Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Climate Change as a Conditional Opportunity for Plant Growers in India: A Critical Narrative Review of Evidence, Limits and Competing Risks

Prajnashree Mallick — 2026-07-29

Climate change is conventionally analysed as a threat to Indian agriculture, yet a growing body of scattered literature also documents mechanisms through which warming, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and shifting agroclimatic boundaries could open new production possibilities for plant growers. This critical narrative review synthesises and evaluates that literature for India, asking whether the "opportunity" framing is empirically defensible once set against the dominant evidence of risk. Evidence was drawn from peer-reviewed journal articles, systematic reviews and institutional sources identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Crossref-linked publisher platforms and general academic web searching. Four candidate mechanisms of opportunity were examined: the carbon dioxide fertilisation effect on C3 crop physiology; poleward and upward shifts in agroclimatic suitability that create new production zones, particularly in the Himalayan belt; the market-mediated expansion of protected and controlled-environment cultivation; and diversification into high-value, climate-tolerant horticultural, floricultural and seed-spice crops. Each mechanism carries genuine, mechanistically grounded support, but the review finds that realised gains are consistently narrower, more localised and more contingent on capital, infrastructure and institutional support than optimistic summaries suggest. Elevated carbon dioxide raises biomass and yield in controlled settings but is substantially offset by concurrent warming, nutrient dilution and water limitation under field conditions. Zone shifts documented for apple, avocado, arecanut, large cardamom and tea simultaneously displace established production at lower elevations, so that reported gains are redistributive rather than additive at the national scale. Protected cultivation and crop diversification generate credible household-level returns but remain constrained by capital cost, fragmented landholding and adoption inequality. Set against this narrower opportunity space, heat stress, water scarcity, and pest and pathogen range expansion continue to dominate national-level yield trends for staple and horticultural crops. The review concludes that climate change is best characterised not as a net opportunity for Indian plant growers but as an agent of redistribution that generates identifiable, geographically concentrated, and capital-contingent openings within an overall trajectory of increasing risk. Future research priorities and policy implications are outlined accordingly.

Climate Change Perception, Food-security Awareness and Adaptation among Rural Households: A Critical Narrative Review of Selected Global Evidence

Priya Singh — 2026-07-30

Rural households whose livelihoods depend on rain-fed agriculture, pastoralism, fisheries and related activities are exposed to climatic variability through production, income, food access and livelihood stability. This critical narrative review examines how rural households perceive climate change, how food-security awareness and measured food-security status have been conceptualised, and how perception is translated, or fails to be translated, into adaptation and food-security outcomes. The review synthesises accessible peer-reviewed and authoritative institutional literature published principally from 2000 to 6 April 2026, with foundational earlier work used where needed to define concepts and measurement approaches. The evidence indicates that rural households in many studied settings report rising temperature, altered rainfall timing, greater rainfall variability and more frequent climate-related shocks, although perception is more reliable for temperature direction than for complex precipitation variability. Perception is shaped by farming experience, education, gendered labour roles, land and livestock assets, access to extension, climate information, credit and local ecological knowledge. The adaptation pathway is not linear. Perception may increase the likelihood of adopting practices such as crop diversification, altered planting dates, irrigation investment, livelihood diversification and improved seed use, yet these responses do not necessarily improve food security when households face insecure tenure, weak markets, limited finance, inadequate extension, or low perceived efficacy. Food-security status is commonly assessed with experience-based or dietary instruments, while food-security awareness as a distinct cognitive construct is seldom measured directly. The literature remains dominated by cross-sectional household surveys and uneven regional coverage, with stronger representation from sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia than from Latin America, small-island states and Central Asia. Future work should prioritise longitudinal and multi-respondent household designs, direct measurement of food-security awareness, stronger linkage between meteorological records and reported perceptions, and explicit assessment of maladaptation.

Food Security and Coping Mechanisms among Rural Households: A Critical Review of Determinants, Trade-offs and Pathways to Resilience

Priya Singh — 2026-07-30

Rural household food insecurity in developing countries is often framed as a problem of inadequate food production, yet the evidence shows that it arises from interacting constraints on entitlements, purchasing power, health, care, markets, institutions and exposure to shocks. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on the determinants of food security and on the coping mechanisms used by rural households when access deteriorates. Literature was identified through accessible scholarly indexes, institutional sources, publisher records and citation chaining, with a principal search period from January 2000 to 9 April 2026 and selective inclusion of foundational earlier work. The synthesis indicates that productive assets and farm performance matter, but their effects are strongly conditioned by market access, food prices, non-farm earnings, household labour, health, gendered agency and local institutions. Climate hazards, conflict, illness and macroeconomic shocks often operate cumulatively rather than independently. Coping is best understood as a sequenced portfolio rather than a single response. Early measures, including dietary substitution, reduced non-food expenditure, informal transfers and short-term borrowing, may protect immediate consumption, whereas repeated debt, withdrawal of children from school, distress migration and productive-asset sales can reduce future earning capacity and create self-reinforcing food-insecurity traps. Evidence on coping is nevertheless difficult to interpret because households adopt more severe strategies precisely when deprivation is greatest, while most studies are cross-sectional and measure outcomes inconsistently. Social protection generally improves food consumption and can protect assets, but effects vary with transfer adequacy, predictability, timing, delivery modality, market conditions, targeting and links to livelihoods and services. The review argues for a shift from isolated food or production interventions towards layered systems that prevent reversible coping from becoming erosive. Stronger longitudinal, gender-responsive and shock-sensitive research is needed to distinguish effective adaptation from strategies that merely postpone deprivation.

Caspase-centred and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Signalling in Cancer: Pro-survival Rewiring, Therapeutic Vulnerabilities and Translational Constraints

Debaleena Samanta — 2026-07-30

Apoptosis is a regulated cell-death programme in which upstream stress sensing is converted into mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation, caspase activation and ordered cellular dismantling. Cancer cells rarely abolish this machinery completely. Instead, they reconfigure its thresholds by altering death-receptor signalling, B-cell lymphoma 2 family interactions, apoptosome competence, inhibitor-of-apoptosis proteins and survival pathways. This critical narrative review examines how pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals converge on caspase proteases and the mitochondrial cascade, how these circuits are dysregulated during malignant evolution, and why apparently intact pathway components often fail to predict therapeutic response. Literature published principally from 1990 to 20 May 2026 was identified through live searches of accessible biomedical indexes and scholarly platforms, supplemented by citation searching and DOI-level verification. The evidence supports a threshold model in which initiator-caspase activation is shaped by signalling-platform stoichiometry, whereas mitochondrial commitment is governed by the dynamic balance among BH3-only proteins, BAX/BAK effectors and pro-survival BCL2 proteins. Cytochrome c–APAF1 apoptosome assembly and relief of XIAP-mediated restraint then determine the amplitude and duration of executioner-caspase activity. In cancer, oncogenic PI3K–AKT and nuclear factor-κB signalling, TP53 dysfunction, altered death-receptor complexes, BCL2-family dependence and IAP activity generate context-specific blocks rather than a single universal lesion. Clinical success with the BCL2-selective inhibitor venetoclax validates direct pharmacological activation of apoptosis, but lineage restriction, adaptive transfer to MCL1 or BCL-XL, normal-tissue toxicity and intratumour heterogeneity constrain generalisation. Sublethal mitochondrial permeabilisation and incomplete caspase activation further complicate the traditional binary model by promoting genomic instability, inflammatory signalling, persister states or tumour repopulation. The most informative translational strategy is therefore not static measurement of one protein, but integrated functional assessment of mitochondrial priming, pathway topology and temporal response. Future studies should combine single-cell perturbation, spatial profiling, pharmacodynamic biomarkers and clinically anchored resistance sampling to distinguish cells that are apoptosis-defective from those that are merely apoptosis-buffered.

Pesticide Consumption in India and the World, Present Status and Growth: An Overview

S. K. Rajak — 2026-07-30

Pesticides play a crucial role in protecting crops from pests and diseases, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and food security. This review examines the present status, growth trends, and patterns of pesticide consumption in India and globally, with an emphasis on category-wise, state-wise, crop-wise, and international trade dynamics. The study is based on secondary data collected from FAOSTAT, government reports, and published literature and analysed using descriptive statistics, percentage change, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In Indian agriculture, per-hectare pesticide consumption is 0.5 kg, ranking eighth globally, and it remains far below the global average of 2.4 kg/ha. Within India’s pesticide chemical industry, insecticides dominated in terms of national consumption (51.6%), followed by fungicides and herbicides, reflecting intensive use in major crops such as cotton, rice, and pulses. Regional trends show wide variation, with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir accounting for significant shares. While overall consumption growth (CAGR 2.48%) indicates agricultural intensification, declining per-hectare usage and the promotion of biopesticides reflect growing awareness of sustainable practices. Globally, China, the USA, and Brazil lead pesticide consumption, while India’s use intensity remains among the lowest. The scientific value of this review lies in synthesising and interpreting recent information on pesticide consumption trends at national and global levels. Its practical significance lies in providing evidence-based insights for policymakers, researchers, extension agencies, and agricultural stakeholders to promote sustainable pest management practices. The study highlights the importance of balancing productivity needs with environmental and health safeguards, underscoring the need for strong policies, education, and research to encourage sustainable pest management in Indian agriculture.

