Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Pinworm (Oxyuris equi) Infection in a Horse: Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes

T. V. Tamilam — 2026-11-10

Background: Equine pinworm infection may cause marked perianal irritation and tail rubbing, making clinical recognition and parasitological confirmation important.

Aims: To describe the clinical presentation, parasitological diagnosis and therapeutic management of equine oxyurosis caused by Oxyuris equi in a Marwari cross mare.

Presentation of Case: A three-year-old Marwari cross mare weighing 255 kg was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Salem, with a history of perianal itching, tail rubbing, dullness and localised hair loss with scab formation. The mare had no previous history of deworming. Clinical examination revealed perianal irritation, alopecia and scab formation. Parasitological examination using the perianal adhesive tape impression technique and faecal examination revealed eggs morphologically consistent with O. equi. The mare was treated with doramectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight; 5.1 ml) intramuscularly and piperazine hydrate (226 mg/kg body weight; 94 ml) through a nasogastric tube. Cetrimide cream was applied topically to the affected perianal region twice daily, along with appropriate hygienic measures. Marked reduction in tail rubbing and perianal irritation was observed following treatment. At the three-week follow-up, the mare showed clinical recovery, and two consecutive perianal adhesive tape impressions and faecal examinations yielded negative results.

Discussion: Equine oxyurosis is characterised by perianal pruritus, tail rubbing and localised alopecia resulting from egg deposition by gravid female worms around the perianal region. This case highlights the diagnostic value of the perianal adhesive tape impression technique, particularly when supported by faecal examination, in identifying O. equi infection.

Conclusion: Early recognition of characteristic clinical signs, appropriate parasitological diagnosis, anthelmintic treatment and hygienic management are important for successful clinical recovery and minimising the risk of reinfection in horses.

Novel Technologies for Pectin Extraction from Non-edible Plant Materials

Ashitha Mariya Shaji — 2026-10-16

Background and Aims: Pectin recovery from agricultural residues has attracted interest because processing conditions influence yield, purity, macromolecular architecture, functionality and the environmental burden of production. This narrative review evaluates conventional acid extraction and emerging processing options for obtaining pectin from non-edible plant tissues and agro-industrial by-products.

Approach: Peer-reviewed studies and reviews were examined to identify relationships among botanical matrices, extraction mechanisms, processing parameters, analytical characterisation and applications. Particular attention was given to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and instantaneous controlled pressure drop (DIC) pretreatment, supported by discussion of enzyme-based, solvent-based and hybrid strategies. Cross-study comparisons were interpreted cautiously because yield definitions, extraction conditions and product characterisation differ.

Synthesis: MAE and UAE can shorten extraction or enhance mass transfer under specified conditions, whereas DIC modifies tissue porosity before subsequent pectin solubilisation. Performance is not uniform across feedstocks. For example, a pumpkin-peel MAE study reported a model-predicted extraction yield of 18.05% at 94.8 °C for 5 min, while three validation experiments under the optimised conditions yielded a mean of 22.8 ± 1.94%. In contrast, a berry study found that conventional citric-acid extraction produced the highest yield for most tested matrices. Galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molar-mass distribution, branching and acetylation are more informative than yield alone for evaluating suitability. Environmental benefits require system-boundary-specific evidence, including heating, solvent production, alcohol recovery and drying.

Conclusion: Emerging technologies provide feedstock-dependent opportunities for process intensification and tailored pectin recovery; however, they cannot be ranked universally on yield, purity, energy requirement or sustainability. Priorities include controlled head-to-head trials, rigorous reporting of recovered pectin, pilot-scale techno-economic assessments, life-cycle inventories and application-specific performance testing.

Sustainable Valorization of Sericulture Host Plant Waste for Biochar and Activated Carbon Production

Rubi Sut — 2026-10-22

Sericulture generates recurring lignocellulosic residues through the pruning and management of mulberry, castor, tasar and muga silkworm host plants. These residues are often underutilised, although some may serve as feedstocks for biochar and activated carbon production. This narrative review examines published evidence on the characteristics of host-plant residues, relevant thermochemical conversion routes, resultant carbon materials and their potential agricultural and environmental applications. Slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, carbonisation, gasification and chemical activation are considered in relation to feedstock composition and processing conditions. Studies on mulberry and castor residues demonstrate biochar or activated carbon production, while investigations of selected tasar host-plant materials show adsorption and electrochemical applications. Reported effects include altered soil nutrient availability, water-holding capacity and contaminant adsorption, although findings depend on feedstock, processing temperature, activating agents and application conditions. For example, mulberry-stalk biochar has been examined in soil nutrient studies, whereas activated carbons derived from castor and Terminalia residues have been evaluated for wastewater treatment. Evidence is less extensive for muga host plants, and conversion studies cannot be assumed to establish benefits for silk production. Important research needs include comparative feedstock characterisation, controlled field trials, assessment of mulberry leaf and cocoon outcomes, and evaluation of processing costs and life-cycle performance. Biochar production therefore represents a plausible waste-valorisation pathway, but its agronomic and economic benefits require further host-plant-specific validation.

Silk Proteins in Cancer Nanomedicine: Drug Delivery, Tumour Targeting and Emerging Theranostic Platforms

Priyangana Chetia — 2026-10-24

Silk proteins derived from the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori, from wild silkmoths, and from spiders have moved from their long-standing role as surgical sutures towards a central position in experimental cancer nanomedicine. Their aqueous processability, tunable β-sheet crystallinity, proteolytic degradability and generally modest immunogenicity allow a single material family to be reconfigured as nanoparticles, films, hydrogels, microspheres and microneedles, each capable of carrying small-molecule cytotoxic agents, nucleic acids, proteins and inorganic payloads. This review examines the state of knowledge on silk-based carriers for oncology and offers a critical rather than descriptive synthesis. Evidence was assembled from open scholarly databases and verified against authoritative bibliographic records. The analysis is organised around the material platform and its biological interface, the mechanisms of drug loading and stimulus-responsive release, passive and active tumour targeting, and multimodal theranostic constructs that combine therapy with imaging or immunomodulation. Across these themes the preclinical evidence is internally consistent in showing that silk carriers can increase payload stability, modulate release kinetics through controllable crystallinity, and exploit the acidic and enzyme-rich endolysosomal compartment to trigger drug liberation. The strength of this evidence is nonetheless constrained by heavy reliance on in vitro models and small, heterogeneous rodent studies, by inconsistent physicochemical reporting, and by an almost complete absence of pharmacokinetic and immunological data for systemically administered particles. Active targeting and recombinant silk engineering show genuine mechanistic promise, yet head-to-head comparisons against clinically validated carriers are rare. Localised silk depots for post-surgical and intratumoural therapy appear closer to translation than circulating nanoparticles. The principal unresolved questions concern manufacturing reproducibility, the behaviour of silk particles in the circulation, the durability of targeting under physiological protein adsorption, and the regulatory pathway for a natural, batch-variable biopolymer. Progress will depend less on proliferating new formulations than on standardised characterisation, rigorous in vivo pharmacology and disciplined comparison with existing nanomedicines.

Dynamics of Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Robotic Manipulators in Agriculture: A Critical Narrative Review of Modelling, Control and Field Translation

Sharanbasava — 2026-10-27

Agricultural robotic manipulators are increasingly required to execute accurate, rapid and low-damage motions within crop environments that are geometrically irregular, mechanically compliant and subject to uncertain sensing. The number and arrangement of degrees of freedom determine only part of their capability: the decisive engineering problem is how kinematics, rigid-body and contact dynamics, control, perception and task scheduling combine during real operations. This critical narrative review examines the dynamic modelling and control of multi-degree-of-freedom manipulators used principally for selective harvesting, with comparative attention to pruning, crop handling and related field interventions. Peer-reviewed engineering literature published from 2000 to 13 August 2026 was considered alongside foundational robotics research. Evidence was interpreted by distinguishing analytical modelling, controlled prototype testing and integrated field evaluation. The synthesis identifies three recurrent tensions. Additional joints may expand access and obstacle avoidance but increase calibration, dynamic coupling and control burden; aggressive motion profiles may shorten nominal execution time while increasing residual vibration, missed grasps or crop damage; and increasingly sophisticated planners and controllers may show advantages in simulation without corresponding evidence of superior whole-system productivity. Studies of hybrid manipulators, redundant fruit-picking arms, force-regulated grippers and coordinated multi-arm harvesters demonstrate feasible methods, yet few isolate the contribution of dynamics-aware control under comparable field conditions. Field evaluations further reveal marked effects of canopy structure, visibility, detachment technique and success-rate denominators. A task-centred design framework is advanced in which manipulator morphology, uncertainty estimation, torque- and contact-constrained trajectories, and crop-safe interaction are evaluated jointly. Priority research needs include validated plant–robot contact models, parameter identification under changing payloads, transparent energy and damage measurements, and multi-site comparisons against simpler control baselines. Greater model complexity should be justified by reproducible gains in useful, marketable agricultural output rather than movement accuracy alone.

Black Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): An Emerging Superfood Crop in Indian Agriculture

Shubham Sinha — 2026-10-29

Black wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a novel, pigmented wheat that has been developed through conventional breeding by crossing blue- and purple-kernel wheat varieties. This narrative review examines its origin, development, agronomic performance, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and potential health-related applications, with particular attention to Indian agriculture. It is characterised by the accumulation of high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments in its grain and has attracted considerable attention from the scientific community due to its nutritional composition, potential health benefits and promising applications in functional foods. It is an emerging superfood crop offering a compelling nutritional profile, including higher protein content (10-15% more crude protein) and enhanced levels of bioactive compounds, anthocyanin pigments, phytic acid, vitamins (B3, B5, E, and K), minerals (60% higher Fe and 35% higher Zn), and dietary fibre, positioning it as a potent functional food ingredient compared to conventional yellow-kernel wheat. Furthermore, it contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and phytic acid that contribute to its greater antioxidant capacity. Experimental and preclinical studies suggest that these compounds may have roles in reducing inflammation, supporting gut microbiota and influencing risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The present review aims to discuss the available evidence on nutritional value, phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity and health effects of black wheat. Moreover, it highlights research gaps, in particular, the need for human studies, the standardisation of analytical methods and the stabilisation of anthocyanins.

Emerging PFAS Contamination in Water Resources: Source Attribution, Monitoring Blind Spots and Pollution Prevention for Sustainable Water Security

Temitope Isaiah ASEFON — 2026-11-02

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) challenge water security because their persistence, chemical diversity and spatially dispersed releases undermine conventional monitoring and treatment approaches. This critical narrative review examines the connections between source attribution, aquatic transport, analytical coverage and the prevention of continuing contamination. Peer-reviewed investigations and authoritative technical guidance published from 2000 to 23 August 2026 were critically considered, with earlier foundational terminology retained where relevant. The evidence indicates that aqueous film-forming foams, fluorochemical manufacture and use, landfill leachate, wastewater systems and contaminated residuals contribute through distinct yet frequently overlapping pathways. Source fingerprints are potentially informative but are altered by precursor transformation, partitioning and differential transport. Targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry remains essential for defensible quantification; high-resolution suspect screening, oxidisable-precursor assays and organofluorine measurements expand the analytical perspective without measuring the complete PFAS universe. Full-scale and pilot evidence supports appropriately designed activated carbon, anion exchange and membrane barriers for selected compounds, whereas short-chain and ultra-short-chain substances, treatment residuals and destructive end-point verification remain substantive challenges. Laboratory defluorination should not be equated with validated field-scale mineralisation. A prevention-first framework emerges: characterise uses and releases, intervene at identifiable sources, verify drinking-water protection and account for concentrated residuals before their redistribution. The literature is geographically uneven, methodologically heterogeneous and often weak in longitudinal mass balances, mixture characterisation and life-cycle comparisons. Water-secure responses therefore require linked source inventories, adaptive analytical panels, hydrogeological understanding, source-control measures and auditable residual stewardship rather than dependence on end-of-pipe removal alone.

E-Commerce in Agribusiness: Transforming Agricultural Input and Food Markets in Emerging Economies

Sanjiv Kumar — 2026-11-02

E-commerce is altering the organisation of agricultural input distribution, farm-output marketing and urban food procurement across emerging economies. Yet the proposition that digital platforms necessarily reduce intermediation, raise farm incomes and improve food-system efficiency is not established by the evidence as a whole. This critical narrative review examines transaction-based digital marketplaces, electronic agricultural auctions, input e-stores, digitally mediated procurement and consumer-facing food platforms, with attention to China, India and sub-Saharan Africa. Peer-reviewed empirical studies, reviews and selected methodological sources were purposively assessed for identification strategy, outcome validity, external relevance and conflicting results. The literature indicates that electronic commerce can broaden market reach, enable comparison of input offers, reorganise procurement and support sales continuity during disruptions. The magnitude and distribution of these benefits depend on logistics, verification of goods, intermediary services, buyer competition, digital capabilities and platform rules. A randomised expansion study in rural China found limited producer-income effects, whereas several observational and quasi-experimental studies report gains for selected participants; recent evidence also indicates diminishing returns, unequal benefits and adverse spillovers on offline farmers. Indian electronic agricultural markets demonstrate that price transparency does not guarantee effective cross-market competition, while African evidence documents both opportunities for input dealers and persistent fulfilment and trust constraints. Consumer-facing platforms complicate food-safety oversight and create new informational and nutritional concerns alongside possible improvements in monitoring. The synthesis advances an institutional transaction-chain framework that distinguishes online discovery from fulfilled, contestable and equitable trade. Policy evaluation should prioritise net margins, realised transactions, quality, distributional spillovers and durable market access rather than registrations or platform sales alone. Longer-term, independently evaluated comparisons across crop types and regions remain necessary before broad transformation claims are warranted.

Ageing in India: Care, Support and Emerging Challenges for Older Adults: A Critical Narrative Review

Irin Das — 2026-11-02

India is ageing rapidly and unevenly. The number of people aged 60 years and above is projected to grow substantially over the coming decades, with marked differences between states, between women and men, and between rural and urban populations. The arrival of nationally representative ageing surveys has transformed the evidence base, yet the resulting literature is fragmented across epidemiology, health economics, gerontology, demography and social policy. This critical narrative review examines what is known about care and support for older adults in India and evaluates the strength, consistency and policy relevance of that knowledge. Peer-reviewed studies, methodological papers and authoritative institutional reports were identified through structured searches of multidisciplinary, biomedical and social-science indexes, supplemented by citation tracking and official sources, and were appraised for design adequacy, representativeness, measurement validity and analytical transparency. The synthesis is organised around six themes: the changing burden of health and functional need; the family as the principal care institution; health-system responses and financial risk protection; income security and work in later life; social connectedness and psychological well-being; and emerging challenges, including dementia, climatic hazards, pandemic shocks, digitalisation of services and the feminisation of later-life disadvantage. The evidence is strongest for the high prevalence of multimorbidity, functional limitation and undiagnosed chronic disease, for the dominance of family-based care and for the persistent financial vulnerability of households containing older members. Findings are contested or instrument-dependent for depression, loneliness, elder abuse and food insecurity, and for the protective value of publicly funded health insurance and social pensions. Much of the recent literature consists of cross-sectional secondary analyses of a single survey wave, which limits causal inference, while older adults in institutions, the oldest old and several marginalised groups remain poorly represented. The review concludes that India is moving from implicit reliance on family care towards a mixed but under-specified care regime, and that longitudinal, quasi-experimental and implementation research is now needed to determine which forms of public support most effectively protect function, dignity and economic security in later life.

Integrating Risk-based Quality Assurance and Predictive Process Control in Food Manufacturing: A Critical Review of Contamination Prevention, Statistical Monitoring, and Regulatory Compliance

Temitope Isaiah ASEFON — 2026-11-05

Food manufacturing is increasingly able to measure process conditions continuously, yet measurements do not automatically establish that microbiological, chemical, allergenic or physical hazards are controlled. This critical narrative review examines how risk-based quality assurance, preventive food safety management, statistical process monitoring and predictive analytics can be integrated without confusing operational prediction with demonstrated food safety. The review draws on peer-reviewed evidence from food microbiology, process engineering and organisational research, alongside recognised international and jurisdiction-specific food safety requirements. It differentiates hazard analysis, control-measure validation, real-time monitoring and independent verification as related but non-substitutable functions. Evidence is strongest for product- and process-specific preventive controls, scientifically justified critical parameters and targeted environmental verification. Multivariate monitoring and predictive microbiology provide plausible means of recognising process deviation earlier, but their outputs depend on representative training conditions, valid sensors, sampling design, and explicit links between measured signals and hazards. Published machine-learning studies demonstrate a broad range of detection and classification applications, whereas prospective, multi-site evidence that predictive alerts reduce contamination, consumer exposure or regulatory non-compliance remains relatively sparse. Studies of food safety management systems further indicate that organisational context and the quality of hazard analysis can limit the effectiveness of technically sophisticated monitoring. An integrated architecture is therefore proposed in which hazard severity and exposure inform monitoring priorities, validated preventive measures retain primacy, statistical warnings prompt proportionate investigation, and microbiological or chemical verification tests the performance of the whole system. Particular attention is given to rare-event detection, model drift, preventive-control exemptions and differences between international standards and binding regional regulations. The most defensible route towards predictive assurance is controlled, documented decision support with prospective outcome evaluation, rather than unqualified automation of food safety decisions.

From Farm-level Tools to State-level Assessment: A Scoping Review of Dairy Sustainability Indicators

Swati Singh — 2026-11-06

Dairy production is expected to deliver nutritious food, rural livelihoods and export earnings while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient losses and pressures on land, water, biodiversity and animal welfare. Indicators are the principal means by which these expectations are translated into measurable performance, yet they are developed for different purposes and at different scales, from on-farm diagnostic tools to sector inventories and jurisdiction-wide composite indices. This critical narrative review, conducted with a scoping purpose, maps how dairy sustainability indicators are constructed, applied and aggregated across the farm, supply-chain, regional and state or national levels, and evaluates whether information generated at one level can legitimately inform decisions at another. Peer-reviewed studies, methodological reviews and authoritative institutional sources were identified through multidisciplinary, agricultural, economic and regional scholarly indexes, supplemented by citation tracking, and were appraised qualitatively for relevance, transparency, representativeness and robustness. The synthesis shows that farm-level tools differ widely in normative framing, indicator logic, scoring and aggregation, so that tools applied to the same farms can produce divergent judgements. Environmental indicators are the most mature, but carbon footprints remain sensitive to allocation rules, emission-factor tiers and functional units, and intensity metrics often move in the opposite direction to absolute emissions that matter for state targets. Economic indicators are comparatively well supported by accountancy data, whereas social and animal-welfare indicators remain under-specified and are frequently lost or distorted during aggregation. State-level assessments follow four broad routes: weighting representative farm samples, top-down inventories, modelled regional typologies and composite indices built from administrative statistics. Each route carries characteristic risks, including unrepresentative sampling, spatial misallocation, leakage through imported feed and weighting choices that can reorder jurisdictions. Smallholder and mixed crop–livestock systems, which dominate milk supply in several countries, are poorly served by tools designed for specialised temperate farms. A nested indicator architecture, built on a verifiable core of farm data, explicit scaling rules and paired intensity and absolute metrics, is proposed as a defensible direction. Its validity remains to be demonstrated through longitudinal and cross-jurisdictional testing.

Digital Finance for Agriculture: Mobile Money, FinTech, Credit Access and Smallholder Investment

Harkesh Kumar Balai — 2026-11-06

Digital finance promises to lower the costs of financial transactions, expand rural savings and credit, and improve the timing of agricultural investment. Yet access to an account is not equivalent to access to suitable finance, and the movement from digital transactions to farm productivity is neither automatic nor uniform. This critical narrative review examines peer-reviewed evidence on mobile money, digital savings, algorithmic credit, payment digitisation, and their relationships with smallholder investment, risk management and livelihoods. Evidence from randomised trials, panel studies, observational farm surveys, qualitative research and recent reviews is compared with attention to causal identification, agricultural seasonality, inclusion and consumer protection. The strongest findings concern reduced transfer frictions and improved opportunities for remittance-based consumption smoothing. More conditional evidence links mobile payments and savings to specific productive inputs; incentives and the timing of liquidity often determine whether financial access changes investment. Recent experimental work on agricultural digital credit shows greater input spending without reliably demonstrated improvements in harvest output or profits. Consumer risks, including data misuse, opaque pricing and adverse credit reporting, complicate welfare assessments. The review argues that agricultural digital finance should be appraised as an interconnected system of payments, liquidity, insurance, market relationships and safeguards rather than as an isolated application or financial inclusion metric. Research priorities include seasonally timed randomised evaluations, long-term farm profitability, distributional effects, interoperable value-chain payments and transparent risk-adjusted consumer outcomes. Digital finance may relax consequential frictions, but durable agricultural benefits depend on product design, institutions and the broader production environment.

