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Volume(5) / Issue(6)

Enhancement of Tomato Production using Microbial Biopesticides, Biofertilizers and Macrobials

Pranab Dutta et al.

A team of scientists of CAU-CPGSAS, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya; TRA-, NBBRC, Nagrakata and ICAR-NBAIR, Bengalore under DBT funded project trained the farmers of village Mabong of West Sikkim. Amongst them Mr Ganesh Rai adopted the demonstrated integrated organic management practise with proven bioinoculant technologies of the above institute and got good result with higher yield with CBR of 1:4.23 with significant reduction of pest and disease infestation. The farmers income, bankability increased significantly. Success of Mr Rai attracted many fellow farmer and Mr Rai acted as mater demonstrator cum trainer for the horizontal transfer of the organic package for cultivation vegetables.

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Dhamdha-The City of Ponds

Kamlesh Kumar Dhritlahre et al.

Dhamdha is located in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh's Durg district. In Chhattisgarh, Dhamdha is renowned for its abundant natural water resources. A pond is a tiny, artificially created body of still water on land that forms when water pools inside a depression. Urbanization was destroying water, a natural resource, day by day. This region's fish farmers started using pond culture systems for carp culture. Additionally, numerous ponds in the Durg area are used for fish farming, livelihood, etc.

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Symbiotic Solutions: Pest Management in Harmony with Nature

Swetha N and Rathinaguru E

Agricultural problems can be solved sustainably with ecological pest management, which reduces environmental effects by controlling pest populations through natural processes. This strategy encourages agroecosystem resilience by utilizing biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as habitat modification and biological control agents. At its foundation are Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which prioritize ecological balance maintenance through focused action, observation, and prevention. It reduces the need for synthetic pesticides by using techniques like crop rotation, companion planting, and pheromone use, protecting biodiversity and human health. To balance ecosystem health and agricultural output and promote long-term food production sustainability, ecological pest control is a paradigm change.

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Unleashing the Potential of Wild Relatives: Breeding Resilient Okra Varieties for Sustainable Agriculture

Sumitkumar H. Mali and Dr. Neha Thomas

Okra, crucial for Indian agriculture, faces challenges in humid climates, but West African okra exhibits resilience. Wild okra relatives offer traits like disease resistance, enhancing resilience through hybridization. Future breeding focuses on stress-resistant varieties, utilizing advanced techniques like marker-assisted selection, to ensure sustainable production amidst climate change. Incorporating wild okra's genetic diversity enhances cultivated varieties' resilience, safeguarding food security in evolving agricultural landscapes.

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Role of Botanicals and Bio Control Agents in Plantation Crops and Major Spices

Gorle Roja Ramani et al.

Crop pest protection is one of the world's most pressing issues. Synthetic insecticides are constantly employed to control insects; nevertheless, their toxicity puts the health of farm workers, livestock, and food consumers at risk. Because of their ecological side effects and low cost, botanical pesticides have garnered renewed study in response to the detrimental effects on human health. The use of plant compounds (flavonoids, essential oils, glycosides, alkaloids, fatty acids, and esters) with anti-insect properties is reviewed here, along with their value as a substitute for chemicals that are employed in various insect removal scenarios, such as growth retardants, repellents, feeding deterrents/antifeedants, attractants, toxicants, and chemosterilants. Botanical pesticides are safe, residue-free food sources that only harm targeted insects?they do not eliminate helpful natural adversaries. As a result, we advise employing botanical insecticides in conjunction with an integrated pest control approach to significantly decrease the usage of synthetic insecticides.

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Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Managing Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stresses

Sachin Verma et al.

The environment and weather have a crucial impact on the agriculture industry. The country's established farming practices and food output to support its expanding population may be threatened by climate change. Agriculture and climate change are linked because agricultural processes frequently employ the result of climate as an input. Due to the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, these measures for mitigating its effects have received a great deal of attention in recent decades. During their growth and developmental phases, agricultural crops often go through a cycle that is extremely vulnerable to biotic and abiotic stimuli. This suggests that stress throughout any stage of development is detrimental to the growth, development, and productivity of crops during the production cycle. Any external element that causes a malfunction in an agricultural crop's life cycle is referred to as crop stress. Crop stress comes in two flavours: biotic and abiotic. Abiotic stressors include things like drought, nutrient imbalance, salinity, nutrient toxicity, insufficient or excessive water, waterlogging conditions, and physical attacks by herbivores. Biotic stressors include infections from disease pathogens. Each cropping season's crop output is severely reduced as a result of these pressures. The science and art of gathering data from a device that is not in contact with the thing being studied in order to learn more about it, as well as its surroundings, is known as remote sensing (RS). In order to quantify and visualise the changes in plants, geographic information system (GIS) techniques are used to recognise and understand forms and patterns of remotely sensed imagery based on corresponding spectral signatures.