Agricultural Extension for Regenerative Agriculture: A Review of Adoption Drivers and Economic Outcomes

B. L. Santhosh — 2026-08-01

Regenerative agriculture has moved from a niche philosophy to a mainstream policy objective, promoted by governments, agribusiness and multilateral institutions as a pathway toward soil restoration, climate mitigation and resilient farm incomes. Yet adoption remains uneven, and the agricultural extension and advisory systems tasked with disseminating regenerative knowledge are themselves undergoing considerable change, from top-down technology transfer toward participatory, networked and increasingly digital models. This review synthesises peer-reviewed evidence on the drivers of farmer adoption of regenerative practices and the economic outcomes associated with that adoption, with particular attention to the role played by extension and advisory services. Farmer decisions are shown to be shaped jointly by economic considerations, values and risk perception, social learning within peer networks, and the institutional design of extension delivery, including farmer field schools, farmer-to-farmer models and digital advisory platforms. Economic outcomes during the transition period are frequently negative or highly variable, with profitability recovering, and in some contexts exceeding conventional baselines, only after several seasons of stabilisation. Policy instruments such as agri-environmental payments and carbon markets can support adoption but face persistent problems of additionality, administrative burden and inadequate remuneration. Gender and resource disparities continue to constrain equitable access to extension services in many low- and middle-income settings. The review concludes that extension effectiveness for regenerative transitions depends less on any single delivery mechanism than on the alignment between advisory content, farmer risk-bearing capacity and complementary financial support during the transition window.

Integrated Herd Health Approaches for Ketosis Prevention and Control: A Review

Suraj Koujalagi — 2026-08-01

Ketosis is a common metabolic disorder of dairy cattle during the transition period, when the energy demands of late gestation and early lactation often exceed energy intake. This imbalance produces negative energy balance, stimulates adipose tissue mobilisation and increases hepatic ketone-body production, particularly β-hydroxybutyrate. Increased ketone concentrations may appear as clinical or subclinical ketosis and are associated with reduced milk yield, impaired reproductive performance, higher susceptibility to metabolic and infectious disorders, increased culling risk and economic loss. Because ketosis develops through interacting nutritional, physiological, environmental and management-related factors, its prevention and control require an integrated herd health approach rather than reliance on therapeutic intervention alone. This review summarises herd-level approaches for limiting ketosis through transition cow nutrition, dry-period feeding, body condition score management, energy balance optimisation and strategic use of glucogenic and metabolic supplements, including propylene glycol, monensin, niacin and rumen-protected choline. It also considers the roles of housing design, cow comfort, stocking density, heat-stress control, calving management and welfare-based practices in supporting metabolic adaptation. Diagnostic and monitoring strategies, including blood β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, milk and urine ketone testing, metabolic profiling and routine herd surveillance, are discussed as tools for early identification of at-risk animals. The review further outlines the contribution of precision livestock farming, automated monitoring, artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics to proactive decision-making. Integrated nutritional, managerial, therapeutic and technological measures can reduce ketosis prevalence, support animal welfare and improve productive, reproductive and economic outcomes in dairy herds under practical farm conditions in modern dairy production systems.

Studies on Heterosis for Pest and Disease Resistance in Spiny Brinjal

S. Priyanga — 2026-07-16

Aims: The present investigation was undertaken to estimate standard heterosis for resistance to major insect pests and diseases in spiny brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and to identify promising hybrid combinations that could serve as parental materials for future resistance breeding programmes.

Study Design: A five-parent full diallel mating design excluding selfing was evaluated in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm, Department of Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute (PAJANCOA & RI), Karaikal, Union Territory of Puducherry, India, during 2024–2026.

Methodology: Five genetically diverse parents, namely Illavambadi local (P₁), VRM–1 (P₂), Blue spiny brinjal (P₃), Small spiny brinjal (P₄), and Thar Rachit (P₅), were crossed in a full diallel mating design excluding selfing to produce twenty F₁ hybrids, including reciprocal crosses. The parents and hybrids were evaluated under natural field conditions in a randomised block design with three replications. Shoot and fruit borer infestation, bacterial wilt incidence, and phomopsis blight incidence were recorded following the standard procedures described by Mishra et al. (1988), Hussain et al. (2005), and Meah (2007), respectively. Standard heterosis was estimated over the commercial hybrid Sarpan Hybrid-65. Percentage data were analysed by ANOVA following appropriate transformation.

Results: Considerable variation was observed among the parents and F₁ hybrids in resistance to shoot and fruit borer, bacterial wilt, and phomopsis blight. Among the hybrids, shoot and fruit borer infestation ranged from 4.30 to 6.30%, bacterial wilt incidence from 0.40 to 1.60 PDI, and phomopsis blight incidence from 4.80 to 6.70 PDI. Small spiny brinjal × Thar Rachit (P₄ × P₅) recorded the lowest shoot and fruit borer infestation (4.30%) and phomopsis blight incidence (4.80 PDI), whereas Illavambadi local × VRM–1 (P₁ × P₂) recorded the lowest bacterial wilt incidence (0.40 PDI) and matched the commercial check for bacterial wilt and phomopsis blight. The commercial check recorded the lowest shoot and fruit borer infestation and was not surpassed for any resistance trait. Therefore, none of the hybrids expressed desirable standard heterosis over the commercial check. Nevertheless, several hybrids recorded lower pest and disease incidence than the remaining experimental hybrids, indicating their potential value as breeding materials.

Conclusion: Small spiny brinjal × Thar Rachit, Illavambadi local × VRM–1, Blue spiny brinjal × Thar Rachit, Thar Rachit × Small spiny brinjal, and Blue spiny brinjal × VRM–1 were identified as promising hybrid combinations among the experimental crosses because of their comparatively lower pest or disease incidence. Although these hybrids did not surpass the commercial check, they may serve as valuable parental materials for developing resistant cultivars after validation across seasons and locations.

Modelling Nonlinearity and Volatility in Castor Prices: A Comparative Study of ARIMA, ARCH, GARCH and Neural Network Models in Patan Market, Gujarat, India

R. D. Parmar — 2026-07-16

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is a commercially important non-edible oilseed crop in North Gujarat, and price volatility in its principal markets remains a major source of income risk for growers and traders. This study fitted and compared linear, volatility-based and machine-learning models for the weekly castor price series from the Patan market over the period from January 2004 to December 2024 (1,092 weekly observations constructed as period-average aggregates of daily Agmarknet quotations). The Augmented Dickey-Fuller test confirmed that the series was non-stationary in levels but stationary after first differencing; the Brock-Dechert-Scheinkman test established significant nonlinearity; and the ARCH-LM test confirmed the presence of volatility clustering. Accordingly, an ARIMA(3,1,5) model, an AR(1)-ARCH(3) model, an ARMA(0,1)-GARCH(1,2) model and a feed-forward artificial neural network (14-32-1 architecture) were fitted, and their in-sample and out-of-sample performance was evaluated using RMSE, MSE, MAE and MAPE. Among the econometric models, ARIMA(3,1,5) provided the best level-based fit (RMSE = 663.38; MAPE = 9.79%), whereas ARMA-GARCH outperformed AR-ARCH in modelling conditional variance. The ANN model recorded the lowest error for every metric evaluated (RMSE = 115.31; MAPE = 1.37%), consistent with the nonlinear dependence detected by the BDS test. However, because the ANN was fitted to price levels using engineered lagged and rolling features, whereas the ARCH-family models were fitted to returns, the comparison was not fully equivalent and the performance gap should be interpreted with this caveat. The findings underline the value of combining diagnostic testing with a multi-model framework when characterising agricultural commodity price behaviour.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbreds for Starch Content, Yield and Yield Contributing Traits

K. Harshitha — 2026-07-16

Genetic diversity among parental inbred lines is essential for developing productive maize hybrids with improved grain quality. This study assessed genetic diversity among 30 maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines for starch content, grain yield and ten yield-contributing traits. The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2025–26 at the Maize Research Unit, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, using a randomised block design with three replications. Starch content was quantified by the anthrone method, and the data were analysed through analysis of variance, Mahalanobis D² statistics, Wilks’ criterion and Tocher’s clustering. Significant differences were detected among the inbred lines for all 12 traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. The genotypes were distributed across 11 clusters, and inter-cluster distances ranged from 19.50 to 179.01. The greatest divergence occurred between Clusters VI and IX. Ear height contributed most to total genetic divergence, followed by ear length and ear girth. Starch content ranged from 50.82% to 63.51%, while yield per plant ranged from 81.53 to 127.57 g. BML 51 and BML 7 combined high starch content with superior grain yield and were therefore identified as promising parental lines for simultaneous improvement of both traits. Crosses involving genetically distant clusters may broaden variability, although their heterotic performance requires confirmation through hybrid evaluation and combining-ability studies.

Isolation, Identification, and Molecular Characterisation of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli from Raw Beef

G. Suganya — 2026-07-16

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen associated with contaminated animal-derived foods. This study investigated the occurrence of E. coli and the presence of Shiga toxin-associated genes in raw beef collected in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Seventy-two raw beef samples were obtained from slaughterhouses and retail meat shops and examined using conventional microbiological and molecular methods. Samples were enriched in MacConkey broth and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Presumptive E. coli colonies were purified and confirmed by biochemical testing. Genomic DNA was extracted from the confirmed isolates, and polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect the stx1 and stx2 genes. Of the 72 samples examined, 35 yielded presumptive E. coli, corresponding to a prevalence of 48.61%. Among the 35 isolates, four carried stx1 and three carried stx2, representing 11.42% and 8.57% of the isolates, respectively. These findings confirm the presence of Shiga toxin-associated genes among E. coli isolates recovered from raw beef in the study area. The results indicate the need for consistent hygienic practices during slaughter, meat handling, processing, and distribution. Continued microbiological surveillance across the meat supply chain may support the early detection of STEC contamination and inform locally appropriate food-safety measures.

