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Volume(7) / Issue(4)

Natural Farming in India: Emerging Policy, Gender-Based Livelihoods, and Community- Centric Transformation

Laxmi Priya Sahoo et al.

India?s agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transition toward Natural Farming as a strategic response to rising input costs, deteriorating soil health, and climate-induced vulnerabilities. The evolution of Natural Farming policy in India, tracing the shift from early initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY, 2015) and Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP, 2020) to the institutionalization of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF, 2024). Through a mission-mode approach, Natural Farming aims to reduce chemical dependency and enhance the economic viability of small and marginal farmers. A central pillar of this transition is the empowerment of women, who play a critical role in seed management and bio-input preparation through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and decentralized Bio-Input Resource Centres. Natural Farming fosters socio-cultural transformation by integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific validation, thereby strengthening community-led decision-making. Furthermore, the direct contributions of Natural Farming to household nutrition and food security through crop diversification and kitchen gardens. Using Odisha as a compelling regional model, the analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of adaptive zoning and community-centric implementation. It concludes that the convergence of robust policy frameworks, gender-responsive entry points, and local knowledge systems positions Natural Farming as a transformative pathway for achieving equitable, resilient, and sustainable agricultural development in India.

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Soil?Plant Microbiome for Enhanced Productivity & Climate Change Resilience

Gitesh Kumari et al.

The soil?plant microbiome plays a vital role in enhancing plant growth, stress tolerance and soil health under changing climatic conditions. Beneficial microorganisms improve plant resilience to drought, salinity, temperature extremes and flooding through mechanisms such as nutrient mobilization, phytohormone regulation, antioxidant production and induced systemic resistance. They also contribute to soil fertility by driving nutrient cycling, improving soil structure and increasing organic matter. In addition, soil microbes aid in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, microbiome-based approaches offer a sustainable strategy for improving crop productivity, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and supporting climate-smart agriculture.

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Application of Hydrogels in Textile Industry

Harmandeep Kaur Toor et al.

Hydrogels are cross-linked, three-dimensional (3D) networks of polymers that can absorb and hold a lot of water. Loosely cross-linked hydrophilic polymers known as superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are capable of swelling, absorbing, and holding huge volumes of water or other biological fluids. Hydrogels are classified on various basis i.e. source, configuration, polymeric composition, cross linking, physical state, morphological and charge. Hydrogels have several properties such as mechanical, stimuli effect, self-healing, biodegradability. Hydrogels are used for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, wound healing, gene delivery, electrical conducting, purification of water, agricultural sector, decontamination of organic waste, artificial skin. Hydrogel materials have various applications in biomedical and engineering applications, from wastewater treatment and soft robotics to regenerative medicine, due to their customizable characteristics and adaptable production techniques in textile industry. Lamination of hydrogel onto the fabric makes it fire retardant. Heavy metal removal/Dye removal from aqueous solutions is another application for smart Polymeric Hydrogel (PHG) materials. The global hydrogel market size is expected to be worth around US$ 37.98 billion by 2030 from at US$ 22.45 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030.

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From Ocean to Plate: How Drying Methods Affect the Quality of Edible Seaweeds

E Bridgete Princey and P Ganesan

Edible seaweeds are gaining increasing attention as sustainable and nutrient-rich marine food resources. However, their high moisture content makes them highly perishable, necessitating effective preservation techniques such as drying. This article examines the impact of various drying methods, including sun drying, hot air drying, freeze drying, microwave and infrared drying, on the quality of edible seaweeds. Drying not only extends shelf life but also influences physico-chemical properties, nutrient retention and functional attributes. While traditional methods are cost-effective, advanced techniques such as freezedrying offer superior preservation of bioactive compounds and lipid stability. The study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate drying methods to ensure optimal quality and utilization of seaweeds in food applications.

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Diversity and Functional Roles of Beneficial Insects in Sustainable Agroecosystems

Pooja Shekhawat et al.

Insects perform diverse ecological functions, with beneficial groups playing a pivotal role in sustaining agroecosystems and enhancing crop productivity. This article elucidates the diversity of beneficial insects, encompassing pollinators, natural enemies and decomposers and examines their functional roles in pollination, biological pest regulation and nutrient cycling. Natural enemies, including predators and parasitoids, regulate pest populations below economic thresholds, forming the foundation of biological control in integrated pest management (IPM). Pollinators contribute significantly to improved fruit set, seed quality and yield, while decomposers enhance soil fertility and structure. Additionally, insects such as honey bees, silkworms and lac insects provide economically valuable products, thus supporting rural livelihoods. The article highlights the importance of beneficial insects for ecological stability and long-term agricultural sustainability.

