AGPE THE ROYAL GONDWANA RESEARCH JOURNAL OF HISTORY, SCIENCE, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

IMPACT OF MULCHING TYPES ON WEED INFESTATION, GROWTH PARAMETERS, AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) DURING RAINY SEASON

Ei Mon Htwe — 2025-12-20

This experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Farm, Yezin Agricultural University, Myanmar, to evaluate the effects of different mulching types on weed infestation, maize growth, and yield. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and seven treatments: control (no mulch), cowpea mulch, green gram mulch, lablab bean mulch, maize stover mulch, rice straw mulch, and black plastic mulch, using the maize variety CP 808. All mulch treatments significantly reduced weed density and dry weight compared to the control at 15, 35, 55, and 75 days after sowing (DAS). The lowest weed dry weight was observed under black plastic mulch, followed by rice straw and maize stover mulch. Among living mulches, cowpea mulch was most effective in suppressing weeds. Significant variations were also recorded in total dry matter (TDM), leaf area index (LAI), and crop growth rate (CGR). Maize stover mulch produced the highest TDM at vegetative and tasseling stages, while cowpea mulch had the highest TDM at the grain-filling stage. The highest LAI occurred under black plastic mulch at the vegetative stage and cowpea mulch at grain filling. CGR was highest under black plastic mulch from vegetative to tasseling and under lablab bean mulch from tasseling to grain filling. Cowpea mulch produced the highest grain yield, followed by green gram mulch. Overall, cowpea mulch exhibited superior performance, second with green gram mulch, indicating their potential for improving weed control, growth, and grain yield of maize during the rainy season.

THE PROBLEM OF PRINCIPLED DISTANCE: A NORMATIVE RECONSTRUCTION OF INDIAN SECULARISM

Surabhi Singha — 2025-12-21

This paper revisits the idea of principled distance as a central yet under-theorised concept in Indian secular thought. Moving beyond the binary between rigid separation and unbounded accommodation, the study argues that Indian secularism constitutes a distinctive normative framework grounded in context-sensitive yet principled engagement between state and religion. Rather than equating secularism with abstention, the concept of principled distance allows the state to intervene in, or support, religious practices when such engagement is justified by public reasons rooted in freedom, equality, and dignity. Through a qualitative and interpretive methodology grounded in normative political theory, the paper reconstructs principled distance as an ethical practice of public justification rather than as a descriptive account of policy. It critically engages with both liberal-separationist and postcolonial-genealogical critiques to clarify the internal architecture of the concept its understanding of neutrality as equal concern, its permissive stance toward differential treatment under conditions of historical inequality, and its insistence on public reason as a constraint on discretion. The paper develops a typology of engagement modes and a four-stage justificatory pathway identifying protected interests, ensuring accessibility of reasons, testing proportionality, and safeguarding internal dissenters to make the framework action-guiding. Analytically, the reconstruction demonstrates that principled distance is not a euphemism for flexibility but a disciplined method of reasoning about justice in plural societies. It thus transforms context-sensitivity from a weakness into a normative virtue grounded in reasoned respect. By rendering Indian secularism conceptually robust and normatively transparent, the paper positions it as a significant contribution to global debates on secularism, multiculturalism, and democratic justification under conditions of deep diversity.

SUSTAINABLE AND CHEMICAL-FREE CULTIVATION OF PAW SAN RICE VARIETIES IN YEKYI TOWNSHIP, AYEYARWADY REGION AT MYANMAR

Phyu Pya Lwin — 2025-12-22

The Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar, known as the nation’s “rice bowl,” has historically been famous for Paw San rice varieties, valued for aroma and grain quality. Increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has raised concerns over soil degradation, environmental health, and consumer safety. Farmer-participatory research was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Yekyi Township to evaluate the performance of Paw San rice varieties under chemical-free cultivation using natural fertilizers and biocontrol measures. Six varieties were tested, and detailed yield, soil, and grain quality assessments were conducted. Results showed that Phyar Pon Paw San Yin, Ayeyarwady Paw San Gyi, and Phyar Pon Paw San Gyi consistently produced the highest yields (up to 127 baskets per acre). Chemical-free rice demonstrated superior consumer quality traits, including stronger aroma and softer texture. Market trials confirmed high consumer acceptance, leading to expanded cultivation up to 200 acres in 2023. This research highlights the potential of integrating traditional rice varieties with organic inputs to enhance soil fertility, preserve cultural heritage, and capture niche markets for high-value rice.