After nearly 50 years, an “unprecedented epidemic” has hit Assam’s agriculture sector in the form of large- scale Rice swarming caterpillar (Spodoptera mauritia) attack on Sali paddy in 2016. Eight species birds were recorded as important bird predator of swarming caterpillar among which three species were found to be insectivorous and five were omnivorous species . Eastern Cattle-Egret was most abundant species followed by Common and Jungle Myna found as potential swarming caterpillar control agents

Installation of artificial Barn Owl Nest Box on tree trunk at a height of 10-15 m near to agricultural land during October is effective for conservation and propagation of Barn owl to control rodents in crop field and godown

Advantage of nest box: Nest boxes are of great benefit, especially in areas where there is plenty of food available but a shortage of suitable nesting or roosting sites. Barn owl is a bird of open country/farmland. Almost any tall rural building can become an ideal roosting and nesting site when a nest box is provided. Once a nest box was used by Barn owl they continued to nest there in subsequent seasons.

Dimension of structure: 16 inch (L) x 18 inch (W) x 18 inches (H) with a an entrance hole of 6 inches diameter and side holes in both the sides for ventilation. The entry hole should be kept above 6 inches from the floor of the box.

Materials: The nest box can be constructed from 19 mm soft wood ply or soft wood or tea-chest.

 Total 56 species of birds were recorded from study area starting from seed sowing to harvesting stage of paddy crop growth in North Bank Plain Zone of Assam .This is 58.3% occurrence in relation to total birds recorded in Agril Landscape in the zone. Results revealed highest 28 species during tillering stage followed by 27 species during milky stage and 24 species at ripening stage. A total of 43 species (44.7% occurrence in relation to total birds recorded in Agril Landscape in the zone) recorded in Homestead garden. 17 bird species were recorded in different growth stages of mustard crop which is 17.7 % occurrence in relation to total birds recorded in Agril Landscape in the zone

Benefited 6678 individual tribal farmers belongs under developed tribal districts of Assam identified by planning Commission through large scale demonstration and farmers participatory research on bird and Higher vertebrate pest management technologies and free input supply with the ICAR fund received under STC programmes. Organized and conducted around awareness meeting, training, exhibition, on farm demonstrations with farmer’s participation and Krishi mela last fourteen years.Documented 9 traditional knowledge methods in control of harmful birds in different crops with nature of effect.

Kisan Mela & Exhibition under Tribal Sub Plan:

Books:

1. Saikia, P. (2022). Samaj Sahitya Bigyan. (Science & Society.) North Lakhimpur College( Autonomous) Publications, Notrth Lakhimpur, ISBN:978-81-956154-4-5

2. Saikia, P. (2022). ENTOMOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION. North Lakhimpur College( Autonomous) Publications, North Lakhimpur, Assam, ISBN:978-81-956154-5-2

3. SAIKIA, P. (2020). Aamar Parivesh.( Our Environment) NATURE’S BECKON, Dhubri, Assam

4. SAIKIA, P. (2019). Aamar Gaonphura Coraibur. ( Birds of countryside ) NATURE’S BECKON, Dhubri, Assam, ISBN:978-81-936466-8-7

5. Saikia, P. (2006). Patangar Bisitra Prithivi (The World of Insect) Lakhimpur Science Society ,North Lakhimpur Assam

Monograph: 

Saikia Prabal. 2029. Pictorial Guidebook on important bird of Agro ecosystem

Technical & Extension bulletins/folders:

Popular articles

i) Applied Zoologists Research Association (AZRA), ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, India has selected Dr. Prabal Saikia to confer AZRA Fellowship Award for the year 2014 for substantial research contribution in the field of Applied Entomology and Agricultural Ornithology.

ii) State Parivesh Mitra (Friend of Environment) Honour 2023 conferred by Govt. of Assam to Dr. Prabal Saikia on 5 June 2023 for his contribution in the field of Environment and biodiversity conservation.

iii) Dr. Prabal Saikia was appointed as Honorary Wildlife warden, Department of Forest & Environment Govt. of Assam from 2017 to 2019.

iv) Expert Member, Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC), Airport Authority of India, Lilabari airport, Assam.

v) Consultancy service has been providing for bird management in Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati ; Swami Vivekananda Airport ,Raipur ; Air Force Station Dinjan and Tezpur in Assam since 2019

vi) External Question paper setter for Course No. PPS- 322 (Insect Pest of vegetables, ornamental & spice crops), College of Horticulture & Forestry, CAU, Pasighat, AP (May, 2017).

vii) External Examiner and PG Thesis Evaluator for M.Sc students of Department of Zoology , Punjab Agricultural University , Ludhiana, since 2022.

viii) Dr. Prabal Saikia has visited under on exploratory study cum exposure visit to Vietnam as one of the members of 16 scientific team members of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) under the World Bank supported APART project from 16^th to 24^th November, 2022.

Technical Programme during Rabi, 2023-24

Technical Programme to be proposed for 2024-25

Targeted activities and Experimental details: 2024-25, AINP on VPM (Ornithology), ZRS, North Lakhimpur 

    1. Habitat Analysis and distribution of major Vertebrate pests

> Targeted activity: Birds, wild pig and Monkey in rice- rice, rice- maize, vegetable & Homestead farming system.

> Experimental details : In 3 agro climatic zones( NBPZ, CBVZ, UBVZ) of Assam on Species abundance, population density and spatial distribution

          2.  Assessment of losses due to vertebrates in predominant cropping systems

>Targeted activity : Wild boar damage assessment in Maize in NBPZ, Monkey damage pattern in Maize, Vegetables in UBVZ &NBPZ, Birds in sugarcane in UBVZ

>Experimental details : Large scale assessment through interviews, state data and data determine through spot assessment & experiments

3. Development and refinement of management technologies for problematic rodents, birds and higher vertebrates

>Targeted activity : Wild boar – vegetables , Maize

      Technologies – Mechanical methods, Repellents and integrated management modules.

      Monkey – Rice & vegetables in homestead farming system

>Experimental details : AINPVPM technologies ,Mechanical & animal scarring devices

4. Vertebrate Pest Management as farmers Participatory Adaptive Research in adopted villages

>Targeted activity: Demonstration of Vertebrate pest management technologies in selected villages of a few districts and under TSP.

>Experimental details: Evaluation of awareness and adoption of Technologies by farmers. KAP analysis, FLD of technology, large scale demonstration. ( NBPZ, CBVZ, UBVZ). Assessment of impact of technology on yield enhancement and economic benefits derived

Year: 2024-2025

Recommendation :The Farmer - Rhesus Monkey conflict in agricultural crop fields can be minimized by installing the integrated Agri - solar power fencing system for crop protection.The Agri- solar energizer uses 12V input solar energy, generate electrical shocks to the higher vertebrates. The shock from an electric fence causes no physical damage to animals and humans beings and if they are forced to enter the fence, experience mild jerk and thus helps saving of the crop from being damaged