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Protected cultivation offers an effective approach for producing high-quality vegetable seeds by providing a controlled environment that protects crops from climatic variability, pests and diseases. Structures such as greenhouses, insect-proof net houses and polyhouses help maintain favourable conditions for seed production. Practices like raising healthy seedlings, through plug tray technology, proper training and pruning and efficient pollination management improve seed yield and quality. Compared to open-field conditions, protected structures can significantly enhance seed production in crops like tomato, cucumber, pepper and muskmelon making it a promising strategy for sustainable hybrid seed production.

Bixa orellana, commonly known as annatto or lipstick tree, is a valuable medicinal and industrial plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is renowned for its bright red-orange pigment, bixin, which is extensively used as a natural colorant in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and textile industries. In recent years, Bixa orellana has gained significant attention due to its rich phytochemical composition, including carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and wound-healing properties. Various plant parts such as seeds, leaves, roots, and bark are traditionally utilized in ethnomedicine for treating skin disorders, digestive ailments, fever, and respiratory problems. Biotechnological approaches including plant tissue culture, micropropagation, callus culture, and secondary metabolite enhancement have further expanded the commercial and pharmaceutical potential of this species. The increasing demand for natural bioactive compounds and eco-friendly products highlights the importance of Bixa orellana as a promising resource for sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, and biotechnology-based industries.

Postharvest spoilage of fruits causes major food and economic losses worldwide. This article highlights a natural and sustainable preservation method using p-anisaldehyde, a bioactive compound from fennel essential oil, encapsulated within V-type starch and ?-cyclodextrin. The encapsulation system protects the compound and enables its slow release as a vapour, helping to reduce mould growth and extend the shelf life of cherries. This biodegradable and chemical-free approach offers a promising alternative for safer food preservation and sustainable packaging solutions.

Taxation is an essential component of economic development and public finance in India. The Indian taxation system has evolved significantly from ancient times to the modern GST regime. This article discusses the historical evolution of taxation in India, including ancient, medieval, colonial, and post-independence tax systems. It also highlights the structure, objectives, principles, and major reforms in Indian taxation. The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the proposed GST 2.0 reforms are important milestones aimed at simplifying taxation, improving transparency, and promoting economic growth. The study concludes that taxation plays a vital role in revenue generation, economic stability, and sustainable national development.

Fertilizers are the lifeblood of modern agriculture, playing an undeniable role in securing global food production. However, an over-reliance on chemical inputs?particularly nitrogen-heavy fertilizers?has triggered severe environmental and health crises, from degraded soil health to contaminated water supplies. Shifting towards a balanced application of nutrients can simultaneously optimize crop yields, restore ecological harmony, and safeguard public health.

India?s seafood canning industry offers a promising avenue for preserving marine resources, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting exports. Although freezing dominates seafood processing, canning provides shelf-stable, convenient products suitable for both domestic and international markets. This article examines the current status, quality and safety aspects, key challenges, and emerging opportunities in the sector. With proper focus on raw material quality, by-product utilization, and sustainable practices, the industry can achieve significant growth while supporting food security and environmental goals.

Fisheries development schemes play a crucial role in enhancing rural livelihoods, food security, and employment in India. This article evaluates the socio-economic effects of key government initiatives such as Matsya Mitra, housing schemes, seed stocking, and farm ponds in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. While these programs have successfully increased fish production, created new farmers, and improved living conditions, beneficiaries continue to face financial, administrative, and extension-related constraints. Drawing on social impact assessment (SIA) approaches, the article highlights the need for holistic, communitycentered strategies to ensure sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

Camels are well adapted to drought areas because they can survive with less water and poor-quality feed. Proper management includes providing shade, clean drinking water and balanced nutrition during dry seasons. Grazing should be controlled to prevent overuse of scarce pasture resources. Regular health care, vaccination and parasite control are important to keep camels healthy in harsh climates. Good drought management helps improve camel productivity, reproduction and survival in arid regions.

