and pure line selection, hybridization techniques and handling of segregating population; Multiline concept. Concepts of population genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Law, Genetic basis and methods of breeding cross-pollinated crops, modes of selection; Heterosis and inbreeding depression, development of inbred lines and hybrids, composite and synthetic varieties; Breeding methods in asexually propagated crops, clonal selection and hybridization; Wide hybridization and pre-breeding; Polyploidy in relation to plant breeding, mutation breeding-methods and uses; Breeding for important biotic and abiotic stresses; Biotechnological tools-DNA markers and marker-assisted selection. Participatory plant breeding; Intellectual Property Rights, Patenting, Plant Breeders and & Farmer’s Rights.

Practical

Plant Breeder’s kit, Study of germplasm of various crops. Study of floral structure of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crops. Emasculation and hybridization techniques in self & cross-pollinated crops. Consequences of inbreeding on the genetic structure of resulting populations. Study of male sterility system. Handing of segregation populations. Methods of calculating mean, range, variance, standard deviation, and heritability. Designs used in plant breeding experiment, analysis of Randomized Block Design. To work out the mode of pollination in a given crop and the extent of natural outcrossing. Prediction of performance of double cross hybrids.

Agricultural Finance and Co-Operation

Theory

Agricultural Finance- meaning, scope and significance, credit needs and its role in Indian agriculture. Agricultural credit: meaning, definition, need, classification. Credit analysis: 4 R’s, and 3C’s of credits. Sources of agricultural finance: institutional and non-institutional sources, commercial banks, social control and nationalization of commercial banks, microfinancing including KCC. Lead bank scheme, RRBs, Scale of finance and unit cost. An introduction to higher financing institutions – RBI, NABARD, ADB, IMF, World Bank, Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India. Cost of credit. Recent development in agricultural credit. Preparation and analysis of financial statements – Balance Sheet and Income Statement. Basic guidelines for preparation of project reports- Bank norms – SWOT analysis. Agricultural Cooperation – Meaning, a brief history of cooperative development in India, objectives, principles of cooperation, and significance of cooperatives in Indian agriculture. Agricultural Cooperation in India- credit, marketing, consumer and multi-purpose cooperatives, farmers’ service cooperative societies, processing cooperatives, farming cooperatives, cooperative warehousing; role of ICA, NCUI, NCDC, NAFED.

Practical

Determination of the most profitable level of capital use. Optimum allocation of limited amount of capital among different enterprises. Analysis of progress and performance of cooperatives using published data. Analysis of progress and performance of commercial banks and RRBs using published data. Visit to a commercial bank, cooperative bank and cooperative society to acquire firsthand knowledge of their management, schemes and procedures. Estimation of credit requirement of farm business – A case study. Preparation and analysis of balance sheet – A case study. Preparation and analysis of income statement – A case study. Appraisal of a loan proposal – A case study. Techno-economic parameters for preparation of projects. Preparation of Bankable projects for various agricultural products and its value-added products. Seminar on selected topics

Agricultural Informatics

Theory

Introduction to Computers, Anatomy of Computers, Memory Concepts, Units of Memory, Operating System, definition and types, Applications of MS Office for creating, Editing and Formatting a document, Data presentation, tabulation and graph creation, statistical analysis, mathematical expressions, Database, concepts and types, creating database, uses of DBMS in Agriculture, Internet and World Wide Web (WWW), Concepts and components. Computer Programming, General Concepts, Introduction to Visual Basic, Java, Fortran, C/ C++, etc, concepts and standard input/output operations. e-Agriculture, concepts, design and development. Application of innovative ways to use information and communication technologies (IT) in Agriculture. Computer Models in Agriculture: statistical, weather analysis and crop simulation models, concepts, structure, inputs-outputs files, limitation, advantages and application of models for understanding plant processes, sensitivity, verification, calibration and validation. IT application for computation of water and nutrient requirement of crops, Computer-controlled devices (automated systems) for Agri-input management, Smartphone mobile apps in Agriculture for farm advice, market price, postharvest management etc; Geospatial technology, concepts, techniques, components and uses for generating valuable agri-information. Decision support systems, concepts, components and applications in Agriculture, Agriculture Expert Systems, Soil Information Systems etc for supporting Farm decisions. Preparation of contingent crop-planning and crop calendars using IT tools.

