Neglected malaria parasites in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha, India: implications in elimination programme

Background Information on the foci of Plasmodium species infections is essential for any country heading towards elimination. Odisha, one of the malaria-endemic states of India is targeting elimination of malaria by 2030. To support decision-making regarding targeted intervention, the distribution of Plasmodium species infections was investigated in hard-to-reach areas where a special malaria elimination drive, namely Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) began in 2017. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2228 households during July to November 2019 in six districts, to evaluate the occurrence of Plasmodium species. The species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing, in case of Plasmodium ovale. Results Of the 3557 blood specimens tested, malaria infection was detected in 282 (7.8%) specimens by PCR. Of the total positive samples, 14.1% were P. ovale spp. and 10.3% were Plasmodium malariae infections. The majority of P. ovale spp. (75.8%) infections were mixed with either Plasmodium falciparum and/or Plasmodium vivax and found to be distributed in three geophysical regions (Northern-plateau, Central Tableland and Eastern Ghat) of the State, while P. malariae has been found in Northern-plateau and Eastern Ghat regions. Speciation revealed occurrence of both Plasmodium ovale curtisi (classic type) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (variant type). Conclusions In the present study a considerable number of P. ovale spp. and P. malariae were detected in a wide geographical areas of Odisha State, which contributes around 40% of the country’s total malaria burden. For successful elimination of malaria within the framework of national programme, P. ovale spp. along with P. malariae needs to be incorporated in surveillance system, especially when P. falciparum and P. vivax spp. are in rapid decline.

Relative contribution of synoptic systems to monsoon rainfall over Orissa

ABSTRACT. The low/depression over northwest (NW) Bay of Bengal is the largest contributor to seasonal monsoon rainfall over all stations in Orissa and Orissa as a whole. The Low Pressure Systems (LPS) and cyclonic circulation (cycir) extending upto 500 hPa level over NW Bay of Bengal alone contribute about 22% to the seasonal monsoon rainfall through about 12 days. The monsoon trough without any significant embedded systems over Orissa and adjoining regions contributes about 28% to seasonal rainfall through about 55 days. All types of LPS including low, depression and cyclonic storm yield maximum rainfall in their left forward (southwest) sectors. The maximum rainfall belt lies more southward due to a depression compared to that due to a low. The spatial distribution of rainfall due to cycir is less systematic. The interaction due to Eastern Ghat plays a significant role in spatial distribution of rainfall over western and eastern sides of the Eastern Ghat due to monsoon lows and depressions over Orissa and adjoining Bay and land regions. The orographic interaction due to Eastern Ghat with the cycirs over Orissa and adjoining Bay and land regions is significantly less leading to no significant difference in spatial distribution of rainfall over eastern and western sides of the Eastern Ghat.

Characterization and Taxonomy Classification of Soils of Hill Slope Land and Stream Terrace Land Located at North-Eastern Ghat Agro-Climatic Zone of Odisha, India

The present investigation was carried out to study the characterization, fertility status and taxonomic classification of some soils of North-Eastern Ghat Agro-Climatic zone of Odisha. Hill slope (pedon 1) and stream terrace land (pedon 2) two representative pedons of the Nayagarh district located in different topographic positions were studied for their physico-chemical characteristics and taxonomic classification. Results show that in pedon 1, percentage of sand, silt and clay range between 78.4 to 86.4, 3.2 to 3.4 and 10.4 to 17.4 respectively and in pedon 2, sand, silt and clay percentages range between 72 to 84, 3.2 to 7.2 and 10.8 to 18.8 respectively in different horizons. In pedons 1 and 2, pH increases along with depth from 4.80 to 5.82 and 5.80 to 7.60 respectively. Organic carbon content in pedons 1 and 2, ranges from 3.4 to 5.1 and 1.6 to 6.3 g kg-1 respectively. Cation exchange capacity decreases in pedon 1 from 13.25 to 8.66 c mol (p+) kg-1 and in pedon 2, range 7.66 to 16.65 c mol (p+) kg-1. The exchangeable sodium percentage in pedon 1 and 2, ranges from 4.53 to 9.23, and 2.56 to 6.53 per cent in different horizons respectively. The base saturation percentage in pedon 1, range from 58.11 to 98.15 per cent and in pedon 2, from 59.54 to 97.91 percent. The Hill slope (pedon 1) and stream terrace land (pedon 2) have little or no evidence of development of pedogenic horizons except ochric epipedon, therefore these soil are classified under the order Entisols. These soils have A-C profile with no distinct horizonation. Pedon 1, are classified under sub order Orthents, great group Ustorthents and sub group Typic Ustorthents. In case of pedon 2 the soils are put under the sub order Aquents, great group Fluvaquents and sub group Aeric Fluvaquents.

Conservation of Millet Genetic Diversity in Eastern Ghat High Lands of Odisha

A total of 111 no. of Germplasm of Millets with code no’s have been assembled through formal process of Collaborative programme experimented from 2017-2020 Cropping season. The Germplasm has been evaluated for various Agronomic traits (biotic, abiotic, grain quality, etc.). The organisation, Watershed Support service & Activities Network (Wassan) with Odisha Millet Mission Project holds 111 no. of Millet Germplasm collection with 108 no. of indigenous and 3 no. of rare types having information on important trait specific characters from the communities, community managed seed bank. The Present Paper highlights the assessment of Millet diversity assembled and conserved under Odisha Millet Mission Project & thrust areas identified for future conservation and utilization.

Performance of Drought Tolerant Rice Varieties in Malkangiri District of South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha

Drought is the major problem in India and occurrence at the time of critical growth stages, reduce crop yield significantly. The National Rice Research Institute, Cuttak, Odisha has developed so many drought tolerance rice varieties to reduce the economic loss due to drought. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malkangiri introduced NRRI released two rice varieties i.e. Sahbhagi Dhan and Satyabhama at framers' field to evaluate the performance of these drought tolerant varieties in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha. The highest plant height was observed with the rice variety Satyabhama (104.1 cm). But, overall performance of Sahbhagi Dhan was better as compare to Satyabhama and local check verity (Khandagiri). Sahbhagi Dhan gave highest yield of 36.5 q/ha, which was statistically differed from others. Correlations study for Sahbhagi Dhan was assessed and observed the positive correlation for grain yield with all studied characters except plant height. For economic point of view, Sahbhagi Dhan recorded highest net return of Rs.19, 925/- per ha along with B:C ratio of 1.6 as compared to the rest two varieties.