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Gender-based Resource Allocation in Rural Household and Its Impact on Women Development

Preeti et al.

Gender-based resource allocation is defined as the distribution of resources within the family among girls and boys according to their gender. The study examined gender-based resource allocation in rural families and its impact on female development. Aim of the study is to understanding gender-based resource allocation and its impact. The researcher chooses 120 respondents to discuss women's development. The study found gender-based resource allocation in the targeted area, with women receiving fewer resources than men. Girls' growth is hindered by unequal access to resources such as food, clothing, land and property, automobiles, money, savings, and other necessities within their families. Promoting gender-neutral resource allocation in families can lead to a fairer society.

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Preserving Silence: The Impact of Earplugs on Preventing Hearing Loss

Preeti et al.

This article investigates the critical role of earplugs in reducing hearing loss in today's pervasive noise environment. Hearing impairment, which is frequently caused by extended exposure to loud sounds, is a serious threat to public health and well-being. Earplugs provide a practical answer by acting as a barrier between the ear canal and external noise sources. This study highlights the effectiveness of earplugs in reducing the risk of hearing impairment in a variety of scenarios, including occupational settings, leisure activities, and sleep environments, based on a thorough evaluation of the literature and empirical data. Despite their clear benefits, difficulties such as correct fit and user compliance should be considered. Nevertheless, earplugs emerge as vital tools in the preservation of auditory health, providing a road to a calmer, safer, and more.

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Plant growth-Promoting Rhizobacterial Biofertilizers for Quality Crop Production and Soil Health Sustenance

Anmol Gautam et al.

Recent decades have witnessed increased agricultural production to match the global demand for food fueled by population increase. Conventional agricultural practices are heavily reliant on artificial fertilizers that have numerous environmental and human health effects. Cognizant of this, sustainability researchers and environmentalists have increased their focus on other crop fertilization mechanisms. The exploitation of plant microbiomes has particularly gathered surmountable interest in this regard. Among the most interesting plant microbiomes are the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Biofertilizers are microbial formulations of Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which shows an important role in the sustainable agriculture industry. Biofertilizers are constituted of indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that directly or indirectly promotes plant growth and soil fertility through the solubilization of soil nutrients, nitrogen (N2) fixation, suppression of plant diseases and the production of plant growth-stimulating hormones such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, gibberellic acid, Indole 3- acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores. Moreover, PGPR not only help in plant growth but also help in soil health sustenance. Over the past centuries, technological revolutions have brought about new sources of soil and (ground)water pollution . The clean-up costs by conventional remediation methods are often exorbitantly high, retarding soil remediation if performed at all. Against these drawbacks, rhizoremediation which is an inexpensive and sustainable technology, based on the actions of biodegradative microorganisms in the rhizosphere and the plant phytoremediation capacity, has gained increased attention.

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Salmonella in Pigs- Challenges for Human Health and Pig Producers

Dr. Ashvini Bansod et al.

Salmonellosis presents a significant global public health and economic challenge, evident from the provided statistics. Governments worldwide have adopted a multifaceted approach to tackle this issue, incorporating monitoring programs and quality assurance schemes. The genus Salmonella encompasses diverse serovars with varying pathogenicity, highlighting the complexity of combating this pathogen. Tailored efforts are needed to address prevalent serovars in different regions and food production systems. Daniel Elmer Salmon's contributions to veterinary medicine, particularly in identifying and characterizing Salmonella, are noteworthy. The recognition of Salmonella as a distinct genus has been pivotal in understanding and managing this pathogen. Salmonella's flagella-driven motility facilitates its spread within the environment and across food production systems, emphasizing the importance of understanding its movement mechanisms for effective control measures. Collaboration between government agencies, the agricultural sector, food producers, and public health authorities is essential for addressing Salmonella contamination. Rigorous monitoring, strict hygiene protocols, and targeted interventions are key to reducing salmonellosis incidence and mitigating its health and economic impacts.