Cocoa Bean Shells as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Extraction, Stabilisation and Application Potential

P S Anjana — 2026-11-09

Cocoa bean shell, the testa separated from the seed of Theobroma cacao L. during post-harvest and chocolate manufacture, is increasingly investigated as a feedstock for polyphenols, methylxanthines, dietary fibre and functional polysaccharides. Yet the apparent abundance of these constituents does not by itself establish their recoverability, stability, safety or effectiveness in a finished product. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on shell composition, the effects of upstream processing, extraction technology, compound identification, stabilisation, food and non-food applications, and regulatory and environmental constraints. Peer-reviewed experimental studies and relevant reviews available to 27 August 2026 were assessed thematically, with explicit attention to extraction denominators, process controls, analytical selectivity, scalability and the distinction between chemical activity and physiological benefit. The evidence supports recovery of theobromine, flavanols and fibre fractions using aqueous or ethanol-based extraction, pressurised liquids, assisted processes and hydrothermal or enzymatic treatments. Nevertheless, greater measured phenolic concentration may reflect matrix disruption or assay reactivity rather than higher recovery of intact target molecules. Encapsulation, liposomal systems and protein carriers show encouraging formulation-specific improvements, but storage stability, digestive release and real-product performance are seldom measured together. Bakery, beverage and chocolate studies establish technological feasibility at selected incorporation levels, whereas human efficacy, population-level exposure and industrial-scale safety remain inadequately characterised. Contaminant testing, methylxanthine exposure, solvent management and the resource demands of extraction and drying materially affect the value proposition. A process-linked evidence framework is proposed in which defined shell batches, selective recovery, molecular verification, stabilisation, delivered dose and fitness-for-purpose safety constitute sequential decision gates. The most defensible near-term applications are controlled ingredient substitutions and well-characterised extracts; claims of therapeutic benefit or universal environmental superiority require substantially stronger evidence.

Privacy-preserving Distributed Data Mining: Techniques, Challenges, Applications and Future Research Directions

Sangeeta Borkakoty — 2026-11-09

Distributed data mining has become central to extracting knowledge from data held by institutions, devices and organisations that cannot legitimately or safely pool their records. Yet keeping raw data at source does not, by itself, ensure privacy: intermediate statistics, gradients, identifiers, query patterns and final models can disclose information, while controls that prevent disclosure may weaken analytical validity or the detection of malicious participants. This critical narrative review evaluates the development of privacy-preserving distributed data mining from partition-aware secure computation to federated learning, differential privacy, protected record linkage and hybrid architectures. Scholarly literature was selected through topic-specific searches of accessible bibliographic resources, reference tracing and verification against publication and digital-object-identifier records, with an emphasis on peer-reviewed methodological, empirical and review evidence. The synthesis distinguishes cryptographic input confidentiality, statistical protection of released outputs and operational governance, showing why these objectives cannot be treated as interchangeable. Evidence supports the feasibility of selected secure aggregation, multiparty computation and cross-institutional modelling workflows, but performance and privacy claims depend materially on adversarial assumptions, participant numbers, data topology, privacy accounting, model access and deployment conditions. Demonstrations of gradient reconstruction and membership inference establish credible attack surfaces, whereas more recent experimental evidence shows that exploitability is conditional rather than uniform. Healthcare collaborations provide instructive feasibility evidence, but do not establish universal effectiveness, regulatory compliance or immunity from model leakage. Five evidence-mapping tables integrate architectural distinctions, protective mechanisms, adversarial findings, application maturity and research priorities. The review argues for evaluation based on the entire information-release lifecycle, joint testing of confidentiality, integrity and utility, and transparent reporting of threats, costs and residual risks. Future progress depends less on promoting a single technique than on auditable combinations whose guarantees remain meaningful under heterogeneous data, collusion, repeated analysis and institutional constraints.

The Economics of Crop Diversification: Profitability, Risk Reduction and Sustainable Intensification

Bhagyashree Suryakant Khandekar — 2026-11-09

Crop diversification is widely advocated as a means of reconciling farm income, resilience to weather and market shocks, and lower environmental costs, yet cropping systems in many regions have continued to simplify. This critical narrative review examines whether, for whom and under what conditions the diversification of crops over time and space is economically advantageous. It covers rotations, intercropping, cover crops, cultivar mixtures and farm-level crop portfolios, and it evaluates profitability, risk and the economic case for sustainable intensification. Literature published from January 2000 to August 2026 was identified through several scholarly databases and indexes, citation chasing and official legal repositories. It was then appraised qualitatively for design, identification strategy, temporal depth, accounting completeness and contextual transparency. The synthesis indicates that average profitability effects in experiments and meta-analyses are neutral to positive, with the clearest gains in long rotations that include legumes and in intercrops managed for complementarity. These averages conceal wide dispersion, frequent transition costs and a strong dependence on price premiums, labour costs and market outlets. Evidence that diversification lowers yield variance and downside risk is stronger and more consistent than evidence of higher mean income. Household econometric studies report reduced exposure to crop failure and income risk, often with diminishing returns beyond moderate diversity. Stabilisation effects at regional and national scales are real but conditional on scale, irrigation and price responses. Diversification contributes to sustainable intensification chiefly through substitution of biological processes for purchased nitrogen and pesticides. Most environmental benefits nevertheless remain unpriced in farm accounts, which helps to explain the gap between social and private returns. Persistent simplification is better explained by non-convexities, labour constraints, insurance and price-support policies, and socio-technical lock-in than by a lack of agronomic benefit. Major uncertainties concern causal identification in observational studies, the timescale over which benefits accrue, general-equilibrium price effects and the distribution of gains. Diversification is best understood as a conditional risk-management and input-substitution strategy whose private profitability depends on enabling markets and policies, rather than as a universally superior farming model.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Supply Chain Management: Applications, Evidence, Implementation Constraints, and Future Directions

Joel Mtango — 2026-10-18

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly investigated as decision-support technologies for supply chain management (SCM), yet their value depends on the nature of the decision, data availability, organisational capability and the methods used to evaluate outcomes. This critical narrative review examines applications across demand forecasting, inventory planning, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, risk management and sustainability. It brings together relevant peer-reviewed reviews, conceptual contributions and empirical studies, and distinguishes evidence from operational deployments from results reported in literature syntheses or simulations. The literature supports the practical relevance of data-driven prediction, pattern detection and decision augmentation, but it does not establish uniform improvements in cost, forecast accuracy, resilience or environmental performance across settings. Reviewed research also identifies integration costs, fragmented data, process misalignment, model drift, limited transparency and governance concerns as barriers to realising benefits. Recent work on generative AI broadens possible applications to document-intensive processes, synthetic scenarios and interactive decision support, while indicating that field-based validation remains limited. A process-oriented framework is proposed in which analytics inform planning, procurement, manufacturing, distribution and inventory decisions under continuous human oversight. The review argues that useful evaluations should compare AI-supported decisions against relevant operational baselines, account for service levels and cost trade-offs, and document transferability across sectors and resource settings. Future research should prioritise longitudinal field studies, cross-organisational coordination, responsible deployment and context-sensitive applications in emerging economies.

Occurrence of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Mango Orchards of Peddapalli District, Telangana, India

A. Nithish — 2026-10-18

Diagnostic field visits to mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchards in Peddapalli district, Telangana, India, were undertaken after reports of damage to inflorescences, tender leaves and fruit during the 2025 flowering and fruiting season. In March–April 2025, thrips were collected from affected mango trees in Katekenapalli and Pattipaka villages, Dharmaram mandal, by tapping plant material over a white sheet and preserving collected insects in 70% ethanol. Four sample entries were submitted for specialist morphological identification at the ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru. Thrips parvispinus (Karny) was identified in all four entries, while Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) was also identified in three. Field photographs documented withered panicles and superficially scarred fruit. The findings establish the presence of T. parvispinus among thrips recovered from mango in these two villages; however, co-occurrence of another thrips species and the absence of systematic population counts, yield comparisons and diagnostic feeding studies prevent species-specific quantification of crop damage. The observation extends district-level evidence of T. parvispinus associated with mango in India, where its occurrence on the same host has previously been reported elsewhere. Standardised seasonal surveys and specimen-linked diagnostic records are warranted to establish prevalence and economic importance.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Rapanea melanophloeos (Myrsinaceae)

Regina Chepkorir — 2026-10-16

Background: Endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants may produce compounds with antibacterial effects, but the culturable fungal endophytes of Rapanea melanophloeos remain insufficiently characterised.

Aims: This study aimed to isolate fungal endophytes from the leaves, stem bark and roots of Rapanea melanophloeos and evaluate their antibacterial potential.

Study design: Fresh material was collected in March 2024 from the Botanical Garden at Egerton University and used to isolate endophytic fungi. The resulting cultures were maintained on potato dextrose agar.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted in the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology Laboratory, Egerton University, between March and December 2024.

Methodology: Root, stem and leaf segments underwent surface disinfection using 70% ethanol, followed by 2% sodium hypochlorite and sterile distilled water. Fungal isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar, and their antibacterial activity was assessed by a dual-culture assay. Inhibition-zone diameters were recorded in millimetres. The bacterial panel comprised Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC259923), Escherichia coli (ATCC25922), Streptococcus agalactiae, Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC70063) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853).

Results: A total of 25 fungal endophytes were recovered, with most isolates originating from stem bark (75%), followed by roots (17%) and leaves (8%). Across the bacterial tests, inhibition-zone diameters ranged from 11.5 to 44.6 mm. All recovered isolates inhibited E. coli, with reported zones of 11.5–32.5 mm.

Conclusion: Endophytic fungi associated with R. melanophloeos showed antibacterial potential and may constitute sources of biologically active compounds of pharmaceutical interest.

Molecular Characterization of Bemisia tabaci Populations Using Mitochondrial COI Gene Sequencing

Swati P Shinde — 2026-10-16

Background: Whiteflies associated with vegetable and cotton crops can be difficult to identify reliably using external morphology because Bemisia tabaci represents a cryptic species complex.

Aims: To assess the population dynamics and host association of whitefly populations across vegetable and cotton crops using molecular identification, and to evaluate species dominance to inform targeted integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.

Study Design: Cross-sectional molecular diagnostic study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during 2025.

Methodology: Whitefly specimens were collected from five host crops representing diverse botanical families, namely okra, tomato, cotton, brinjal and cucumber. Genomic DNA was extracted, followed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Sequences were analysed using NCBI-BLAST for species identification and submitted to the GenBank database for accession assignment.

Results: Molecular diagnosis and sequence alignment confirmed that all whitefly populations collected across all host crops belonged to Bemisia tabaci, showing high sequence homology with GenBank reference entries. Corresponding GenBank accession numbers were assigned to sequences from each host. The consistent identification of B. tabaci across solanaceous, malvaceous and cucurbitaceous crops reflects its high polyphagy and broad host range in the surveyed ecosystem.

Conclusion: Bemisia tabaci is the dominant whitefly species infesting vegetable and cotton crops in the region. Rapid gene sequencing serves as an accurate diagnostic tool, though further fine-scale genetic resolution of cryptic biotypes (e.g., MEAM1, MED or Asia groups) is essential for tailoring biotype-specific IPM programmes.

Trends in Groundnut Production and Resource-use Efficiency in Rajasthan, India

Satinderpal Singh — 2026-10-17

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop in Rajasthan, where changes in cultivated area, production and productivity have implications for farm-level resource management. The present study was conducted to analyse the economic performance and resource-use efficiency of groundnut cultivation in Rajasthan, with special reference to Hanumangarh district. The study examined the trends in area, production and productivity of groundnut in Rajasthan and analysed the resource-use efficiency of groundnut cultivation in the selected study area. Compound growth rate analysis was employed to examine the trends from 1990–91 to 2024–25, while farm-level data were used to estimate costs and returns and to fit a Cobb–Douglas production function. The results revealed that the area, production and productivity of groundnut in Rajasthan increased at annual rates of 4.09, 7.37 and 3.16 per cent, respectively. The estimated Cobb–Douglas production function yielded a production-elasticity sum of 1.04, slightly above unity; statistical evidence for a difference from constant returns to scale was not available. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.831, indicating that 83.1 per cent of the variation in the dependent variable was explained by the selected input variables. The resource-use efficiency analysis indicated that plant protection chemicals were under-utilised, whereas seed, farmyard manure, fertiliser, irrigation, human labour and machine labour were over-utilised. The findings suggest that improved allocation and balanced utilisation of production resources could enhance the economic efficiency and profitability of groundnut cultivation in the study area.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Samia ricini and Samia canningi Populations from Assam, India Using Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I Gene Sequences

Nimiksha Devi — 2026-10-17

Background: Molecular comparison of eri silkworm populations from Assam may assist species identification and assessment of their relationships with reference populations.

Aims: To characterise Samia ricini (Donovan) and the related species Samia canningi (Hutton) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from different agroclimatic zones of Assam using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene, and to determine their phylogenetic relationships with isolates from other regions.

Study Design: Laboratory-based molecular characterisation study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Sericulture and Biocontrol Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during 2023–24 and 2024–25.

Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from adult moths reared from seed cocoons of S. ricini (Titabor, Udalguri, Nagaon and Kamrup) and S. canningi (Mariani). A partial COX1 fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the universal primers LCO1490 and HCO2198 and sequenced. Sequences were compared with reference sequences in GenBank, and phylogenetic trees were constructed by the neighbour-joining method in MEGA 11.

Results: COX1 was amplified in all samples. The S. canningi isolate from Mariani showed 100% sequence identity with a Nagaland isolate (MT385729.1) and 93.01–96.81% similarity with isolates from Japan, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The S. ricini isolates from Titabor, Udalguri, Nagaon and Kamrup showed 95.67–100% similarity with isolates from India and other countries. All Assam isolates clustered within their respective species groups.

Conclusion: The COX1 gene is a reliable marker for species authentication and phylogenetic assessment of eri silkworms, and the Assam S. ricini populations are closely related to those reported from other parts of India and abroad.

Field Screening of Rice Genotypes against Leaf Folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee)

N. R. G. Varma — 2026-10-17

Rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), damages foliage and can reduce the performance of rice crops. Identifying rice genotypes with comparatively stable field resistance may support breeding programmes aimed at pest management. The present study evaluated rice genotypes against the leaf folder at the Rice Research Centre, ARI, Rajendranagar, during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025. The field screening included the susceptible check TN1 and the resistant check W 1263. The genotypes were evaluated in three replications, and leaf-folder infestation was encouraged through adult releases under netting. Damage was assessed as the percentage of leaves showing injury, and reactions were classified using the International Rice Research Institute's Standard Evaluation System. In 2024, the recorded leaf damage ranged from 11.7% to 62.2%, whereas in 2025 it ranged from 3.4% to 51.0%. The genotype RP 5490-PTB-1-1-2 maintained a moderately resistant reaction in both seasons, with 16.9% and 16.6% damaged leaves, respectively. The resistant check W 1263 recorded 11.7% and 5.4% damaged leaves, respectively. NPK 8 showed moderate resistance in 2024 but was moderately susceptible in 2025. Although reactions varied across seasons, RP 5490-PTB-1-1-2 exhibited the most consistent moderate resistance among the evaluated test cultures. Its field response indicates potential for further assessment as a resistance source, subject to validation across locations and infestation levels.

Judging Mathematics Teacher Quality under School Performance Contract Accountability: Experiences of Senior High School Teachers in Ghana

Prince Baah Acheamfour Senior — 2026-10-17

Background: Mathematics teacher quality encompasses pedagogical competence, professional practice and students’ learning outcomes. In Ghanaian senior high schools, School Performance Contracts (SPCs) emphasise accountability and measurable performance targets, potentially creating tensions between examination-based evaluations and broader professional standards. However, mathematics teachers’ experiences of these accountability expectations and their implications for judging teacher quality remain underexplored. This study explored how SPC accountability shapes mathematics teachers’ understandings and experiences of teacher quality, professional practice, and student performance in Ghanaian senior high schools. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Five mathematics teachers with approximately three to fifteen years of teaching experience participated in individual semi-structured interviews conducted in September 2026. Interviews were audio-recorded with verbal consent, transcribed, anonymised, and analysed thematically using an approach informed by Braun and Clarke. Five interrelated themes were developed: accountability through monitoring and answerability; student results as a powerful but contested measure of a good mathematics teacher; pedagogical adaptation and professional learning; a motivation–pressure paradox; and accountability without equal ownership of performance. Participants described examination results as prominent in judgements of teacher effectiveness, while also defining good mathematics teaching through learner-centred instruction, problem solving, practical application, and professional collaboration. SPC expectations were perceived as encouraging instructional adaptation and effort while also increasing workload and pressure. Participants further questioned attributing student outcomes primarily to teachers when performance is jointly shaped by students, parents, school leadership, and contextual conditions. The study argues that SPCs function not only as accountability mechanisms but also as evaluative environments that shape which dimensions of mathematics-teacher quality become most visible.

Impact of Floor Space Allocation on Physiological Parameters in Post-Weaned Indigenous Lambs in an Intensive Production System

Anjali Arya — 2026-10-17

Sufficient space is important for ensuring humane treatment, limiting stress and maintaining animal health in intensive production systems. When animals are housed in restricted spaces, their ability to maintain internal physiological conditions may diminish, resulting in adverse physiological changes. An experiment was designed to study the effects of space allowance on the physiological parameters of post-weaned indigenous lambs under an intensive production system. Eighteen lambs aged 3 to 4 months were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (0.8 m², 0.7 m² and 0.6 m² per lamb). Physiological parameters were monitored at fortnightly intervals over the 210-day experimental period. The rectal temperatures of the experimental animals differed significantly (P<0.05) among treatments. Specifically, mean rectal temperatures in T1 (101.38±0.08) and T2 (101.40±0.08) were similar, whereas the T3 group (101.69±0.05) had a higher mean rectal temperature. Pulse rate did not differ significantly among treatment groups. The mean respiration rates were 30.25±0.23, 30.71±0.23, and 31.13±0.24 in T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups, respectively, indicating significant differences (P<0.05). In conclusion, this experiment demonstrated that space allowance significantly influenced certain physiological parameters in post-weaned indigenous lambs under an intensive production system, indicating that reduced space may induce thermal stress.

Effect of Canopy Manipulation and Intercropping on Growth and Yield of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Dilip Choudhary — 2026-10-18

Background: High-density planting can alter cotton canopy development, and crop performance may also respond to canopy regulation and intercropping.

Objective: This study assessed the effects of canopy manipulation and legume intercropping on the growth and yield of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under the arid conditions of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2024 and 2025 at the College of Agriculture, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural University. Nine canopy manipulation treatments, comprising three spacings with or without de-topping or mepiquat chloride application, were combined with three cropping treatments (sole cotton, cotton–mungbean and cotton–clusterbean) in a factorial randomised block design with three replications. Mepiquat chloride was applied twice at 25 ppm on 45 and 60 days after sowing.

Results: Based on pooled results, cotton at 90 × 15 cm spacing with two mepiquat chloride sprays produced the highest seed cotton yield (2,231 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (6,877 kg ha⁻¹). Corresponding yields under 90 × 15 cm spacing with de-topping at 100 cm were 2,176 and 6,722 kg ha⁻¹, respectively; these treatments were statistically comparable. Intercropping had no significant effect on cotton plant population, seed cotton yield or stalk yield. Sole cotton produced the highest pooled seed cotton yield (2,104 kg ha⁻¹) among cropping treatments.

Conclusion: Plant spacing and canopy management influenced cotton yield under the study conditions, whereas intercropping did not significantly affect cotton yield.

Effect of Nano Dap on Productivity of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Central Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abhishek Gami — 2026-10-22

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to examine the effect of Nano DAP on soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity. Eleven treatments, comprising an absolute control, 75% or 100% of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), and combinations of these doses with Nano DAP foliar applications at 2 or 4 ml L⁻¹ and seed treatment at 5 ml kg⁻¹ seed, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. The soybean cultivar JS-9560 was used. Growth and yield attributes varied among the treatments. The combination of 100% RDF, foliar application of Nano DAP at 4 ml L⁻¹, and seed treatment at 5 ml kg⁻¹ seed (T11) recorded the highest plant height (64.42 cm), number of nodules per plant (49.82), and dry matter per plant (21.07 g). This treatment also recorded the highest number of pods per plant (43.87), grain yield per plant (14.81 g), seed yield (17.73 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (26.87 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (44.61 q ha⁻¹). However, seed, straw, and biological yields under T11 were statistically at par with those under T8, T9, and T10. The harvest index was not significantly influenced by treatment. These findings indicate that Nano DAP, when combined with conventional fertilisation, may support soybean productivity under the experimental conditions.