Krill are nutrient-rich crustaceans widely recognized for their potential in aquaculture nutrition. They contain high-quality protein, essential amino acids, phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and astaxanthin, which contribute to improved growth, health, and feed utilization in aquatic animals. Various krill-derived products, including krill meal, krill oil, krill hydrolysate, freeze-dried krill, and krill protein concentrate, are increasingly used as functional ingredients in aquafeeds. Their bioactive compounds enhance feed palatability, osmoregulation, stress tolerance, and overall performance of cultured species. This article highlights the nutritional composition of krill and the applications of krill-based products in aquaculture.

Seed priming is a climate-smart and eco-friendly seed enhancement technology to improve germination, seedling vigor and stress tolerance. Primed seeds undergo quicker establishment and improved performance under drought, salinity and temperature stress as they activate early metabolic and enzymatic processes prior to germination. Seed priming has been shown by studies to improve germination, stabilize yield and enhance plant resilience via physiological and molecular mechanisms. Seed priming is emerging as a promising strategy for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture due to its low cost, scalability and effectiveness.

Composting is a biologically regulated process in which diverse microbial communities transform organic waste into stable, humus-rich, nutrient-enriched manure. It plays a crucial role in sustainable waste management, soil fertility improvement, and circular agricultural systems. Recent developments in nanotechnology have introduced innovative tools to improve compost microbiology and process efficiency. Nanomaterials such as metal oxide nanoparticles, nano-biochar, nanoclays, nanofertilizers, carbon nanomaterials, and nanosensors are increasingly explored for enhancing microbial activity, accelerating organic matter degradation, retaining nutrients, immobilizing pollutants, and enabling smart monitoring systems. Nanomaterials can interact with microorganisms at cellular, molecular, and biochemical levels, thereby influencing enzymatic activity, microbial growth, metabolic efficiency, and pollutant degradation. Furthermore, nanosensors and nano-enabled fertilizers are facilitating precision composting through real-time monitoring and controlled nutrient delivery. The integration of nanotechnology with compost microbiology offers significant potential to improve compost quality, reduce environmental losses, and support climate-smart agriculture. This article reviews the major applications, benefits, challenges, and future prospects of nano-enabled composting systems. Despite its promising potential, comprehensive assessment of environmental safety, nanoparticle toxicity, and long-term ecological impacts remains essential for responsible and sustainable implementation.

With a total output of 247.87 million metric tonnes in 2024, India is currently the largest producer of milk in the world. Dairy farming accounts for the economic foundation of rural India, with over 80 million dairy farmers making their living from this industry, the majority of which are small to medium-sized farms. While the shift to crossbred and exotic cattle breeds has increased both production and productivity, the increased input costs and increased susceptibility to disease have been compounded by an alarming decrease in the number of indigenous cattle genetic resources and breeds. A2 milk is produced by indigenous breeds of cattle in India (e.g., Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar, Kangayam) and is being promoted as a potential remedy for these problems. Native Indian breeds are the only source of A2 ?-casein, which is the form of ?-casein in milk from these breeds. The difference between A1 and A2 ?-casein is one amino acid (A1 ?-casein contains histidine, while A2 ?-casein contains proline). Research on A2 milk is currently being conducted and is showing a greater degree of gastrointestinal tolerance than conventional milk when consumed by many people.

Winter is associated with increased susceptibility to infections, metabolic stress, reduced sunlight exposure, and greater nutritional demands, making a balanced and functional diet essential for maintaining health and immunity. Seeds such as flaxseed, chia, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds are nutrient-dense foods rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive phytochemicals that collectively support physiological resilience during the winter season. These seeds provide important micronutrients including vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and iron, which act as cofactors in enzymatic reactions, enhance immune function, regulate metabolism, and protect cells against oxidative damage. Their antioxidants and phytonutrients, such as lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, help neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce inflammation, while dietary fiber improves digestive health, supports beneficial gut microbiota, and promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids that strengthen immune responses. Additionally, essential fatty acids and antioxidants contribute to skin and mucosal integrity by maintaining membrane stability, hydration, and tissue repair during cold and dry weather. The combined biochemical synergy of these nutrients enhances nutrient bioavailability, metabolic efficiency, and overall health, making seeds an economical, natural, and science-based functional food for strengthening immunity, maintaining metabolic balance, and improving resilience against seasonal stress during winter.

