Title: NG Agriculture Insights Frequency: Bimonthly ISSN (online): 3107-5703 Chief Editor: Prof. (Dr.) Chintamani Panda Starting Year: 2025 Subject: Agriculture Language: English Publication Format: Online Publishing Model: Open Access Publisher: Next Gen Academic Services
Digital Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Expert Systems in India
Agricultural Expert Systems, one of the earliest applications of artificial intelligence in agriculture, have emerged as effective decision support tools by simulating the reasoning capabilities of human experts. These systems integrate a knowledge base, inference engine, user interface, and explanation facility to provide scientific recommendations on crop production, nutrient management, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease diagnosis, weather-based advisories, and farm management. This article reviews the key features, components, and working mechanism of agricultural expert systems, and examines several operational Indian platforms such as EXOWHEM, AGREX, Rice Crop Manager, and Agri Daksh that are currently assisting farmers across major crops. The article also compares expert systems with conventional extension approaches and discusses their contribution to improving decision-making, enhancing knowledge dissemination, and supporting precision agriculture, while acknowledging existing limitations such as connectivity gaps, digital literacy barriers, and the need for continuous knowledge updation. As India advances toward Digital Agriculture and Agriculture 5.0, agricultural expert systems are expected to strengthen extension services, empower farmers with real-time, personalized advisories, and contribute significantly to sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pramod Tripathi, Soumya Mishra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bridging the Digital Divide through Agricultural Extension for Digital Inclusion
Digital transformation is bringing new potential for agricultural development to the farmer's benefit by providing access to information, markets, weather forecasting, digital services and modern technologies. But digital inequalities in access to information, internet, digital skills and digital devices have resulted in a digital divide, especially for small and marginal farmers, women, old farmers, tribal people, and remote rural communities. Digital technologies can help address this gap, and agricultural extension services have the potential to make significant contributions to this, helping to bring farmers into the digital world and equipping them with the knowledge, training and support they need to become effective users of digital technologies. Translating agricultural information into local languages, providing mobile-based advice, using digital platforms, offering online training and community information centres will help make agricultural information more accessible and reachable. Traditional in-person extension is still valued for offering personal guidance and trust building. Digital technologies can be used in a hybrid way together with human interaction to ensure inclusive and farmer-centred digital transformation. To guarantee that no farmer is left behind in the digital age, enhancing capabilities and digital literacy, and building digital service through the extension system and rural connectivity are necessary. Digital inclusion in agricultural extension can play a role in the agricultural development that is more resilient, productive, sustainable and equitable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Trisha Chakraborty, Subhashree Sahu, Pabitra Maity, Kommu Sunil Kumar, Annepu Divesh Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How Climate-Smart Agriculture Can Transform the Livelihoods of Lanjia Saora Youth?