Socio-Personal, Economic, and Psychological Profiling of Rural Youth Engaged in Agriculture: Evidence from Telangana, India

Rayirala Rakesh — 2026-10-22

Understanding the characteristics of rural youth who remain engaged in agriculture can support locally appropriate extension planning. This study assessed 17 socio-personal, economic, communication and psychological characteristics of rural youth engaged in agriculture in Suryapet district, Telangana, India. An ex-post facto, cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 120 respondents selected by simple random sampling from four villages using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule. Frequencies, percentages, arithmetic means and standard deviations were used for descriptive analysis. Most respondents were aged 26–35 years (60.83%), male (80.83%) and married (57.50%). Joint families accounted for 69.16%, while 58.33% reported family sizes of 4–7 members. Intermediate to postgraduate education was reported by 72.50% of respondents. Marginal and small landholdings accounted for 59.17%, and agriculture combined with animal husbandry was the most common occupational category (30.83%). Medium annual family income was reported by 55.84%. The medium category predominated for extension contact (67.50%), mass media exposure (55.00%), social participation (67.50%), economic motivation (73.34%), risk orientation (48.33%), scientific orientation (51.67%), innovativeness (50.83%) and achievement motivation (49.17%). The findings provide a descriptive profile of the surveyed farming youth and may guide the planning of locally relevant agricultural extension and capacity-development activities. Conclusions beyond the selected villages should be drawn with caution.

Economic Implications of Borewell Failure and Groundwater Irrigation Economics in North Eastern Karnataka, India

P. Arpitha — 2026-10-22

Groundwater irrigation plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural production in North Eastern Karnataka, but increasing groundwater stress and borewell failures have raised the economic risks faced by groundwater-dependent farmers. The study analysed borewell failure, investment risk and groundwater extraction costs in six districts, namely Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal and Ballari. Primary data were collected from 360 groundwater-irrigated farmers during 2024–25 through multistage random sampling. Negative binomial distribution analysis was employed to estimate borewell success and failure probabilities and the number of wells required to obtain one successful borewell. Borewell investment, ownership costs and groundwater extraction costs were estimated to assess the economic implications of groundwater irrigation. The results revealed substantial spatial variation in the probability of borewell success, ranging from 0.15 in Koppal to 0.40 in Raichur, with failure probabilities of 0.85 and 0.60, respectively. The number of wells required to obtain one successful borewell was highest in Koppal (6.66) and Ballari (6.25), compared with Raichur (2.50) and Yadgir (3.12). Consequently, the investment required for one successful irrigation borewell was highest in Ballari (₹7,39,024) and Koppal (₹6,33,367), while it was lower in Yadgir (₹2,15,011) and Raichur (₹2,26,802). Groundwater extraction costs were highest in Ballari (₹300.80 per acre-inch) and lowest in Bidar (₹149.91 per acre-inch), with an overall average of ₹207.08 per acre-inch. The negative externality due to borewell failure averaged ₹38,394 per farm per annum. The findings highlight substantial spatial differences in groundwater-related investment risk and economic burden. District-specific groundwater assessment, recharge enhancement, micro-irrigation and risk-sensitive financial support are important for improving the sustainability of groundwater irrigation in North Eastern Karnataka.

Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)-Based Outlier Treatment and Intervention Modelling for Forecasting Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) Prices

K. Shameem Fathima — 2026-10-22

Background: Natural rubber prices exhibit substantial fluctuations, creating challenges for accurate forecasting and market decision-making. Outliers and structural changes associated with policy interventions may influence time-series modelling and forecast accuracy. However, the combined treatment of outliers and policy interventions in forecasting Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) prices remains insufficiently explored.

Aims: To develop a forecasting framework for monthly Indian Standard Natural Rubber Grade 20 (ISNR 20) prices that accounts for both outliers and the July 2015 Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS) intervention.

Study Design: Time series analysis combining ARIMA-based outlier detection, series cleaning, Bayesian intervention analysis and forecasting.

Place and Duration of Study: Kottayam market, Kerala, India; January 1995 to December 2025.

Sample: 372 monthly observations of ISNR 20 prices (Rs/100 kg); the last 36 months (2023–2025) were held out for testing.

Methodology: The workflow had four steps: ARIMA-based outlier detection, series cleaning, modelling of the RPIS intervention and forecasting.

Results: The price series was non-stationary (ADF = −2.19, P = .49) and became stationary after first differencing (ADF = −6.53, P < .01). Three outliers were detected: a level shift in October 2008 and additive outliers in November 2011 and August 2012. Average post-intervention prices (Rs 13,443) were lower than the counterfactual prices expected without the intervention (Rs 15,816; 95 per cent credible interval 14,538–17,081), an average effect of −15 per cent (95 per cent CrI: −21 to −7.5 per cent), with a posterior probability of an effect of 99.89 per cent. The final ARIMA (1,1,0) model, evaluated on the 36-month hold-out, gave an RMSE of 2626.35 and a MAPE of 11.27 per cent.

Conclusion: Outlier handling and intervention modelling can be combined in one framework for agricultural price forecasting, and treating outliers before intervention modelling gives a more stable baseline. Prices after July 2015 were lower than those implied by the pre-July 2015 dynamics, but this should be interpreted as an association rather than a causal effect of RPIS alone.

Production Function Analysis of Shrimp Farming in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India

D. R. Palwe — 2026-10-22

Shrimp farming contributes to coastal aquaculture production, but the relationships between production inputs and yield may differ according to farm size. This study examined these relationships among shrimp farms in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Primary information was obtained through structured interviews with all 70 operational farms identified among 78 registered farms in Shrivardhan, Murud, Alibag and Uran. A Cobb–Douglas production function was estimated for four farm-size categories (0–2, 2–4, 4–6 and >6 ha) and for the aggregate sample, using feed, seed, labour, lime and bleaching powder as explanatory inputs. Feed elasticities for the four categories were 0.324, 0.518, 0.933 and 0.884, respectively; corresponding seed elasticities were 0.639, 0.603, 0.020 and 0.151. In the aggregate model, estimated feed and seed elasticities were 0.646 and 0.390, respectively. Reported coefficients of determination ranged from 0.900 to 0.992 across farm-size groups, with an aggregate value of 0.908. Other input coefficients were generally smaller, and negative estimates occurred for labour and bleaching powder in selected larger farm categories. Overall, the estimates indicate that feed and seed are important correlates of shrimp production in the surveyed farms, although their relative contributions vary by farm size. These results provide a local basis for examining input allocation in shrimp farming without establishing causal effects or optimal application rates.

Random Forest and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees as Alternative Propensity Score Estimators for Matching in Observational Data

Naomi Kollongei — 2026-10-22

Propensity score matching (PSM) is widely used to improve comparability between treatment groups in observational studies, but its performance depends on treatment-model specification, covariate overlap, and post-matching balance. This study compares Random Forest (RF) and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) as alternative propensity score estimators using the public Lindner percutaneous coronary intervention dataset (n = 996; 698 abciximab-treated and 298 control observations). Propensity scores were estimated with RF and BART and used for nearest-neighbour matching. Descriptive predictive diagnostics included the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), log-loss, and Brier score; balance was assessed using standardised mean differences (SMDs). BART yielded an AUC of 0.7250, log-loss of 0.5422, and Brier score of 0.1816, compared with 0.5813, 0.7875, and 0.2265 for RF. Matching retained 280 treated-control pairs for RF and 269 pairs for BART. Across measured baseline covariates, the maximum absolute post-match SMD was 0.2782 for RF and 0.0935 for BART; the propensity-score distance diagnostic was excluded from the baseline-covariate maximum. The reported matched-sample outcome contrasts were 0.2900 for RF and 0.3900 for BART. Because the RF interval was obtained by ordinary non-parametric bootstrap after nearest-neighbour matching, it is treated as exploratory rather than as formal matching-based inference. The BART interval summarises variation across posterior propensity-score design draws and is not interpreted as a complete posterior interval for the causal effect. The results show that flexible treatment models can differ materially in predictive fit and covariate balance, while also demonstrating the need to separate predictive performance, balance, overlap, and uncertainty when interpreting matched observational analyses.

Mapping Agricultural Entrepreneurship Research in India: A Bibliometric Analysis

Shalini Dash — 2026-10-22

Aims: This study aims to assess the research landscape of agripreneurship in India by identifying publication trends, influential authors, major research themes, collaborative networks, and emerging research areas. Additionally, it seeks to highlight existing knowledge gaps within the field.

Study Design: Bibliometric analysis employing performance analysis and science mapping techniques.

Place and Duration of Study: The study analysed journal articles concerning agricultural entrepreneurship in India, published from 2000 to March 2025.

Methodology: A total of 3,208 research articles were retrieved from the Lens.org database using the keywords "Agriculture," "Entrepreneur," and "India." To ensure relevance and quality, only journal articles were included. The Biblioshiny application, part of the Bibliometrix R package, was utilised to analyse annual scientific production and citation patterns. For keyword co-occurrence analysis and network visualisation, VOSviewer was employed. A minimum threshold of three keyword occurrences was set to construct the bibliometric maps.

Results: The analysis shows an increasing focus on Indian agricultural entrepreneurship (agripreneurship) research, especially in the last ten years. Key areas of study have been sustainable entrepreneurship, precision farming, digital advancements, and agribusiness initiatives led by young people. Although research output has increased in research publications, gaps remain in interdisciplinary collaboration, empirical support, and policy applicability. The lack of cooperation between academic institutions, industry, and policymakers underscores the necessity for more robust institutional connections.

Conclusion: In India, research on agripreneurship is advancing, with a growing focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and entrepreneurship among young people. Bridging current knowledge gaps through interdisciplinary studies, enhanced institutional partnerships, and targeted policy measures can aid in building an inclusive and sustainable agripreneurial ecosystem. Future studies should prioritise empirical evaluations, real-world case analyses, and practical models to bolster rural development and agricultural resilience.

Insect Pest Complex and Natural Enemy Fauna Associated with Chickpea under the Agro-climatic Conditions of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Sapavat Sravani Chouhan — 2026-10-22

Chickpea cultivation is constrained by various insect pests that affect crop growth and productivity. The seasonal abundance of these pests and their associated natural enemies varies with agro-climatic conditions. However, location-specific information on insect pest complexes, natural-enemy populations and their relationships with weather parameters remains limited for Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. A field investigation was conducted at the Instructional Farm of Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, during the rabi season of 2022–2023 to document the insect pest complex of chickpea and associated natural enemies and to examine their seasonal abundance in relation to weather variables. Chickpea was raised under unprotected conditions in a 10 m × 10 m plot with 30 cm × 10 cm spacing. Ten plants were randomly selected, and observations were recorded weekly from crop emergence to harvest. Four major insect pests were recorded: chickpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch); tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius); semilooper, Autographa nigrisigna; and gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Two important natural enemies, the ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, and spiders of Thomisus spp. were also observed. A. craccivora reached a maximum population of 18.6 aphids/plant during the sixth standard meteorological week (SMW); S. litura reached 3.0 larvae/plant during the fourth SMW; A. nigrisigna reached 1.0 larva/plant during the seventh SMW; and H. armigera reached 3.1 larvae/plant during the second SMW. Among natural enemies, C. septempunctata and Thomisus spp. reached maximum populations of 3.30 and 2.80 individuals/plant during the third and fourth SMW, respectively. Aphid abundance was significantly and positively correlated with sunshine hours (r = 0.578), tobacco caterpillar with evening relative humidity (r = 0.603), and semilooper with maximum temperature (r = 0.744) and sunshine hours (r = 0.594). Spider abundance was significantly and positively associated with evening relative humidity (r = 0.750), whereas no significant weather association was detected for C. septempunctata. The observations provide a field-based description of the pest and beneficial arthropod complex occurring on chickpea at Bilaspur and establish seasonal windows for monitoring.

Evaluation of Pest Management Modules against the Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) Infesting Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

J. V. Italiya — 2026-10-22

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is a major destructive pest of chickpea causing considerable yield losses throughout India. Given its importance, an experiment was conducted to evaluate different pest management modules for their efficacy against H. armigera in chickpea. Pest management modules viz., bio-intensive module, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module and chemical-intensive module were developed and evaluated under field conditions during the rabi seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26. The IPM module consisted of marigold as a border crop; installation of bird perches at 50/ha; spraying of Bacillus thuringiensis 1% WG @ 20 g/10 litres of water at 30 DAS; spraying of Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 5% @ 500 g/10 litres of water at 45 DAS; and spraying of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006% @ 3 ml/10 litres of water at 60 DAS. Of the evaluated modules, the lowest larval population (1.54 larvae/10 plants) and pod damage (13.78%) as well as the highest seed yield (2345 kg/ha) and ICBR (1:10.92) were recorded in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module. The chemical intensive module with moderate efficacy stood second in suppressing the pest, whereas the bio-intensive module, despite recording the lowest pest-suppression efficacy among the three modules, registered the second-highest ICBR (1:10.39), higher than that of the chemical intensive module (1:6.05), owing to the comparatively low cost of bio-pesticidal inputs.

Assessment of Physical Characteristics of Different Cocoa Types (Theobroma cacao L.) Cultivated in Bastar Plateau of Chhattisgarh, India

Manjari — 2026-10-23

The present investigation was conducted during 2025–26 at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Research-cum-Instructional Processing Unit, Krantikari Debridhur College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, to characterise the physical properties of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pods and beans cultivated under Bastar Plateau conditions. Three traditionally recognised cocoa types, Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario, were evaluated using 20 mature pods from each type. Pods were assessed for length, width, weight, surface area, pod size, bulk density, true density, porosity, volume, moisture content, shell weight, mucilage weight, number of seeds per pod and seed weight per pod. Twenty beans from each type were evaluated for bean length, bean width, individual bean weight and moisture content. Forastero recorded the highest mean pod length (18.78 cm), pod width (9.29 cm), pod weight (523.83 g), pod volume (513.51 cm³), shell weight (393.40 g), mucilage weight (46.56 g), seed number (42.90 pod⁻¹) and seed weight (83.88 g pod⁻¹). Criollo recorded the highest surface area (369.07 cm²), true density (1.04 g cm⁻³), bean width (13.31 mm), individual bean weight (1.34 g) and bean moisture content (7.15%). Based on the tabulated data, Forastero recorded the highest bean length (22.31 mm), followed by Trinitario (21.62 mm) and Criollo (20.92 mm). Trinitario recorded the highest porosity (53.06%). The results demonstrate distinct phenotypic and physical variation among the evaluated cocoa types and provide baseline information for germplasm characterisation, grading, post-harvest handling and preliminary processing system development in the Bastar Plateau.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Grain Yield and Nutritional Traits in Biofortified Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

K. Ramakrishna Vital — 2026-10-23

Biofortification in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a sustainable approach to addressing micronutrient malnutrition; however, developing high-yielding biofortified varieties requires a thorough understanding of the interrelationships among yield components and nutritional traits. The present study was conducted during kharif 2025 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh. It used correlation and path coefficient analyses to evaluate 18 traits in 34 biofortified rice genotypes and determine the associations between yield components and nutritional quality. The experiment was laid out in an alpha-lattice design with two replications. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed that ear-bearing tillers per plant, panicle length, grains per panicle, test weight, hulling percentage, milling percentage, head rice recovery, amylose content, protein content, iron content, and zinc content exhibited positive and significant associations with grain yield per plant. In contrast, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, and plant height showed negative associations with grain yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that grains per panicle, test weight, milling percentage, amylose content, iron content, and zinc content exerted high positive direct effects on grain yield per plant and showed strong positive correlations, whereas the remaining positively correlated traits contributed primarily via indirect effects. Furthermore, a low genotypic residual effect of 0.1590 indicated that the 18 evaluated traits accounted for 97.47% of the total genotypic variability in grain yield per plant, confirming the adequacy of the traits chosen for path analysis. Since grains per panicle, test weight, milling percentage, amylose content, iron content, and zinc content exhibited both strong positive correlations and high positive direct effects on grain yield, direct selection for these traits is recommended as an effective strategy for the simultaneous improvement of grain yield and micronutrient density in rice breeding programmes.

Effect of Nozzle Type and Discharge Rate on Spray Characteristics and Insecticidal Bioefficacy in Chickpea and Bottle Gourd Using a Battery-Operated Knapsack Sprayer

Thokchom Macedonia Devi — 2026-10-23

Background: Nozzle type and discharge rate can affect spray deposition and pest management when battery-operated knapsack sprayers are used in field crops.

Objective: To assess the effects of nozzle type and discharge rate on spray deposition characteristics and insecticidal bioefficacy in chickpea and bottle gourd using a battery-operated knapsack sprayer. A two-factor completely randomised design comprising four nozzle treatments, three discharge-rate settings and three replications was used.

Place of Study: SWCE Farm Research Station and Vegetable Farm Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India, in 2025–26.

Methodology: Three nozzle types, namely hollow cone (N₁), flat fan (N₂) and solid cone (N₃), were selected for performance evaluation using a battery-operated knapsack sprayer under laboratory and field conditions, while a control nozzle (N₄) was included for comparison. Spray characteristics were evaluated using water-sensitive papers, and parameters such as droplet density, spray coverage, volume median diameter (VMD), number median diameter (NMD), droplet deposition and homogeneity factor (HF) were analysed using ImageJ software. Additionally, bioefficacy was evaluated in terms of pest numbers before spraying and at 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying.

Results: In chickpea, the hollow cone nozzle operated at a high discharge rate resulted in the lowest relative thrips population (26.23%). In bottle gourd, the hollow cone nozzle recorded the lowest relative populations of aphids (36.74%) and whiteflies (23.59%). Overall, the results demonstrated that nozzle type and discharge rate significantly influenced spray quality, canopy coverage, droplet distribution and pest control efficiency. Statistical analysis confirmed that all main effects and interactions were highly significant (p < 0.01), and the coefficient of variation remained low, indicating the precision and reliability of the findings.

Conclusions: The study concluded that the hollow cone nozzle performed best for chickpea and bottle gourd when operated at higher discharge rates. The findings indicate that crop-specific nozzle selection can significantly enhance pesticide application efficiency, improve pest management, reduce chemical wastage and minimise environmental contamination. Therefore, adopting appropriate nozzle–discharge-rate combinations can contribute to sustainable and precise crop protection practices.

Weather, Terrain and Awareness Constraints on Drone Spraying Services in Rajasthan: Evidence from Service Providers

Bhanu Partap — 2026-10-24

Agricultural drone spraying offers potential operational advantages, but service delivery in Rajasthan is affected by weather, field conditions and farmer awareness. This study examined constraints reported by drone service providers and assessed district-level exposure to conditions that may affect spraying. Data were obtained from a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 15 providers across eight districts. The analysis considered nine technical, environmental and awareness-related constraints and drew on published technical research, an official heat bulletin and operator accounts. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarise operators' responses, while climate and terrain evidence was used to describe exposure. Fourteen providers (93%) reported weather-related constraints, including wind, heat and rain. All 15 providers offered pesticide and liquid-fertiliser spraying, and none provided monitoring, mapping or advisory services. Thirteen providers encountered farmer hesitation, with each attributing it to doubts about effectiveness. Extreme reported temperatures included 49.0°C in Phalodi, 43.6°C in Jodhpur and 49.4°C in Sri Ganganagar (India Meteorological Department, 2024). Exposure to fog was particularly evident in Sri Ganganagar, Alwar and Kotputli. Operators also identified short battery endurance, payload restrictions and irregular field boundaries as practical concerns. The findings suggest that location-specific weather scheduling, attention to battery temperature and verification of equipment protection may support operations. Demonstrations of crop-health monitoring could help address awareness constraints, although their commercial viability was not assessed.

Optimizing the Economics of Muskmelon Production through Shade-net Colour, Irrigation Scheduling and Plastic Mulching

A. D. Utkhede — 2026-10-24

The profitability of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) production under shade-net-house cultivation depends on the interactive effects of the growing environment, irrigation management and soil-moisture conservation practices. This study evaluated the economic feasibility of muskmelon cultivation by integrating shade-net colour, drip irrigation scheduling and plastic mulching under semi-arid summer conditions. The experiment was conducted during the summer of 2017 at the Instructional Farm of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr. Annasaheb Shinde College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India. A split-factorial design was used with five growing environments as main treatments: 35%, 50%, and 75% green-white shade nets, a 50% red shade net and open-field cultivation. These were combined with eight sub-treatments comprising four drip irrigation levels of 120%, 100%, 80% and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), each with silver-black plastic mulch or no mulch. Economic performance was assessed using cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and the benefit–cost (B:C) ratio. The treatment combining a 50% red shade net under drip irrigation at 120% ETc with silver-black plastic mulch (S₄I₁M₁) recorded the highest B:C ratio of 2.79, indicating the most profitable production system. Conversely, the lowest B:C ratio of 0.31 was obtained under a 75% green-white shade net with drip irrigation at 60% ETc and no mulch (S₃I₄M₂). The results demonstrate that appropriate selection of shade-net colour, adequate irrigation based on ETc, and plastic mulching can substantially improve the economic efficiency of summer muskmelon production. A 50% red shade net, with drip irrigation at 120% ETc and silver-black plastic mulch is recommended as a promising strategy for enhancing profitability under conditions similar to those of Rahuri, Maharashtra.