Practical

Study of Computer Components, accessories, and practice of important DOS Commands. Introduction of different operating systems such as Windows, Unix/ Linux, Creating, Files & Folders, File Management. Use of MS-WORD and MS PowerPoint for creating, editing and presenting a scientific Document. MS-EXCEL – Creating a spreadsheet, use of statistical tools, writing expressions, creating graphs, analysis of scientific data, handling macros. MS-ACCESS: Creating Database, preparing queries and reports, demonstration of Agri-information system. Introduction to the World Wide Web (WWW) and its components. Introduction of programming languages such as Visual Basic, Java, Fortran, C, and C++. Hands-on practice on Crop Simulation Models (CSM), DSSAT/Crop-Info/CropSyst/ Wofost. Preparation of Inputs file for CSM and study of model outputs, computation of water and nutrient requirements of crop using CSM and IT tools. Use of smart phones and other devices in agro-advisory and dissemination of market information. Introduction of Geospatial Technology, for generating information important for Agriculture. Hands-on practice in preparation of Decision Support System. Preparation of contingent crop planning

Farm Machinery and Power

Theory

Status of Farm Power in India, Sources of Farm Power, I.C. engines, working principles of I C engines, comparison of two strokes and four-stroke cycle engines, Study of different components of I.C. engine, I.C. engine terminology and solved problems, Familiarization with different systems of I.C. engines: Air cleaning, cooling, lubrication, fuel supply and hydraulic control system of a tractor, Familiarization with Power transmission system: clutch, gearbox, differential and final drive of a tractor, Tractor types, Cost analysis of tractor power and attached implement, Familiarization with Primary and Secondary Tillage implement, Implement for hill agriculture, implement for intercultural operations, Familiarization with sowing and planting equipment, calibration of a seed drill and solved examples, Familiarization with Plant Protection equipment, Familiarization with harvesting and threshing equipment.

Practical

Study of different components of I.C. engine. To study the air cleaning and cooling system of an engine, Familiarization with the clutch, transmission, differential and final drive of a tractor, Familiarization with lubrication and fuel supply system of the engine, Familiarization with brake, steering, hydraulic control system of an engine, Learning of tractor driving, Familiarization with operation of power tiller, Implements for hill agriculture, Familiarization with different types of primary and secondary tillage implements: mould plough, disc plough and disc harrow. Familiarization with seed-cum-fertilizer drills their seed metering mechanism and calibration, planters and transplanters Familiarization with different types of sprayers and dusters Familiarization with different inter-cultivation equipment, Familiarization with harvesting and threshing machinery.

Production Technology for Vegetable and Spices

Theory

Importance of vegetables & spices in human nutrition and national economy, brief about the origin, area, production, improved varieties and cultivation practices such as time of sowing, sowing, transplanting techniques, planting distance, fertilizer requirements, irrigation, weed management, harvesting, storage, physiological disorders, disease and pest control and seed production of important vegetable and spices.

Practical

Identification of vegetables & spices crops and their seeds. Nursery raising. Direct seed sowing and transplanting. Study of morphological characters of different vegetables & spices. Fertilizers applications. Raising of the nursery of vegetables & spices. Vegetables & spices seed extraction. Harvesting & preparation for market. Economics of vegetables and spices cultivation

