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Spectral indices as an indicator of physiological traits affecting safflower yield in relation to soil variability were evaluated in a two year experiment (1997)(1998)(1999). Reflectance, biometric and phonological data were collected. Two indices namely normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and ratio of spectral reflectance in infrared region to red region (1R/R) were derived from radiometric observation. Yield data indicated significant difference in different soils. Temporal NDVI behaviour as a function of soil type was not prominent especially in early stages of crop growth. However NDVI at 75 days after sowing (DAS) was found to be relatively better indicator of plant status and yield. IR/R was relatively less effective in indicating the differential response of crop to soil types. Effect of soil and crop interaction on spectral indices was significant at 75 and 90 DAS, which was attributed to attainment of maximum leaf area and leaf area at these stages of growth. Regression analysis showed strong positive relationship between NDVI and leaf area, dry matter and yield. IR/R and leaf area had the strongest and consistent relationship (r = 0.96). A single regression equation accounted for yield variability in the dataset. Thus possible transformation of NDVI maps (satellite data) to LAI units and consequently applications like yield forecasting was indicated. Utility of spectra-temporal data as a pointer of plant development status and yield was also demonstrated.

Research and development initiatives under National Agriculture Innovation Project implemented in representative villages of Gondia district in Maharashtra are reported in this study. Details of 524 households pertaining to demographic characteristics, land use, means of livelihood etc. were collected through survey. Participatory methods were used for identifying potential technological interventions for bringing positive changes in agricultural productivity and sustainability. The study indicated that irrespective of the size of land holding, the tribal farmers derived less than 50% of their income from agriculture and depended on migration for earning wages or collection of non-timber forest produce. The consumption pattern revealed that almost 80% of the income was spent on meeting food requirement of family followed by expenses on clothes. The results showed considerable potential for enhancing their livelihood by introducing best management practices for the lone possible kharif paddy and augmenting the income with pisciculture which surpassed agriculture in terms of economic benefits. Eco-friendly technology like biogas was demonstrated to protect forest resources and reduce drudgery of cooking. The concept of social security fund was implemented in the tribal villages to meet expenses related to upkeep of machinery provided and also micro-credit requirements. The study area represents contiguous belt home to most of the tribal population living in central India and hence the findings provide an understanding of the reasons for backwardness of the large pocket and will help in formulating policies for sustainable development of the region.