Weaving Livelihoods from Tradition: Eri Culture-based Livelihood Opportunities and Perceived Profitability among the Kachari Tribe of Jorhat, Assam, India

Chowcin Borsali Buragohain — 2026-10-26

Background: Eri culture is practised alongside other household enterprises in Assam, but information on livelihood combinations and perceived profitability among Kachari rearers remains limited.

Aims: To document the livelihood opportunities developed through eri culture among Kachari eri rearers and to assess which eri product is perceived by them as the most profitable.

Study Design: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted using a multistage purposive-cum-random sampling design in which the district, block and villages were selected purposively and respondents within villages were selected randomly.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in three villages (Lohong Gaon, Kachukhat Gaon and Sonowal Gaon) of Titabar Development Block, Jorhat district, Assam, India, from December 2018 to May 2019.

Methodology: A total of 120 Kachari eri rearers (60 men and 60 women, one respondent per household) were interviewed face to face using a pre-tested structured schedule. A livelihood opportunity was considered as the complete set of enterprises undertaken by a household along with eri culture and perceived profitability referred to the eri product that the respondent considered as the most profitable. Perceived profitability was a single-item respondent perception; no income, cost or price data were collected. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and ranks.

Results: The study identified forty-seven distinct livelihood opportunities among the surveyed households. The most common opportunity was eri culture + paddy + vegetable (25.83%), while 26 opportunities (21.67% of households) were unique to a single household. Paddy (80.00%), poultry (65.83%), dairy (54.17%), piggery (34.17%), vegetables (33.33%) and goatery (25.83%) were the main companion enterprises; 67.50% of households combined eri culture with livestock or fishery and 34.17% with wage work, petty business or service. “Cocoon + pupa” was perceived as the most profitable product by 55.83% of rearers, followed by cocoon shell alone (25.00%). No respondent chose eggs, fabric or host plants as the most profitable eri product.

Conclusion: Eri culture among the Kachari community forms an integral part of a diversified, paddy-centred and livestock-integrated farming system rather than a stand-alone livelihood activity. Rearers most frequently perceived the cocoon and pupa combination as the most profitable eri product option, while spinning and weaving were rarely perceived as profitable.

Development and Expert Evaluation of a Hindi Electronic Booklet on Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge in the Gird Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Kapil Maran — 2026-10-26

Indigenous agricultural knowledge can inform locally relevant extension materials, but expert endorsement does not establish the effectiveness or safety of individual practices. This study developed a Hindi electronic booklet documenting indigenous agricultural and allied knowledge from the Gird region of Madhya Pradesh and described its expert evaluation. Practices from Bhind, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur and Shivpuri districts were organised into seven content domains. A panel of 25 experts assessed the booklet using a three-point rating scale, and the reported reliability and content-validity indices were summarised descriptively. Mean ratings across the seven domains ranged from 2.87 to 2.95, with an overall arithmetic mean of 2.92 out of 3.00. Agronomic practices and livestock shelters received the highest ratings (2.95 each), whereas natural embankment practices received the lowest (2.87). The reported Spearman–Brown-adjusted split-half reliability coefficient was 0.90, and the arithmetic mean of the seven message-level content validity ratios was approximately 0.82. However, expert-level ratings, item-level essentiality counts and aggregation rules were unavailable, preventing independent reconstruction of these indices. Some practice-level acceptance percentages also lacked clearly specified denominators. The booklet received favourable descriptive expert ratings and offers a format for documenting regionally situated knowledge. Nevertheless, farmer comprehension, adoption, agronomic outcomes and practice safety were not evaluated. Further assessment is required before the documented practices can be presented as validated field recommendations.

Gender Dynamics and Structural Typologies in Kerala’s Agri-Food Processing Micro Enterprises

V. G. Jeeva — 2026-10-26

The agri-food processing sector has been characterised by the largest share of female-owned micro-enterprises in India. This study, conducted in 2026, examined gender dynamics and patterns of ownership and operation among 80 value-added agri-food processing micro-enterprises across four districts of Keralam. The study focused on classifying enterprises according to ownership and operational/management patterns, evaluating demographic and performance parity across the classifications, identifying the factors that influence women’s participation, and examining the associated policy implications. Primary data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using percentage distributions, cross-tabulations, independent samples t-tests, and the Henry Garrett Ranking Technique. The findings showed a gap between formal legal ownership and women’s actual involvement in the day-to-day operations of the enterprises. Women held 52.5% of the legal ownership titles, while men were responsible for the day-to-day management of 70.0% of the enterprises. Based on ownership and operation, the enterprises were grouped into four typologies: Male Owned Male Operated (42.5%), Female Owned Male Operated (27.5%), Female Owned Female Operated (25.0%), and Male Owned Female Operated (5.0%). The independent samples t-tests showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the demographic and operational performance indicators when enterprises were compared by operational leadership (male-managed n = 56; female-managed n = 24) or by legal ownership (male-owned n = 38; female-owned n = 42), indicating comparable performance across the gender categories examined. The Henry Garrett ranking results indicated that socio-cultural factors, particularly domestic care responsibilities, were the major constraint affecting women’s involvement in enterprise operations, whereas institutional credit schemes were identified as an important factor contributing to higher share of women’s legal ownership of enterprises. Overall, the findings indicate that financial incentives may encourage women’s formal ownership of enterprises, but this does not necessarily translate into greater participation in their day-to-day management. Therefore, along with financial support, greater attention to the development of operational skills and domestic care-related support may help strengthen women’s actual participation in managing value-added agri-food processing enterprises.

Finite Element-Based Stress Analysis of the Main Frame of a Battery-Operated Lathyrus Harvester

Sanjay Kumar Gilhare — 2026-10-26

Lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a climate-resilient pulse grown mainly as a relay crop in rice fallows, but it is still harvested by hand, a slow, labour-intensive and physically demanding process. A battery-operated lathyrus harvester was therefore developed, and this study evaluated the structural safety of its main frame, the principal load-bearing component, using finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional model of the frame was analysed in ANSYS Workbench 2024 R1 under static loads representing field operation, namely the weight of the battery, motor and transmission, the cutting resistance of lathyrus stems and the inertial force of the reciprocating knife. Structural steel properties were assigned, and support reactions, equivalent elastic strain, directional deformation and von Mises stress were evaluated. The maximum von Mises stress was 223.92 MPa, confined to a critical joint region and below the 250 MPa yield strength of the material, giving a minimum factor of safety of 1.12. The maximum equivalent elastic strain was 0.0011939 m/m and was limited to local stress-concentration zones, while most of the frame showed negligible strain. The frame deflected like a cantilever, with a maximum upward displacement of 11.995 mm at the free end and a maximum downward displacement of 8.913 mm near the restrained region. The frame is therefore safe against yielding under static field loads, but the narrow safety margin and the free-end deflection show that local reinforcement is needed to resist dynamic loads and keep the cutter bar aligned. The study demonstrates that FEA is an effective, low-cost tool for designing lightweight battery-operated harvesters for small farms.

Growth, Trend and Decomposition Analysis of Garlic in Rajasthan State, India (2005–06 to 2024–25)

Kuldeep Meena — 2026-10-26

This study examines changes in garlic cultivation in Rajasthan from 2005–06 to 2024–25, with emphasis on cultivated area, production, productivity and the factors contributing to production growth. Secondary time-series data were analysed using absolute and relative changes, coefficients of variation, linear growth rates and a decomposition model that separates area, yield and interaction effects. The analysis covers 20 agricultural years and focuses on the aggregate indicators reported for Rajasthan rather than district-level variation. The reported area increased from 22,392 to 69,471, representing a relative increase of approximately 210%. Production rose from 113,980 to 423,012, equivalent to approximately 271% growth. Reported productivity increased from 5.09 to 6.08, an increase of approximately 19.45%. Variation was greatest for production (60.53%), followed by area (50.50%) and productivity (14.58%). The estimated linear growth rates were 1.57% for area, 2.63% for production and 2.52% for productivity, with the manuscript reporting statistical significance at the 5% level for all three indicators. Decomposition attributed 77.54% of the total production change to area expansion, 15.22% to the interaction between area and yield, and 7.24% to the yield effect. These findings indicate that cultivated-area expansion accounted for most of the increase in garlic production, although improvements in productivity also contributed. The results suggest that measures aimed at improving crop yield warrant attention alongside continued assessment of production trends in Rajasthan.

Heterosis for Seed Yield Per Plant and Associated Traits in Pigeon Pea across Environments

Bhagyasri Majhi — 2026-10-27

Aim: To assess heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant and yield-attributing traits in Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] across diverse environments and identify promising F₁ combinations for further genetic improvement.
Study Design: Twenty F₁s were developed using a Line × Tester mating design during kharif 2024 and evaluated in a multi-environment field experiment during kharif 2025.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Navsari, Bharuch and Achhalia, Gujarat, India, during the kharif 2025 season.
Methodology: Twenty F₁s were developed by crossing five lines with four testers during 2024–25. The hybrids and nine parental genotypes, including the standard check GT-110, were evaluated at each of the three locations in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Each genotype constituted a treatment, and the experimental unit was the plot assigned to that genotype within each replication. Data were recorded for 11 quantitative traits, and heterosis was estimated over the better parent (heterobeltiosis) and the standard check (standard heterosis). Analysis of variance was performed for individual locations and pooled across locations.
Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all 11 quantitative traits at individual locations and in the pooled analysis, indicating substantial genetic variability. Heterotic responses varied among crosses and traits, with desirable negative heterosis for flowering and maturity and positive heterosis for yield-contributing traits. Particularly high heterosis was observed for pods per plant, primary and secondary branches per plant, pod length, 100-seed weight and harvest index.
Conclusion: The present study revealed substantial genetic variability and considerable heterotic potential among the evaluated Pigeon pea genotypes across three environments. The identified promising cross combinations, particularly NPD-18-03-1 × GT-110, GT-102 × GT-104, NP-21-01 × GT-110, NPG-19-10 × NP-468 and BSMR 853 × GT-110, exhibited desirable heterotic performance for important yield-attributing traits.

Seasonal Incidence and Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Their Correlation with Weather Parameters

Abhi Paliwal — 2026-10-27

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 to study the seasonal incidence of major insect pests of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in relation to weather parameters. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) were the major sucking pests and shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella Fabricius) was the major borer recorded on the crop. Whitefly and jassid first appeared in the 34^th standard meteorological week (SMW) and increased progressively, peaking at 12.06 whiteflies per 3 leaves (40^th SMW) and 12.82 jassids per 3 leaves (39^th SMW), before declining as the crop matured. Shoot and fruit borer incidence began in the 35^th SMW and rose steadily, reaching a peak of 4.00 larvae per plant at crop termination (44^th SMW). Whitefly and jassid were significantly and positively correlated with maximum temperature (r = +0.650* and +0.711**) and negatively with rainfall (r = -0.636* and -0.603*), whereas the borer was significantly and negatively correlated with minimum relative humidity (r = -0.864**), rainfall (r = -0.814**), and minimum temperature (r = -0.661*). The findings indicate that warm, relatively dry weeks favour sucking pest build-up, while borer incidence intensifies under cooler, drier conditions as fruiting advances, suggesting that pest monitoring in semi-arid Uttar Pradesh should be continuous from mid-August until crop termination.

Physicochemical Characterization of Agricultural Soil and Biochemical Profiling of Soil-cultivated Leafy Vegetables in Relation to Baseline Triclopyr (TCP) and 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid (4-CPA) Pesticide Residues

Ajhar Ali — 2026-10-27

Agricultural intensification in peri-urban belts of central India has raised concerns about the concurrent presence of physicochemical soil degradation and low-level pesticide residues in leafy vegetables that are consumed with minimal processing. The present study characterises a composite agricultural soil (0–15 cm) and seven soil-cultivated leafy vegetable species -- Amaranthus viridis, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Corchorus olitorius L., Coriandrum sativum, Mentha arvensis, Cicer arietinum and Spinacia oleracea L. -- collected from a single agricultural field, and screens both matrices for baseline residues of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), the principal soil metabolite of the herbicide triclopyr, and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), a chlorophenoxy-class plant growth regulator with herbicidal application at elevated dose. Soil texture (45.8% sand, 30.7% silt, 23.5% clay) placed the composite sample in the loam class, with a near-neutral pH (6.5), moderate cation exchange capacity (15.7 cmol(+)/kg) and organic carbon content (0.71%) consistent with regional literature ranges. Proximate biochemical profiling showed protein content ranging from 3.6–5.1 mg/g fresh weight and carbohydrate content ranging from 4.0–5.9 mg/g fresh weight across species, with Corchorus olitorius recording the highest values for both parameters and Spinacia oleracea the highest tissue moisture (92.4%). TCP and 4-CPA were detected in the composite soil at 0.167 ± 0.019 and 0.113 ± 0.015 mg/kg, respectively, and in vegetable tissue at concentrations one to two orders of magnitude lower (0.008–0.021 mg/kg TCP; below detection limit (BDL)–0.015 mg/kg 4-CPA), with detection frequencies ranging from 33.3% to 100% across species. Apparent soil-to-plant transfer ratios were consistently below unity (0.05–0.13), indicating limited but measurable translocation. A positive association was observed between tissue moisture content and residue concentration for both analytes. These findings establish a quantitative baseline against which post-remediation or seasonal monitoring data can be compared, and they are discussed in relation to reported soil-plant transfer behaviour of structurally related organic pollutants.

Response of Sulphur Sources on Dynamics of Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

T. V. Veda — 2026-10-27

Background: Sulphur availability influences nutrient accumulation in soybean, but comparative evidence on dispersible granules, powder and bentonite pastilles in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka remains limited.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of sulphur formulations and application rates on nutrient content, uptake and post-harvest soil nutrient status.

Study Design: A randomised block design with eight treatments.

Place and duration of study: A field experiment was conducted at the Agroforestry Unit, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, during kharif-2022 and 2023.

Methodology: The treatments were T1: RDF + Sulphur 90% Dispersible Granules @ 12.5 kg ha^-1, T₂: RDF + Sulphur 90% Dispersible Granules @ 18.5 kg ha^-1, T₃: RDF + Sulphur 90% Dispersible Granules @ 25 kg ha^-1, T₄: RDF + Sulphur 90% Powder @ 18.75 kg ha^-1, T₅: RDF + Sulphur 90% Granular Bentonite Pastille @ 20 kg ha^-1, T₆: RDF + Sulphur 90% Granular Bentonite Pastille @ 30 kg ha^-1, T₇: University recommendation (RDF + zinc sulphate @ 12.5 kg ha^-1), T₈: Absolute Control. All sulphur sources were applied basally along with RDF (25:62.5:25 N: P₂O₅: K₂O kg ha^-1).

Results: Application of 90% sulphur at 25 kg ha^-1 through dispersible granules along with RDF resulted in higher nutrient content and uptake in soybean grain and haulm. Post-harvest available nitrogen and sulphur were higher under T₃ than under T₈.

Conclusion: Balanced nutrition of NPK and dispersible granular sulphur, which quickly disperses into finely divided particles, increases nutrient release and uptake by the soybean crop, leading to higher uptake and available soil nutrient content.

An Economic Analysis of Green-gram in Sehore District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Shivani Yadav — 2026-10-28

Aims: The present study analysed the production economics and marketing of Green-gram (Vigna radiata L.).

Study Design: A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: Bherunda block of Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, during 2024–25.

Methodology: Primary data were collected from 90 farmers, comprising 30 each of small, medium and large farmers, using a structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using standard cost concepts and marketing efficiency measures.

Results: The average Cost C3 was ₹42,707.69 per hectare, while the average yield and gross income were 7.77 qtl/ha and ₹71,308.90/ha, respectively. The net return under Cost C3 was ₹28,601.21 per hectare, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1:1.67. Three marketing channels were identified, with the producer’s share in the consumer price ranging from 88.28 to 93.53 per cent and marketing efficiency from 7.53 to 14.45. Major constraints faced by farmers included pest and disease attacks, delayed availability of quality seed, high transportation charges and inadequate market information.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Green-gram cultivation was economically viable in the study area, with considerable scope for improving production and marketing efficiency through the timely availability of quality inputs, better market information and improved marketing infrastructure.

Corrosion Behaviour of SS316 in TiO₂ Nanofluids and Phase Change Materials for Dairy Heat-Exchange Applications — Gravimetric, XRD, and Spectrophotometric Evaluation

M. N. Lekhan — 2026-10-28

Aims: To evaluate the corrosion behaviour of SS316 exposed to TiO₂-based nanofluids under dynamic flow and repeated freezing–thawing conditions, with particular emphasis on surface changes and dissolved iron release.

Study Design: An experimental study investigating the effects of two TiO₂ concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%, w/w) under dynamic flow and phase change material (PCM)-associated freezing–thawing conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Dairy Engineering Section of the Southern Regional Station, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, over an exposure period of 80 days.

Methodology: TiO₂ nanofluids were prepared by magnetic stirring followed by ultrasonication at 40 kHz and 350 W for 2 h. SS316 coupons were exposed under dynamic flow at 80 °C and 100 L h⁻¹ for 8 h daily over 80 days. For PCM-associated exposure, coupons underwent freezing at −15 °C and thawing at ambient temperature (28–35 °C). Corrosion behaviour was evaluated using gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and spectrophotometric determination of dissolved iron by the 1,10-phenanthroline method.

Results: PCM-exposed coupons exhibited initial weight gain followed by progressive weight loss, whereas dynamically exposed coupons showed gradual weight gain that tended to stabilise with time. XRD analysis indicated changes in surface crystallinity and possible formation of Fe₂O₃ and FeCr₂O₄. After 80 days, dissolved iron concentrations in the 0.5% and 1.0% PCM suspensions reached 2.365 ppm and 4.552 ppm, respectively.

Conclusion: SS316 exhibited measurable surface and corrosion-related changes under both exposure conditions. The higher dissolved iron concentration in the 1.0% TiO₂ PCM suspension highlights the importance of evaluating material compatibility when employing TiO₂-based heat-transfer systems.

Evaluation of Carcass and Reproductive Traits of Kow Debar Sheep

Kaushelendra Pratap Singh — 2026-10-28

Kow Debar sheep are a local sheep population maintained under field conditions in Uttarakhand, India. This study evaluated their reproductive and carcass traits to provide descriptive information on flock performance. Data were collected from randomly selected sheep rearers using a structured interview schedule in Syaldey, Thalisain and Gairsain tehsils of Almora, Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli districts, respectively. Most reproductive traits were recorded for 230 animals, lifetime lamb production for 180 observations and carcass traits for 42 observations. Results were summarised as means and standard errors. The mean ages at sexual maturity were 375.50 ± 3.00 days in males and 407.30 ± 1.80 days in females. Age at first oestrus, oestrus cycle duration and age at first lambing averaged 373.00 ± 1.30, 18.00 ± 0.10 and 554.80 ± 1.70 days, respectively. The mean lambing interval and service period were 260 ± 1.70 and 110 ± 1.20 days, respectively. Mean litter size was 1.02 ± 0.00, and lifetime lamb production was 3.48 ± 0.00. Mean age at slaughter was 958.66 ± 15.42 days, slaughter weight was 22.92 ± 0.55 kg, carcass weight was 11.20 ± 0.26 kg and dressing percentage was 49.12 ± 0.71%. These findings provide a descriptive baseline for Kow Debar sheep. Interpretation should account for the field-based study design and prevailing management conditions.

Design and Development of Battery Operated Weeder for Wetland Rice

R. K. Naik — 2026-10-28

Background: Wetland rice cultivation requires effective inter-row weed management, but manual weeding is labour-intensive and conventional powered machines can be difficult to operate in puddled soil.

Aim: To design and develop a battery-powered weeder that provides a lightweight, economical, ergonomic and eco-friendly machinery solution to reduce dependence on manual labour in wetland rice fields.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, SVCAET & RS, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, during 2025–2026.

Methodology: The machine was powered by a 650 W DC motor paired with a 27 V, 30 Ah lithium iron phosphate battery system. Key structural components incorporated into the design included a mild steel chassis, rotating stainless-steel blades, a worm gear transmission system, a control unit and a dedicated floating mechanism.

Results: The dimensions of the developed weeder were 780 × 560 × 1400 mm, with a total weight of 17.10 kg. Theoretical battery-runtime estimation indicated approximately 1.24 hours, while the ideal full-recharge time was estimated at approximately 2.4 hours for a 12.5 A charging current. The fabrication cost of the developed unit was estimated at ₹29,840.

