Send Message

Home / Current Article

Volume(7) / Issue(4)

Natural Boosters in Farming: Exploring Biostimulants for Future Agriculture

Shagun Thakur et al.

In the era of climate change and rising food demand, sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for ensuring long-term productivity and environmental safety. Biostimulants have emerged as eco-friendly inputs that enhance plant growth, improve nutrient use efficiency, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses. Derived from natural sources such as seaweed extracts, beneficial microorganisms, and organic compounds, they support soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. However, their adoption is limited by inconsistent field performance, lack of standardization, and low farmer awareness. Advancements in formulation technologies, improved understanding of plant?microbe interactions, and integration with precision farming offer promising solutions to these challenges. With adequate research, regulatory support, and farmer education, biostimulants can play a vital role in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

Read More

Intensive Agriculture: Pathways of Water Pollution and Ecosystem Disruption

Kavya Inuganti et al.

Agricultural intensification has emerged as a key approach to meet the rising global demand for food, fiber, and fuel by increasing productivity through the use of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. While these practices have significantly improved agricultural output, they have also imposed considerable pressure on water ecosystems. Intensive agriculture often leads to excessive withdrawal of surface and groundwater resources, resulting in declining water tables and altered hydrological cycles. Additionally, the overuse of agrochemicals contributes to nutrient runoff and pesticide contamination, causing eutrophication and deterioration of water quality. These changes adversely affect aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health. Sustainable management practices such as efficient irrigation, integrated nutrient and pest management, conservation agriculture, and precision farming are essential to mitigate these impacts. Balancing agricultural productivity with the conservation of water resources is crucial for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and food security.

Read More

The Bitter Truth Behind the Sweet Cardamom Prices in India

Harish Kumar H R et al.

Cardamom, known as the ?Queen of Spices?, is vital to India?s spice economy. Although nominal prices rose sharply from 2015 to 2024, farmers gained little in real terms once inflation was considered. Between 2016 and 2018, real incomes improved, but from 2019 onwards, inflation eroded most benefits, leaving farmers worse off despite record-high prices. The pandemic years deepened losses, and recent spikes created only paper prosperity, with over 60 per cent of income eaten by rising costs. This paper reveals that bigger prices don?t always means better lives of farmers. Real prosperity will come only when inflation is controlled, production is steady and farmers keep a fair share of the value.

Read More

Insights on the Use of Vaccines for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in Shrimp

Ethirajan Manimozhi and Arumugam Uma

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting shrimp aquaculture, causing rapid mortality and major economic losses worldwide. Several vaccination strategies have been explored to control this pathogen, including subunit vaccines, inactivated whole-virus vaccines, DNA vaccines, antibody-based approaches, and RNA interference. Among these, VP28-based recombinant vaccines and DNA vaccines have shown promising protective effects under experimental conditions. However, challenges related to delivery methods, scalability, and field-level performance still limit their commercial application.

Read More

Vaccination in Livestock: The Key to Healthy Animals and Better Production

Sathe P.M. and Tirpude S.V.

Livestock vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases and maintaining animal health and productivity. Diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, Hemorrhagic Septicemia, PPR, and Newcastle disease can cause severe economic losses to farmers due to mortality, reduced production, and treatment costs. Vaccination works by stimulating the animal?s immune system to develop protection against specific pathogens. Regular vaccination helps reduce disease outbreaks, improve milk, meat, and egg production, and increase farm profitability. It also protects human health by preventing zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis. Proper vaccination practices, including maintaining the cold chain, vaccinating healthy animals, and following recommended schedules, are essential for effective disease control. Therefore, vaccination is an important component of modern livestock management and sustainable animal production.

Read More

Seaweed Farming as a Climate-Friendly Aquaculture System

Hitanshi Rathod et al.

Seaweed farming is emerging as one of the most sustainable and climate-friendly aquaculture systems. Unlike traditional agriculture, seaweed cultivation requires no freshwater, fertilizers, or arable land, making it an environmentally efficient food production method. Seaweeds absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and can contribute to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change. Additionally, seaweed farms improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and supporting marine biodiversity. This paper examines the role of seaweed aquaculture in climate change mitigation, its ecological and economic benefits, cultivation methods, challenges, and future prospects. The study highlights seaweed farming as a promising nature-based solution for sustainable aquaculture and environmental protection.

Read More

Nano sensors: A Smart Technology for Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency

Barsha Mansingh et al.

Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) plays an important role in improving crop productivity while reducing excessive fertilizer use in agriculture. However, a significant portion of applied nutrients is lost through leaching, runoff, and volatilization, resulting in economic losses and environmental pollution. Nano sensor technology has emerged as a promising tool to address this challenge by enabling precise monitoring of soil nutrients and plant conditions. These sensors can detect small changes in nutrient levels and provide real-time information for better nutrient management. By supporting precise fertilizer application, nano sensors have the potential to enhance NUE and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Read More

The Role of Yoga in Addressing Substance Abuse: Exploring Holistic Approaches to Recovery

Shubham Kumar

Substance abuse is a complex and widespread issue that affects individuals, families, and societies globally. While traditional treatment methods, such as therapy and medication, are widely used, there is a growing interest in complementary practices that promote overall well-being and support long-term recovery. One such practice is yoga, which combines physical postures, pranayama, and meditation to foster mental and emotional balance. This paper explores the potential of yoga as a tool in the treatment of substance abuse, examining its effects on reducing cravings, managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing overall quality of life. Through a review of existing literature and case studies, the paper highlights the benefits of incorporating yoga into substance abuse recovery programs and offers a holistic perspective on healing. The paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of integrating yoga into traditional treatment frameworks and suggests future areas of research for better understanding its role in addiction recovery.

Read More

Artificial Intelligence in Gut Health Management and Monitoring in Fishes

A. R. Abirami and Subodh Gupta

As global aquaculture expands to meet rising food security demands, managing fish health? especially gut health?has become vital for industry sustainability and financial success. For fish, the gastrointestinal tract acts as the control centre for nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and generally boosts performance. However, traditional methods of monitoring gut health, such as histological analysis, necropsy, or visual inspection of mortality events, are inherently reactive, invasive, and often not timely. This paper examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in shifting intestine health management from a reactive approach to a proactive, real-time, precisionbased method. Advanced convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are proposed for the automatic, real-time assessment of faecal waste characteristics?such as buoyancy, color, and viscosity?immediately in the water column, serving as instant indicators of digestive function and dysbiosis. Additionally, the paper highlights how AI can analyse complex, highthroughput sequencing data from the fish intestine microbiome. By employing deep learning algorithms to interpret metagenomic data, researchers can now detect early microbial biomarkers of strain or pathogen intrusion well before clinical symptoms emerge.

Read More

From Pollination to Biodiversity: The Multifaceted Role of Butterflies

Diksha Chopra

Butterflies are not only one of nature's most beautiful creatures, but they also play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem health. These insects act as pollinators, indicators of environmental well-being, and a food source for other animals. However, human activities such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change threaten their survival. This article explores the significant roles butterflies play in ecosystems and offers strategies to help protect them, ensuring their continued contribution to biodiversity and ecological balance.

Read More

Boosting Farmer Income Through Better Dairy Practices

Sathe P.M. and Tirpude S.V.

This article talks about how important dairy farming is for many farmers in villages. It gives regular income to millions of small farmers. But many farmers face problems like low milk production, expensive feed, sick animals, and no good place to store or sell milk. The article explains ways to do better dairy farming, like keeping good cow breeds, feeding animals well, giving vaccines on time, and keeping everything clean during milking. It also tells how using machines to milk cows and coolers to store milk can stop milk from going bad. Farmers can earn more by making products like curd and ghee from milk, and by selling directly through groups or using phones and the internet. The government is helping farmers with better tools, training, and markets so they can earn more, improve their family life, and support women who work hard in dairy farming.

Read More

Zoonotic Diseases: Protecting Farmers and Animals

Sakshi Tirpude and Prashant Sathe

Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases pose a major threat to public health, livestock productivity, and the livelihoods of farmers worldwide. Individuals who work closely with animals, such as farmers, veterinarians, and livestock handlers, are at a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Common zoonotic diseases associated with livestock include brucellosis, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and rabies. These infections can spread through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated milk, animal products, or vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes. Awareness, early detection, and preventive measures play an important role in controlling the spread of zoonotic infections. Proper farm hygiene, vaccination of animals, use of protective equipment, and safe handling of milk and meat products can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Strengthening collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors through the One Health approach is essential for effective disease management. Protecting both farmers and animals from zoonotic diseases is crucial for improving public health, ensuring food safety, and promoting sustainable livestock production.

Read More

Carbon Credits in India: Turning Sustainable Farming into a New Source of Income

Mohammad Ahmar Rashid Khan et al.

This article examines the emerging role of carbon credits in India as a tool for linking climate change mitigation with sustainable agricultural development. Rapid industrialization and rising greenhouse gas emissions have intensified global warming, creating serious challenges for agriculture and rural livelihoods. Carbon credit mechanisms, introduced under international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and strengthened through the Paris Agreement, allow emission reductions to be traded in global markets. The article highlights how Indian farmers can generate carbon credits by adopting climate-smart practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, zero tillage, direct seeded rice, cover cropping, and biochar application. These practices enhance soil carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and increase farm resilience while providing farmers with an additional source of income through participation in emerging carbon markets.

