Send Message

Home / Current Article

Volume(7) / Issue(6)

Latent Infection of Koi Herpesvirus in Carp: Hidden Risk in Aquaculture

Anbu Kani Selvam. G et al.

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.

Read More

The Aquaponics Paradox: Why the "Closed-Loop Miracle" Still Struggles to Scale? A Critical Analysis of the Biological, Economic and Environmental Constraints Limiting Commercial Aquaponics Viability

Rahul Solanki

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.

Read More

Precision Nutrient Management for Sustainable Crop Production

Shreya et al.

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.

Read More

Biotechnological Approaches of Bioenergy

Suraj Verma et al.

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.

Read More

Sacred Tulsi: From Tradition to Therapeutic Uses

M. Ramanjineyulu et al.

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.

Read More

Role of Bypass Nutrients in Dairy Animals

Anupam Soni and Harsimar Preet Kour

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.

Read More

Bait Fish Culture

Kaviyarasi, I. et al.

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.

Read More

Tips to Reduce LPG and Cooking Oil Consumption

L. C. De and Tulipa De

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.

Read More

Aeroponic Technology: Prospects for Quality Seed and Planting Material Production in Vegetables

Priyanka Kumari et al.

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.

Read More

Carbon Nanomaterials in Agriculture: Tiny Particles, Big Change for Farming

Rachitha, P. J. et al.

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.

Read More

Silicon: A Hidden Helper of Rice Growth

Anisha Sahoo et al.

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.

Read More

The Unsung Pollinators: Why Wild Bees are Critical for Food Security and Biodiversity

Sandeep and Nitish Kumar

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.

Read More

Artificial Insemination in Mithun: Techniques for Estrus Detection and Artificial Insemination

Abuno Thepa et al.

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.

Read More