Conclusion: A lightweight ( ) battery-operated wetland weeder powered by a DC motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack was successfully designed, fabricated, and put into operation for inter-row weed management in puddled rice fields.

Arrivals–Price Relationship of Major Vegetables at AMC Vantimamidi, Telangana, India

G. Sathish — 2026-10-28

This study assessed monthly market arrivals and modal prices for the five highest-volume crops traded at Agricultural Market Committee (AMC) Vantimamidi, Telangana, from April 2021 to March 2026. Sweet corn, field beans, bitter gourd, kheera (cucumber) and beans accounted for 1,071,941 of the 1,897,755 quintals recorded in the market (approximately 56%). Pearson correlation, ordinary least squares regression, price flexibility and ratio-to-moving-average seasonal indices were used to describe the relationships. Correlations were also calculated after removing calendar-month seasonal effects. Raw arrivals–price correlations were negative for sweet corn (r = −0.24), field beans (r = −0.27), kheera (r = −0.23) and beans (r = −0.54), but weakly positive for bitter gourd (r = +0.10). Arrivals accounted for 1–7.5% of monthly price variation in four crops and 29% in beans. After deseasonalisation, the inverse association remained statistically significant for sweet corn (r = −0.41) and was borderline for beans (r = −0.28; p = 0.053), whereas it was not significant for field beans or kheera. Seasonal arrival peaks occurred in July–September for sweet corn, during winter for field beans and beans, in June–July and November for bitter gourd, and in March–April for kheera. The findings indicate that relationships between local arrivals and modal prices are crop-specific and frequently influenced by seasonality. Interpretation of monthly price movements should therefore consider seasonal patterns alongside arrivals rather than using arrivals alone.

Marketing and Constraints in Black Gram Cultivation: A Study in Assam, India

Raktim Bharadwaj — 2026-10-29

This study examined black gram marketing channels, marketing costs, price spread, producer returns, and production and marketing constraints in the Dhubri and Barpeta districts of Assam. A total of 120 growers were selected from 12 villages in four blocks. Marketing-channel performance was compared using marketing costs, margins, price spread, producers' share in the consumer rupee, and marketing efficiency, while reported constraints were ranked using the Garrett ranking approach. Three marketing channels were identified. Channel II (Producer → Retailer → Consumer) was the most frequently used, accounting for 49.17% of sampled growers, followed by Channel III (35.83%) and Channel I (15.00%). Channel I (Producer → Consumer) recorded the highest producer's share in the consumer rupee (98.96%), the smallest price spread (Rs 97.14 per quintal), and the highest marketing efficiency (95.21). Channel III recorded the highest total marketing cost (Rs 341.43 per quintal) and the largest price spread (Rs 865.69 per quintal). In production, irrigation problems, pest and disease infestation, high labour wages, and costly inputs were the leading reported constraints. For marketing, high transportation costs, price fluctuations, inadequate storage, and commission charges were prominent concerns. The findings suggest that improving irrigation and storage facilities and expanding feasible direct-marketing opportunities could address some of the constraints encountered by growers in the selected districts.

Economic Efficiency of Groundnut Production in the Central Dry Zone of Karnataka: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

R. Shreedevi — 2026-10-29

Background: Groundnut is an important oilseed crop in Karnataka, particularly in the Central Dry Zone, where variations in input utilisation, cultivation costs and productivity influence farm profitability. Limited comparative evidence on technical, allocative and economic efficiency among groundnut farmers in Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts highlights the need to assess resource-use efficiency and identify opportunities for improving economic performance.

Aims: To evaluate the technical, allocative and economic efficiency of groundnut production in the Central Dry Zone of Karnataka and identify key inefficiencies in resource use among farmers in Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study based on farm-level primary data analysed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) under constant returns to scale with input orientation.

Place and Duration of Study: Challakere and Molakalmuru taluks of Chitradurga district and Sira and Pavagada taluks of Tumakuru district, Karnataka, during the 2022–2023 agricultural year.

Methodology: A total of 120 groundnut farmers (30 from each taluk) were selected through random sampling. Primary data were collected using structured interviews covering input use, labour and costs. DEA was employed to estimate Technical Efficiency (TE), Allocative Efficiency (AE) and Economic Efficiency (EE) for each farm. Cost and return analysis was also conducted to assess profitability.

Results: The mean TE, AE and EE scores in Chitradurga district were 0.81, 0.64 and 0.52, respectively, while those in Tumakuru district were 0.80, 0.68 and 0.54. Tumakuru farmers achieved higher average yields (6.37 quintals/acre) and gross returns (₹48,192/acre) than Chitradurga farmers (4.96 quintals/acre and ₹38,848/acre). Returns per rupee of variable cost were 1.41 and 1.15 for Tumakuru and Chitradurga, respectively. Variable costs accounted for over 70 per cent of total costs, with human labour and seed costs being the largest components.

Conclusion: Although most farmers demonstrated reasonable technical efficiency, considerable scope remains to improve allocative and economic efficiency. Better access to cost-effective inputs, extension services and training in resource allocation may help optimise production and improve profitability in Karnataka's dryland groundnut farming systems.

Effect of Pinching, Salicylic Acid and Gibberellic Acid on Growth and Flowering Attributes in Dahlia

Akash Kushwaha — 2026-10-29

Background: Pinching and foliar application of plant growth regulators influence vegetative growth and flowering in ornamental crops. However, their individual and combined effects on different growth and flowering attributes of dahlia require further evaluation.

Aim: To assess the effects of pinching, gibberellic acid (GA₃) and salicylic acid (SA) on growth and flowering attributes of dahlia.

Methods: A field experiment was conducted during 2021–2022 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design comprising 14 treatments with three replications. Treatments included pinching and no pinching, foliar applications of GA₃ (100, 200 and 300 ppm), SA (100, 150 and 200 ppm), and a distilled-water control. Vegetative growth and flowering attributes were recorded and statistically analysed.

Results: Pinching increased secondary branches (21.69 per plant), leaves (73.74 per plant) and flowers (63.94 per plant), whereas non-pinched plants exhibited greater height and earlier flowering. GA₃ at 100 ppm produced the maximum leaf number and fresh leaf biomass, while 200 ppm resulted in the highest flower number (71.05 per plant) and flower diameter (12.41 cm). GA₃ at 300 ppm produced the greatest bud diameter (21.35 mm) and peduncle length (22.87 cm). SA at 100 ppm increased flower longevity (5.29 days), whereas 150 ppm resulted in the longest flowering duration (44.42 days).

Conclusion: Pinching, GA₃ and SA influenced dahlia growth and flowering differently. Treatment selection should therefore depend on the specific growth or flowering attribute targeted.

Economics of Wheat Production and Marketing in Vidisha District of Madhya Pradesh

Hitanshu Sahu — 2026-10-29

Aim: To describe the production costs, returns and wheat marketing channels reported for small, medium and large farm households in Vidisha district, Madhya Pradesh.

Design and Setting: A cross-sectional farm survey covered 90 wheat growers (30 in each farm-size category) in five villages in the Vidisha and Basoda blocks during the 2024–2025 agricultural year.

Methods: Per-hectare expense components for each farm-size group were aggregated using standard agricultural cost identities, with an operational 10% charge for farm management. Group-level gross revenue and grain yields were summarized with equal weights across the three-sampled farm-size groups. Producer share, price spread and two marketing-efficiency ratios were calculated from per-quintal channel prices, costs and margins.

Results: The respondent-balanced mean wheat yield was 49.95 q/ha, and mean gross revenue was ₹140,556.92/ha. The corresponding Cost C3, net return over C3 and gross-return-to-cost ratio were ₹70,254.70/ha, ₹70,302.22/ha and 2.00, respectively. The direct producer–consumer channel had the highest producer share (96.40%) and the highest Acharya efficiency ratio (26.76); a multi-stage channel involving a processor had the lowest corresponding values (76.07% and 3.18).

Conclusion: The descriptive accounting indicates positive wheat-production returns across farm-size groups and comparatively lower recorded marketing costs in the direct channel. These findings are specific to the sampled farmers and channel valuations; differences among marketing channels cannot be interpreted causally without product-stage and transaction-level comparability.

Effects of Reduced Inorganic NPK Combined with Farmyard Manure, NPK-Consortia, and Nano-P on Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Avinash Kumar Rai — 2026-10-29

The study, conducted at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra experimental farm, Ghazipur, during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024, evaluated the effects of integrated nutrient management on the growth, nutrient content, grain yield, and agronomic efficiency of rice cultivar 27P37. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was carried out on an Inceptisol with low organic carbon and available nitrogen and potassium, to assess reduced inorganic fertiliser use combined with organic and biological inputs. Nine nutrient management treatments were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of an absolute control (T1), 100% inorganic NPK (T2), and 75% NPK combined with farmyard manure (FYM), NPK-Consortia seed treatment, and Nano-P, applied separately or in various combinations (T3–T9). FYM was incorporated into the soil 15 days before transplanting, and basal inorganic fertilisers were placed before final puddling. Plant growth, grain and straw nutrient concentrations, grain yield, and agronomic efficiency were evaluated. The treatment data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Nutrient management treatments significantly influenced the measured crop responses. Treatment T9 (75% NPK + 5 t/ha FYM + NPK-Consortia + Nano-P) recorded the highest plant height at harvest (115.40 cm), tiller number at 90 days after transplanting (404.50 m⁻²), and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in both grain and straw. T9 also produced the highest grain yield (7,040 kg/ha) and agronomic efficiency (21.88 kg grain per kg of applied inorganic nutrient), compared with 4,310 kg/ha under 100% NPK and 3,430 kg/ha in the control. These findings indicate that combining FYM, NPK-Consortia, and Nano-P with 75% of the recommended inorganic NPK dose improved rice performance under the conditions of this study.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management Modules Combining FYM, Bio-Consortia, and Nano-Phosphorus on Productivity, Nutrient Assimilation, and Soil Microbes in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Avinash Kumar Rai — 2026-10-29

A two-year field experiment conducted at KVK Ghazipur during the 2023 and 2024 Kharif seasons evaluated integrated nutrient management treatments in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar 27P37 grown on alkaline, low-organic-carbon Inceptisols. Nine treatments were compared in a randomised block design with three replications, including an unfertilised control, 100% inorganic NPK, and combinations of 75% NPK with farmyard manure (5 t/ha), NPK-Consortia seed treatment, and Nano-P. The combined treatment (T9: 75% NPK + FYM + NPK-Consortia + Nano-P) produced the highest reported grain and straw yields of 70.40 and 72.65 q/ha, respectively. Corresponding total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake values were 142.74, 27.15, and 131.26 kg/ha. Grain yield under 100% NPK (T2) was 43.10 q/ha. The unfertilised control yielded 34.30 q/ha, whereas T7 (75% NPK + FYM + Nano-P) yielded 66.50 q/ha. Partial factor productivity, calculated using the total applied synthetic N, P₂O₅, and K₂O rates, was 42.67 kg/kg for T9 compared with 19.59 kg/kg for T2. The highest reported post-harvest bacterial, fungal, and actinomyces populations were also recorded under T9. The findings suggest that combining reduced inorganic fertilisation with FYM, a microbial consortium, and Nano-P may improve the measured agronomic and biological outcomes under the study conditions. However, year-specific treatment means were not available to assess variation between seasons.

Ranked and Bias-corrected CMIP6 Projections Reveal a Seasonal Shift of Monsoon Rainfall and Accelerated Warming in a Humid Tropical River Basin of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India

P. Sambasiva Rao — 2026-10-29

Basin-scale water planning requires climate projections that have been screened and corrected against local observations. This study ranked 15 CMIP6 global climate models (GCMs), compared bias-correction methods and projected future climate for the Valapattanam River Basin (1,238.81 km²) in humid tropical Kerala, India, using daily rainfall, maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) from the India Meteorological Department observatory at Kannur (1990–2014). Trends were tested with the Mann–Kendall test, Sen's slope and the Pettitt test, and GCMs were ranked for each variable using Compromise Programming and TOPSIS. Observed annual rainfall averaged 3,414.6 mm, 77.3% of it in June–September, without a significant trend, while Tmax rose by 0.51 °C per decade. MIROC6 ranked best for rainfall and MRI-ESM2-0 for Tmax, and the two ranking methods agreed closely. Among four rainfall corrections, distribution mapping (DM) reproduced the observed daily distribution most closely (Kolmogorov–Smirnov D = 0.063); linear scaling gave the best monthly NSE but 38% too many wet days and a 99th percentile 35% too low. A two-fold split-sample test, repeated for the six GCMs ranked best for rainfall, confirmed this out of sample: DM gave the lowest D in 10 of 12 cases (mean 0.065 against 0.148 for linear scaling), although mean volume errors of 10–17% remained for all methods. DM-corrected projections for 2081–2100 under SSP1-2.6 to SSP5-8.5 indicate that Tmax rises by 1.3–3.9 °C, Tmin by 1.6–5.4 °C and hot days increasing from 16 to 73–217 per year. Annual rainfall changes little (−4% to +4%), but under SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 south-west monsoon rainfall falls by 12–16% and north-east monsoon rainfall rises by 55–71%, with fewer wet days and longer dry spells. As the projections are based on one station and one GCM per variable, they are indicative and should be bracketed by a multi-model ensemble. Distribution mapping is recommended for preparing CMIP6 inputs for hydrological modelling, and the projected seasonal shift calls for more storage of late-season rainfall and more efficient irrigation in the dry season.

Tribal Women Beneficiaries of PMVDVY in Southern Rajasthan: A Profile Analysis with Implications for Forest-Based Livelihoods

Sanju Meena — 2026-10-30

Objective: To describe socio-personal, socio-economic, communication and psychological characteristics of registered tribal women beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (PMVDVY) in selected villages of southern Rajasthan and compare descriptive distributions across two districts.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey included 400 women from Sirohi and Udaipur. Districts, blocks and villages were purposively selected, followed by simple random selection of 20 beneficiaries within each of 20 villages. Semi-structured interviews were summarised using frequencies, percentages and reported composite-score categories.

Results: Overall, 60.75% were classified as middle-aged, 51.75% had secondary education, 65.25% belonged to joint families and 58.00% had marginal landholdings. Agriculture combined with business or self-employment was the largest occupational category (57.00%). Medium score categories predominated for information seeking (56.50%), information sharing (54.00%), mass media exposure (61.00%), risk orientation (52.50%), economic motivation (58.50%) and market orientation (60.00%). The districts differed descriptively in educational attainment, income grouping and market-orientation distributions.

Conclusion: The results identify characteristics relevant to local extension planning but do not quantify programme impacts. Purposive geographical selection, reliance on self-reports and absence of item-level scale data limit generalisability and independent assessment of measurement properties.

Formulation and Syrup-Soaking Effects on Sensory Quality and Physical Characteristics of Chhanabara

Jui Lodh — 2026-10-30

Chhanabara is a traditional fried chhana-based sweet whose quality depends on formulation and syrup-soaking conditions. This study evaluated the effects of whole wheat flour, baking powder, dough sugar, syrup concentration, soaking temperature and immersion duration on its sensory characteristics and described the physicochemical and textural attributes of the characterised product. Separate screening trials examined flour addition at 10, 15 and 20%; baking powder at 0, 1 and 2%; dough sugar at 2, 5 and 8%; syrup concentration at 50, 60 and 70%; soaking temperature at 70, 80 and 90 °C; and immersion duration at 0.5, 1 and 2 h. Eight semi-trained assessors evaluated colour and appearance, body and texture, flavour, and overall acceptability on a nine-point hedonic scale. The highest sensory responses within the respective trials were obtained with 15% flour, no baking powder and 5% dough sugar. A syrup concentration of 60%, soaking temperature of 80 °C and immersion duration of 1 h were also preferred in separate assessments. Across frying and soaking, mean diameter increased from 3.41 to 4.89 cm and mean mass from 16.7 to 36.3 g. The characterised product contained 22.13% moisture, 21.06% fat and 18.72% protein, with overall acceptability of 8.33 ± 0.15 and hardness of 19.923 ± 0.068 N. These findings identify favourable individual conditions; their combined effects require further validation.

Development and Process Standardization of Fermented Dosa Batter Incorporating Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus Spp.)

Karismita Talukdar — 2026-10-30

Grain amaranth offers an opportunity to diversify the ingredients used in traditional cereal–pulse foods, but its incorporation should retain acceptable product quality. This study evaluated grain amaranth incorporation, fermentation duration and soaking time for the development of naturally fermented dosa batter. Five formulations (grain amaranth: rice: black gram dhal) were prepared on a dry ingredient basis: 0:75:25 (control), 25:50:25, 37.5:37.5:25, 50:25:25 and 75:0:25. Ingredients were initially soaked for 8 h, ground and naturally fermented at room temperature for 6, 8, 10 and 12 h. Batter pH and titratable acidity were assessed and dosas were evaluated by 21 semi-trained panellists using a nine-point hedonic scale. Reducing sugars and batter volume rise were assessed at the selected 12 h fermentation endpoint. At 12 h, pH ranged from 5.16 in the control to 4.56 in the rice-free formulation, while batter volume rise increased from 41.67% to 85.56%. The 25% amaranth formulation had the highest overall acceptability among the amaranth-containing formulations (8.14), whereas the 50% formulation scored 7.72 and was selected to balance higher incorporation and acceptable sensory quality. Its pH, reducing sugar content and batter volume rise were 4.66, 9.61 g glucose equivalents/100 g and 75.56%, respectively. Subsequent soaking trials with this formulation yielded overall acceptability scores of 7.03, 7.72 and 7.81 after 6, 8 and 10 h soaking. The results support the 50:25:25 grain amaranth: rice: black gram dhal formulation with 8 h soaking and 12 h natural fermentation as a practical process under the conditions evaluated.

Assessment of Number of Leafhoppers as Indicator of Resistance of Sesame Genotypes

K. Swathi — 2026-10-30

Host plant resistance (HPR) is recognised as one of the most cost-effective, environmentally sustainable strategies for managing vector-borne diseases such as phyllody. Leafhoppers, particularly Hishimonus phycitis and Orosius albicinctus, are the principal vectors of sesame phyllody, a phytoplasma-induced disease that severely reduces crop productivity by converting floral structures into vegetative forms. Although several leafhopper species occur on sesame, only a few are efficient vectors of phyllody. The deployment of resistant genotypes is regarded as the most economical and sustainable approach for managing this disease. In the present study, 280 ICAR-IIOR sesame lines, along with a resistant check (GT-10) and a susceptible check (RJR-170), were evaluated under open field conditions during two seasons (2023 and 2024). A combined mean across seasons was also calculated to obtain unbiased results, and germplasm entries were categorised accordingly. Considerable variation in leafhopper populations were observed among the genotypes. Two sesame genotypes, IC 500521 and IC 500520, consistently demonstrated high levels of resistance to leafhopper infestation across both seasons. The resistant genotypes identified in this study could serve as valuable sources for future sesame breeding and integrated pest management programmes.

Calibration and Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Soil Moisture in High-Density Apple Orchards

Riyaz Ashraf — 2026-10-30

Resistive sensors can provide affordable measurements of soil-water dynamics, although site-specific calibration is necessary for reliable interpretation. A low-cost sensor system with wireless communication was evaluated using clay-loam soil from a high-density apple orchard at SKUAST-Kashmir, India. Nine laboratory calibration levels were prepared by adding 0–400 mL of water to 1 kg of oven-dry soil; the resulting nominal mass-based water-content scale was 0–40%. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) counts decreased approximately linearly with water addition. A linear model fitted to the nine observations yielded R² = 0.99964 and an in-sample root mean square error of 5.04 ADC counts, equivalent to 0.24 percentage points on the nominal gravimetric scale. A fifth-degree polynomial produced R² = 0.99989 and 2.81 ADC counts (0.14 percentage points), but its added complexity increases the risk of overfitting. Sensors were installed at 15, 20 and 25 cm in the orchard, and aggregate field comparisons with gravimetric and time-domain reflectometry measurements were summarised. Random forest, neural network and long short-term memory models were also explored using field-derived time-series observations. The available aggregate summaries do not establish independent predictive generalisation or quantify changes in irrigation water use. These findings support the feasibility of a site-specific sensor system while identifying reference-moisture measurement, chronological validation and longer-term testing as essential requirements for operational irrigation decisions.

