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The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the food industry by enabling real-time monitoring, automation and data-driven decision-making across the supply chain. From precision agriculture and smart farming to food processing, logistics, retail and consumer engagement, IoT applications enhance efficiency, food safety and sustainability. Core components such as sensors, communication networks and data analytics support improved productivity, resource optimization and transparency in farm-to-fork systems. Key benefits include enhanced quality control, cold chain integrity, reduced food waste and improved consumer trust through traceability. However, widespread adoption faces challenges related to high costs, data privacy, interoperability, and infrastructure gaps. Emerging trends?such as integration with artificial intelligence, blockchain and green IoT offer promising opportunities for building resilient, sustainable and consumer-centric food systems. This article provides a comprehensive overview of IoT applications, benefits, challenges and future prospects in the food industry.

Agricultural crops face constant threats from various pests and pathogens, yet one of the most overlooked enemies is the plant-parasitic nematode. Nematology, the study of these microscopic roundworms, plays a vital role in understanding and managing their impact. The nematodes are found everywhere in nature, from the top of mountains to thousands of meters beneath the ocean and even in the polar regions under the brightness of Antarctica. Generally, nematodes do not have any inherent colour, instead adopting pigmentation based on their food intake. Their morphological and biological variability enables them to adapt to nearly every environmental condition. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) have consistently proven to be critical hazards to agricultural ecosystems globally. Despite their importance, nematology remains a relatively young and emerging science compared to other disciplines in plant protection. Among the wide array of crop threats?from fungal pathogens to insect pests?nematodes remain the most ignored. As the renowned nematologist Dr. J. N. Sasser once remarked, ?Nematodes are the unseen enemy beneath our feet?quietly diminishing the productivity of our crops.? The science of nematodes is, therefore, essential to understand their impact and devise integrated strategies for their management. However, their role in plant health is often underestimated due to the non-specificity of symptoms, frequently mistaken for nutrient deficiencies or drought stress. Effective nematode management must include a combination of resistant cultivars, biological agents and sustainable agronomic practices. With global climate change amplifying food security challenges, nematology will inevitably gain prominence in future plant protection paradigms (Nicol et al., 2011). Despite its relevance, nematology continues to be seen as underdeveloped and undervalued, especially in practical agriculture and policy implementation.

Edible seaweeds are increasingly acknowledged at the global level as valuable marine foods, abundant in proteins, dietary fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive metabolites. Regular consumption has been associated with multiple health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits. In addition to their nutritional significance, seaweed cultivation contributes to environmental sustainability by enhancing carbon sequestration and requiring minimal external inputs. This review underscores the nutritional profile, therapeutic potential, processing methods, diverse applications, and future prospects of edible seaweeds, with particular attention to their role in food security and sustainable development.

The heavy reliance on petroleum-derived plastics in food packaging has created major environmental problems, notably greenhouse gas emissions and the spread of microplastic pollution. As a sustainable alternative, edible seaweeds, often referred to as ?ocean superfoods,? are gaining attention. These marine resources are naturally rich in proteins (3? 14.5%), polysaccharides, lipids (1?3%), minerals (7?37.5%), vitamins, and other bioactive compounds, making them valuable both as food and as renewable biopolymer sources for post-harvest uses. Key polysaccharides like alginate, carrageenan and agar can be extracted and combined with plasticizers to form biodegradable films using techniques such as casting or extrusion. The resulting films possess favourable mechanical properties (tensile strength ranging from 10.5 to 44 MPa) and can be further enhanced with essential oils to provide antimicrobial and antioxidant functions. These seaweed-derived films are already applied in packaging for fruits, vegetables, dairy, seafood, meat and bakery products, where they help extend shelf life and maintain quality. With their abundance, biodegradability and nutritional benefits, seaweed-based packaging materials represent a sustainable, plastic-free option that supports the principles of a circular economy.

Plant breeders now consider doubled haploid (DH) technology as one of the most exciting advances in their field. Generally, self-pollination takes many generations to develop truebreeding lines, but DH technique makes it possible to get completely homozygous lines in just single step. By producing completely homozygous lines in a one generation, reduces the time required for varietal development and boosts breeding efficiency. Different methods such as anther culture, microspore culture, and distant hybridization followed by chromosome elimination are used for DH plant development. These techniques have been successfully adopted in several crops, wheat, maize, rice, barley, and brassica. In this article, we aim to explain how DH works, the main methods used, and some real examples of its success.