The Lanjia Saora, one of India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have extensive indigenous knowledge and a strong association with natural resources. Yet they face threats to sustainable development from climate change, falling agricultural productivity, access to good quality education, livelihood options, and socio-economic marginalisation. This paper collates the findings from the literature survey and highlights the livelihood systems, farming practices, career aspirations, and climate adaptation strategies of Lanjia Saora youth, particularly the importance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to make livelihoods more resilient. It explains how to combine the traditional knowledge with the use of the technologies which are in the current use to adapt the tribal youth to the ever-changing climatic condition, enhancing their adaptability capacity through skills training, skill generation and entrepreneurship development programmes, and digital extension services. It also reviews the role played by various government initiatives, institutional support and agricultural extension in inclusive rural development in the context of PVTGs. The results suggest that investment in climate-smart agriculture, strengthening vocational education, digital literacy and extension services, and promoting community-based resource management can go a long way toward enhancing livelihood security, while sustaining traditional ecological knowledge. It suggests that location-specific policies be designed to incorporate aspirations of the tribes and sustainable innovations of agriculture to bring inclusive growth under the Vision Viksit Bharat 2047. The study offers a wealth of information for researchers, extension and policy professionals dedicated to helping tribal youth become empowered through climate-smart and sustainable agricultural development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sutej Raghavendra Kulkarni, Harshitha Chikene, Jonnala Saikrishna Reddy, Vasanth Singisetti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Collective Savings to Agri-Enterprise: Self-Help Groups Reshaping Women’s Economic Futures in Rural India
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as important grassroots institutions for strengthening the economic and social position of rural women in India. Initially focused on collective savings, internal lending and access to formal credit, SHGs have gradually expanded into platforms for entrepreneurship, agricultural production, value addition and market participation. Programmes such as the Self-Help Group–Bank Linkage Programme (SHG-BLP), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Micro Enterprise Development Programmes and state-level livelihood initiatives have supported this transformation. Women’s SHGs are increasingly engaged in dairy, poultry, goat rearing, mushroom cultivation, nursery production, input supply, collective marketing and value-added agricultural products. Collective action enables women to pool resources, access institutional finance, acquire skills, reduce transaction costs and improve bargaining power. However, inadequate capital, weak markets, limited technology, digital illiteracy, poor branding and weak enterprise management remain challenges. Strengthening business incubation, digital market access, producer collectives and value-chain integration can make SHGs stronger drivers of inclusive rural development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Subhashree Sahu, Trisha Chakraborty, Pabitra Maity, Kommu Sunil Kumar, Annepu Divesh Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Precision Agriculture: A Smart Farming Approach
Precision Agriculture is also known as precision farming or Site-Specific Crop Management (SSCM) is a concept which dates back to 1920’s, with recognition of variations within fields in terms of soil fertility and crop yields. It is a smart farming approach to monitor and manage field variations by utilising modern techniques. This approach enhances farmers’ profitability by improving input use efficiency which in turn reduces production cost. In India it is recognised as key strategy for addressing many biotic and abiotic stress factors. During 2000’s importance of precision farming was achieved by initiatives of Indian Council of Agriculture Research and different State Agriculture Universities of India. Indian government initiatives like Digital Agriculture mission and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchaye Yojana have accelerated its adoption by Indian farmers. The precision Agriculture enhances resource use efficiency by improving crop productivity and climate resilient farming which has potential to transform agriculture in India and contribute to sustainable food security and improve farmer livelihood.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arakanti Chaitanya, Guda Adi Lakshmi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI-Integration for Enhancing Value Addition in Agri-Processing Industries
The agricultural sector and food processing are now undergoing a revolutionary change from industry 4.0 to industry 5.0, by correlation of Human-AI Interaction, Decentralized control, and enhanced sustainability in agricultural processing industry. This study shows the integration of artificial intelligence across the entire food value chain. AI applications use machine learning models, sensor networks, and drive systematic resilience. The key applications include pest and disease management using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), remote sensing data study, and early detection. There are three predominant agricultural prototypes that enable positioning: distributed multi-agent systems, monolithic autonomous machines, and edge-cloud hybrid systems that balance computational and evaluate genuinely with high precession. Advanced quality assessment employee spectroscopy, electronic sensor systems, and computer vision are used. Sustainability initiatives were supported by Minimizing Food Waste, Optimizing Stoke Rotation, predicting shelf life, and Intelligent Packaging solutions through integrating IOT sensors and AI algorithms. Supply chain optimization influences anticipative analytics for logistic planning, block chain-enabled traceability, real-time route adjustments, and cold-chain resilience. Conjointly, these Human-AI Interaction drive innovations to improve Product quality, traceability, and sustainability in the agricultural processing sector, reducing resource consumption and environmental consequences.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vadlapudi Dinesh Kumar, D. Pradeep Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioactive Compounds of Cabbage and their Roles in the Modulation of Livestock Productivity