Epidemiology, Occurrence and Severity of Early Blight of Potato Caused by Alternaria solani (Sorauer)

S. Shivam — 2026-07-16

Early blight of potato caused by Alternaria solani (Sorauer) remains a significant foliar problem in Uttar Pradesh; however, much of the research on its weather-driven epidemiology in the state is based on earlier studies and often considers more than one site at a time. A field survey was conducted during the 2022 Rabi season at five locations across the state—Kanpur, Kannauj, Agra, Meerut and Varanasi—which were selected to capture meaningful variation in winter temperature, humidity and soil conditions. Six commercial fields were monitored at each site. All fields were planted within a narrow window between 15 and 25 October 2022 and received no fungicide application, thereby allowing natural disease progression to be recorded. Disease severity was assessed weekly using the 0–5 scale of Horsfall and Barratt (1945) and expressed as the percent disease index (PDI). The pathogen was isolated from ten symptomatic leaves per location, purified, characterised morphologically and confirmed as pathogenic on Kufri Bahar through glasshouse inoculation. Local weather records were obtained from the observatory nearest to each field, and PDI was related to nine weather variables using Pearson correlation and full-model multiple linear regression. Disease appeared earliest at Agra (9 November 2022) and latest at Kanpur (22 November 2022). Final PDI ranged from 27.68 % at Kanpur to 38.46 % at Agra; the apparent infection rate ranged from 0.0859 units day−¹ at Varanasi to 0.1266 units day−¹ at Kanpur, and AUDPC ranged from 548.6 %-days at Kanpur to 1024.8 %-days at Agra. Maximum and minimum air temperatures showed consistent negative associations with PDI at every site.

Reproductive Traits of Major Dairy Animals of India: A Field Level Study in Breeding Tract

Raj Jaiswal — 2026-07-17

India possesses 55 registered cattle breeds and 22 registered buffalo breeds, which support national milk production. Reproductive parameters are key determinants of dairy productivity; however, field-level evidence remains scarce for major Indian cattle and buffalo breeds. The present study evaluated reproductive traits, including age at first calving (AFC), the maximum number of calvings recorded, and the number of services per conception (NSC), in Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar cattle; HF-crossbred cattle; and Murrah and Jaffarabadi buffaloes from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. A sample of 1,471 animals was obtained using a snowball sampling technique during 2021–22 and 2022–23 through household recall rather than continuous farm records. AFC and NSC were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and a univariate general linear model (GLM), with breed and lactation group as fixed effects. AFC differed significantly among breeds, being lowest in HF-Cross cattle (973.4±70.3 days) and highest in Murrah buffaloes (1445.4±116.8 days), with intermediate values for Sahiwal (1117.8±81.2 days), Gir (1190.1±80.9 days), Tharparkar (1260.4±92.5 days), and Jaffarabadi (1388.0±92.6 days) (p < 0.001). Field observations showed a maximum of 12 calvings in Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Jaffarabadi, and Murrah, compared with 11 in HF-Cross cattle. NSC increased from 1.65±0.56 in early lactation to 2.19±0.59 in middle lactation and 2.57±0.64 in late lactation, indicating declining fertility with advancing lactation. Overall, NSC was highest in Jaffarabadi (2.34±0.75) and Murrah (2.19±0.62) and lowest in Sahiwal (1.81±0.59) and Gir (1.87±0.64). The GLM revealed significant effects of breed, lactation group, and their interaction on NSC, underscoring substantial variation in reproductive performance across breeds and lactation stages under farmers’ field conditions. These findings support breed- and lactation-specific breeding and management strategies, such as intensified reproductive monitoring of buffaloes in middle-to-late lactation, to improve dairy herd fertility and farm profitability in Indian dairying systems.

Serological Indexing of Major Commercial Cultivars and Rootstocks to Ascertain Their Sanitary Status

Chahat Kaundal — 2026-07-18

Viral diseases can constrain stone fruit nursery production and compromise the sanitary quality of propagating material. This study assessed the sanitary status of available stone fruit germplasm maintained at selected nurseries in Solan and Shimla districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. Surveys were conducted during the active growing season of 2021, and representative plants of peach, plum, apricot, nectarine, and cherry cultivars were evaluated. The germplasm was visually examined and serologically indexed for Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), the most prevalent virus reported in the surveyed nurseries, using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). Optical density values recorded at 405 nm were used to classify the tested plants as positive or negative relative to the assay controls. PNRSV-positive reactions occurred in several cultivars across the surveyed locations, and peach cultivars frequently yielded positive results. In contrast, all sampled plants of the plum cultivar Red Beaut at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kandaghat, and the plum cultivar Black Amber at the Experimental Farm and Model Farm of Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, tested negative for PNRSV under the conditions evaluated. These cultivars may represent candidate material for further confirmation before use in clean stock development. Repeated indexing across seasons and molecular confirmation are required before large-scale propagation. The findings provide a location-specific assessment of nursery sanitary status and support continued monitoring of stone fruit planting material.

Cooperative-Led Viticulture in Mizoram: A Vehicle for Inclusive Agro-enterprise Development

Laldinmawii — 2026-07-18

Mizoram has promoted grape cultivation and cooperative wineries as alternatives to traditional jhum cultivation, yet evidence on their market potential and competitive position remains limited. This study examines the role of cooperative-led viticulture in Mizoram as a vehicle for rural transformation amid the decline of traditional jhum cultivation. Despite government policy shifts favouring high-value horticulture, particularly grape farming, there remains limited empirical analysis of the long-term viability and market competitiveness of local wineries operating within cooperative structures. Addressing this gap, the study applies a mixed-method, ex post facto research design. Qualitative data from interviews with cooperative leaders and winery managers were combined with quantitative consumer survey data (n = 200) from five districts. The market potential for local wine was estimated using the Chain Ratio Method, while market competitiveness was assessed using SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces framework. Consumer analysis indicates that a growing young, urban, educated, and high-income demographic drives demand, with the estimated annual market potential reaching ₹46.32 crore. The findings reveal that the cooperative wineries in Champhai and Hnahlan operate within a low-competition duopoly supported by regulatory protection and strong vertical linkages with member-growers. However, challenges persist in the form of infrastructure gaps, financial strain, and regulatory volatility. Despite a favourable policy environment, including the 2025 amendment permitting fruit-based wine production, sustainability depends on policy consistency, innovation, and improved cooperative governance. The study concludes that Mizoram’s viticulture sector, if strategically supported, offers a scalable model for decentralised agro-enterprise and inclusive rural development.

Farm Income Inequality among the Farmers of Jaipur District in Rajasthan, India

Sonu Kumar Mehta — 2026-07-20

The study analysed income inequality among farm households in Jaipur district, Rajasthan, using primary data collected from 100 households during 2021-22 through a pre-structured interview schedule. Farmers were grouped into four income categories: farm income, allied activities, non-farm activities and combined farm, allied and non-farm income. Twenty-five farmers were randomly selected from each category. The Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient were used to examine the distribution of income across the selected households. The results showed that the Gini coefficient ranged from 0.51 to 0.60, indicating unequal income distribution in the study area. The highest inequality was observed in the combined income category, followed by non-farm activities, allied activities and farm income. The lowest 20 per cent of households consistently held a smaller share of total income than the highest 20 per cent across the income categories. The Lorenz curves also deviated from the line of perfect equality, confirming the presence of income inequality. The findings suggest that farm income inequality in the district is shaped not only by agricultural income but also by access to allied and non-farm livelihood opportunities. Policy support should prioritise small and resource-poor farmers through productivity improvement, wider access to irrigation, water-harvesting technologies and diversified income-generating opportunities.

Declining Area under Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in Karnataka, India: Key Determinants and Comparative Economic Analysis

Savita Andavagol — 2026-07-20

Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal and millet crop in Karnataka, contributing to food and nutritional security, particularly in the semi-arid regions of the state. However, the area under rabi sorghum cultivation has been declining. The present study was undertaken to identify the factors responsible for this decline and to compare the economics of rabi sorghum with those of major competing crops. The study was conducted in Vijayapura and Kalaburagi districts, which had the highest area under rabi sorghum. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers from major rabi sorghum-growing areas. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested schedule. Garrett’s ranking technique was used to rank the reasons for the decline, while descriptive statistical tools were employed to estimate and compare costs and returns. The results revealed that lower profitability relative to competing crops was the most important socio-economic reason for shifting away from rabi sorghum, with a Garrett score of 72.43. Among production-related reasons, the lack of high-yielding varieties emerged as the major constraint (72.82), whereas price fluctuations or seasonal volatility were the most critical marketing reason (79.45). The comparative economic analysis indicated that rabi sorghum generated lower gross returns (₹22,475 per acre), net returns (₹4,691 per acre), and returns per rupee of expenditure (1.26) than Bengalgram (1.35) and redgram (1.63). Therefore, improving productivity through high-yielding varieties and strengthening procurement mechanisms is essential for sustaining rabi sorghum cultivation in Karnataka.

Tomato Leaf Disease Classification Using Proposed AlexNet: A Deep Learning Approach for Sustainable Agriculture

Debabrat Bharali — 2026-07-20

Timely and accurate identification of tomato leaf diseases is important for reducing crop losses and supporting sustainable crop management. This study developed a modified AlexNet architecture for classifying field-captured tomato leaf images into seven disease categories. A custom dataset obtained under variable backgrounds and lighting conditions was expanded through rotation, horizontal and vertical flipping, and zooming to reduce class imbalance and improve model generalisation. The proposed architecture comprised three convolutional layers with 3 × 3 filters, reduced fully connected layers, and dropout regularisation to balance predictive performance and computational efficiency. The model was implemented using TensorFlow and Keras and trained for 30 epochs. Its performance was evaluated using accuracy and loss curves, a confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve values, class-wise precision, recall and F1-scores, and Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping. Under the reported experimental protocol, the model achieved a validation accuracy of 99.74% and a macro-average F1-score of 0.8907. Bacterial spot and early blight showed comparatively strong classification performance, whereas target spot was the most difficult category to classify. Grad-CAM visualisations indicated that the model generally focused on symptom-bearing leaf regions. Comparisons with selected ResNet and VGG architectures showed favourable results for the proposed model on the same dataset. Independent external validation and deployment-oriented testing remain necessary before broader field applicability can be established.