The global fashion industry, valued at over USD 1.3 trillion, plays a pivotal role in the economy but is also one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. Responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions-exceeding those from international flights and maritime shipping combined-the industry's rapid growth has intensified its ecological footprint. Global fibre production has nearly doubled in the past two decades, while consumer demand for cheap, disposable clothing has surged, leading to massive overproduction, textile waste, and microplastic pollution. Fast fashion, a major sub-sector, accounts for nearly half of the industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to its fragmented supply chains, heavy reliance on petroleum-based synthetics, and dependence on air freight for rapid delivery. Current sustainability efforts, though promising, are insufficient to address the climate crisis. This article examines the environmental impact of fast fashion, highlights the urgent need for Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), and proposes immediate actions such as supply chain transparency, low-impact material use, efficient production planning, circular design, and consumer education. By adopting these measures, brands, policymakers, and consumers can collectively work toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular fashion economy.

ASF is an extremely contagious and deadly disease in pigs and wild boars, which leads to 100% mortality in affected animals. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) belongs to genus Asfivirus under the family Asfarviridae. It can spread by direct contact with infected animals or indirect contact through contaminated fomites, farm workers, etc. The disease spreads rapidly, often affecting entire pig populations within a short time. The clinical signs which are commonly seen are sudden onset of high fever, bluish red discoloration of the skin, lethargy, loss of appetite. Characteristic lesions like splenomegaly, haemorrhages of lymph nodes and internal organs are observed. Strict biosecurity measures must be maintained to prevent the entry of pathogens inside the farm. Infected animals must be culled and buried deeply, while contaminated sheds and farm premises should be thoroughly disinfected.

Smt. Kailasho Devi, a seed rearer in the Udhampur district says that by adopting silkworm seed rearing she is getting more income within a short time. In addition to sericulture, Smt. Kailasho Devi also earn from traditional farming activities like agriculture and animal husbandry.

Sustainable agricultural development is centre to achieving food security, environmental sustainability, and poverty reduction, with women playing a critical yet often underrecognized role in this process. Women constitute a substantial proportion of the agricultural labor force, particularly in developing countries, where they contribute to subsistence farming, crop cultivation, livestock management, food processing, and market linkages. Their traditional knowledge and labor also support biodiversity conservation, water resource management, and climate resilience. By preserving indigenous crop varieties, practicing sustainable farming methods, and engaging in post-harvest processing, women enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen rural livelihoods. Moreover, women?s roles in value addition and market access are vital for local economies and food system sustainability. Despite these contributions, women face systemic challenges that hinder their full participation in sustainable agriculture. These include limited access to land, credit, technology, and financial services, as well as gender-based discrimination, lack of education and training, and heavy burdens of unpaid labor. Women are also disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate food insecurity and resource scarcity. Cultural norms and structural barriers further restrict their mobility, decision-making power, and participation in agricultural forums. Addressing these challenges requires multi-dimensional strategies, including gender-sensitive policies, equitable access to resources, capacity-building initiatives, and the transformation of discriminatory social norms. Empowering women in agriculture is not only a matter of gender equity but also a strategic imperative for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. Recognizing and supporting women?s contributions to agriculture is essential for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a more equitable and food-secure future.

Fish is one of the most perishable foods, highly susceptible to microbial and chemical spoilage due to its biochemical composition. Quality assurance (QA) in fisheries, through systems like HACCP, GMP, and ISO standards, is essential for ensuring safety, extending shelf life, and maintaining consumer trust. Microbial risks include spoilage organisms such as Pseudomonas and Shewanella, and pathogens like Salmonella, Vibrio, and Listeria, while chemical and sensory metrics such as TVB-N, TMA, histamine, and odour or texture serve as key indicators of quality. Shelf-life determination combines empirical testing and predictive microbiology, with AI and machine learning enhancing accuracy. Quality failures can cause foodborne outbreaks, recalls, and economic losses, with scombrotoxin and ciguatoxin being major culprits. Emerging trends like smart packaging, AI-driven detection, and blockchainenabled traceability are reshaping QA practices. Ultimately, consumer handling, storage, and respect for expiry dates remain critical for safeguarding fish quality and protecting public health.

Fish processing generates large quantities of by-products, including heads, bones, skin, viscera, and scales, which pose environmental and economic challenges if discarded. These residues, rich in lipids and proteins, can be valorised for sustainable bioenergy production. Lipid-rich waste is converted into biodiesel, protein- and collagen-rich fractions into bioethanol, and mixed residues via anaerobic digestion produce methane-rich biogas. This integrated approach supports a circular economy, reduces carbon emissions, and provides additional income streams for the fisheries sector. Advances in microbial and pre-treatment technologies enhance energy yield and process efficiency, making fish waste a promising renewable energy resource.