White cabbage is a nutritionally rich cruciferous vegetable containing numerous bioactive compounds with significant biological activities. Besides its traditional use as a food crop, cabbage has gained attention as a natural phytogenic feed additive due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and metabolic regulatory properties. Major bioactive constituents of cabbage powder include glucosinolates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, essential minerals and amino acids. Following tissue disruption, glucosinolates are hydrolysed by myrosinase into biologically active isothiocyanates, which enhance antioxidant defence systems, reduce oxidative stress and modulate inflammatory pathways. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds act as potent free radical scavengers, stabilize cell membranes, improve immune responses and protect against lipid peroxidation, whereas vitamins and minerals support immune function and reproductive performance. Collectively, these bioactive compounds contribute to improved antioxidant status, gastrointestinal health, nutrient utilization, detoxification, metabolic efficiency and disease resistance. Normally, 30-40% of cabbage is not used as human food and get wasted. Owing to these functional properties, cabbage powder represents a promising, sustainable phytogenic feed additive for livestock.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sourav Barman, D. K. Mandal, Hridita Deb, Martha Pasar, Ayushi Sathe, Debarghya Paul https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green Energy: Powering the Future of Sustainable Farming
Growing awareness of the urgency of climate change mitigation has driven a global shift towards the use of green energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Green energy is cleaner form of energy that is generated from the renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass that have minimal or zero environmental impact. This is environment friendly as it prevents environment degradation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and aids in slowing down climate change. Use of green energy in farming is best means for achieving food security, economic stability, energy security and sustainable environment. Green energy improves economic viability through creation of job opportunities in rural farming communities, provides alternate income through energy export and the stabilization of food prices. Green energy technologies transforms agriculture through sustainable crop production, reduced operation costs and carbon footprint. Hence the use of green energy is sustainable option in addressing high demands for power in agriculture and fosters productivity, economic and overall climate resilience. Advanced renewable energy technologies play a pivotal role in farming by ensuring sustainable world for the future.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pallerla Saisupriya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital agriculture: Transforming Indian farming through smart technologies for sustainable and climate-resilient development
Agriculture is witnessing a profound transformation through the integration of digital technologies that enhance productivity, resource use efficiency and environmental sustainability. Increasing climate variability, labour shortages, shrinking natural resources and the growing demand for food have accelerated the adoption of smart farming practices worldwide. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), robotics, cloud computing, and big data analytics are enabling farmers to monitor crops, optimize input use, and make timely, data-driven decisions. In India, initiatives including the Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, e-NAM and AI-enabled advisory services are promoting technology driven farming and improving farmers' access to information, markets, and financial services. Digital agriculture not only enhances crop productivity and profitability but also supports climate resilience by reducing production risks and promoting efficient management of soil, water, and other natural resources. Despite challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, affordability, and inadequate technical awareness, continued policy support, innovation, and capacity building can accelerate technology adoption. Harnessing digital technologies offers a transformative pathway towards resilient, sustainable, and future-ready agricultural systems capable of ensuring food security and improving farmers' livelihoods.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bhagyashree, V. Ambuja, Akshay Kumar Kurdekar, C. Parameshnaik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Waste to Wealth: Recycling Organic Waste through Integrated Farming Systems for Sustainable Agriculture
Indian agriculture is dominated by small and marginal farmers, who constitute about 89.4% of agricultural households, making efficient resource utilization essential for ensuring food and nutritional security. With the country's population projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050, food production must increase by more than 32 %, while simultaneously addressing challenges such as declining farm sizes, soil degradation, residue burning and greenhouse gas emissions. Organic waste generated from crop residues, livestock manure, horticultural wastes and agro-industrial by-products represents a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture. Quantifying and recycling organic waste through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) using technologies such as composting, vermicomposting, biogas production, crop residue incorporation, and waste-to-energy (WtE) approaches had gained an importance. Research findings revealed that organic waste recycling improves nutrient-use efficiency, soil health, crop productivity, and farm profitability while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and environmental pollution. Government initiatives including GOBARdhan, Swachh Bharat Mission, SATAT and the MNRE Waste-to-Energy Programme further promote circular bioeconomy and renewable energy generation. Strengthening scientific waste management, policy support, and farmer awareness will accelerate the transition towards resilient, climate-smart, and resource-efficient agricultural systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 V. Ambuja, Bhagyashree, C. Parameshnaik, Akshay Kumar Kurdekar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