Regional Dynamics of Sesamum Cultivation across Agro-climatic Zones of Rajasthan, India

Vijay Kumar Saran — 2026-10-30

Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important rainfed kharif oilseed crop in India, but its production is highly unstable because of erratic rainfall, poor soil conditions and limited irrigation facilities. Rajasthan, which has the largest area under sesamum cultivation in the country, comprises ten distinct agro-climatic zones with diverse production environments. The present study examined instability, growth trends, absolute and relative changes, and the decomposition of production change in sesamum cultivation across these zones using secondary data from 2003–04 to 2022–23 obtained from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Rajasthan. The study employed the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index (CDVI), Compound Growth Rate (CGR), absolute and relative change analysis, and decomposition analysis. The results showed that production instability (33.00%) was higher than instability in area (25.57%) and productivity (24.94%) at the state level. The humid south eastern plain recorded the highest instability in area (80.42%) and production (88.74%), while the flood prone eastern plains showed the lowest productivity instability (12.46%). CGR analysis revealed a declining trend in area and production across most zones, although the hyper arid partial irrigated zone recorded positive growth in both area and production. At the state level, area and production declined annually by 2.74 per cent and 2.10 per cent, respectively, whereas productivity showed marginal positive growth (0.65%). Decomposition analysis indicated that the area effect was the major contributor to production change at the state level, while the yield effect dominated in the arid western plain. The study suggests that region-specific interventions focusing on irrigation expansion, climate-resilient varieties, quality seed supply and improved extension services are necessary to stabilise sesamum production and promote sustainable oilseed development in Rajasthan.

Optimization of Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Inputs for Enhanced Teff Productivity and Nutrient-Use Efficiency

Manjunath S Melavanki — 2026-10-31

Background: Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is an underutilised cereal crop with potential for diversification of dryland farming systems due to its adaptability and nutritional value. However, standardised agronomic recommendations for teff cultivation in India remain limited, particularly regarding optimal planting geometry and fertiliser management for improving crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of planting geometry and nutrient management on teff yield, nutrient-use efficiency, and post-harvest soil chemical properties to develop suitable agronomic recommendations.

Study Design: Factorial randomised block design with ten treatment combinations and three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during the Kharif season of 2021.

Methodology: The experiment comprised two planting geometries (30 × 10 cm and 45 × 10 cm) and five nutrient treatments: 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF; 20:20:20 kg ha^-1 of N: P₂O₅:K₂O) and an absolute control. Farmyard manure (FYM) was applied at 6 t ha^-1 to all treatments except the absolute control. Brown-seeded teff was harvested at 110 days after sowing. Yield parameters, nutrient-use efficiencies, and post-harvest soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon were assessed. Data were analysed using analysis of variance at the 5% significance level.

Results: Planting geometry significantly influenced grain and straw yields. Narrow spacing (30 × 10 cm) recorded higher grain (2.37 q ha^-1) and straw (3.65 q ha^-1) yields than wider spacing (2.04 and 3.34 q ha^-1, respectively). Among nutrient treatments, 100% RDF produced the highest grain yield (2.73 q ha^-1), whereas 125% RDF recorded the highest straw yield (4.36 q ha^-1). Test weight and harvest index were not significantly affected. Agronomic efficiency and phosphorus physiological efficiency were highest under 100% RDF, reaching 5.00 and 4.81 kg kg^-1, respectively, at 30 × 10 cm spacing and 4.95 and 4.87 kg kg^-1, respectively, at 45 × 10 cm spacing. Nitrogen recovery efficiency peaked under 125% RDF at 12.31% and 14.73% for the two respective spacings. Treatment interactions did not significantly affect grain or straw yield. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon were not significantly affected.

Conclusion: Planting teff at 30 × 10 cm with 100% RDF and FYM at 6 t ha^-1 may offer a suitable strategy for improving grain yield and nutrient-use efficiency in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka (Zone-V).

Economic Viability and Capital Payback of IoT-Automated Drip Irrigation Coupled with Biostimulant Application in Tomato

Jagarlamudi Nethra — 2026-10-31

Background & Aims: Commercial tomato production in semi-arid regions requires irrigation strategies that conserve water without undermining farm returns. This study evaluated the financial performance of Internet of Things (IoT)-automated drip irrigation combined with foliar biostimulants, using both annualised agricultural costing and seasonal cash-flow accounting.

Methods: A split-plot experiment with three replications was conducted over the 2024–25 and 2025–26 late Rabi seasons in Andhra Pradesh, India. Conventional calendar-based drip irrigation was compared with sensor-controlled irrigation triggered at 25% and 50% depletion of available soil moisture. Four foliar treatments comprised a water-spray control, seaweed extract, humic and fulvic acids, and amino acids with peptides. Capital payback, monetary water productivity and sensitivity to price and yield changes were assessed.

Results: Initial capital expenditure was ₹ 1,71,884 ha⁻¹ for conventional drip infrastructure and ₹ 4,69,484 ha⁻¹ for the IoT-automated installation. Under CACP costing, automated drip at 25% DASM with foliar amino acids (I2B4) recorded the highest pooled net returns (₹ 6,54,493 ha⁻¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.53), yielding ₹ 11,14,801 ha⁻¹ in net returns (B:C 3.60) in Year 2. Under cash-flow accounting, complete capital recovery occurred in 1.18 crop seasons (14.2 calendar months) for the total IoT setup and 1.24 crop seasons (14.9 calendar months) for the incremental automation retrofit. Scheduling irrigation at 25% DASM saved 17.12% applied water (88.71 mm) and lifted gross economic water productivity from ₹ 57.48 to ₹ 279.79 m⁻³. Sensitivity modelling confirmed farm solvency (B:C 1.76) even under concurrent -20% market price and -20% yield reductions.

Conclusion: Sensor-automated drip irrigation scheduled at 25% DASM combined with foliar amino acid application delivered maximum net farm earnings, amortised capital equipment within two seasons and conserved substantial irrigation water. Extending operational state micro-irrigation subsidies (APMIP G.O.Rt.No.1004) to include sensor hardware shortens chronological payback to 1.12 seasons, establishing clear financial justification for commercial smallholder adoption.

Effect of Soybean Milk as a Milk Substitute with or without Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Tonic on Growth Performance of Sangamneri Goat Kids

S. B. Jadhav — 2026-10-31

A feeding study evaluated soybean milk as a partial or complete substitute for goat milk, with or without alfalfa (Medicago sativa) tonic, in Sangamneri goat kids. Twenty-five kids were allocated to five treatments (five per group): T0, goat milk alone; T1, 50% goat milk and 50% soybean milk; T2, the same blend with alfalfa tonic; T3, soybean milk alone; and T4, soybean milk with alfalfa tonic. The study comprised a 15-day transition period followed by 75 days of experimental feeding. Over the 75-day feeding period, mean milk intake ranged from 36.075 L (T3) to 40.875 L (T0). Final mean live weights were 9.306, 8.898, 9.121, 6.590, and 7.660 kg for T0 through T4, respectively. The corresponding mean daily live-weight gains, calculated from treatment-level gains, were 98.37, 92.83, 95.77, 62.19, and 76.69 g/day. Numerically, the combination of 50% goat milk and 50% soybean milk with alfalfa tonic was associated with growth values near those of the whole-goat-milk group, whereas the soybean-milk-only treatment had the lowest mean gain. These descriptive findings do not establish treatment equivalence or a causal effect of the tonic because individual-animal statistical outputs, tonic dosing details, and complete nutrient-intake data were unavailable.

Capacity Building of Tribal Communities through Sericulture Training Programmes: An Intervention under ICAR–Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)

Shefali Messay — 2026-10-31

Sericulture provides an important source of livelihood for many rural and tribal households in India. However, farmers engaged in sericulture often face occupational health risks, limited access to improved tools, weak value addition, and poor market linkages. To address these constraints, five capacity-building programmes were organised under the ICAR–Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) project in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. A total of 280 beneficiaries participated across the five programmes, with programme-specific enrolment of 80 in occupational health training (T1), 60 in ergonomic-tool training (T2), 50 in value-added product training (T3), 60 in visual merchandising training (T4), and 30 in cocoon-product exhibition and marketing (T5). Training was delivered at village and university settings through lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and market exposure. Outcomes were evaluated using the participant group relevant to each training module rather than the aggregate total of 280. In T1, the mean knowledge score increased from 38.6% before training to 83.4% after training, a 44.8 percentage-point increase. Among T2 participants, adoption of at least one ergonomic tool increased from 13.3% at baseline to 68.3% at the three-month follow-up. Among T3 participants, 76.0% produced saleable value-added products after training. Participants also expressed high satisfaction, with an overall mean score of 4.62 out of 5.00. The findings indicate programme-associated improvements in occupational-safety knowledge, technology adoption, vocational skills, and marketing exposure, while the programme-specific denominators should be considered when interpreting these outcomes.

Economic Analysis of Cluster Bean in Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan, India

Vishal — 2026-10-31

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an important dryland crop in Rajasthan, but farm-size differences in cultivation economics and producer constraints require district-level assessment. The present study was undertaken to assess the economics of cluster bean cultivation in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The economics of cluster bean cultivation was assessed using standard farm-management cost concepts and profitability measures. The average Cost C₂ was estimated at ₹14,579.50 ha⁻¹, with corresponding values of ₹13,834.76, ₹14,540.67, and ₹15,363.06 ha⁻¹ for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The average cost of production was estimated at ₹3,093.25 q⁻¹. The average gross and net returns were ₹25,999.60 and ₹11,420.11 ha⁻¹, respectively, while gross returns less Cost C₃ amounted to ₹9,962.15 ha⁻¹. The return per rupee invested was estimated at ₹1.80, ₹1.77, and ₹1.77 for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The findings indicate that cluster bean cultivation generated positive economic returns across all farm-size categories considered in the study. The study revealed that cluster bean farmers in the study area faced several constraints related to crop management, availability of inputs, technical knowledge, plant protection, labour and irrigation facilities. Among the identified constraints, weed infestation emerged as the most important constraint, followed by non-availability of quality seed and improved varieties and limited access to technical know-how. Overall, the Garrett ranking indicates that high transportation costs were the most prominent marketing constraint, followed by price fluctuations, inadequate transportation facilities, inadequate processing units in the local area, lack of market news and intelligence, and lack of storage facilities. Strengthening transportation and storage infrastructure, improving access to reliable market information, and promoting local processing facilities may contribute to improving the efficiency of cluster bean marketing and enhancing farmers’ price realisation.

Role of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Deepak Gahlot — 2026-10-31

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at the newly established experimental-cum-demonstration field of the Shri Vaishnav Institute of Agriculture, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore. The experimental soil was characterised by a medium black clay texture, with low available nitrogen (211.45 kg ha⁻¹), medium available phosphorus (15.60 kg ha⁻¹) and high available potassium (435.89 kg ha⁻¹). The soil had an organic carbon content of 0.50%, a pH of 7.35 and an electrical conductivity of 0.70 dS m⁻¹. The experiment consisted of nine treatments involving different concentrations of the plant growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA₃) and salicylic acid. The treatments were arranged in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments included T1: Control, T2: GA₃ 20 ppm at 15 & 40 days after sowing, T3: GA₃ 35 ppm at 15 & 40 DAS, T4: Salicylic acid 50 ppm at 15 & 40 DAS, T5: Salicylic acid 75 ppm at 15 & 40 DAS, T6: GA₃ 20 ppm + 50 ppm salicylic acid at 15 & 40 DAS, T7: GA₃ 20 ppm + 75 ppm salicylic acid at 15 & 40 DAS, T8: GA₃ 35 ppm + 50 ppm salicylic acid at 15 & 40 DAS and T9: GA₃ 35 ppm + 75 ppm salicylic acid at 15 & 40 DAS. Sowing was done using the dibbling method with a spacing of 30 x 10 cm. The greatest plant height (57.13 cm) at harvest, number of leaves plant^-1 (38.38) at 60 DAS, number of branches plant^-1 (11.48) at harvest, leaf area plant^-1 (13.68) at 60 DAS, number of nodules plant^-1 (67.42) at 60 DAS, dry matter plant^-1 (12.30 g) at harvest and number of pods plant^-1 (30.73), pod yield plant^-1(13.72 g), seed yield plant^-1(14.09 g) at harvest were recorded following the application of GA₃ 35 ppm + 75 ppm salicylic acid at 15 and 40 DAS throughout the entire crop growth period. The lowest values for the above-mentioned parameters were recorded in the control treatment.

Genetic Variability, Trait Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.)

Shivani Pankaj — 2026-10-31

The present investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur to investigate genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.) under the semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with sixteen treatments and three replications. The results revealed that genotype Arka Bahar emerged as the most promising line for crop improvement, achieving the highest total fruit yield (80.42 t/ha) and yield per vine (14.12 kg), closely followed by DS-4 for vine yield (13.66). The highest values for other traits were recorded among different genotypes, including DS-2 for vine length (18.21 m) and fruit diameter (18.11 cm), Pusa Santushti for developmental duration (requiring up to 79.30 days for first harvest), MS-1 for sex ratio (15.37), RS-2 for fruits per plant (13.27), DS-4 for fruit weight (1.31 kg) and DS-3 for fruit length (40.11 cm). Genetic analysis revealed that fruit diameter recorded the maximum genotypic coefficient of variation (39.76%), phenotypic coefficient of variation (40.40%), and genetic gain (80.63%), followed closely by yield of fruit per vine and vine length. Conversely, vine length exhibited the highest broad-sense heritability (97.87), followed by fruit diameter (96.88), fruit yield (96.57), and yield of fruit per vine (95.88), showing that all these parameters maintain heritability estimates above 93%. Correlation studies indicated that yield of fruit per vine was significantly and positively correlated at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with vine length (rg=0.421), (rp=0.417), number of primary branches (rg=0.837), (rp=0.810), days to first male flower (rg=0.362), (rp=0.349), number of fruits per plant (rg=0.537), (rp=0.412), average fruit weight (rg=0.358), (rp=0.344), length of fruit (rg=0.428), (rp=0.400), and total fruit yield (rg=0.504), (rp=0.496). In path coefficient analysis, average weight per fruit exerted the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield genotypically (0.9098), followed by length of fruit (0.8337), yield of fruit per vine (0.2978), and number of fruits per plant (0.2034). Phenotypically, vine length had the highest positive direct effect (0.48937), followed by length of fruit (0.26651) and average weight per fruit (0.24135). Ultimately, the high heritability associated with substantial genetic gain for critical traits particularly fruit diameter, yield per vine, and vine length indicated that these characters are governed by additive gene action and can be reliably improved through direct selection. Therefore, breeding strategies focusing concurrently on utilizing genotype Arka Bahar and selecting for yield per vine, fruit diameter, and average fruit weight may support genetic improvement in future programmes.

Performance Evaluation and Cost Economics of a Power-Operated Maize Dehusker cum Sheller for Small and Marginal Farmers

Akshay Kinge — 2026-11-02

Aims: To evaluate the performance of a small, single-phase electric maize dehusker cum sheller at three feed rates and to estimate its cost of operation with that of manual dehusking and shelling.

Study Design: A two-factor factorial experiment (three feed rates × three independent trials) with three one-hour replications, giving 27 test runs.

Place and Duration of Study: AICRP on Farm Implements and Machinery and Dairy Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India, 2022–2023.

Methodology: The machine (1.5 kW motor; two-bar cylinder of 154 mm diameter at 1366 rpm; spring-loaded rod concave; straight-blade blower) was tested with maize cv. Rajarshi at a grain moisture content of 15.5 % (w.b.) and feed rates of 300, 350 and 400 kg cobs h⁻¹ following IS 6284. Capacity, efficiencies and loss components were analysed using analysis of variance, and the cost of operation was estimated in accordance with IS 9164.

Results: Dehusking efficiency was 100 % in every run. Raising the feed rate from 300 to 400 kg h⁻¹ increased grain output from 212.1 to 277.3 kg h⁻¹ (R² = 0.98; P < .001). Shelling efficiency fell marginally from 99.34 to 99.20 % and cleaning efficiency from 98.64 to 98.27 % (P < .001). Unthreshed grain rose from 0.66 to 0.79 %, whereas the proportion of broken grain (0.38 to 0.28 %) and blower loss (2.06 to 1.51 %) declined, so that total loss fell from 3.10 to 2.58 % (P < .001). Blower loss accounted for 58–67 % of the total loss. The machine cost Rs 37,360 to build and dehusked and shelled maize at Rs 0.43 kg⁻¹ against Rs 7.62 kg⁻¹ by hand, cutting labour from 20.3 to 0.72 man-h per 100 kg of grain. The payback period was 0.76 years, the benefit–cost ratio 2.33, and the break-even use 41 h yr⁻¹.

Conclusion: A feed rate of 400 kg h⁻¹ gave the highest output and the lowest total loss with a small reduction in cleaning efficiency. The machine is technically reliable and economically attractive for small and marginal farmers and for custom hiring.

Enhancing Seedling Vigour, Disease Suppression and Productivity of Organic Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) through Azospirillum and Trichoderma harzianum Seed Treatments

Kailash Karmakar — 2026-11-02

Under organic cultivation, linseed productivity may be constrained by inadequate crop establishment and disease. This study evaluated the effects of Azospirillum and Trichoderma harzianum seed treatments on seedling vigour, Fusarium wilt incidence and yield. A laboratory experiment involving five treatments was conducted in a completely randomised design with four replications, while a field experiment involving eight treatments was conducted in a randomised block design with three replications during the 2017–18 rabi season at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Treatments included hydropriming, microbial seed priming and soil application of T. harzianum. Germination, seedling growth, field emergence, disease incidence, yield attributes and seed yield were assessed. Under laboratory conditions, the combined seed-priming treatment T₅ recorded the highest germination (94.0%), compared with 80.5% in the untreated control. In the field, T₈, combining Azospirillum and T. harzianum seed priming with soil application of T. harzianum, recorded the highest field emergence (77.08%) and seed yield (9.71 q ha⁻¹), together with the lowest Fusarium wilt incidence (9.53%). Corresponding control values were 33.19%, 4.97 q ha⁻¹ and 26.19%, respectively. Treatment T₄, involving T. harzianum seed priming alone, produced 9.42 q ha⁻¹ seed yield and the highest harvest index (39.62%). Seedling vigour and several growth and yield traits were positively associated with seed yield, whereas disease incidence was negatively associated with productivity indicators. The results indicate potential benefits of T. harzianum-based seed treatment under the experimental conditions.

Supply Chain Analysis of Mustard in Sri Ganganagar District of Rajasthan, India: Marketing Channels, Price Spread, Efficiency and an ARIMA Forecast of Production and Productivity

Shubham Lata — 2026-11-03

Background: Mustard is an important oilseed crop in irrigated north-western Rajasthan, where marketing arrangements influence the prices received by growers.

Aims: To map the mustard supply chain of Sri Ganganagar district, estimate channel-wise price spread and marketing efficiency, forecast production and productivity, and prioritise grower constraints.

Study Design: Cross-sectional field survey using a linked farmer–intermediary schedule, combined with univariate time-series analysis of published secondary data.

Place and Duration of Study: Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India, during the rabi mustard marketing season 2025-26.

Methodology: One hundred and twenty growers (multistage sampling, six blocks) and 40 intermediaries (ten per channel, selected using purposive and snowball sampling) were interviewed. Price spread, marketing cost, margin, producer’s share and marketing efficiency were computed following Acharya’s framework; constraints were ranked by the Garrett Ranking Technique and cross-checked by the Rank-Based Quotient (RBQ). An ARIMA model was fitted to the 2000-01 to 2024-25 Rajasthan and all-India series and validated on a five-year hold-out sample.

Results: Four channels were identified. The regulated market was the most-used route (36.67%), but the village-trader and commission-agent routes together accounted for 50.83% of growers, while the direct farmer–processor route was used by only 12.50%. Price spread narrowed from Rs 743/q in Channel I to Rs 388/q in Channel IV, the producer’s share rose from 89.1% to 94.2%, and marketing efficiency from 8.17 to 14.21. ARIMA (0, 1, 1) with drift was adequate for all series (Ljung–Box P = .55 and P = .80; hold-out MAPE 14.5% and 7.0%) and projects state productivity to reach 1,766 kg/ha by 2029-30. Garrett and RBQ gave an identical ranking: price volatility first (64.25; RBQ 90.00), lack of storage second (54.90; 75.00).

Conclusion: Production is robust and projected to grow, yet about half the growers market through the least efficient channels for reasons of convenience and liquidity. Raising grower income depends less on further yield gains than on price stabilisation, warehouse-receipt-linked storage, and aggregation that opens the shorter channels to small growers.

Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Active Pond Ownership among Smallholder Fish Farmers in Mano Ward, Samfya District, Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mbonyiwe Chakanga — 2026-11-03

Background: Smallholder aquaculture is relevant to rural livelihoods in Zambia, but farmer characteristics differ across local contexts. This study describes selected characteristics of fish farmers in Mano Ward, Samfya District, and documents the categories in a production-related summary graphic.

Methods: A descriptive questionnaire survey used a non-probability approach directed towards registered fish producers. Each of the three item-specific frequency tables comprised 44 observations for sex, age group and active pond count. Frequencies and percentages were checked arithmetically. A separate nine-category graphic was described without respondent-level interpretation because its source values, denominator and coding procedures were undocumented.