Read More

Smart Barns, Smarter Farming: How AI and IoT are Revolutionizing Dairy and Poultry

Sakshi Tirpude and Prashant Sathe

The rapid growth of dairy and poultry farming has created demand for innovative technologies that reduce costs, improve animal welfare, and increase productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are now transforming traditional practices into smart farming systems. In dairy farming, AI-powered automated milking parlors, wearable sensors, and precision feed management tools help monitor cow health, detect oestrus cycles, optimize feed conversion, and improve milk yield (Patel et al., 2022). Poultry production is also advancing through AI-driven environmental control, harmful gas monitoring, disease prediction, and vaccination robots (Patel et al., 2022; Jebari et al., 2023). Recent innovations such as the Poultry-Edge-AI-IoT system demonstrate how real-time monitoring and predictive analytics can reduce mortality and improve efficiency in largescale farms (Jebari et al., 2023). Together, AI and IoT enable farmers to make informed decisions, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainability while meeting consumer demands for quality milk, meat, and eggs. Wider adoption and affordable solutions for smallholders will further accelerate the digital revolution in livestock farming (Patel et al., 2022).

Read More

Importance of Deworming in Livestock Animals

Sakshi Tirpude and Prashant Sathe

Livestock farming is an important part of agriculture and provides food, income, and employment for many rural families. Goats are especially valuable because they adapt well to different environments and provide milk, meat, fiber, and manure. However, livestock animals are often affected by parasitic infections, which reduce growth, milk production, and overall health. These parasites spread through contaminated pasture, feed, and water. Regular deworming and the use of anthelmintic drugs help control these parasites and improve animal productivity. Proper management practices such as balanced nutrition, sanitation, and health monitoring are also important. Effective parasite control is necessary for healthy livestock and sustainable farming.

Read More

Marine Ornamental Fish Culture: A Sustainable Alternative to Wild Collection in Andaman

Reeya Mondal et al.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are well known around the world for their exceptional marine biodiversity and spectacular coral reef ecosystems. Marine ornamental fishes are one of these resources that are imperative to the global aquarium commerce. They support livelihoods but also raise concerns about reef impairment as a result of careless wild collection. Marine ornamental fish culture, which involves the controlled breeding and raising of ornamentals, provides a sustainable alternative that strikes a balance between economic development and conservation. The scope, methods, recompenses, and difficulties of Andaman marine ornamental fish culture, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable source of income for coastal communities while preserving delicate reef habitats.

Read More

The Future of Farming: Artificial Intelligence in Indian Agriculture

Dr. Muhammed Irshad M

Agriculture in India plays a crucial role in the country?s economy, providing nearly 70 % of rural employment and contributing a significant share to the national GDP. However, the agricultural sector faces several challenges such as climate change, price volatility, pest and disease outbreaks, and the lack of effective decision support systems. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have become increasingly important, as they can help address many of these challenges through various AI models that can predict and manage potential risks in advance. In this way, AI is becoming a key player in Indian agriculture, and its importance is expected to grow even further in the future.

Read More

Carbon Sequestration through Organic Farming Practices

Anushka Malviya et al.

The continuous rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as one of the most critical global environmental challenges, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable climate mitigation strategies. In this context, agriculture holds significant potential as a natural carbon sink through the process of carbon sequestration, particularly when managed under organic farming systems that emphasize soil health and ecological sustainability. Organic farming enhances carbon storage by increasing soil organic matter, stimulating beneficial microbial activity, and avoiding the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Several organic management practices?including diversified crop rotations, green manuring, application of compost and farmyard manure, reduced soil disturbance, and integration of livestock?facilitate the capture, accumulation, and long-term stabilization of atmospheric carbon in the soil. Empirical evidence suggests that well-managed organic and biodynamic farming systems can significantly enhance soil carbon stocks while simultaneously improving soil fertility, biological diversity, and overall farm productivity. Although the large-scale adoption of organic farming may face challenges such as the need for greater technical knowledge, higher labor requirements, and potential short-term yield variability, these limitations can be effectively overcome through capacitybuilding initiatives, supportive government policies, and appropriate economic incentives. Consequently, organic farming represents a promising and sustainable pathway for climate change mitigation while simultaneously strengthening agricultural resilience and rural livelihoods.

Read More

Bioactive Constituents and Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera

Manjula Chaudhari et al.

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, has gained considerable scientific attention due to its rich phytochemical composition and diverse pharmacological properties. The plant contains multiple bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, glucosinolates, and alkaloids, which collectively contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. This review summarizes the major bioactive constituents of M. oleifera and highlights their mechanisms of action in relation to chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

Read More

Decoding the Labels: A Comprehensive Guide to Aquaculture Certification Schemes

P. Shivani

Fish farming now produces more than half of all fish eaten worldwide. With this growth, many certification programs have emerged claiming that fish is "responsibly farmed." Understanding these labels is important for both farmers and consumers. This article explains different certification schemes in simple language, including ASC, BAP, Global G.A.P., organic certifications, and animal welfare programs. It also discusses recent changes in 2025-2026 and offers practical advice for farmers considering certification and consumers making purchasing decisions.