Evaluation of Physiogeometrical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars Manufactured in Ghana

Emmanuel K. Banini — 2026-07-21

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are increasingly considered alternatives to steel reinforcement because of their corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and electromagnetic neutrality. However, the physiogeometrical properties of GFRP bars manufactured in Ghana have not been adequately documented. This study evaluated locally manufactured GFRP bars with nominal diameters of 10, 12, and 16 mm. The investigated parameters were cross-sectional area, equivalent diameter, rib height and spacing, fibre mass fraction, and moisture absorption after 24 hours. Five specimens from each bar size were examined for each test category using procedures referenced to ACI, ASTM, Canadian, and Indian standards. The measured equivalent diameters and cross-sectional areas were slightly greater than the nominal values, although the differences were not statistically significant. All specimens were sand-coated and helically wrapped, with bar-size-dependent variations in rib geometry. Mean fibre mass fractions ranged from 77.09% to 78.07%, exceeding the minimum limits used for comparison. Mean moisture absorption after 24 hours was 0.109% for 10 mm bars and 0.135% for 12 mm bars, both below the 0.25% comparison limit. The 16 mm bars recorded 0.277%, which was 10.8% above that limit. Overall, the tested bars generally satisfied the evaluated physiogeometrical requirements, although the higher moisture uptake of the 16 mm bars indicates the need for further assessment of manufacturing consistency and long-term durability.

Production and Value Chain Constraints: A Garrett Ranking Analysis of Aonla Cultivation

Nitin Maurya — 2026-07-22

Aonla (Emblica officinalis) cultivation is important in India because of its nutritional and economic significance; however, growers face multiple production and value-chain challenges. This study assessed these constraints among 120 farmers in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, using Garrett’s ranking technique. A multistage purposive and random sampling procedure was used to select respondents from the Magraura and Pratapgarh Sadar blocks. The results showed that the major production constraints, ranked according to severity, were labour shortages during peak harvesting (Garrett score: 67.01), the high cost of chemical fertilisers and plant-protection chemicals (55.14), and the high incidence of insect pests and diseases (51.21). Low productivity due to irregular bearing and poor fruit set ranked fourth (48.60), inadequate access to institutional credit for orchard maintenance ranked fifth (41.13), and the non-availability of farmyard manure (FYM) and organic inputs ranked sixth (35.88). The leading value-chain constraints were market price instability and a shortage of skilled labour, ranked first and second, with scores of 63.52 and 58.03, respectively. These were followed by strict quality-compliance and food-safety requirements (56.69), the non-availability of specialised cold-storage facilities (56.07), inadequate rural transport infrastructure and high freight charges (34.39), and post-harvest losses and inefficient primary handling (30.28). These constraints limit production and marketing efficiency. Targeted interventions addressing labour availability, input affordability, market stability, quality compliance, and cold-chain infrastructure may strengthen cultivation, value addition, and processing within the regional Aonla value chain.

Comparative Assessment of Genetic Variability and Yield-associated Traits in Bread Wheat under Organic and Conventional Production Systems

Chaitanya Thakur — 2026-07-22

Aims: To assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and associations among yield and yield-related traits in bread wheat under conventional and organic production systems, and to identify superior genotypes for sustainable wheat breeding.

Study Design: A field experiment was conducted using an augmented block design.

Place and Duration of Study: The Experimental Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, and the Zero Budget Natural Farming Farm, Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India, during the rabi season of 2021–22.

Methodology: A total of 192 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, comprising 186 germplasm accessions and six check varieties, were evaluated under conventional (E1) and organic (E2) production systems. Eleven agronomic and yield-related traits were recorded. Genetic variability was estimated using the genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, while phenotypic correlation analysis was used to determine associations among traits.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among genotypes for all studied traits under both production systems, indicating substantial genetic variability. Phenotypic coefficient of variation values were consistently higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation values, although the differences were generally small, indicating limited environmental influence on trait expression. Effective tillers per plant under conventional conditions exhibited high broad-sense heritability (95.67%) and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (77.31%), while grain yield per plant under organic conditions recorded heritability of 80.51% and genetic advance of 48.85%. This combination suggests that these traits may respond effectively to selection. Grain yield was positively correlated with ear length, spikelets per spike, test weight, and harvest index, whereas days to flowering and plant height showed negative associations. Thirty-six genotypes outperformed the best check under conventional conditions, whereas six genotypes (IC532001, IC542012, EC2990, EC534373, IC138511, and IC0534228) surpassed the best check under organic conditions.

Conclusion: Considerable genetic variability was observed among the evaluated wheat genotypes under both production systems. Harvest index, ear length, spikelets per spike, and test weight were identified as useful selection criteria for improving grain yield. The superior genotypes identified under organic conditions constitute valuable genetic resources for developing high-yielding wheat cultivars adapted to sustainable and low-input production systems.

Development and Characterization of a Kinnow Functional Bar Enriched with Coagulated Mung Bean Protein

Harnoor Dhillon — 2026-07-23

The present study developed and characterised a kinnow functional bar enriched with coagulated mung bean protein. Five formulations (T0–T4) were prepared by progressively increasing coagulated mung bean protein from 0 to 25 g while varying kinnow pulp and maintaining the other stated ingredients. The bars were evaluated for proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, protein quality, mineral composition, colour, texture, microbiological quality, and reported sensory acceptability. The optimised formulation (T4) contained 12.90% protein, 4.10% dietary fibre, 1.82% ash, 75.10% carbohydrates, and 3.25% fat. It also showed total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 34.20 mg GAE/g and 22.40 mg QE/g, respectively, with DPPH antioxidant activity of 83.50%. The reported protein digestibility, PDCAAS, and DIAAS values were 83.4%, 0.75, and 70.6, respectively. Potassium was the predominant mineral at 689.10 mg/100 g, while calcium, sodium, and iron were also detected. During 10 days of refrigerated storage, the total plate count increased from 720 to 1,642 CFU/g, while yeast, mould, and total coliforms remained below detectable levels. Overall, incorporation of coagulated mung bean protein improved the reported nutritional and functional characteristics of the kinnow bar. Further verification of formulation totals, calculated energy, sensory data, and extended shelf-life performance is required before commercial application.

Assessment of Dairy Farmers Management Efficiency towards Scientific Livestock Management in Saurashtra Region, India

Yata Uday Kumar — 2026-07-23

The study assessed the management efficiency of dairy farmers in relation to scientific livestock management in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. An ex post facto research design and multistage sampling technique were adopted. Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, and Rajkot districts were selected, followed by two talukas from each district and 12 villages. Data were collected from 180 dairy farmers, with 15 respondents selected from each village, using a structured interview schedule administered during farm and home visits. Management efficiency was assessed across five components: planning ability, rationality in decision-making, risk orientation, ability to coordinate activities, and rational marketing ability. Frequency, percentage, and an arbitrary classification method were used for analysis. The results showed that 49.44% of respondents had medium planning ability, 53.33% had medium rationality in decision-making, 45.56% had medium risk orientation, 59.44% had medium ability to coordinate activities, and 38.33% had medium rational marketing ability. However, 45.00% of respondents had very low overall management efficiency, and 72.78% were distributed across the very low to medium categories. The findings indicate that moderate performance in individual managerial components did not translate into high overall management efficiency. Strengthened extension services, advisory support, and practical capacity-building programmes may help dairy farmers improve planning, decision-making, coordination, animal management, and marketing.

Comparative Export Performance of Rice, Wheat, and Maize: An Indian Perspective

S. J. Shedmake — 2026-07-23

India’s agricultural sector contributes to food security, rural employment, and foreign-exchange earnings, while cereals form an important component of the country’s export basket. This study assessed the export performance of rice, wheat, and maize from India during 2020–21 to 2023–24. A descriptive and analytical research design was adopted using secondary data from APEDA, DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and related government publications. Export quantity, export value, destination patterns, and year-to-year changes were examined using standardised units and percentage-change analysis. The results showed clear differences among the three commodities. Rice remained the most stable and prominent cereal export, supported by continued demand for Basmati and non-Basmati varieties, although policy measures affected non-Basmati shipments in the final year. Wheat exports increased sharply in 2021–22 but declined substantially after the introduction of export restrictions, demonstrating their sensitivity to domestic food-security and policy considerations. Maize exports initially expanded but subsequently contracted as domestic industrial demand and international competition intensified. Destination analysis indicated that India’s cereal trade depends on a combination of neighbouring, West Asian, African, and Southeast Asian markets. The study concludes that improved storage and logistics, consistent export policies, stronger quality standards, and broader market diversification may enhance the reliability and competitiveness of India’s cereal exports. The findings provide a concise commodity-wise comparison for recent policy and trade assessment.

Information Sources and Social Participation in Technology Dissemination among Bottle Gourd Growers, Uttar Pradesh, India

Harjeet Singh — 2026-07-24

This study examined the information sources utilised by bottle gourd growers and their level of social participation in Western Uttar Pradesh during 2025. A descriptive research design was adopted in Hapur and Amroha districts of the Meerut and Moradabad divisions. Four blocks and sixteen villages were selected, and 192 bottle gourd growers, comprising 96 respondents from each district, were chosen through random sampling. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean percentage scores, and ranks. Progressive farmers and neighbours were the most frequently utilised information source, with a mean percentage score of 88.02, followed by input dealers and government sale centres with 81.94. The Agricultural Department ranked third, whereas farmers’ fairs and exhibitions ranked last. Regarding social participation, 48.44% of respondents held no membership in any social or occupational organisation, 33.85% belonged to one organisation, and 17.71% belonged to more than one organisation. The results show that growers relied mainly on informal, nearby, and transaction-linked sources, while formal institutional, collective, and technology-enabled channels were used less frequently. Strengthening the visibility and accessibility of Krishi Vigyan Kendra services, cooperative societies, Farmer Producer Organisations, Kisan Call Centres, and digital advisory platforms may improve the reach of extension information and support technology dissemination among bottle gourd growers in the study area.