Results: Of 44 sex entries, 27 (61.4%) were female; of 44 age entries, 23 (52.3%) were aged 31–50 years. Thirty-eight of 44 pond-count entries (86.4%) belonged to categories with more than one active pond. The graphic assigned 19% to credit facilities, 16% each to profitability and labour, and 14% to yield. These values are chart shares, not the proportions of respondents affected by these categories.

Conclusion: The tabulations provide a restricted description of the recorded farming group, including sex, age group and pond-count categories. The separate graphic does not establish the frequency, importance or effects of production constraints. Broader inference requires documented recruitment, linked farm-level observations and traceable chart inputs.

Entrepreneurial Attributes and Behaviour of Nursery Owners in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam, India

Laxmipriya Sonowal — 2026-11-03

This study assessed the entrepreneurial attributes and entrepreneurial behaviour of nursery owners in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam. The study was undertaken in Golaghat, Jorhat and Sivasagar districts, which were randomly selected from the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone. A total of 60 nursery owners were selected using a random-cum-convenience sampling procedure. Data were collected during June–July 2022 through personal interviews conducted using a pre-tested structured research schedule. Entrepreneurial attributes were described in terms of age, educational level, family type, family size, experience in nursery business, area under nursery, net annual income from nursery, social participation, trading cosmopoliteness, decision-making ability, achievement motivation and risk orientation. Descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The respondents were predominantly middle-aged (43.33%), graduates/diploma holders or above (45.00%), members of nuclear families (78.33%) and were members of small families (86.67%). Most respondents had 4–14 years of nursery-business experience (78.33%), operated 0.06–0.15 ha of nursery area (70.00%) and had medium net annual income from nursery business (73.33%). Medium levels predominated for trading cosmopoliteness (65.00%), decision-making ability (45.00%), achievement motivation (53.34%) and risk orientation (63.33%). With regard to entrepreneurial behaviour, 58.33% of the nursery owners were classified as prospective entrepreneurs, while 21.67% were entrepreneurial internals and 20.00% were entrepreneurial externals. The findings provide a descriptive profile of the entrepreneurial attributes and behavioural orientation of nursery owners in the selected area.

Integrated Effect of PGPR and Graded Nitrogen Application on Plant Nutrient Content and Uptake and Microbial Activity in Maize

Omkarswami Channayya Hiremath — 2026-11-04

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2025 at the Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, to assess the influence of graded nitrogen application and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on soil fertility, plant nutrient content and uptake, and rhizospheric biological activity in maize. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments comprised an absolute control, PGPR alone, and 50, 75 and 100% of the recommended nitrogen dose (RDN), each applied with and without PGPR. The PGPR consortium consisted of Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum lipoferum and Bacillus subtilis. Soil observations were recorded at tasselling and harvest, while plant nutrient content and uptake were assessed at harvest. Soil pH, electrical conductivity and calcium carbonate were not significantly affected by the treatments, whereas organic carbon, available N, P and K and DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu generally increased with increasing nitrogen levels and PGPR inoculation. Plant N, P and K contents and uptake increased progressively, with 100% RDN + PGPR recording 1.95% grain N, 0.40% grain P and 0.41% grain K and total uptake of 246.86, 66.57 and 136.95 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Micronutrient content and uptake also increased, with 100% RDN + PGPR recording the highest Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu accumulation. Bacterial, actinomycetes and fungal populations and dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly enhanced by integrated nutrient management. The findings indicate that combining the recommended nitrogen dose with PGPR improved plant nutrient acquisition and rhizospheric biological activity without appreciable changes in soil reaction or salinity during one cropping season.

Estimation of Compound Annual Growth Rates in Area, Production and Productivity of Banana in Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh, India

Naresh Kumar — 2026-11-04

Banana cultivation contributes to horticultural production in Chhattisgarh, but changes in cultivated area, total output and yield may follow different trajectories. This study examined trends in the area, production and productivity of banana in Bilaspur district and Chhattisgarh state from 2007–08 to 2016–17. Secondary time-series data were obtained from publications and reports of the National Horticulture Board, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the Directorate of Horticulture, Chhattisgarh. Linear trend equations and log-linear compound growth rate estimates were used to describe changes over the study period. In Bilaspur district, the cultivated area increased from 1,927 hectares to 2,659 hectares, while production rose from 45,073 to 47,772 metric tonnes. Productivity declined from 23.39 to 17.96 tonnes per hectare. The reported compound annual growth rates for the district were 3.50% for area, −1.19% for production and −4.64% for productivity. At the state level, the corresponding rates were 13.52%, 12.42% and −0.97%. The findings indicate that area expansion was more pronounced than gains in yield, with distinct growth patterns between the district and state. These results demonstrate the value of examining area, production and productivity together when assessing district-level horticultural performance. Further assessment of local production conditions is needed to understand changes in productivity.

Growth Dynamics and Flowering Behaviour of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) Varieties under the Agro-Climatic Conditions of Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh, India

Madhavi Khilari — 2026-11-04

Tuberose is an important commercial flower crop valued for its attractive flowers and characteristic fragrance. The present study evaluated the growth dynamics and flowering behaviour of eight tuberose varieties under the agro-climatic conditions of Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh during 2025–26. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with eight treatments and three replications. Plant height and number of leaves were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after planting, along with days to spike emergence and 50 per cent flowering. Arka Nirantara recorded the highest plant height (77.66 cm) and number of leaves per plant (119.43) at 150 days after planting, whereas Kolkata Single recorded the lowest values (54.68 cm and 84.16, respectively). Kolkata Single showed the earliest spike emergence (73.03 days) and 50 per cent flowering (108.72 days), whereas Arka Nirantara flowered latest. The findings revealed considerable varietal variation in vegetative vigour and flowering earliness, indicating the importance of cultivar selection for tuberose production under Kabirdham conditions.

Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Integrated Fertilizer Levels and Biofertilizer Application

Navdeep — 2026-11-04

A field experiment was conducted during the 2025–26 Rabi season at the Agriculture Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, to evaluate ten fertiliser and biofertiliser treatments for chickpea. The experiment followed a randomised block design with three replications. Treatments comprised a control, 100% recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF), and 50%, 75% or 100% RDF in combination with Rhizobium and/or phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB). The RDF was 40:60:40 kg ha⁻¹ N:P₂O₅:K₂O. Treatment T₉ (100% RDF + Rhizobium @ 200 ml kg⁻¹ seed) recorded the highest plant population (33.03 plants m⁻¹ row length), plant height (64.17 cm), dry matter accumulation (50.40 g), branches (7.54 plant⁻¹), pods (36.93 plant⁻¹), seeds per pod (1.91) and pod weight (9.40 g plant⁻¹). The seed index was also highest under T₉ (35.28 g), but treatment differences were non-significant. After harvest, T₉ recorded the highest organic carbon (0.57%), available nitrogen (281.27 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (16.93 kg ha⁻¹), iron (3.77 mg kg⁻¹), zinc (1.27 mg kg⁻¹), manganese (3.26 mg kg⁻¹) and copper (1.06 mg kg⁻¹). Available potassium was highest under T₄ (196.14 kg ha⁻¹), while soil electrical conductivity did not differ significantly among treatments. Thus, T₉ performed best for most measured growth and yield attributes and several soil fertility indicators under the experimental conditions. Direct nutrient-use-efficiency indices and seed yield were not reported.

Credit Deepening without Output Response? A State-level Panel Analysis of Institutional Agricultural Credit and Crop Output in India

Gina Naiding — 2026-11-05

Aims: To assess the growth, structure and regional distribution of institutional agricultural credit in India and to test whether credit expansion has been associated with higher crop output across major states.

Study Design: An analytical study based on national time series and a state-level panel of secondary data.

Place and Duration of Study: India; a national series for 1970-71 to 2024-25 and a panel of 20 major states for 2011-12 to 2023-24.

Methodology: Data published by the Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare were used. Compound growth rates with autocorrelation-robust confidence intervals, the Cuddy-Della Valle index, segmented trend regression, convergence measures, panel models and the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test were applied. The main fixed-effects model regressed log real crop gross state value added (GSVA) on one-year-lagged log real credit, irrigation intensity, log sown area, log rainfall and a trend.

Results: Credit flow grew fastest in 2004-05 to 2013-14 (23.12% per annum) and slowed significantly thereafter. The short-term share peaked at 78% in 2012-13 and fell to 59% by 2023-24. Across the states, real credit grew at 4.72% per annum against 2.71% for real crop GSVA, and credit intensity rose from 60% to 75% of crop GSVA. Credit growth and output growth were uncorrelated across states (r = −0.03, P = .89). The Hausman test favoured fixed effects (P = .003). The credit elasticity was −0.08 (P = .10), indicating that a 10% rise in real credit was associated with a statistically insignificant 0.8% decrease in crop output, whereas sown area, irrigation and rainfall were significant. No Granger causality was found in either direction.

Conclusion: Agricultural credit has deepened without a commensurate output response. Policy should move from volume targets to the end-use, term structure and regional allocation of credit.

Seasonal Aridity Characterisation and AHP-Weighted Multi-Criteria Land Suitability Assessment for Cotton in a Semi-Arid Taluka of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India

Hardeep Kumar — 2026-11-05

Cotton is the principal kharif cash crop of Saurashtra, yet its production is influenced by erratic rainfall and soils that differ in texture, depth, fertility and alkalinity. This study characterises the seasonal aridity of the cotton-growing period and evaluates land suitability for cotton in Amreli Taluka (83,112 ha), Gujarat, using a geographic information system. Monthly rainfall and temperature for May-January of 2000-2009 were used to compute a seasonal aridity index (SAI) using a nine-month modification of De Martonne’s formula. Land suitability was assessed with the FAO framework for land evaluation and agro-ecological zone criteria. Four thematic layers (land use, soil texture, soil fertility and soil alkalinity) were ranked, weighted using a Saaty-type pairwise scheme and combined through weighted overlay; the composite was divided into three equal-interval classes. Mean seasonal rainfall ranged from 28.8 mm (2000) to 139.0 mm (2007) per month, with about 97% of the 714.7 mm seasonal total falling from June to September. SAI ranged from 0.848 (2002) to 3.191 (2000), with a ten-year mean of 1.76, placing every year in the arid class (SAI ≤ 5). A sensitivity analysis performed here showed that this classification depends strongly on the unit of the rainfall term because using the seasonal total instead of mean monthly rainfall gave SAI values of 6.2-16.6, i.e., semi-arid in seven years and dry sub-humid in three. SAI was closely related to rainfall in the driest month (May) (r = 0.83) and not to mean seasonal rainfall (r = -0.19). Highly suitable land covered 69,341 ha (83.42%), fairly suitable land 12,424 ha (14.95%) and unsuitable land 1,347 ha (1.63%). The framework provides planners with a transparent and reproducible basis for targeting cotton and for supplemental irrigation planning in a groundwater-limited, semi-arid landscape.

Effectiveness of a Structured Learning Programme on Knowledge Regarding First Aid Management of Disaster Emergencies among College Students in Nadiad City: A Pre-Experimental Study

Trunav Patel — 2026-11-05

Disaster emergencies require timely first aid responses, and college students may serve as immediate responders within educational institutions and communities. This study assessed knowledge regarding first aid management of disaster emergencies and evaluated the effectiveness of a structured learning programme among college students in Nadiad City. A quantitative, one-group pre-test and post-test pre-experimental design was used. The sample comprised 130 students selected through convenience sampling from selected arts and commerce colleges. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire with a reported reliability coefficient of r = 0.9. In the pre-test, 70.0% of students had average knowledge, 22.3% had poor knowledge, and 7.7% had good knowledge. Following the structured learning programme, 73.1% had good knowledge, 20.0% had average knowledge, and 6.9% had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 17.03 ± 4.37 in the pre-test to 23.26 ± 4.32 in the post-test, with a mean difference of 6.23. The paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores (t = 13.82, p < 0.001). The association analysis was reported as non-significant; however, individual chi-square values, degrees of freedom, and p-values for the demographic variables were not presented. These findings indicate that the structured learning programme was associated with improved knowledge of first aid management for disaster emergencies among the participating students.

Divergence Studies and Principal Component Analysis for Growth, Yield and Quality Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Tasaduq Shabir — 2026-11-06

The present investigation was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023. The experiment involved 25 potato selections collected from different areas in and around Hirpora in Shopian district and assessed for a range of growth, yield and quality characteristics. The analysis of variance for dispersion revealed significant variability among the traits under study. The largest number of selections was found in Cluster III (8), followed by Cluster VI (6) and Cluster V (4). The greatest inter-cluster distance (59.02) was observed between Cluster IV and Cluster II whereas the smallest inter-cluster distance (15.46) was observed between Cluster I and Cluster III. Notable differences were found in cluster means for various traits among the clusters. Principal component analysis revealed that five of the ten principal components, each with an eigenvalue greater than 1.0, explained 73.20% of the total variation.

Cultivar Screening and Pathogenicity Assessment of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

Soumya Tripathy — 2026-11-06

Background: The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita can impair tuberose growth, while the comparative response of available cultivars under the experimental conditions of Odisha requires assessment.

Aims: The present investigation was undertaken to study the pathogenicity of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on tuberose under Odisha conditions and to screen different tuberose cultivars against this nematode for resistance.

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design (CRD)

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nematology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha, between August 2025 and June 2026.

Methodology: The pathogenicity of M. incognita was studied on the tuberose variety 'Calcutta Double' by inoculating second-stage juveniles (J₂) at five inoculum levels, viz., 0, 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 J₂ kg^-1 of soil, replicated five times in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Observations on plant growth and nematode parameters were recorded 45 days after nematode inoculation. Subsequently, 15 tuberose cultivars were screened against M. incognita with three replications under pot culture conditions to assess their relative resistance or susceptibility.

Results: The pathogenicity study revealed a pathogenic threshold level of 1,000 J₂/kg of soil, at which significant reductions were observed in plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root length, and fresh and dry weights of shoot and root compared with the uninoculated control, while the number of galls, number of egg masses and soil nematode population increased significantly with increasing inoculum levels. In the varietal screening, out of 15 tuberose cultivars, only one variety (Phule Rajani) showed a resistant reaction, three varieties (Hyderabad Single, Bidhan Pearl, and Pratap Rajani) showed moderately resistant reactions, three varieties (Arka Kriti, Bidhan Jyoti, and Sikkim Selection) showed susceptible reactions, and the remaining eight varieties showed highly susceptible reactions to M. incognita.

Conclusion: The present investigation indicated that M. incognita is pathogenic to tuberose, with an inoculum threshold of 1,000 J₂/kg of soil causing significant damage under Odisha conditions. Among the cultivars screened, Phule Rajani exhibited a resistant reaction, while three moderately resistant cultivars were also identified. These cultivars may be recommended for cultivation in nematode-infested fields and utilized in resistance breeding programmes as components of sustainable nematode management in tuberose under Odisha conditions.

Marker Trait Association for Different Chick Pea Genotypes against Pratylenchus thornei and Rhizoctonia bataticola

Rajbabbar Jatav — 2026-11-06

In this study, the interaction between R. bataticola and P. thornei was examined in relation to plant growth. Inoculation with P. thornei affected plant height and shoot and root weights. R. bataticola showed positive correlations with fresh shoot weight (0.638) and fresh root weight (0.597), and a negative correlation with nematode population (−0.534). Fresh shoot weight was positively correlated with fresh root weight (0.663) and negatively correlated with nematode population (−0.604). The genotypes ICCV 2, JAKI 9218 and GBM 2 were resistant to R. bataticola, whereas ICCV 2, JG 11, JG 12 and JG 14 were resistant to P. thornei and to the combined pathogen treatment. The mean major allele frequency among the markers used for marker–trait association analysis was 0.52. The highest major allele frequency (0.72) was observed for CaM0277, whereas the highest gene diversity was recorded for H2E13 (0.86) and H1H11 (0.85). The highest polymorphic information content (0.85) was reported for H2E13. The highest heterozygosity (1.0) was observed for CaM0881 and TR56. Major allele frequency was negatively correlated with gene diversity (−0.899), heterozygosity (−0.734) and polymorphic information content (PIC; −0.800). Gene diversity was positively correlated with heterozygosity (0.706) and PIC (0.975), while heterozygosity was positively correlated with PIC (0.566). Thus, the diversity measures were positively correlated with one another, whereas major allele frequency was negatively correlated with these measures.

Economic Viability of Natural Farming: A Comparative Study of Cost, Returns and Constraints among Farmers in Rajasthan, India

Rahul — 2026-11-09

Natural farming is emerging as a low-cost and environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical-intensive agriculture. The present study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics, economic performance and major constraints associated with natural farming among farmers in Nohar, Rawatsar and Bhadra blocks of Rajasthan. A total of 120 farmers were selected, comprising 60 natural farming adopters and 60 non-adopters. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule, while secondary information was obtained from relevant published sources. Frequency, percentage, mean values, cost and return analysis, benefit–cost ratio and Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that natural farming adopters incurred lower cultivation costs than non-adopters. The overall total cost of cultivation was ₹45,459.46/ha for adopters compared with ₹65,459.46/ha for non-adopters. Although non-adopters recorded higher crop yields and gross returns, adopters obtained higher net returns due to their lower cost of cultivation. The overall net return was ₹17,708.21/ha for adopters compared with ₹6,889.13/ha for non-adopters, while the B:C ratio was 1.39 and 1.11, respectively. The results indicate better economic efficiency among natural farming adopters despite comparatively lower physical yields. Farmers had good basic awareness of natural farming and perceived lower cultivation cost, improved soil fertility and reduced pollution as important benefits. The major constraints were lack of organised market channels, inadequate government and extension support, limited access to credit, fear of crop failure and the time required for bio-input preparation. The study concludes that natural farming has considerable potential to improve farm profitability through cost reduction, but stronger market linkages, institutional support, credit facilities, practical training and extension services are required for its wider and sustained adoption in Rajasthan.

Bio-efficacy and Economics of Newer Insecticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on Indian Mustard

Sangita Kumari Kumawat — 2026-11-09

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), to evaluate the bio-efficacy of seven newer insecticides, viz., imidacloprid 17.8 SL, thiamethoxam 25 WG, acephate 75 SP, acetamiprid 20 SP, dimethoate 30 EC, diafenthiuron 50 WP and fipronil 5 SC, against the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. A single foliar spray was applied on 18 January 2025 following sufficient pest population build-up. Among the treatments, imidacloprid 17.8 SL recorded the highest mean population reduction (93.97%), followed by thiamethoxam 25 WG (86.35%) and dimethoate 30 EC (83.71%). Conversely, fipronil 5 SC (61.79%), acephate 75 SP (66.14%) and diafenthiuron 50 WP (69.05%) proved the least effective. In terms of productivity and economics, imidacloprid 17.8 SL recorded the highest seed yield (39.49 q ha⁻¹), zero avoidable yield loss, the highest net returns (₹1,91,448 ha⁻¹), and a benefit–cost (B:C) ratio of 6.04:1, followed closely by thiamethoxam 25 WG and dimethoate 30 EC. In comparison, the untreated control registered the lowest seed yield (25.33 q ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (3.56:1). Overall, imidacloprid 17.8 SL and thiamethoxam 25 WG emerged as the most effective and economically viable interventions for the management of L. erysimi in mustard under integrated pest management (IPM) programmes.

Comparative Instrumental Cutting-Force Characteristics of Multi-Millet and Control Cookies

Shubham N. Dhawale — 2026-11-09

The instrumental cutting-force characteristics of cookies prepared with a blend of sorghum, pearl millet, proso millet and finger millet flours were compared descriptively with those of control cookies. The multi-millet cookies were prepared by milling and blending the selected flours, mixing them with sugar, vegetable bakery fat, essence and baking soda, and baking at 150 °C for 15 min. Five individual force measurements were reported for each cookie group using a TA-HD texture analyser. The instrument force–time traces used a gram-based force scale; accordingly, the displayed numerical force readings are expressed as gram-force (gf), rather than newtons. The mean peak cutting force was 810.807 gf (sample standard deviation [SD], 331.878 gf) for the multi-millet cookies and 1363.737 gf (SD, 329.724 gf) for the controls. The multi-millet mean was 40.55% lower, while the coefficients of variation were 40.932% and 24.178%, respectively. These observations indicate lower recorded cutting-force resistance in the multi-millet group under the reported test conditions. Because complete control formulations, specimen dimensions, instrument settings and independent baking-batch replication were not documented, the results are descriptive and do not establish a causal effect of millet incorporation or statistical significance. Nutritional composition, sensory acceptability and displacement at fracture were not evaluated.