Read More

Tail Fan Necrosis Syndrome: A Wicked Problem in the Lobster Industry

Chandru Govindan

Lobsters are economically valuable crustaceans that are a part of the global fisheries and aquaculture. However, production losses are high due to disease outbreaks and unsuitable environmental conditions. Tail fan Necrosis (TFN) syndrome is a degenerative disease of the tail fans of lobsters and crayfish, especially the telson and uropods. The disease is characterised by melanisation, blister formation, exoskeletal erosion, and eventual necrosis of the affected tissues. Various hypotheses have been proposed, including bacterial and viral invasion, mechanical damage, environmental stress, and physiological abnormalities. Due to its complex and multifactorial nature, TFN is often described as a ?wicked problem? in the lobster industry. This article discusses the occurrence, clinical signs, possible causes, and management challenges associated with Tail Fan Necrosis syndrome.

Read More

Antimicrobial Resistance: A Daily Life Threat We Ignore

Dr. Vrushabh Shende et al.

Antibiotics have played a vital role in controlling infectious diseases and improving human and animal health. However, the widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture have resulted in a serious global challenge known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Resistant bacteria reduce the effectiveness of commonly used medicines, making infections more difficult and costly to treat and increasing the risk of treatment failure. AMR is no longer limited to hospitals but has become a growing concern in communities, food systems, and the environment. This article discusses the public health importance of antimicrobial resistance, highlights key global statistics, and emphasizes the role of responsible antibiotic use in daily life. The need for coordinated action involving humans, animals, and the environment is highlighted to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics and protect public health for future generations.

Read More

Sustainable Management of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV): Seaweed-Based Functional Nutrition and Emerging Vaccine Strategies

Geetharani P and Gijo Ittoop

Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) is recognized as one of the most important viral threats to the global tilapia aquaculture industry, especially to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). TiLV is a negative-sense RNA virus classified as a member of the family Amnoonviridae. This virus targets vital organs such as the liver and brain, leading to syncytial hepatitis, hepatocellular necrosis, systemic infection, and a short incubation period. Fry and juvenile tilapia are highly susceptible to TiLV, making hatchery and nursery systems highly vulnerable to devastating outbreaks. At present, there are limited control strategies to combat this devastating tilapia disease, and although antibiotics are of no use in combating this viral infection, the use of vaccine is still under evaluation. Recent scientific findings suggest that seaweed bioactive compounds are a new class of natural antiviral substances that are effective in controlling TiLV. In this context, the antiviral effect of marine macroalgal extracts has been proven to show a positive effect in vitro and in vivo. Seaweed supplements are known to show a positive effect in tilapia, and dietary seaweed supplements are known to show a positive effect in tilapia, which helps to improve hematological parameters, innate immunity, antioxidant enzyme activities, and antiviral gene expression.

Read More

Probiotics in Fish Health: A Sustainable Strategy for Modern Aquaculture

Geetharani P

The recent growth of aquaculture has increased the risks associated with disease outbreaks, excessive use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable environmental management. Recent evidence has emphasized the potential of probiotics as novel biological resources for enhancing fish health and production efficiency. Probiotics, given as feed or water supplements, improve growth performance, feed efficiency, immune ability, and metabolism in aquatic animals. The fish gut contains a diverse and complex microbial community that is primarily involved in digestion, nutrient uptake, and immune responses. Probiotic supplementation can modulate this core microbiota, increase digestive enzyme secretion, and optimize lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, leading to improved feed conversion efficiency and physiological resistance. Moreover, probiotics can boost innate immunity by competitive exclusion, production of antimicrobial substances, and regulation of immune-related gene expression. Current developments focus on host-specific strain selection and the development of next-generation probiotics. In this way, probiotics play a significant role in sustainable aquaculture, as they reduce the use of antibiotics and minimize waste output in the environment. In conclusion, probiotics are essential elements in precision health management approaches. They promote productivity, disease resistance, and sustainability in modern aquaculture.

Read More

Mechanized Coconut Farming: A Pathway to Resilient and Gender-Responsive Agro-Systems

Chaitrali S. Mhatre et al.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a vital perennial crop grown in tropical regions, offering significant socio-economic and ecological benefits. However, traditional cultivation practices in coconut farming are increasingly unsustainable due to labor shortages, declining productivity, and gender disparities. Mechanization presents a promising avenue for sustainable coconut cultivation by reducing drudgery, improving operational efficiency, and fostering inclusive development. This paper explores the current mechanization technologies in coconut farming, evaluates their impact on sustainability and gender equity, and offers policy and research recommendations for scaling mechanization in tropical agriculture.

Read More