Growth, Instability and Directions of Cotton Exports in India during 2014-15 to 2023-24: An Empirical Analysis

T. A. Sheikh — 2026-07-24

Cotton is a major commercial crop in India and contributes to agricultural income, industrial employment and foreign-exchange earnings. This study examines India’s cotton export performance from 2014–15 to 2023–24. Its objectives were to analyse growth and instability in area, production and productivity; evaluate the export profile; and model the direction of trade. Secondary data were obtained from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, the Cotton Advisory Board and the Cotton Association of India. The analytical methods included the compound growth rate, coefficient of variation, Cuddy–Della Valle Instability Index and a first-order Markov chain model. The domestic production series showed a non-significant annual increase in area (0.69%), a non-significant decline in production (−1.51%) and a significant decline in yield (−2.18%). Export quantity recorded negative overall growth (−9.30%), whereas export value in rupee terms increased marginally (1.85%). China and Bangladesh accounted for the largest export shares. The Markov chain analysis indicated that Bangladesh had the highest retention probability among the named country markets (0.6500), followed by Hong Kong and Turkey (0.5500 each) and Vietnam (0.5000). The findings indicate that policy attention should focus on productivity constraints, export competitiveness and destination diversification.

Constraints Influencing the Adoption of Nutrition Sensitive Agricultural Practices among Tribal Farmers in Koraput District of Odisha

Sayeena Biswal — 2026-07-24

Nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) is a valuable approach to addressing malnutrition by linking agricultural production with nutritional outcomes. Despite government programmes promoting nutrition-sensitive interventions, adoption among tribal farming communities remains limited by socioeconomic, operational, economic, and technological constraints. This study identified and analysed the constraints perceived by tribal farmers in adopting nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices in Koraput district, Odisha. An ex post facto research design was used, and primary data were collected from 202 tribal farmers selected through multistage sampling from Koraput, Jeypore, and Semiliguda blocks. The Garrett Ranking Technique was applied to rank constraints according to respondents’ perceptions. Inadequate landholding for adopting nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices was the most important operational constraint (Garrett mean score = 77.02). Among socioeconomic constraints, low literacy among tribal farmers ranked first (Garrett mean score = 77.35), followed by inadequate awareness of balanced diets. Poor household economic conditions were the principal economic constraint (Garrett mean score = 66.69), limiting farmers’ capacity to invest in diversified farming systems. Among technological constraints, inadequate sensitisation regarding nutritional security among key village-level stakeholders ranked highest (Garrett mean score = 70.02), indicating gaps in extension and education efforts. The findings suggest that effective adoption of nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices requires an integrated approach combining agricultural extension, nutrition education, financial support, market development, and institutional coordination. Strengthening farmers’ awareness, access to productive resources, and community-based nutrition initiatives may improve adoption and household nutritional security in tribal areas of Odisha.

Optimization of Millet Incorporated Mango Stirred Yoghurt Using Response Surface Methodology

Dev Mayank Soni — 2026-07-24

This study developed and optimised a millet-incorporated mango stirred yoghurt containing mango pulp, steamed little millet and popped amaranth. A three-factor face-centred central composite design comprising 20 experimental runs was used to assess the effects of mango pulp, steamed little millet and popped amaranth on colour and appearance, flavour, mouthfeel and consistency, sweetness, overall acceptability and viscosity. Quadratic models adequately described the measured responses, and numerical optimisation identified a formulation containing 16.0% mango pulp, 1.5% steamed little millet and 3.5% popped amaranth, with a desirability of 1.00. The optimised formulation was prepared and compared with mango stirred yoghurt produced without millet and amaranth. The millet-incorporated product contained 25.00% total solids, 2.80% fat, 3.24% protein, 0.87% ash and 18.07% carbohydrate. Its viscosity was 4558.42 cP at 20°C, compared with 2362.20 cP for the control. The optimised product also obtained higher scores for all evaluated sensory attributes. Degree of hydrolysis, tyrosine content, free fatty acid content and DPPH radical-scavenging activity were significantly higher in the millet-incorporated yoghurt. Lactic acid bacterial counts were comparable between the two products, while coliforms and yeasts and moulds were not detected at the time of analysis. The findings demonstrate that steamed little millet and popped amaranth can be incorporated into mango stirred yoghurt to obtain an acceptable fermented dairy product with modified compositional, physicochemical and biofunctional characteristics.

Assessment of Biochar Yield from Diverse Crop Biomass Feedstocks using a Drum Kiln Method: A Case Study

M. S. Vivek — 2026-07-25

Crop biomass generated in agricultural fields is often difficult to handle and is commonly treated as a disposal burden. Converting such residues into biochar through controlled pyrolysis can provide a value-added soil amendment and a potential carbon storage material. This study evaluated biochar production from three crop biomass feedstocks, namely maize cob rind, pigeonpea stalk and cotton stalk, using a modified drum kiln method. Different kiln loading rates and reaction times were assessed to standardise biochar production and to determine their effects on biochar yield and proximate quality parameters. Biochar yield, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon content were evaluated for each feedstock. The results showed that biochar yield varied with biomass type, loading rate and reaction time. Maize cob rind produced the highest yield of 17.48% at a kiln load of 10 kg and a reaction time of 13 minutes. Pigeonpea stalk produced the highest yield of 33.19% at 18 kg per kiln with 16 minutes of reaction time, while cotton stalk produced the highest yield of 34.31% at 20 kg per kiln with 19 minutes of reaction time. The findings indicate that feedstock characteristics and kiln operation influence biochar recovery and quality. Standardisation of loading rate, reaction duration, feedstock size and moisture condition is therefore important before wider application of this drum kiln method for crop residue management.

Efficacy of Seaweed Extract in Enhancing Wheat Productivity in an Inceptisol of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Ramawatar Meena — 2026-07-25

Integrated nutrient management may reduce reliance on conventional fertilisers while sustaining wheat productivity. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022–2023 rabi season at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, to evaluate combinations of recommended fertilisers, nano urea, NPK-consortia biofertiliser, and Sagarika granular and liquid formulations in an Inceptisol. Eleven treatments were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Plant height, tiller number, plant population, chlorophyll content, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index were assessed. Treatment effects differed significantly for the evaluated growth and yield parameters. Treatment T11, comprising 50% urea, 100% DAP and MOP, NPK-consortia biofertiliser, foliar nano urea, and Sagarika liquid, recorded the highest plant height (94.53 cm), tiller number (8.33 plant⁻¹ at 90 DAS), chlorophyll content (56.80 SPAD), ear length (12.87 cm), grains per ear (80.00), test weight (53.03 g), grain yield (45.67 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (63.67 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (109.33 q ha⁻¹). The highest harvest index (47.58%) was recorded under T9. These findings indicate that integrating reduced soil-applied urea with mineral fertilisers, biofertiliser, foliar nano urea, and Sagarika may support wheat growth and productivity under the tested soil and climatic conditions. Multi-season and multi-location validation is required before wider recommendation.

Trade Dynamics and Market Retention among Major Rice Exporting Countries: A Pre- and Post-Recession Markov Analysis with Special Reference to India

Poonam Chaturvedi — 2026-07-25

This study analyses changes in global rice-export patterns and market retention before and after the 2008–09 recession, with particular reference to India. Secondary data for 2000–2020 were examined for six major rice-exporting countries and India’s principal destination markets. A first-order Markov transition probability matrix was used to estimate market-retention and transfer probabilities, while a linear regression model assessed the association of rice exports with the international–domestic price differential, domestic consumption, lagged production, and the real exchange rate. During the pre-recession period, Thailand recorded the largest average export share and the highest retention probability among the major exporters. During the post-recession period, India recorded the largest average export share, whereas China had the highest estimated retention probability. India’s retention probability increased substantially between the two periods. Among India’s destination markets, the United Arab Emirates was the most stable before the recession, while Saudi Arabia had the highest retention probability after the recession. For the full study period, the international–domestic price differential and domestic consumption were positively and significantly associated with India’s rice exports, whereas lagged production and the real exchange rate were not statistically significant. The findings indicate that export share and estimated market retention followed different patterns and should not be interpreted interchangeably. They also suggest that stable market relationships, price conditions, supply efficiency, and destination diversification are relevant to sustaining India’s rice-export performance.

Studies on Ocular Ultasonography and Echobiometry in Jamunapari Goats

Ashish Banger — 2026-07-25

Transcorneal B-mode ultrasonography was used to characterise the normal ocular echomorphology and echobiometry of clinically healthy Jamunapari goats and to compare findings by age, sex, and laterality. The study included six males and six females in each of two age groups, comprising kids and adults. Without sedation or anaesthesia, both eyes were scanned in the axial plane using an 8–10 MHz convex transducer at a depth of 4–8 cm. Aqueous chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial globe length, and scleroretinal rim thickness were measured in triplicate. Intraocular pressure was recorded with a TonoVet Plus tonometer, and tear production was assessed using the Schirmer tear test. The intraocular structures were consistently visualised, allowing standard echomorphometric measurements to be established. No significant sex-related differences were observed in the measured ocular dimensions within the kid or adult groups. Most echobiometric values increased with age, indicating greater ocular dimensions in adult goats than in kids. Intraocular pressure was numerically higher in kids, whereas Schirmer tear test values were higher in adults. Differences between the left and right eyes were identified for some parameters, although the pattern was not consistent across all measurements. These findings provide preliminary baseline values for ocular assessment in Jamunapari goats and may assist the interpretation of ultrasonographic, tonometric, and tear-test findings in clinical ophthalmic examinations. Confirmation in larger and more diverse populations is required.