Development and Screening of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Triclosan Removal from Water Using Different Functional Monomers

Amandeep — 2026-11-09

Background: Triclosan (TCS), an antimicrobial compound released into aquatic environments, is an emerging contaminant for which selective sorbents are being investigated. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can provide template-specific binding sites, but their adsorption behaviour depends on the functional monomer used during synthesis.

Aim: This study compared five functional monomers for preparing triclosan-imprinted polymers.

Methods: MIPs and corresponding non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesised by precipitation polymerisation using methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, acrylamide and 4-vinylpyridine. The polymers were screened by batch adsorption and imprinting factor. The selected acrylamide-based polymer was characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface-area analysis. Adsorption isotherms, selectivity against bisphenol A and regeneration behaviour were also examined.

Results: The acrylamide-based MIP showed the highest reported triclosan adsorption efficiency (94.61%) and imprinting factor (5.29) among the five functional-monomer systems. Its specific surface area was 22.664 m² g⁻¹, compared with 14.538 m² g⁻¹ for the corresponding NIP. The reported selectivity parameters were a separation factor of 21.53 and a relative separation factor of 18.07. The sorption efficiency declined over successive regeneration cycles, reaching 75.76% after the fifth reuse.

Conclusion: Within the reported batch conditions, acrylamide provided the most favourable functional-monomer formulation for selective triclosan adsorption.

Pathological and Bacteriological Investigations of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome with Concurrent Escherichia coli Infection in Commercial Layer Chickens

A. Pavan Kumar — 2026-11-10

Aims: To investigate the occurrence of Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) and its association with concurrent Escherichia coli infection in commercial layer chickens presented for post-mortem examination.

Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study of diagnostic necropsy cases.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, PVNRTVU, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, between December 2025 and June 2026.

Methodology: A total of 280 chicken carcasses, mainly commercial layers aged 25–72 weeks, were subjected to systematic necropsy, histopathology and bacteriological culture of liver and intestinal samples. E. coli isolates were identified by cultural, morphological and biochemical (IMViC) characteristics, and 45 randomly selected representative isolates were confirmed by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene (585 bp). The association between FLHS and E. coli infection was analysed using Pearson's Chi-square test on a 2×2 contingency table, and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated.

Results: FLHS was diagnosed in 159 birds (56.79%) and was characterised by enlarged, pale-yellow, friable livers with subcapsular and parenchymal haemorrhages and excessive abdominal fat deposition. Histopathology confirmed severe hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular degeneration and multifocal haemorrhages. E. coli was isolated from 90 birds (32.14%), and 39 of the 45 (86.67%) representative isolates were confirmed by PCR. E. coli was recovered from 65 of 159 (40.88%) FLHS-affected birds compared with 25 of 121 (20.66%) birds without FLHS, and 72.22% of the E. coli-positive birds had concurrent FLHS. A significant association was observed between FLHS and E. coli infection (χ² = 12.88, df = 1, P < 0.001; OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.54–4.57). Birds with concurrent infection showed intestinal congestion, catarrhal enteritis, fibrinous perihepatitis and fibrinous pericarditis.

Conclusion: FLHS was significantly associated with concurrent E. coli infection in the examined layer chickens; however, owing to the cross-sectional design, this association does not establish causality. Integrated pathological, bacteriological and molecular diagnosis, together with appropriate nutritional, environmental and flock-health management, is recommended. Further studies on immunological mechanisms, antimicrobial susceptibility and APEC virulence genes are warranted.

Role of Packaging in Dairy Products: Consumer Buying Behaviour in Anand and Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Purvi Macwana — 2026-11-10

Packaging provides protection, convenience and product information and may influence consumers' decisions when purchasing dairy products. This study examined the role of packaging design, functionality, labelling, perceived quality and sustainability in the buying behaviour of consumers in Anand and Vadodara. Primary data were obtained from 300 respondents, comprising 150 consumers from each city, through a structured questionnaire using the reported random sampling method. The responses were analysed using frequency distributions and percentages. Product quality was identified as the principal purchase factor by 64% of respondents, followed by brand (33%), whereas 2% selected packaging as their principal factor. Nevertheless, 66% agreed or strongly agreed that packaging influenced their final purchase decision, and 62% reported noticing packaging before purchase. Respondents recognised packaging's contribution to safety and hygiene (73%), freshness (67%) and convenience (77%). Clear labelling was associated with greater consumer trust for 65%, while 55% expressed a preference for eco-friendly packaging. Price remained relevant to sustainable packaging choices, with 39% indicating that their preference depended on price. Leakage (35%) and difficulty in opening packages (31%) were the most frequently reported packaging-related problems. The findings suggest that packaging contributes to purchasing decisions and post-purchase experiences, although product quality and brand remain the leading primary purchase considerations among the surveyed consumers.

Evaluation of Soybean and Blackgram Based Double Cropping Systems under Rainfed Conditions of the Kymore Plateau Zone of Madhya Pradesh, India

R. K. Tiwari — 2026-11-10

Rainfed cropping in the Kymore Plateau Zone of Madhya Pradesh is constrained by the availability of residual soil moisture for crops grown after the monsoon season. A field experiment was undertaken from 2022 to 2024 at Kuthulia Farm, College of Agriculture, Rewa, to evaluate the productivity and economic performance of soybean- and blackgram-based double-cropping systems. A split-plot design with three replications was used. Short-duration soybean and blackgram formed the main-plot treatments during the kharif season, while chickpea, linseed, lentil, mustard and field pea were evaluated as succeeding rabi crops in subplots. Crops were established on raised beds for in situ moisture conservation. System productivity was assessed through soybean-equivalent yield, together with net returns and benefit–cost ratios. Blackgram-based sequences generally recorded greater productivity and profitability than soybean-based sequences. In 2022, blackgram–field pea produced the highest soybean-equivalent yield (1,347.5 kg ha⁻¹), net return (₹22,562 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (1.88). In 2023, blackgram–lentil ranked highest for these measures (3,204 kg ha⁻¹, ₹74,085 ha⁻¹ and 2.37, respectively). In 2024, blackgram–chickpea recorded the highest values (3,483.3 kg ha⁻¹, ₹106,812 ha⁻¹ and 2.67, respectively). The sequence with the highest performance changed between years. These findings suggest that short-duration blackgram can be a suitable kharif component in rainfed double cropping, provided the succeeding rabi crop is selected with consideration of seasonal conditions and economic performance.

Patterns and Determinants of Library Usage Behaviour among Undergraduate Students in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India

O. Yobu Micka — 2026-11-10

Background & Aims: Understanding why undergraduate students use university libraries can inform the design of physical and digital services. This study examined the associations between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, library anxiety, the physical library environment, technological infrastructure and library usage behaviour among undergraduates at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Methods: An ex-post facto research design was adopted. From eligible undergraduate library users across four academic years, 250 students were selected following purposive identification of the study population. Responses were collected through a structured 25-item questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. The six reflective constructs were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0. Reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, collinearity and model fit were assessed, and hypotheses were tested using 5,000 bootstrap subsamples.

Results: The model explained 77.0% of the variance in library usage behaviour (R² = 0.770). Performance expectancy (β = 0.371), the physical library environment (β = 0.252), technological infrastructure (β = 0.240) and effort expectancy (β = 0.200) were positively associated with usage behaviour, whereas library anxiety was negatively associated with usage behaviour (β = −0.209). All five associations were statistically significant (P < .001).

Conclusion: Students are more likely to use the library when they perceive a clear academic benefit and when technological support is dependable. Orientation and information literacy programmes, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, and user-friendly library services are recommended to promote continued library use.

Women-led Natural Farming for Vegetable Production in Terai Zone of West Bengal, India

Sandip Hembram — 2026-11-10

Aims: The study aimed to compare the performance of natural farming (NF) and conventional farming (CF) across six vegetable crops by evaluating crop yield, economic performance, including cultivation costs, gross and net returns and the benefit–cost (B:C) ratio, and soil health. It also aimed to document the key NF practices adopted by the farm woman and examine their potential contribution to sustainable vegetable production and farmer-to-farmer knowledge dissemination.

Presentation of Case: The case study was conducted with a farm woman from Batasurkuthi village, Cooch Behar district, West Bengal, India, who adopted NF in 2021 with technical guidance and institutional support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Cooch Behar, West Bengal. Following the adoption of NF, she established a village-level NF input production centre to prepare farm-made bio-inputs such as Jeevamrita, Ghanajeevamrita, Beejamrita and Neemastra using locally available agricultural and natural resources. These were used for nutrient management, seed treatment, protection against seed- and soil-borne diseases, and crop protection. Her farming system followed an integrated and diversified approach, incorporating the cultivation of multiple vegetable crops, intercropping, the application of organic manure and soil mulching to promote soil health and reduce dependence on external chemical inputs. The comparative performance of NF and CF was assessed across six vegetable crops. The assessment focused on key parameters such as crop yield, cultivation costs, net returns, the benefit–cost (B:C) ratio and changes in selected soil health indicators.

Discussion: NF resulted in an 8.10–18.60% reduction in cultivation costs and a 21.10–46.00% increase in net returns compared with CF across the six vegetable crops. NF showed lower yields across all six crops, underscoring the importance of evaluating its economic advantages alongside differences in productivity. The mean crop-specific B:C ratio was 1.66 under NF, compared with 1.42 under CF. Soil organic carbon under NF increased slightly from 0.39% to 0.40%, while available nitrogen increased from 218 to 224 kg ha^-1. The woman farmer emerged as a local promoter of NF by motivating and influencing more than 20 neighbouring women farmers to adopt NF practices.

Conclusion: This case study highlights the potential of women-led NF, locally prepared organic and natural inputs, and crop diversification to enhance farm-level economic returns while encouraging knowledge sharing, increasing community participation and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from the Ethanolic Extract of Halochlorella rubescens P. J. L. Dangeard, nom. inval., 1966

S. Gokula Balaji — 2026-11-11

Microalgae contain chemically diverse metabolites that are of interest for biological and industrial applications. This study investigated the chemical constituents of an ethanolic extract of the green microalga Halochlorella rubescens using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The organism was isolated and identified using morphological examination and 18S rRNA-based molecular identification. Dried microalgal biomass was extracted with aqueous ethanol, and the resulting extract was analysed by GC–MS under electron-ionisation conditions. Compound assignments were made by comparing the observed mass spectra with library spectra and evaluating characteristic fragment ions. Three principal compounds were tentatively identified: neophytadiene at a retention time of 15.15 min, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (methyl palmitate) at 15.70 min, and a polyunsaturated C18 fatty acid methyl ester, provisionally assigned as methyl linoleate, at 16.61 min. Methyl palmitate produced the strongest reported library agreement among the identified compounds, whereas the assignment of methyl linoleate remained tentative because of uncertainty in the library match. Additional chromatographic peaks showed poor spectral matches or features consistent with analytical artefacts and were not considered constituents of the extract. The findings indicate that the extract contains terpenoid- and fatty-acid-derived compounds of potential chemical and industrial interest. Confirmation using retention indices, authentic standards and additional analytical approaches is required before definitive identification and biological interpretation.

An Analysis of Market Types and Price Behaviour of Gram (Cicer arietinum L.) in Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan, India

Pankaj Kumar — 2026-11-12

Background: Gram (chickpea) production and marketing are important to farm households in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan. Evidence jointly addressing crop growth, seasonal prices, growers’ perceptions of price factors and marketing channels at district level remains limited.

Aims: To estimate growth in the area, production and productivity of gram, to study and forecast its price behaviour, to rank the factors affecting its price, and to examine the relationship between market types and price in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, India.

Study Design: A descriptive-cum-analytical design combining a primary cross-sectional farm survey with secondary time-series data.

Place and Duration of Study: Nohar and Bhadra blocks of Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan; the primary survey was conducted during the 2024–25 rabi marketing season, with secondary data for 2004–05 to 2023–24 (area, production, productivity) and 2013–2025 (monthly modal prices).

Methodology: A total of 120-gram growers were selected by multistage sampling and interviewed using a structured, pre-tested schedule. The Compound Growth Rate (CGR) and seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models were used for growth analysis and price forecasting, the Weighted Mean Score (WMS) for ranking price-determining factors, and Pearson’s correlation for the market-type–price relationship.

Results: Area, production and productivity grew at 3.46%, 5.99% and 2.45% per annum (P < .001). Prices showed a rising trend with marked seasonality (trough in February–April, peak in August–September); the SARIMA (1,1,2) (0,1,2) ₁₂ model forecast prices of ₹5,668–₹6,520 per quintal (MAPE 2.40%). Arrivals (WMS 4.37), quality (4.32) and demand–supply (4.22) were the most influential factors. Market organisation correlated strongly and positively with price (r = 0.769, n = 210, P < .001), explaining about 59% of price variation, with the regulated mandi and e-NAM giving the highest prices.

Conclusion: The type of market significantly determines gram price realisation; promoting organised marketing channels, strengthening storage to exploit the seasonal pattern, and improving grading and market information can raise growers’ incomes.

Scientometric Analysis of Fisheries Cooperatives’ Research Landscape in India vis-a-vis the World (1941-2023)

Beemalla Samatha — 2026-11-12

Fisheries cooperatives are considered one of the most effective means of developing the fisheries sector and improving the living standards of poor fishermen. The current study maps research output on fisheries cooperatives during 1941–2023 using data retrieved from the Dimensions AI database, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. A total of 310 publications were used for this investigation to evaluate the scientific productivity in the selected subject area. Thematic analysis was also used to review the global research landscape in fisheries cooperatives. Global publication shares, rankings and developments in research and bibliometric indices such as overall citations and average citation per paper were also analysed. In continent-specific publications, Asia ranked first (73.87%); in country-specific publications, Japan ranked first (26.13%), and within India, Kerala (20.59%) has the highest number. The journal Marine Policy (4.19%) carried the highest number of research papers. However, important gaps remain, particularly the under-representation of geographical regions. The thematic analysis revealed that studies predominantly focused on marine societies. Among all the studies, the principal areas of focus included the role of cooperatives and challenges (30.38%), socio-economic and financial analysis (29.75%), governance and management (26.58%), sustainability and conservation (7.59%), gender/women empowerment (3.48%), and technology integration (2.22%). Overall, this study highlights the importance of growth dynamics in fisheries cooperatives and identifies future research areas. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing research efforts in this area, which may help improve the performance of these societies and support their development.

Effect of Organic Amendments and Black Polyethylene Mulch on Growth, Flowering, Yield and Economics of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Assam Condition

Jahnobi Borthakur — 2026-11-12

Watermelon production in Assam may be influenced by nutrient management and surface mulching A field experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Nabanita Organic Farm, Potia Fokola Gaon, Jorhat, Assam, to evaluate organic nutrient sources and black polyethylene mulch for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cv. Saraswati. The experiment comprised two main-plot treatments (without mulch and black polyethylene mulch) and seven subplot nutrient treatments in a split-plot design with three replications. Nutrient treatments included an untreated control; the recommended dose of fertilisers (60:40:60 kg ha⁻¹ NPK) with farmyard manure (FYM); FYM with a microbial consortium; vermicompost with a microbial consortium; enriched compost; FYM plus vermicompost with a microbial consortium; and FYM plus enriched compost. The combined treatment of FYM (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + microbial consortium (5 kg ha⁻¹) under black polyethylene mulch (M₁T₆; S₁₃) produced the strongest overall crop response. It recorded vine lengths of 65.01, 182.68 and 328.80 cm at 30, 45 and 70 days after sowing (DAS), respectively, and a fruit yield of 41.86 t ha⁻¹ in the pooled analysis. The same treatment recorded a fruit yield of 20.93 kg vine⁻¹ and 62.79 kg plot⁻¹. The net return and benefit–cost ratio were Rs. 6,82,042 ha⁻¹ and 4.40, respectively. The results indicate that the application of FYM, vermicompost and a microbial consortium combined with black polyethylene mulch was the most productive and economically favourable treatment under the Jorhat conditions during the study period.

Changes in Physical Characteristics of Fresh Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) Rhizomes during Ambient Storage

Praveen Kumar Verma — 2026-11-12

Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) is a starch-bearing rhizomatous species used for traditional food preparations in parts of India. Changes in the physical properties of intact fresh rhizomes during ambient storage remain insufficiently characterised. This study examined rhizome weight, length, diameter, volume, moisture content and batch-level physiological weight loss at 1, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days after harvest. The investigation was conducted during 2025–2026 at Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, using a completely randomised design with three replications per storage interval. Ten rhizomes were measured within each replication, with separate rhizomes sampled at successive intervals. Across the sampled treatment groups, mean rhizome weight declined from 26.50 to 15.00 g (43.40%), length from 9.46 to 7.91 cm (16.38%), diameter from 1.77 to 1.55 cm (12.43%), and volume from 22.70 to 14.67 cm³ (35.37%). Wet-basis moisture content decreased from 77.48% to 71.39%, whereas the reported batch physiological weight loss reached 21.00% at day 30. The between-group comparison of individual rhizome weight and the within-batch physiological weight-loss measure represent different quantities. The findings document storage-associated variation in measured physical characteristics under the ambient conditions examined and provide a basis for more closely controlled investigations of fresh tikhur storage.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Date Pulp-fortified Custard Apple Shake

Nupur Mandloi — 2026-11-12

Aims: To evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of custard apple and date palm fruits and identify a suitable combination for preparing a date pulp-fortified custard apple shake.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a completely randomised design (CRD) comprising five treatments and three replications. Custard apple pulp was maintained at 12% in all treatments, while date pulp was added at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%) to prepare date pulp-fortified custard apple shake.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Fruit Processing Laboratory, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh, during 2021–2022.

Methodology: The physical and chemical characteristics of custard apple and date palm fruits were evaluated before preparing the fortified shake. Physical properties included fruit weight, seed weight, number of seeds, pulp weight, horizontal and vertical lengths of the fruits and seeds. Chemical properties included total soluble solids (°Brix), pH, titratable acidity (%), ascorbic acid (mg/100 g), total sugars (%), reducing sugars (%) and non-reducing sugars (%).

Results: The physical and chemical characteristics of custard apple and date palm fruits showed considerable differences. custard apple fruit had a mean weight of 142 g, seed weight of 5.04 g, 24 seeds per fruit and a pulp weight of 53 g, whereas date palm fruit had a mean weight of 6.28 g, 1.6 g seed weight, one seed per fruit and a pulp weight of 4.15 g. The horizontal and vertical fruit lengths were 4 and 8 cm in custard apple and 0.3 and 1.2 cm in date palm, respectively. The horizontal and vertical seed lengths were 0.4 and 0.7 cm in custard apple and 0.3 and 0.8 cm in date palm, respectively. In the chemical analysis, custard apple recorded 24°Brix TSS, pH 5.23, 0.31% titratable acidity, 15.77 mg/100 g ascorbic acid, 16.21% total sugars, 12.95% reducing sugars and 3.26% non-reducing sugars. By comparison, date palm recorded 28°Brix TSS, pH 6.3, 0.24% titratable acidity, 4.56 mg/100 g ascorbic acid, 19.44% total sugars, 3.97% reducing sugars and 5.67% non-reducing sugars.

Conclusion: The study revealed that date pulp, owing to its higher TSS and sugar content, can be used to develop a value-added custard apple shake with improved nutritional and quality characteristics.

Effect of Organic Amendments and Black Polyethylene Mulching on Fruit Quality, Post-harvest Characteristics and Soil Health of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Jahnobi Borthakur — 2026-11-12

The combined effects of organic amendments and black polyethylene mulching on watermelon quality and soil properties under the agro-climatic conditions of Jorhat remain insufficiently characterised. A two-season field experiment (2021–22 and 2022–23) was conducted at Nabanita Organic Farm, Potia Fokola Gaon, Jorhat, Assam, to assess the effects of organic amendments and black polyethylene mulch on fruit quality, post-harvest behaviour and soil properties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cv. Saraswati. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with two mulch levels and seven nutrient treatments, replicated thrice. The combined treatment of FYM (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + vermicompost (2.5 t ha⁻¹) + microbial consortium (5 kg ha⁻¹) with 50 μm black polyethylene mulch (M₁T₆; S₁₃) recorded the highest total soluble solids (12.30 °Brix), TSS:acid ratio (92.08), non-reducing sugars (2.90%), total sugars (9.01%), juice content (83.01%), ascorbic acid (6.58 mg 100 g⁻¹), anthocyanin (0.26 mg 100 g⁻¹) and lycopene (6.62 mg 100 g⁻¹), together with the lowest titratable acidity (0.13%). Maximum shelf life (24.83 days) was also recorded in S₁₃. The treatment recorded available soil N, P and K of 409.64, 24.90 and 301.77 kg ha⁻¹, respectively, organic carbon of 0.94%, pH 6.85 and soil microbial biomass carbon of 612.62 mg g⁻¹ soil. The findings indicate that the organic amendments with black polyethylene mulch improved the fruit-quality and soil indicators under the experimental conditions.