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Plant Nutrient Balance for Robust Vegetable Cultivation and Healthier Human Nutrition

P. Chandrasekaran et al.

Plant nutrient deficiency is the most serious problem in agriculture, particularly in vegetable cultivation. This results in lower crop yield and quality, which reduces the farmer's income. However, malnutrition arises as a result of the consumption of vegetables that are lacking of vital nutrients, resulting in around 1.7 million deaths every year. Eating nutrient-dense vegetables is the most cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition. Malnutrition is major issue in the world and more than 60% of people are affected by iron, 30% zinc, 30% iodine, and 15% selenium. It is necessary to provide crops with micronutrients and macronutrients essential for plant growth in order to avoid malnutrition and hidden hunger in humans and yield loss in vegetables. The efficiency of inorganic micronutrients applied to soils is low as they become easily fixed to soil particles. Hence, applying a foliar spray of nutrients is an effective option to enhance plant nutrient use efficiency. In this review, we discussed about importance of nutrients in vegetable production and human health. Further, we make clear about importance of vegetables to overcome malnutrition, how to develop nutrient-rich vegetables, and finally how to plant response to applied nutrients.

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Nano Fertilizer Synthesis and Use for Quality Crop Production

Simran et al.

Global population is rapidly increasing and is predicted to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. The limited resources tend to push the sector forward, demanding the development of highly efficient agriculture, thus allowing the reduction of worldwide poverty and hunger (Zulfiqar et al. 2019). Hence, chemical fertilizers have been considered an inevitable source of plant nutrition for improving crop production. This led to farmers' notion that using higher doses of chemical fertilizers gains higher crop yields. In addition, farmers frequently apply fertilizers to get targeted production levels. This overuse of chemical fertilizers counteracts the beneficial effects and raises salt concentration in the soil, which might result in crop losses in the future. Furthermore, irregular use of fertilizers without control of nutrient release patterns causes product quality deterioration. Therefore, developing slow or controlled-release fertilizers plays a crucial role not only in enhancing crop production, productivity, and quality but also in upgrading sustainability in agricultural production. Due to the advance properties of nanomaterials, such as high surface-to-volume ratio, controlled-release of nutrients to the targeted sites and absorption capacity, nanotechnology is highly important when designing and using these new fertilizers. Nano fertilizers are nutrients encapsulated or coated with different types of nanomaterials for the slow delivery and control of one or more nutrients in order to satisfy the plants nutrient requirements (Solanki et al. 2016). These "smart fertilizers" are now being referred to as a potential substitute, to the extent that they are the preferred form of fertilizers over the conventional ones in several cases.

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Smart Sulphur Management for Quality Crop Production and Soil Health Sustenance

S V Lanjewar et al.

There is an increasing demand for south Asian farmers to be informed with appropriate technologies and management practices that increase the both quality and quantity of crop production which faces the deficiency of secondary macronutrient sulphur from the green revolution era. Sulphur plays vital role in physiological and biological growth of the plant. In this article, we discussed about various management modern practices for sulphur management. Modern approaches like SSNM, STCR, fertigation, controlled released fertilizers, nano-fertilizers etc. have potential to enhances the effectiveness of plant nutrient supply which gives the effectiveness in crop production with synergic to maintain soil-plant dynamics.

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Exploring Tulsi's Medicinal Magic: A Guide to Varieties and Healing Powers

Boreddy Jayachandra Reddy et al.

Explore the profound healing potential of Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, in this comprehensive guide. Unveiling various Tulsi varieties, from traditional Ocimum sanctum to lesser-known types, it navigates through their diverse medicinal properties. Emphasizing Tulsi's historical significance and contemporary relevance, the guide illuminates its role in stress reduction, immune enhancement, and holistic well-being. Offering insights into cultivation and practical applications, this resource bridges ancient wisdom with modern wellness. Ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of Tulsi's therapeutic magic, it serves as a concise yet valuable tool for integrating this herb into a health-conscious lifestyle.

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Nutrient Management in Protected Conditions including Soilless Cultivations

Suman Kumari et al.

Protected cultivation, including greenhouses and polyhouses, offers a controlled environment for plant growth, overcoming challenges like improper nutrition and pest infestations. Soilless cultivation methods, such as hydroponics and aeroponics, have emerged as sustainable alternatives to traditional soil-based farming, providing precise control over nutrient delivery. Fertigation, the simultaneous application of water and nutrients through the irrigation system, plays a crucial role in nutrient management, ensuring improved crop performance and resource efficiency. Various nutrient delivery systems, including drip irrigation, substrate-based systems, and automated nutrient management systems, are utilized to optimize plant growth and productivity in protected cultivation. The composition of nutrient media is carefully calculated based on plant growth stage and atmospheric conditions, with essential fertilizers and micronutrients being utilized for proper plant nutrition. Overall, protected cultivation and soilless farming methods offer innovative solutions for achieving food security and meeting the needs of a rapidly urbanizing world.