Study of Physico-chemical Parameters and Bird Diversity in Khajua Beel, a Freshwater Wetland of Udalguri District, Assam, India

Rimjim Dutta — 2026-07-27

Wetlands provide habitat and feeding resources for resident and migratory birds, while their ecological condition is influenced by seasonal variation in water quality. This study documented selected physicochemical characteristics and avian diversity in Khajua Beel, a freshwater wetland in Udalguri District, Assam, from November 2024 to April 2025. Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, free carbon dioxide, total acidity, and total alkalinity were measured monthly. Bird surveys were conducted through walking surveys and point counts during morning and afternoon observation periods. Forty bird species representing 11 orders and 19 families were recorded, including 24 residents, 12 migratory species, and four local movers. Carnivorous birds constituted the largest feeding group, followed by omnivorous species. The recorded assemblage included one Endangered species and three Near Threatened species. The Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity, and Pielou evenness indices were 3.12, 0.93, and 0.89, respectively. Dissolved oxygen declined from 9.07 mg/L in November to 6.36 mg/L in April, whereas free carbon dioxide increased from 12.15 mg/L in December to 14.24 mg/L in April. Bird species richness was comparatively greater during winter and declined towards April. These observations provide a preliminary inventory of avian diversity and seasonal water characteristics at Khajua Beel and support the need for continued ecological monitoring.

Quality Evaluation of Functional Goat Milk Yogurt Enriched with Fruit Pulp: Physico-chemical, Textural, Colour and Sensory Perspectives

Suraj Kumar — 2026-07-27

The present study evaluated the quality characteristics of functional goat milk yoghurt enriched with different fruit pulps. Preliminary trials standardised the formulation and processing conditions for acceptable fruit-enriched goat milk yoghurt. Banana, sapota, and mango pulps were incorporated separately at 15, 20, and 25% in three independent sub-experiments. Based on sensory evaluation, yoghurts containing 20% banana pulp (B2), 25% sapota pulp (P3), and 25% mango pulp (M3) were selected as optimum formulations and compared with plain goat milk yoghurt (control, C) for physico-chemical, textural, colour, and sensory characteristics. Treatments B2 and M3 showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower pH and higher titratable acidity than C and P3. Fruit incorporation significantly (P < 0.05) increased moisture content and °Brix values while reducing protein and fat contents. Hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and gumminess were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced, with the highest values in P3 and M3. Fruit addition reduced lightness (L*), whereas mango yoghurt had significantly (P < 0.05) higher yellowness (b*) and banana yoghurt significantly (P < 0.05) higher redness (a*). Sensory evaluation showed that fruit incorporation significantly (P < 0.05) improved flavour, texture, and overall acceptability compared with C. Yoghurt containing 25% mango pulp (M3) achieved the highest scores for all sensory attributes, demonstrating its superior ability to mask the characteristic caprine flavour while improving texture and visual appeal. Overall, 25% mango pulp was the most effective formulation for developing acceptable value-added goat milk yoghurt with improved quality characteristics. The findings demonstrate the potential of locally available fruit pulps to enhance the physicochemical, textural, colour, and sensory quality of goat milk yoghurt, effectively support product diversification and value addition, and address the challenge of caprine flavour. They also provide practical guidance for researchers, dairy processors, and the functional food industry developing innovative goat milk-based products aligned with evolving consumer preferences.

Marketing System of Ragi in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka: A Multi-Channel Analysis

C. Sanjaygowda — 2026-07-27

The marketing system of finger millet (ragi, Eleusine coracana L.) in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka operates through different channels that vary in the number of intermediaries involved, marketing costs, and overall efficiency. Although ragi is an important staple crop that contributes significantly to food and nutritional security in dryland areas, few studies have examined the comparative efficiency of alternative marketing channels. The present study evaluated the performance of three major ragi marketing channels in the region: Channel-I (Producer–Commission Agent–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer), Channel-II (Producer–KFCSC Procurement Centre–Consumer), and Channel-III (Producer–Village Trader–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer).

Primary data were collected during April–May 2024 from 90 farmers and 24 market intermediaries. Marketing efficiency was analysed using Acharya’s modified marketing efficiency approach and Shepherd’s index. The results indicated clear differences among the channels in terms of price spread, the producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee, and marketing efficiency. Among the three channels, Channel-II, involving the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation (KFCSC) procurement centres, performed best. It recorded the highest marketing efficiency, at 14.88 using Acharya’s method and 15.88 using Shepherd’s index. This channel also had the lowest price spread of Rs. 251.50 per quintal and the highest producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee, at 93.70 per cent.

By contrast, Channel-I, which involved commission agents and wholesalers through the APMC system, was the least efficient. It had the highest price spread of Rs. 787.00 per quintal, the lowest producer’s share of 80.77 per cent, and a marketing efficiency value of 4.20. Channel-III, in which village traders acted as intermediaries, showed moderate performance, with a marketing efficiency of 4.43, a price spread of Rs. 732.50 per quintal, and a producer’s share of 81.57 per cent. Marketing costs were also highest in Channel-I, at Rs. 411.50 per quintal, whereas Channel-II incurred the lowest marketing cost, at Rs. 251.50 per quintal.

The findings indicate that the KFCSC procurement channel was more efficient than the other marketing channels considered. Institutional procurement systems may enable farmers to receive a larger share of the consumer price by reducing the number of intermediaries, lowering transaction costs, and providing greater price assurance. Therefore, strengthening KFCSC procurement facilities, expanding procurement centres, ensuring prompt payment to farmers, and encouraging direct marketing systems may improve ragi marketing efficiency and farmer income in Karnataka.

Influence of Green Leaf Powder Addition on the Quality Characteristics of Rice-Based Crackers

Duwa — 2026-07-28

This study evaluated the influence of green leaf powder (GLP), prepared as a 50:50 blend of fennel and amaranth leaves, on the quality of broken rice flour (BRF)-based crackers. Eight formulations containing 0–7% GLP were prepared with BRF and sesame seeds. The crackers were assessed for thickness, diameter, weight, spread ratio, colour, proximate composition, overall acceptability, and changes during 90 days of ambient storage. GLP incorporation significantly affected the physical and compositional characteristics (p < 0.05). As GLP concentration increased, thickness rose from 3.53 to 3.90 mm and weight from 3.51 to 3.65 g, whereas diameter declined from 54.62 to 54.07 mm and spread ratio from 13.85 to 10.71. Higher GLP levels increased protein, ash, and crude fibre contents, while carbohydrate content and total energy declined marginally. Colour values decreased with GLP addition and continued to decline during storage. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale showed that T5, containing 4% GLP, had the highest mean overall acceptability score of 7.96. Increasing GLP above 4% slightly reduced acceptability. Across storage, mean overall acceptability decreased from 7.89 at day 0 to 7.49 at day 90. The findings indicate that moderate GLP incorporation can improve selected nutritional attributes of rice-based crackers while maintaining satisfactory physical and sensory quality during storage.

A Geographic Information System Approach to Morphometric Analysis of a Drainage Basin for Flood Vulnerability Potential, Southwest Nigeria

J. E. Adewoyin — 2026-07-30

Drainage-basin morphometry provides useful quantitative evidence for interpreting basin form, runoff response and flood-vulnerability potential, especially where direct hydrological observations are limited. This study evaluated the drainage characteristics of the Aye River sub-basin in south-western Nigeria and their implications for flood vulnerability potential. Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission digital elevation model data and ArcGIS Pro were used to derive linear, areal, relief and geometric parameters of the drainage system. The assessed parameters included stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, channel maintenance, infiltration number, length of overland flow, basin relief, relief ratio, relative relief, ruggedness number, gradient ratio, length-area relation, lemniscate and form factor ratio. The basin covers 1463.69 km² and exhibits a dendritic drainage pattern, with streams extending to the seventh order. The computed values include drainage density of 0.76 km/km², stream frequency of 0.36, channel maintenance of 1.32, infiltration number of 0.27, length of overland flow of 0.66 and form factor ratio of 0.21. These values indicate coarse drainage texture, relatively low channel concentration and an elongated basin form, suggesting longer runoff duration. Flood-vulnerability mapping shows spatial variation across the basin, with moderately vulnerable areas occupying the largest proportion. The findings provide preliminary morphometric evidence for watershed management and future flood-risk assessment in the area.

Enhancing Pigeonpea Productivity and Quality: Comparative Efficacy of Foliar Super Nano, Conventional Urea with Graded Soil Nitrogen and Sulphur Application

Ajeya Kumara — 2026-07-30

An experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Pigeonpea, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, to evaluate the effects of super nano urea and sulphur on pigeonpea growth, seed yield and seed quality. Twelve treatments were assessed in a randomised complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised graded basal levels of recommended nitrogen (25 kg ha^-1) and sulphur (20 kg ha^-1), integrated with two foliar sprays of super nano urea at 2, 4 or 8 ml L^-1 during flowering and pod formation, or conventional urea plus water-soluble sulphur. The application of 75% recommended nitrogen and sulphur with two foliar sprays of 10 g L^-1 urea plus 5 g L^-1 water-soluble sulphur (T₁₂) recorded the highest plant height (187 cm), SPAD value (70.47), number of pods per plant (108.39), 100-seed weight (14.87 g), seed yield (1,434 kg ha^-1), seed germination (93.67%), mean seedling length (52.64 cm), SVI-I (4,931), SVI-II (6,112), total dehydrogenase activity (2.18), seed protein content (23.47%) and benefit-cost ratio (3.02). Treatment T₉, comprising 75% recommended nitrogen and sulphur with super nano urea at 4 ml L^-1, produced comparable values, including a plant height of 184 cm, 100-seed weight of 14.78 g, seed yield of 1,367 kg ha^-1 and benefit-cost ratio of 2.78. The lowest responses were observed under 25% recommended nitrogen and sulphur (T₁). These results indicate that adequate basal nitrogen and sulphur combined with targeted foliar nutrition can improve pigeonpea productivity, seed quality and economic returns under these conditions.