Environmental Studies and Disaster Management

Theory

Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies Definition, scope and importance.Natural Resources: Renewable and non-renewable resources, Natural resources and associated problems. a) Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies. Timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people. b) Water resources: Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water, floods, drought, conflicts over water, benefits and problems. c) Mineral resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources, case studies. d) Food resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies. e) Energy resources: Growing energy needs, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and use of alternate energy sources. Case studies. f) Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man-induced landslides, soil erosion and desertification. • Role of an individual in the conservation of natural resources. • Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles. Ecosystems: Concept of an ecosystem, Structure and function of an ecosystem, Producers, consumers and decomposers, Energy flow in the ecosystem. Ecological succession, Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids. Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the following ecosystem: a. Forest ecosystem b. Grassland ecosystem c. Desert ecosystem d. Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)Biodiversity and its conservation: – Introduction, definition, genetic, species & ecosystem diversity and biogeographical classification of India. Value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values. Biodiversity at global, National and local levels, India is a mega-diversity nation. Hot spots of biodiversity. Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. Endangered and endemic species of India. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity. Environmental Pollution: definition, cause, effects and control measures of a. Air pollution b. Water pollution c. Soil pollution d. Marine pollution e. Noise pollution f. Thermal pollution g. Nuclear hazards. Solid Waste Management: causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial wastes. Role of an individual in the prevention of pollution.Social Issues and the Environment: From Unsustainable to Sustainable development, Urban problems related to energy, Water conservation, rainwater harvesting, watershed management. Environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions, climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust. dies. Wasteland reclamation. Consumerism and waste products. Environment Protection Act. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Wildlife Protection Act. Forest Conservation Act. Issues involved in the enforcement of environmental legislation. Public awareness. Human Population and the Environment: population growth, variation among nations, population explosion, Family Welfare Programme. Environment and human health: Human Rights, Value Education, HIV/AIDS. Women and Child Welfare. Role of Information Technology in Environment and human health.DISASTER MANAGEMENTNatural Disasters- Meaning and nature of natural disasters, their types and effects. Floods, drought, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, Heat and cold waves, Climatic change: global warming, Sea level rise, ozone depletion. Man Man-made disastersNuclear disasters, chemical disasters, biological disasters, building fires, coal fires, forest fires, oil fires, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, industrial waste water pollution, road accidents, rail accidents, air accidents, and sea accidents. Disaster Management- Effect to migrate natural disasters at national and global levels. International strategy for disaster reduction. Concept of disaster management, national disaster management framework; financial arrangements; role of NGOs, community–based organizations and media. Central, state, district and local administration; Armed forces in disaster response; Disaster response; Police and other organizations.

Practical

Pollution case studies. Case Studies- Fieldwork: Visit a local area to document environmental assets river/ forest/ grassland/ hill/ mountain, visit to a local polluted siteUrban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural, study common plants, insects, birds and study simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc.

Statistical Methods

Theory

Introduction to Statistics and its Applications in Agriculture, Graphical Representation of Data, Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion, Definition of Probability, Addition and Multiplication Theorem (without proof). Simple Problems Based on Probability. Binomial & Poisson Distributions, Definition of Correlation, Scatter Diagram. Karl Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation. Linear Regression Equations. Introduction to Test of Significance, One sample & two sample test t for Means, Chi-Square Test of Independence of Attributes in 2 2 Contingency Table. Introduction to Analysis of Variance, Analysis of One Way Classification. Introduction to Sampling Methods, Sampling versus Complete Enumeration, Simple Random Sampling with and without replacement, Use of Random Number Tables for selection of Simple Random Sample.

Practical

Graphical Representation of Data. Measures of Central Tendency (Ungrouped data) with Calculation of Quartiles, Deciles & Percentiles. Measures of Central Tendency (Grouped data) with Calculation of Quartiles, Deciles & Percentiles. Measures of Dispersion (Ungrouped Data). Measures of Dispersion (Grouped Data). Moments, Measures of Skewness & Kurtosis (Ungrouped Data). Moments, Measures of Skewness & Kurtosis (Grouped Data). Correlation & Regression Analysis. Application of One Sample t-test. Application of Two Sample Fisher’s ttest. Chi-Square test of Goodness of Fit. Chi-Square test of Independence of Attributes for 2 2 contingency table. Analysis of Variance One Way Classification. Analysis of Variance Two Way Classification. Selection of random sample using Simple Random Sampling.

Livestock & Poultry Management

Theory

Role of livestock in the national economy. Reproduction in farm animals and poultry. Housing principles, space requirements for different species of livestock and poultry. Management of calves, growing heifers and milch animals. Management of sheep, goats and swine. Incubation, hatching and brooding. Management of growers and layers. Important Indian and exotic breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, swine and poultry. Improvement of farm animals and poultry. Digestion in livestock and poultry. Classification of feedstuffs. Proximate principles of feed. Nutrients and their functions. Feed ingredients for ration for livestock and poultry. Feed supplements and feed additives. Feeding of livestock and poultry. Introduction of livestock and poultry diseases. Prevention (including vaccination schedule) and control of important diseases of livestock and poultry.

Practical

External body parts of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, swine and poultry. Handling and restraining of livestock. Identification methods of farm animals and poultry. Visit to IDF and IPF to study breeds of livestock and poultry and daily routine farm operations and farm records. Judging of cattle, buffalo and poultry. Culling of livestock and poultry. Planning and layout of housing for different types of livestock. Computation of rations for livestock. Formulation of concentrate mixtures. Clean milk production, milking methods. Hatchery operations, incubation and hatching equipment. Management of chicks, growers and layers. Debeaking, dusting and vaccination. Economics of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, swine and poultry production.

BSc agriculture 3rd semester syllabus and important books