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Impact of Climate Change on Insect Diversity

Chetna Luhach

Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant drivers of biodiversity loss, with profound effects on insect diversity across different ecosystems. This has resulted into disruption of not only ecosystem components from biotic to abiotic through human-induced environmental alterations but also threatened food security, contributed to weather pattern disruptions across the globe. Agricultural crops and their corresponding pests are directly and indirectly affected by climate change through altered temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and CO2 levels. Insects are highly sensitive to environmental changes and rising temperatures influence their physiology and metabolism, leading to shifts in distribution, phenology, life cycles and interspecific interactions. Recent monitoring shows annual declines of 6.6% in abundance, thus the changes made due to climate change interfere with overall ecological processes, creating imbalance in ecosystem functioning crucial for sustainable agriculture.

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The Science Behind Extracting Crude Drugs from India?s Medicinal Plants

M Sainath Rao et al.

India harbours over 7,500 medicinal plant species - the richest proportion of any nation on Earth. Crude drug extraction, the foundational step that converts raw plant material into therapeutically potent medicines, is at the heart of India's booming herbal industry, now valued at over ?90,000 crore. This article traces the journey from field to pharmacy: what crude drugs are, how they are collected and classified, the classical and modern extraction techniques used from simple maceration to cutting-edge supercritical fluid extraction and why the choice of method directly determines the safety, efficacy and commercial viability of the final product. It also highlights key Indian plants whose extraction has shaped both traditional and modern pharmacology.

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Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF)

Aditya Kumar Sharma et al.

Entomopathogenic fungi are a diverse group of microorganisms that infect and kill insects, playing a crucial role in natural pest regulation and sustainable agriculture. These fungi, including well-known genera such as Beauveria, Verticillium, Metarhizium, Nomuraea, Paecilomyces and Hirsutella invade their hosts through direct penetration of the insect cuticle, bypassing the need for ingestion. Once inside, they proliferate within the host body, producing toxins and consuming internal tissues, ultimately leading to the insect?s death. The life cycle of entomopathogenic fungi involves spore attachment, germination, host invasion, internal colonization, and external sporulation, allowing the fungi to spread to new hosts. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and host availability significantly influence their effectiveness. Due to their specificity and eco-friendly nature, these fungi are widely used as biological control agents in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.

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Food Security and Geopolitics in Agriculture

Jayprakash Patel et al.

Food security has emerged as a critical global concern in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, and economic volatility. Agriculture, as the foundation of food systems, is deeply influenced by political decisions, international relations, and strategic trade policies adopted by nations. This article examines the interlinkages between food security and geopolitics in agriculture, with special emphasis on national food security strategies, government policies, and the influence of global political events on agricultural trade flows. It discusses how conflicts, sanctions, export restrictions, and strategic alliances reshape food availability and access, particularly for import-dependent and developing nations. The article argues that achieving sustainable food security requires balancing national interests with global cooperation, strengthening domestic agricultural resilience, and maintaining open and transparent trade systems in the face of geopolitical challenges.

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Digital Technologies for Precision Water Management

Sabhya Sharma et al.

By enabling effective, data-driven irrigation techniques in agriculture, digital technologies are revolutionising precision water management. Real-time monitoring of crop water requirements and field variability is made possible by tools like remote sensing, IoT-based soil moisture sensors, and GPS-guided systems. By lowering water waste and increasing water-use efficiency, these technologies facilitate site-specific irrigation. Irrigation scheduling and resource optimisation are further improved by integrating artificial intelligence and decision support systems. Precision water management reduces environmental effects, conserves water resources, and boosts crop productivity. It is essential for resolving water scarcity and guaranteeing sustainable agricultural production in the face of shifting climate conditions.

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Deep Learning in Precision Weed Management

Dameruppula Pranaswi et al.