Awareness of Underutilized Fruits among Rural Communities in Prayagraj District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Thogaru Joy Phinehas — 2026-07-30

Underutilized fruits represent an important component of India's agrobiodiversity and possess immense nutritional, medicinal, and socioeconomic potential. Despite their abundance in many regions, their utilisation remains limited due to inadequate awareness, poor market development, and changing dietary preferences. The present study was conducted to assess the awareness of underutilized fruits among rural households in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 400 respondents from eight villages distributed across four geographical directions of the district during 2023–2025. Data were collected through a structured and pre-tested questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, awareness of selected underutilized fruits, knowledge of nutritional and medicinal benefits, purchasing behaviour, utilisation patterns, and factors influencing awareness. Descriptive statistics, Z-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to interpret the data. The study revealed that awareness varied considerably among fruit species, with Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) recording the highest level of awareness, followed by Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bael (Aegle marmelos), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), and Karonda (Carissa carandas). Educational status, age, income, and place of residence significantly influenced awareness levels. Respondents recognized the nutritional and medicinal importance of these fruits; however, limited availability in organized markets, inadequate promotional activities, and insufficient scientific information restricted their regular consumption. The findings emphasize the need for awareness campaigns, value-addition initiatives, and policy interventions to promote underutilized fruits as sustainable food resources for improving nutritional security, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing rural livelihoods.

Price Trends and Comparative Analysis of Retail Milk Sale Prices among Gujarat Co-operative Dairies

Garasiya Bhavik — 2026-07-30

Retail milk pricing is an important determinant of consumer affordability, co-operative competitiveness, and dairy market performance in Gujarat, a major milk-producing state in India. Using five years (2020–21 to 2024–25) of monthly secondary retail price data from 18 district co-operative dairies across up to eight milk categories, this study examines year-wise and month-wise price trends, inter-dairy price differences, and milk-category price variations. After data screening, 3,536 valid price observations from 16 dairies with usable data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, including the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, compound annual growth rate (CAGR), price revision frequency, and comparative price ranking; the analysis is descriptive in nature and does not involve inferential analysis or significance testing.

The pooled mean retail milk price rose from ₹43.54 per litre in 2020–21 to ₹54.19 per litre in 2024–25, an increase of 24.45 per cent (CAGR 5.62 per cent). Price revisions were infrequent and concentrated in June–August and March, coinciding with seasonal procurement conditions. Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Banaskantha maintained comparatively higher prices throughout the period, while Sabarkantha, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, and Amreli remained comparatively lower-priced. Prices across milk categories followed the expected FSSAI fat-content hierarchy, with Skimmed Milk being the least expensive and Whole/Full Cream Milk the most expensive.

These findings indicate that district co-operative dairies maintain distinct pricing strategies despite operating under a common federation and brand and offer practical insights for dairy co-operatives, policymakers and researchers seeking to improve pricing transparency and understand retail milk price dynamics.

Design and Development of a Seed Box for a Drone-Based Paddy Seeding System

Gowtham — 2026-07-30

Direct-seeded rice offers a resource-efficient alternative to conventional transplanting by reducing labour and water requirements. Drone-based seeding may further improve the timeliness and accessibility of sowing operations, but its effectiveness depends on a lightweight seed box that provides adequate storage and consistent seed flow. This study was conducted to design and develop a seed box for a drone-based paddy-seeding mechanism. Before the design process, the physical properties of paddy seeds were analysed to obtain the essential parameters required for seed-box development. Experimental investigations were conducted in the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, UAS, Raichur. The seed-box design was based on the physical properties of the RNR 15048 paddy variety, particularly the bulk density and angle of repose, to ensure smooth seed flow and adequate storage capacity. The seed box was modelled using SOLIDWORKS 2022 computer-aided design software and fabricated using a Creality Ender 3 V3 SE three-dimensional printer with polylactic acid filament. Polylactic acid was selected because of its low weight, adequate strength, biodegradability, and ease of fabrication. The seed box incorporated smooth internal surfaces, a calibrated outlet, and a hopper angle of 35° to facilitate continuous seed flow with minimal clogging. Its total internal volume was 0.00407 m³, providing a storage capacity of approximately 2.10 kg of paddy seed based on an average bulk density of 515 kg m⁻³. The developed seed box was lightweight and structurally stable and was suitable for integration with a drone-based paddy-seeding system. Three-dimensional printing enabled rapid prototyping, cost-effective fabrication, and straightforward design modification for UAV-based agricultural components.

A Study on Flame Retardant efficacy of Eggshell Biowaste on Cotton Fabric

Harmandeep Kaur Toor — 2026-07-30

Cotton textiles possess desirable properties, including high hygroscopicity, air permeability, and biodegradability. However, their high cellulose content makes them highly flammable, limiting their use in several sectors. This study therefore evaluated an eggshell-biowaste treatment for imparting flame retardancy to cotton fabric. Before treatment, the selected cotton fabric was enzymatically desized and scoured using amylase and pectinase, respectively, to improve wettability. The eggshell finish was applied by the exhaust method using 25% eggshell powder, 4% chitosan binder, a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:40, pH 6.5, and a treatment temperature of 80 °C for 45 min. The fabric was dried at 100 °C for 13 min and cured at 140 °C for 4 min. The treated fabric was characterised using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FE-SEM and FTIR confirmed the deposition of eggshell particles on the fabric surface, including characteristic peaks and distinctive flower-like clusters. TGA indicated slower degradation and greater residual mass in the treated fabric than in the untreated fabric. The limiting oxygen index increased from 18% to 26%. Horizontal, vertical, and inclined flammability testing further showed reductions in burning rate, burning time, and char length after treatment. These findings indicate that eggshell biowaste, used with chitosan and sodium hypophosphite, has potential as a bio-based treatment for improving the flame-retardant behaviour of cotton fabric. Further evaluation of laundering durability and end-use performance is required.

Seed Priming and Foliar Application of Green-synthesised Nano Boron Nitride and Sulphur Enhance Nutrient-use and Production Efficiencies in Sunflower

N. Pruthviraj — 2026-07-31

Background: Efficient boron and sulphur delivery is important for sunflower productivity, but the combined effects of green-synthesised nano formulations applied through seed priming and foliar spraying on nutrient-efficiency indices remain poorly defined.

Objective: This study evaluated the individual and interactive effects of nano boron nitride and nano sulphur sources, concentrations and application methods on nutrient-use, agronomic and production efficiencies in sunflower.

Methods: Two field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 rabi seasons at Bengaluru, India. A two-factor factorial design comprised four seed-priming treatments and six foliar treatments applied at the ray floret stage, together with recommended-fertiliser and recommended-package controls. Each response variable was analysed separately by factorial analysis of variance; after confirming the homogeneity of error variances, data were pooled across years. Year-wise and pooled means, standard error of the mean and critical difference at P = .05 are presented in Tables 1–2.

Results: Seed priming, foliar treatment and their interaction significantly affected the evaluated efficiencies. Green-synthesised nano boron nitride seed priming at 1500 ppm combined with foliar green nano sulphur at 600 ppm plus green nano boron nitride at 1500 ppm (S₃F₅) produced the highest pooled partial factor productivity of N, P and K (39.9, 39.9 and 57.4 kg seed kg⁻¹ nutrient applied), approximately 115–116% higher than the recommended-fertiliser control. Green nano sulphur seed priming at 600 ppm produced the highest main-effect agronomic efficiency (3431 kg additional seed kg⁻¹ nutrient applied), while S₁F₅ produced the highest pooled production efficiency (186 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹).

Discussion and Conclusion: The lower-dose green formulations generally outperformed their higher-dose commercial counterparts, indicating that formulation, concentration, timing and combined application influenced nutrient conversion into seed yield. The S₃F₅ strategy is promising for improving N, P and K partial factor productivity, whereas green nano sulphur contributed strongly to agronomic efficiency. Multi-location validation, environmental-safety assessment and economic analysis are recommended before field-scale adoption.

Adoption, Economics and Constraints of Oil Palm Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Adopters and Non-Adopters

V. Poornima — 2026-07-31

Oil palm is being promoted in Tamil Nadu under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) as a means of reducing India's dependence on imported edible oil. This study compares the socio-economic profiles, perceptions, awareness, economics, and constraints of oil palm adopters and non-adopters (sugarcane growers) in two blocks of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. A multi-stage sampling design was used to select 60 oil palm adopters and 60 non-adopters from six villages across the Vikravandi and Koliyanur blocks. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, chi-square tests, Garrett ranking, and cost–return budgeting. Adopters were significantly older and more highly educated, held larger landholdings, and had greater access to assured irrigation than non-adopters. Assured market or buy-back support, income potential, and irrigation availability were the highest-ranked perceived drivers of adoption, whereas labour shortage and the long gestation period were the most severe constraints reported by adopters. Oil palm recorded a higher benefit–cost ratio (2.85) than sugarcane (1.89) during the bearing stage, although sugarcane generated higher absolute annual net returns. Because the study used a fixed-size comparative design with cross-sectional data rather than a random, prevalence-representative sample, the findings indicate associations rather than causal effects; these and other design limitations are explicitly discussed. The results suggest that assured irrigation, market linkages, and extension support are important for supporting oil palm adoption in the district.