Speed breeding is an innovative approach that accelerates plant growth and reduces generation time under controlled environmental conditions. Conventional vegetable breeding often requires several years to develop improved cultivars, creating a need for faster breeding strategies. By manipulating factors such as photoperiod, temperature, humidity and light intensity, speed breeding enables four to six generations per year in certain crops. In vegetables such as tomato, brinjal, cucumber, muskmelon, chilli and pepper, it supports rapid development of disease-resistant and stress-tolerant varieties. Integration with molecular breeding and biotechnology tools further enhances breeding efficiency and sustainable crop improvement.

Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) or Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) is considered among the most damaging viral diseases of common and koi carp aquaculture across the world. Koi herpes virus causes high mortalities, economic losses, and trade restrictions in aquaculture industry. One of the major problems related to KHV is its capability to cause latent infection in surviving fishes. In latent infection, the virus exists in hiding within the host organisms without showing any clinical signs; mainly within leukocytes and nervous tissues. Latently infected fishes serve as silent carrier of the virus that can be reactivated under certain stress conditions such as temperature change, transportation, crowding, and poor water conditions. Reactivation causes shedding of virus from latently infected fish and further spread of virus among clinically healthy fish populations. Research has shown that KHV DNA can be detected in blood leukocytes and many other organs even in healthy carp. Temperature changes have been reported as one of the most important factors that induce viral shedding from latently infected fishes. The detection of latent infection is very difficult due to presence of extremely low numbers of viral DNA during latency stage. PCR and Realtime PCR have been used successfully to detect latent KHV infection. It is necessary to have good surveillance, biosecurity measures, stress reduction, and periodic screening in order to avoid silent transmission of the virus. It is vital to understand the process of latent infection and reactivation for sustainable carp farming.

Aquaponics, the integrated production of fish and plants in a recirculating system, has been promoted as a sustainable agriculture solution capable of reducing water use by 90-95% while producing protein and produce simultaneously without synthetic fertilizers. Despite decades of enthusiasm, commercial aquaponics remains economically marginal, with most operations failing to achieve profitability. This article synthesizes recent life cycle assessment data and systems engineering principles to examine why aquaponics struggles to scale. Key constraints include high energy demands (particularly in northern climates), dependence on industrially produced fish feed that undermines "closed-loop" claims, nutrient imbalances requiring synthetic supplementation, and capital-intensive infrastructure that cannot compete with conventional agriculture on cost. Decoupled system designs, renewable energy integration, and strategic market positioning offer the most viable pathways forward, though aquaponics will likely remain a niche rather than transformative agricultural technology.

The rapid growth of the global population has significantly intensified pressure on food production systems, leading to an excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers. India has now emerged as the second-largest consumer of fertilizers globally, reflecting the intensification of nutrient use to sustain crop yields (Anonymous 2025). While excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers initially boosted yields, it has resulted in severe soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and environmental contamination. These challenges highlight the urgent need for precision nutrient management (PNM), which utilizes advanced technologies to manage spatial and temporal variability in soil nutrient supply to increase productivity and efficiency in an environmentally responsible manner. PNM is strictly guided by the 4R principles: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place. Various diagnostic tools and decision-support systems (DSS) have been developed to bridge the gap between high-yielding crop requirements and indigenous soil supply. Handheld sensors like the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) meter and green-seeker allow for real-time monitoring of plant vigour and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) provides a cost-effective method for need-based nitrogen application. Analytical approaches such as soil test crop response (STCR) and the omission plot technique establish quantitative basis for maximizing profit and yield. Digital tools like nutrient expert and rice crop manager provide locationspecific recommendations that have been shown to increase yields across various agro-ecological zones.

