Home / Article Archive

Agriculture today faces major challenges such as nutrient deficiency, soil degradation, low fertilizer efficiency, and environmental pollution. Scientists are now exploring advanced technologies to improve crop productivity sustainably. One such innovation is carbon nanomaterials - extremely tiny carbon-based particles with unique properties that can improve nutrient delivery, plant growth, and soil health. Materials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, and carbon nanofibers are being studied for use in nano-fertilizers, stress management, and precision agriculture. These materials help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently while reducing fertilizer losses and environmental damage. This article explores how carbon nanomaterials are entering agriculture and how they may shape the future of farming.

Aeroponics is an advanced soilless cultivation technique that enables efficient and diseasefree vegetable seed production. By suspending plant roots in air and supplying nutrients through fine misting, aeroponics ensures optimal oxygenation, uniform growth and high genetic purity. It offers major advantages over soil-based systems including higher multiplication rates, resource efficiency and year-round production. Studies on crops such as potato, tomato, cucumber, and pepper demonstrate significant improvements in yield, seed quality, and economic returns. Integration with automation and IoT technologies further enhances control and sustainability, positioning aeroponics as a key innovation in modern seed production systems. In India, aeroponics shows strong potential for early-generation seed multiplication and production of disease-free planting material within organized seed production programmes. The technology can support sustainable intensification by improving input-use efficiency and ensuring consistent supply of high-quality vegetable seeds under controlled environments.

Mithun (Bos frontalis), an indigenous bovine species of Northeast India, holds immense socio-economic and cultural importance among tribal communities. In recent years, scientific reproductive management practices such as Artificial Insemination (AI) have gained attention for improving the reproductive efficiency and genetic potential of Mithun populations. However, successful implementation of AI in Mithun is often constrained by the occurrence of silent estrus, where behavioural signs of heat are weak and difficult to identify. This article highlights the major techniques used for estrus detection and artificial insemination in Mithun. Important estrus indicators including mounting behaviour, standing heat, vulval swelling, mucous discharge and uterine tone are discussed in detail. The article also describes various estrus detection methods such as visual observation, use of teaser bulls, fern pattern examination of vaginal mucus and rectal palpation. In addition, the principles, advantages, ideal timing and procedure of artificial insemination in Mithun are elaborated. This review emphasizes the importance of proper estrus detection and AI practices for the genetic improvement and conservation of Mithun in Northeast India.

Bees are widely recognized for honey production, but their greater contribution lies in pollination, a process essential for global food production. While managed honeybees receive most attention, wild bees comprising over 20,000 species, play a critical and often underappreciated role in sustaining agricultural systems. These species exhibit diverse foraging behaviors and plant associations, making them highly efficient pollinators for many crops. However, wild bee populations are declining due to multiple interacting pressures, including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, climate change, and emerging threats such as microplastics and artificial light. This article highlights the ecological and economic importance of wild bees, outlines the major drivers of their decline, and discusses practical conservation strategies. Protecting wild bees is not only a biodiversity concern but also essential for maintaining food security and nutritional quality worldwide.

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element in plant. It also known as the "hidden helper" of rice growth. It is essential for growing healthy and high-yielding rice. This article shows how silicon helps rice plants to become strong and productive. Silicon act as a protective barrier by strengthening the plant?s stems so they don?t fall over even when planted closely together or given less nitrogen. It also act as a biostimulant by helping the plant?s metabolism to stay balanced, helping it to survive under tough conditions like drought or salt stress by keeping its water levels constant. It also enhances the photosynthesis and helps the plant to grow more heavier grains. With the reduction of indigenous silicon reserves due to intensive agricultural practices, silicon supplementation has emerged as a crucial management strategy. It helps the producers to optimize yields and minimize chemical dependency in between the challenges of a changing climate.