Optimizing Row Arrangements in Maize-legume Intercropping Systems for Improved Soil Chemical and Microbial Properties in Alfisols of Eastern India

Kavya Inuganti — 2026-07-31

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Jharkhand, to evaluate the effects of row arrangements in maize-based intercropping systems on soil properties in Eastern India. The randomised complete block experiment comprised nine treatments: sole maize, sole green gram, sole cowpea, and maize intercropped with green gram or cowpea under additive (1:2) and replacement (1:1 and 1:3) row arrangements, with five replications. Soil chemical properties, available nutrients, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were measured before and after harvest. Intercropping significantly improved soil fertility and biological activity compared with sole maize. Sole cowpea recorded the highest soil organic carbon (0.35%) and available nitrogen (158.7 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (6.45 kg ha⁻¹), potassium (125.3 kg ha⁻¹), and sulphur (20.2 kg ha⁻¹). Maize + cowpea under replacement stand II (1:3) recorded the highest soil pH (5.77), MBC (192.5 µg MBC g⁻¹ soil), and DHA (74.8 µg TPF g⁻¹ soil day⁻¹). Sole green gram recorded higher Zn, Fe, and Cu availability, whereas Mn availability was highest under sole cowpea. Sole maize recorded the lowest values. The improvements were attributed to biological nitrogen fixation, greater carbon inputs from roots and residues, and stimulated microbial processes. Overall, maize + cowpea under replacement stand II (1:3) was the most promising arrangement for improving soil quality and supporting sustainable maize-based production in the Eastern Plateau region of India.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nitrogen Content and Uptake in Wheat under the Rice–wheat Cropping System of Western Uttar Pradesh

Dushyant Sirohi — 2026-07-31

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices involving synthetic fertilisers, organic manure, and biofertilisers on nitrogen content and uptake in wheat grain and straw. Ten nutrient-management treatments were evaluated: T₁ (control); T₂ (75% RDF NPK); T₃ (100% RDF NPK; 150:75:60 kg ha⁻¹); T₄ (75% RDF NPK + ZnSO₄ at 25 kg ha⁻¹); T₅ (75% RDF NPK + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha⁻¹); T₆ (75% RDF NPK + ZnSO₄ + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha⁻¹); T₇ (75% RDF NPK + Azotobacter + PSB); T₈ (75% RDF NPK + ZnSO₄ + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobacter + PSB); T₉ (100% RDF NPK + ZnSO₄); and T₁₀ (100% RDF NPK + Azotobacter + PSB). Integrated treatments significantly improved nitrogen concentration and uptake compared with the control. T₈ recorded the highest nitrogen contents in grain (2.20%) and straw (0.62%) and the maximum total nitrogen uptake (142.5 kg ha⁻¹). Its performance was statistically at par with T₉ and T₁₀. The findings indicate that combining inorganic fertilisers with vermicompost, ZnSO₄, and biofertilisers improved nitrogen availability and accumulation in wheat. Thus, T₈ may be considered a nutrient-management option for wheat under the rice–wheat cropping system of Western Uttar Pradesh, subject to validation across additional seasons and locations.

Production Economics of Indian Major Carp Farming: Evidence from Moyna Block of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Moumi Ghosh — 2026-08-01

Aim: The study presents a detailed economic analysis of Indian major carp (IMC) farming under the Moyna Model, focusing on the cost structure, profitability, and productivity of IMC farmers in Moyna Block, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal.

Study Design: A cross-sectional, survey-based design with a multistage random sampling technique was used to collect primary data from IMC farmers through a well-structured, pre-tested interview schedule.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in five gram panchayats (Gokulnagar, Moyna I, Moyna II, Naichanpur I, and Naichanpur II) of Moyna Block in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India, during the 2024-25 crop season.

Methodology: Thirty farmers (six from each panchayat) were randomly selected. Economic parameters, including capital, variable, and fixed costs, were calculated per bigha (1,333.33 m²). Total cost, total revenue, and profit were calculated using standard methods. Farm efficiency was measured using the Productivity Index (PI%). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS.

Results: The average total capital cost was ₹14,205 ± 4,586.31 per bigha, with pond inlet-outlet construction and farm equipment making the largest contributions. The average total variable cost was ₹141,666 ± 48,594.99 per bigha, with seed and feed costs being significant contributors. The average total fixed cost was ₹16,545 ± 6,139.50 per bigha. The average total cost was ₹151,666 per bigha, whereas the average total revenue was ₹203,730 per bigha, resulting in an average profit of ₹52,064 per bigha and a reported margin of 33.87%. The overall mean Productivity Index was 129.57%, indicating that the farms operated above the stated baseline threshold.

Conclusion: IMC farming under the Moyna Model was economically viable and profitable among the sampled farms, supported by infrastructure investment and efficient input management. The findings indicate scope for further productivity gains through optimised input use and suggest that the model may have relevance for aquaculture-based rural development in West Bengal.

Towards Climate-Resilient Urban Sustainability: Integrating Sustainable Waste Management and Adaptive Sanitation Strategies in Mumbwa Urban, Zambia

Phanuel Chuka Hakwendenda — 2026-08-01

This study examined the relationship between waste-management practices and adaptive sanitation strategies, focusing on existing household waste-disposal methods, awareness levels, and the community’s role in enhancing public and environmental health and sustainability. Using Mumbwa Urban as a place-specific case study, the paper explored the connections between these practices and broader public-health and environmental-sustainability concerns to provide evidence-based recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods research design combining quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20, while qualitative data from key informants were examined using thematic analysis. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to ensure representative and reliable data collection. Cochran's formula was applied to determine the appropriate sample size from the finite population. Using a 95% confidence level, a 5% margin of error, and expected variability (p = 0.5), the calculated sample size was 382 households. The findings showed that, although awareness of waste-collection points was comparatively high, irregular collection, limited waste separation, and low community engagement remained significant challenges. Burning and burying were identified as the dominant waste-disposal methods used by residents, partly because the municipal council was unable to provide all required essential services. The findings also highlighted health risks, air pollution, soil and water pollution, and declining neighbourhood cleanliness as the most significant public- and environmental-health impacts of ineffective waste-management systems. The study identified several adaptive sanitation strategies to enhance public health and environmental sustainability, including community clean-up initiatives, public sensitisation, and collaboration between residents and the municipal council. It underscores the need for integrated solid waste management (ISWM) systems, community-based waste-management practices, and interventions that improve long-term sanitation outcomes.

Price Volatility Dynamics of Cocoa in Major Indian Markets: Evidence from ARCH-GARCH Models

Gali Krishna Chaithanya — 2026-08-01

Price volatility can undermine investment in plantation crops and destabilise farm revenues. This study examines the nature and persistence of cocoa-price volatility in three major South Indian markets—West Godavari, Dakshina Kannada, and Idukki—using monthly wholesale price data from January 2008 to December 2023. Each market series comprised 192 observations. Stationarity was assessed before volatility modelling, and the price series were analysed after first differencing. The ARCH-LM test indicated conditional heteroscedasticity in all three series, supporting the use of AR (1)-GARCH (1,1) models. Model selection was based on the Akaike and Schwarz information criteria. The estimated sums of the ARCH and GARCH coefficients were 0.91 for West Godavari, 0.82 for Dakshina Kannada, and 0.72 for Idukki. These values indicate that price shocks decayed most slowly in West Godavari, followed by Dakshina Kannada and Idukki. The findings therefore show market-specific differences in volatility persistence and imply comparatively greater price risk in West Godavari. The analysis is limited to conditional price variance and does not directly estimate the effects of rainfall, production, export demand, competing crop prices, or market institutions. Strengthened market-information systems, price-risk management, crop insurance, and improved coordination among producers, cooperatives, and processors may help market participants respond more effectively to persistent price fluctuations.

Farmers' Knowledge and Perception towards the Use of Social Media for Accessing Agricultural Information in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh

Prashant Soni — 2026-08-01

Aims: This study assessed farmers’ knowledge of and perceptions towards the use of social media for accessing agricultural information and examined their relationships with selected socio-personal characteristics.

Study Design: An ex-post facto research design was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Moth and Chirgaon blocks of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh, India, from 2022 to 2023.

Methodology: A multistage random sampling technique was adopted to select 120 farmers from ten villages. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested and structured interview schedule. Knowledge was measured using a 16-item knowledge test, while perception was assessed through a 16-statement Likert-type scale. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results: The findings revealed that 84.16% of the respondents belonged to the medium knowledge category regarding the use of social media for accessing agricultural information, whereas 15.84% had low knowledge. Regarding perception, 64.16% of the respondents exhibited a favourable perception, 18.34% had a highly favourable perception, and 17.50% had a least favourable perception. Correlation analysis indicated that age (r = 0.288; 0.291), education (r = 0.365; 0.382), annual income (r = 0.412; 0.429), scientific orientation (r = 0.310; 0.246), and social media exposure (r = 0.511; 0.498) were positively and significantly associated with knowledge and perception, respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Landholding showed no significant relationship with either variable.

Conclusion: Farmers generally possessed moderate knowledge and a favourable perception of social media as a source of agricultural information. Education, income, scientific orientation, and social media exposure were significantly associated with knowledge and perception, highlighting the need to strengthen digital literacy and extension initiatives to promote the effective use of social media in agriculture.

Insights into Seed Spice Cultivation in Uttarakhand: Evidence from AGR, CAGR, and Panel Data Analysis

Paritosh Kumar — 2026-08-01

Seed spices are high-value horticultural crops that contribute significantly to agricultural diversification, farm income, and nutritional security. Understanding their production dynamics is essential for designing effective crop-development strategies. This study analysed the temporal dynamics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivation across the 13 districts of Uttarakhand, India, using district-wise secondary data for 2016–17 to 2020–21. Descriptive statistics were used to assess spatial variation in cultivated area, production, and productivity, whereas Annual Growth Rate (AGR) and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) analyses were used to evaluate short- and long-term growth trends. Panel data regression models were also estimated to identify the determinants of seed spice production, and the Breusch–Pagan Lagrange Multiplier and Hausman specification tests were used for model selection. The results revealed substantial inter-district variation in seed spice cultivation. Haridwar recorded the highest average production and productivity, whereas Uttarkashi had the largest area under coriander cultivation. Fenugreek showed higher average annual growth than coriander, with AGR values of 7.07%, 14.41%, and 7.65% for area, production, and productivity, respectively. CAGR analysis also indicated stronger long-term growth in fenugreek in several districts, particularly Pauri, Tehri, and Rudraprayag. Panel data diagnostics supported the random-effects model, which showed that cultivated area was the only significant determinant of seed spice production (β = 2.266, p < 0.001); study year and crop type were not statistically significant. The productivity model identified no significant effects of the explanatory variables, suggesting that yield variation may be influenced by climatic, technological, and management factors not included in the analysis. The findings emphasise the need for district-specific planning and productivity enhancement rather than reliance solely on expansion of cultivated area.