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Role of Conservation Agriculture in Biodiversity Conservation

Amit Kour et al.

Biodiversity loss stands as a critical consequence of contemporary environmental shifts, notably propelled by the encroachment of terrestrial habitats, particularly due to the proliferation and intensification of agricultural practices. As agricultural land-use continues to expand, there is a pressing need for robust conservation strategies. Within this discourse, divergent perspectives emerge regarding the optimal approach to biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes. It is necessary to demonstrate the complementary value of both localized and landscape-scale conservation practices in preserving biodiversity which ascertain that the efficacy of conservation planning is contingent upon the taxa of interest, where either local or landscape factors may assume precedence. The nuanced interplay between management intensity and landscape composition in shaping biodiversity outcomes.

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Smart Phosphorus Management for Quality Crop Production and Soil Health Sustenance

Karan Das et al.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Despite the fact that soil contains 1000 times more P than plants do, limited diffusion and a high rate of fixation imply that P is rarely accessible for plant uptake. Therefore, in the absence of Pfertilization, plants are susceptible to P-deficiency, which may result in a 30?40% loss in crop yield. This emphasises how crucial it is to apply a lot of phosphate fertilisers in order to satisfy crop demands. P-fertilizer comes from a limited and non-renewable supply of rock phosphate, which is depleting over time. Furthermore, P resources are being lost as a result of farmers applying P fertilisers sporadically without taking the soil stock into account. The low P-use-efficiency (PUE) of plants under field conditions (15?20%) indicates that the majority of P applied through soil stays unavailable to plants. excess P leads to runoff and leaching that contaminates ground and surface waters (eutrophication), which in turn pollutes the environment. In order to prevent pollution of the environment and ensure the sustainable management of P resources, P fertilisers must be applied while taking the soil test value and PUE into account. Phosphorus solubilising bacteria are highly useful for increasing the plant available P in soil. Technological advancements like fertigation, nano fertilizers, etc. have potential to sustain food grain production.

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Silvipastoral Systems in Arid and Semi-arid Ecosystems

A. Eniya

The abstract provides an overview of silvi-pastoral systems in India, emphasizing their potential in addressing challenges related to land use, resource management, and rural poverty alleviation. It discusses the importance of agronomic research in optimizing croptree combinations for sustainable agricultural production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The abstract highlights ICRAF's diagnostic approach in identifying silvi-pastoral potentials and emphasizes the significance of thorough planning, including seed production, tree selection, layout design, and tree protection. Livestock integration and forage management strategies are also outlined, emphasizing the role of silvi-pastoral systems in providing short-term income, weed management, and nutrient recycling. Furthermore, it stresses the dynamic nature of silvi-pastoral systems, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management to maintain productivity and optimize economic returns. Overall, the abstract underscores the potential of silvi-pastoral systems as a multifaceted approach to sustainable land management and rural development in India.

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Spodoptera frugiperda and its Management

K. Sindhura Bhairavi

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major invasive pest, responsible for causing widespread destruction and economic loss in countries across the world. A native of North America, it has eventually spread through Asia and Africa in the last few decades. It possesses certain biological characteristics like long migration abilities and high fecundity which are advantageous to the pest and makes it difficult to manage its population and spread. This article discusses some of the management strategies that could be potentially used to manage the pest populations.

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Reviving Farm Ponds: Navigating Water Scarcity and Agricultural Sustainability

B J Giridhar et al.

The article summarizes the critical aspects of farm ponds, highlighting their role in addressing food security and water conservation challenges, the ecosystem services they provide, the pitfalls they face, and proposed solutions to enhance their effectiveness. Farm ponds, essential for agricultural sustainability, offer a range of ecosystem services, including water conservation, flood control, and biodiversity support. However, challenges such as overreliance on groundwater, misalignment with policy goals, and inadequate regulation hinder their potential. To address these issues, regulatory measures like prohibiting groundwater extraction, limiting pond numbers, and promoting eco-friendly pond lining alternatives are crucial. Implementing these strategies can enhance the sustainability of farm ponds, ensuring they effectively contribute to mitigating water scarcity issues and supporting agricultural ecosystems.

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