5 Ways AI Is Making Farming Smarter and Greener
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming agriculture by enabling smarter, more precise and environmentally sustainable farming practices. This article highlights five major applications of AI in agriculture: weather and climate-risk forecasting, precision irrigation, early detection of pests and diseases, optimized fertilizer and pesticide use, and mobile-based advisory services. By integrating satellite imagery, sensors, drones, machine learning, Internet of Things devices and AI-powered chatbots, farmers can make timely decisions, reduce input waste, conserve water and minimize crop losses. However, limited internet connectivity, inadequate rural infrastructure, low digital literacy, data-security concerns and unequal access remain significant barriers. Addressing these challenges through inclusive policies, farmer training and responsible technology development will be essential for ensuring that AI complements farmers’ knowledge and supports resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2026 B. Jagadhesan, S. Devika, B. Sandeep Adavi, A. Naveen Kumar, S. Santhiya, C. Vaishali, Rajeshwari, Birendra Kumar Padhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Harmful Impact of Salinity on Agricultural land and Rice Lifecycle
Abiotic factors, particularly in the circumstances of a changing global ambiance, present significant challenge to agricultural production. Salinity is a crucial element that adversely affects both the quality and amount of rice production. Soil salinity source significant impair to the ecosystem by reducing biodiversity, causing erosion, lessen productivity, degrading water quality, abate soil fertility and increasing the concentrations of toxic ions. In the world, rice is one of the most important crop, furnish a foremost food for one-third of the world population. Salinity is a tremendous abiotic stress that impacts rice production, particularly in coastal areas. In rice productiveness salt effects by multifaceted. Salinity stress in rice at seedling stage affects seedling vigor, germination index, dry shoot, seedling height and root weight and often salt stress during seedling stage usually leads to death. In rice at reproductive stage salinity affects yield parameters such as spikelet number per panicle, panicle length, grain yield, flowering and delays panicle emergence. The investigation highlights the significance of cooperative endeavour across numerous disciplines, amalgamation of advanced phenotyping, sophisticated genotyping, inclusive breeding practices and genomic technologies to foster sustainable and climate-resilient rice farming.
Copyright (c) 2026 K. Vijaya Durga, P. V. Srividya, J. Bharadwaja Tejaswi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sesbania grandiflora (Hadga/Agati): An Underutilised Medicinal Plant Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential for Nutritional Security
Sesbania grandiflora, a member of the Fabaceae family and popularly referred to as Agati or Hadga, is a rapidly growing, versatile leguminous tree indigenous to tropical zones across Africa, Asia, and Australia. Commonly grown in various parts of India especially Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu it flourishes in humid climates and functions as a conventional "backyard pharmacy". This review compiles contemporary scientific insights into the tree's diverse phytochemical constitution, which contains an abundance of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and specific isoflavonoids like medicarpin and isovestitol. The presence of these bioactive molecules offers scientific justification for its wide-ranging pharmacological properties, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities. Nutritional assessments confirm that the leaves and flowers are highly concentrated in protein, calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins A, B9 and C, showcasing a strong potential to strengthen global nutritional security. Current studies also underscore its growing importance as a nutraceutical option for managing diabetes mellitus by inhibiting digestive enzymes, as well as a natural remedy for migraines and anaemia owing to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and haemoglobin-restoring actions. This thorough review establishes Sesbania grandiflora as a therapeutic "gold mine," accentuating the vital need for methodical research and commercial value addition to transform this neglected asset into a pivotal factor for worldwide health and economic well-being.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asha Dagar, Neha Goswami, Mirza Rashaad Sabila Sajjad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Micronutrients in Direct-Seeded Rice
Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is increasingly adopted because it saves water, labour and production costs compared with transplanted rice. However, nutrient management is more challenging under aerobic soil conditions, particularly the availability of micronutrients. Micronutrients such as zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel are required in small quantities but are essential for enzyme activation, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, reproductive development and stress tolerance. Zinc deficiency is the most widespread nutritional disorder in DSR and can severely reduce crop establishment and yield. Integrated management through soil application, seed treatment, foliar sprays and balanced fertilisation improves nutrient-use efficiency, grain quality and productivity. This review summarises the role of major micronutrients and their management in DSR.