Agricultural sustainability faces numerous challenges, including climate change, depletion of natural resources, land fragmentation and soil degradation caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The widespread deficiency of micronutrients, resulting from intensive cropping and high-yielding varieties, has further reduced crop productivity. Foliar application of chelated fertilizers emerges as a promising solution to address these issues. Chelating agents are organic compounds that tightly bind metal ions such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Ca, enhancing their solubility, stability and availability to plants. This organic coating allows chelated nutrients to penetrate the waxy leaf surface efficiently, facilitating faster absorption and translocation. Amino acid-based chelates, in particular, improve plant performance, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase the vitamin and protein content of crops. They also help mitigate abiotic stresses such as salinity by acting as buffers and biostimulants. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, chelates are more effective at lower doses and are compatible with other agrochemicals, though their high cost and potential environmental persistence pose limitations. Overall, foliar feeding of chelated fertilizers offers an efficient strategy to improve crop growth, yield and quality under adverse conditions, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Agri-voltaic system integrates crop cultivation and solar energy generation on shared land, offering a sustainable solution to Northeast India's land and climate challenges. Elevated solar panels permit sunlight and create microclimates, enhancing soil moisture and protecting crops from extreme weather. Recent pilot projects across India including Northeast initiatives with vertical bifacial panels and solar-powered tea blending units demonstrate improved farm productivity, reduced irrigation needs, and diversified farmer incomes. Policy efforts and technological advances, including IoT-based monitoring, support adaptation for local conditions while overcoming barriers related to awareness, design complexity, and revenue-sharing. Collaborative action among governments, researchers, and farmers is crucial to maximizing the dual benefits of agri-voltaic system and securing food and energy futures in the region.

Improper disposal or burning of mulberry residues, contributes to the release of harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), exacerbating the global climate crisis. Biochar is a form of charcoal produced from biomass through a process called pyrolysis, where the material is heated in limited or no oxygen conditions. It is a highly beneficial material for enhancing soil fertility, sequestering carbon, and providing various other advantages. Converting organic waste, such as mulberry residues, into biochar through pyrolysis process holds great potential for increasing carbon sequestration, minimizing agricultural waste, and enhancing soil quality.

Soil is a dynamic natural resource that underpins agricultural productivity, ecological stability, and human survival. Soil science, encompassing pedology and edaphology, investigates the formation, classification, and functions of soil in relation to both natural ecosystems and agriculture. With global food demand increasing and environmental pressures intensifying, soil science provides the foundation for sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient systems. The article concludes by stressing the urgent need for soil protection and innovative research to ensure long-term ecological and food security.

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic drug effective against nematodes and ectoparasites in animals. While generally safe, certain dog breeds with a mutation in the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene are highly susceptible to ivermectin neurotoxicity due to impaired blood-brain barrier protection. The toxic effects regardless of administration route?include ataxia, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and coma, especially in genetically sensitive breeds such as Collies and Australian Shepherds. Toxicity arises from the action of Ivermectin on glutamate- and GABAgated chloride channels, causing inhibition of neural and muscular activity leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, exposure history, and ruling out other toxicants. There is no antidote; treatment is supportive, including decontamination, IV fluids, respiratory support, and close monitoring. With prompt care, prognosis is good, though severe cases may require extended treatment.

Diospyros ebenum Koenig, commonly known as Ceylon Ebony, is a slow-growing, medium to large evergreen tree belonging to the family Ebenaceae, native to Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Valued for its exceptionally dense and black heartwood, it is one of the most soughtafter sources of commercial ebony globally. This species is primarily found in dry deciduous and mixed evergreen forests, usually as an understorey tree. Due to overexploitation for high-quality timber, D. ebenum is currently classified as 'Data Deficient' on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for focused conservation and management strategies. Propagation is typically through seeds, which exhibit high viability when sown fresh under shaded nursery conditions. The tree prefers tropical to sub-tropical climates, well-drained soils and full sun to moderate shade. Management practices include proper irrigation, thinning, minimal pruning, mulching and protection against pests like termites and diseases. The application of organic fertilization significantly enhances growth and timber quality. The heartwood is extremely dense, black, fine-grained and highly durable, making it ideal for high-value applications including furniture, musical instruments, ornamental carvings and precision tools. Its slow growth rate and high commercial value necessitate sustainable cultivation practices, controlled harvesting and reforestation efforts to ensure long-term availability and ecological stability.

This article is an attempt to explore the multifaceted potential of superfoods in enhancing nutrition and promoting public health, while also addressing their role in agricultural sustainability and hidden hunger. It tries to address the market dynamics, policy support, and the associated agribusiness opportunities in superfood segment. Additionally, it highlights constraints and other deterrents factors in superfoods against unlocking avenues for consumers in the field of agribusiness.

The global population has been increasing continuously. Proteins are vital for the existence of living organisms, including humans. They serve as bodybuilding components. Human beings are mostly dependent on plant-based and animal-based food materials for protein sources. Plant-based and animal-based protein sources are more costly, labour-intensive, and require more time for production. Globally, due to the lack of availability or the increased cost of protein sources, many humans are facing protein deficiency disorders. Hence, in search for other protein sources, insects are identified as the best alternatives to plant and animal-based protein sources. In many countries, humans are raising insects and consuming them as a protein-rich food. Choosing insects as a protein source is a comparatively cheap and efficient way of providing protein sources to low-income countries.