Bioenergy is a renewable energy source derived from biological materials such as plants, algae, agricultural residues, and organic wastes. It plays an important role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Biotechnology supports sustainable energy production by improving biofuel generation and biomass conversion processes. Major bioenergy forms include bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and algal biofuels. Bioethanol is widely used as a substitute for gasoline, while biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Algal biofuels are emerging as a promising option due to their high productivity and carbon dioxide absorption capacity. Biofuels are classified into first, second, and third generations based on their raw materials and production techniques. Although bioenergy offers environmental benefits, improper large-scale production may lead to issues such as soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. With increasing energy demand and depletion of fossil fuels, bioenergy provides a sustainable alternative for future energy needs.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), commonly known as Holy Basil, is a highly valued medicinal and aromatic plant with significant cultural, therapeutic and ecological importance. Widely used in Ayurveda, it is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects, mainly due to bioactive compounds such as eugenol and ursolic acid. Tulsi plays an important role in managing respiratory disorders, stress, metabolic diseases and enhancing immunity. Modern scientific studies have validated many of its traditional medicinal uses, increasing its application in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Besides its therapeutic value, Tulsi is easy to cultivate, environmentally beneficial and economically important, making it a valuable plant for promoting sustainable healthcare and agricultural development.

Bypass nutrients have emerged as an important nutritional strategy for improving the productivity, health and reproductive efficiency of dairy animals. In high-yielding dairy cows and buffaloes, conventional feeding practices often fail to supply sufficient nutrients because a large proportion of dietary protein and energy is degraded in the rumen before absorption. Bypass nutrients are specially protected feed components that escape ruminal degradation and become available for digestion in the intestine, thereby improving nutrient utilization efficiency. The major bypass nutrients include bypass protein, bypass fat and protected amino acids such as methionine and lysine. Supplementation of bypass protein enhances amino acid availability for milk synthesis, growth and reproductive functions, while bypass fat provides concentrated energy during periods of high metabolic demand, particularly in early lactation. Protected amino acids support milk protein synthesis, liver function and immune response. Feeding bypass nutrients helps reduce negative energy balance, ketosis and other metabolic disorders commonly observed during the transition period. In addition, these nutrients improve milk yield, milk fat percentage, body condition score, conception rate and overall animal performance. Bypass feeding is also beneficial under tropical conditions where poor-quality roughages are widely used. Improved nutrient utilization through bypass supplementation contributes to sustainable dairy farming by reducing nutrient wastage and enhancing feed conversion efficiency. Despite their advantages, factors such as cost, quality control and balanced ration formulation must be considered for effective utilization. Recent advancements in feed processing technologies and rumenprotection techniques are expanding the scope of bypass nutrition in modern dairy production systems. Overall, bypass nutrients represent an effective approach for maximizing production efficiency, improving animal welfare and increasing profitability in the dairy sector.

Bait fish culture is a specialized branch of aquaculture focused on the production of small fish species used as live or dead bait in commercial and recreational fisheries. It plays a significant role in supporting capture fisheries, ornamental fish culture, and the farming of carnivorous fish. Cultured baitfish reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and provide an additional livelihood option for small-scale farmers. Commonly cultured species include minnows, barbs, tilapia fry, mosquito fish, and climbing perch. Successful baitfish culture depends on appropriate pond management, balanced stocking, proper feeding, maintaining water quality, preventing disease, and careful harvesting. The culture of baitfish under controlled conditions ensures sustainable production, improved fish quality, and enhanced diversification of aquaculture.

Due to West Asia war the LPG price hike and unavailability affected several sectors, particularly the food and beverage (F&B) industry, forcing many caterers to shut down. The Solvent Extractors? Association of India highlighted those geopolitical tensions, freight costs, and weather risks like El Ni?o make the country vulnerable to price shocks. Reducing consumption of edible oil is an effective way to cut forex outflow and enhance economic stability. The government has been urging consumers to shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a more stable alternative. There are number of tips are available to be taken up at home to reduce LPG consumptions and to cut down excessive oil consumptions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.