Deep learning (DL) is transforming weed management by enabling precise, automated detection and classification, crucial for site-specific weed management (SSWM). This approach minimizes herbicide use and environmental impact, addressing the substantial global economic losses (USD 75.6 billion annually) caused by weeds. DL models, often integrated with UAVs and ground robots, utilize architectures like YOLO and Mask R-CNN for accurate weed identification and targeted intervention. While beneficial, challenges include data scarcity, the "green-on-green" problem, and real-time performance on edge devices. Future directions involve adaptive frameworks, cross-domain transfer learning, and hybrid DL architectures to enhance robustness and generalization.

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Cryptobiosis and Diapause in Insects

Aditya Kumar Sharma and Rajnish Kumar

This study explores the physiological and ecological mechanisms of Cryptobiosis and diapause, two distinct strategies insects use to survive extreme environmental stress. While both involve a suppression of metabolic activity, they differ significantly in their triggers, complexity, and biological "depth." Cryptobiosis is an extreme state of am metabolic dormancy where all observable signs of life such as growth, reproduction, and repair cease. It is an opportunistic response to immediate, lethal physical threats. Another Diapause is a genetically programmed state of developmental arrest. Unlike a simple reaction to cold (quiescence), diapause is proactive; insects enter this state before the onset of harsh conditions, usually triggered by "token stimuli" like changing day lengths (photoperiod).

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Healthy Soil, Healthy City: The Secret Beneath Our Feet

Bhuvana. K et al.

Soil health underpins agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability by supporting plant growth and key ecosystem services. In urban areas, soils play a vital role in maintaining environmental quality, climate regulation, and human well-being. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization led to sealing and compaction, limiting gas exchange, thereby accelerating degradation. Urban land expansion is outpacing population growth, with a significant share of new urban areas replacing agricultural land, highlighting the need for integrated urban?rural planning. Healthy urban soils are essential for climate regulation, flood mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. Restoration can be achieved through nature-based solutions, increased green and permeable spaces, composting, phytoremediation, and urban farming. Long-term sustainability requires coordinated stakeholder engagement and integration of initiatives like Meri Maati Abhiyan, Bhoochetna into urban planning frameworks to create resilient and livable cities.

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Effect of Financial Constraints on Farmers Market Participation in India

Harsh Singh et al.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in India?s economy, yet a significant proportion of farmers, particularly small and marginal ones, face financial constraints that limit their participation in agricultural markets. This article examines how financial limitations such as lack of access to institutional credit, high input costs, inadequate working capital, and dependence on informal lending affect farmers? ability to engage effectively in markets. Financial constraints restrict farmers? capacity to invest in inputs, storage, transportation, and market information systems, often forcing distress sales at lower prices. The study highlights the interconnected nature of financial barriers with infrastructural and institutional challenges, including weak market linkages and limited awareness of modern trading systems. The paper also discusses the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), government interventions, and financial inclusion policies in improving market participation. It concludes that addressing financial constraints is essential for enhancing farmers? income, ensuring equitable market access, and promoting sustainable agricultural development in India.

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Micro Minerals in Animals: Small Quantity, Big Impact

Dr. Nirbhay Bhawsar and Dr. Eshan Nema

Micro minerals or trace elements, are essential nutrients required in small quantities but play vital roles in maintaining physiological and metabolic functions in animals. This article explores the requirement and functions of micro minerals based on research studies and scientific evidence. It highlights the role of key minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, manganese and cobalt in growth, immunity, reproduction and productivity. The issue of micro-mineral deficiencies in the Indian dairy sector and their impact on milk yield, health and economic losses is also discussed. Additionally, factors affecting mineral requirements and the importance of balanced supplementation and scientific feeding practices are emphasized. Ensuring proper mineral nutrition is crucial for improving animal health, productivity and sustainability.

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Deworming Schedule in Different Animal Species

Anshika Singh & Nirbhay Bhawsar

Parasitic infections remain a major challenge to livestock production systems across the globe, contributing to substantial economic losses through their negative impact on growth rate, milk production, feed efficiency, reproductive performance, and, in severe cases, animal survival (Taylor et al., 2016; Bowman, 2021). In addition to affecting animal health and welfare, these infections significantly reduce the overall efficiency and profitability of the livestock sector (FAO, 2019). This review aims to present an overview of the epidemiology, transmission patterns, and species-wise occurrence of important helminth parasites, including nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flukes), which infect a wide range of domestic animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, pigs, poultry, and horses (Urquhart et al., 2003).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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