Copyright (c) 2026 G. Adilakshmi, A. Chaitanya, M. Chakrapani, G. Hari Ravindra Goud, P. Sravani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Clean Milk Production Practices in India with Special Reference to Zoonoses and Public Health
India is the world's largest milk-producing nation, contributing approximately 24.76 percent of global milk output with an annual production of 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-2025 (DAHD, 2024). Despite of this achievement, the dairy sector faces persistent challenges related to milk hygiene, animal health management, and control of milk-borne zoonotic diseases. This article consolidates evidence on parameters affecting milk quality in India which includes animal health, milking hygiene, udder health, somatic cell count (SCC) and post-milking handling with particular emphasis on zoonoses of public health significance including brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and staphylococcal food poisoning. Further widespread zoonotic pathogens present in the informal milk supply chain in addition to inadequate pasteurization and poor farm hygiene poses significant risk to the consumer. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals and subsequent antimicrobial residues in raw milk lead to the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, creating awareness among the farmers and maintaining cold-chain infrastructure and implementing One Health practices are imperative for safe milk production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gedala Anusha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smart Fisheries through Social Media: Role of Digital Platforms in Sustainable Aquaculture and Blue Economy Development
Fisheries and aquaculture are a very important source of food, income and jobs worldwide, but experience significant challenges in the form of disease outbreaks, climate change, environmental degradation and the volatility of market prices. Digital platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and specialised applications have arisen as cost-effective solutions to these difficulties, permitting speedy communication among fish farmers, fishermen, extension specialists, researchers, dealers, and consumers. The platforms allow for the exchange of technical knowledge, disease warnings, weather forecasts, market prices, sustainable production methods and enhancing market access and seafood traceability, supporting small-scale producers in the blue economy. However, issues like disinformation, unequal access to the internet, lack of digital literacy, privacy and commercialisation of farmers' data have to be taken into account. Therefore, social media should be used in addition to and not as a substitute for scientific advice and good fisheries governance. Digital platforms can significantly enhance fisheries management, foster sustainable aquaculture, and contribute to the sustainable development of the blue economy when used responsibly and inclusively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sai Kumar Periginji, Vaishnavi Pulletikurthi, Nibedita Mishra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Functional Aquafeeds Enriched with Medicinal Plants: Advances in Fish Health and Nutrition
Aquaculture is one of the world's major food producing sectors, which is also economically important in many nations. Aquaculture and fisheries production is mostly impacted by disease outbreaks, and as earlier chemotherapy and antibiotic treatments help control the infections, the residues from this process have negative impacts on both aquatic species and human. Therefore, the supplementation of herbal nutritional feed needs to be introduced in aquafeed as it is economical, non-toxic, eco-friendly and simple to handle. Medicinal plants functions as an immunostimulant, boosting the specific immune response and giving fish non-specific defense mechanisms. As a result, medicinal plants are used not just to treat any disease but also to promote growth, increase stress tolerance and prevention against infections. Adding herb-feed supplements or additives to fish meals frequently promotes cooperative activity in a number of physiological processes. Henceforth, this article provides information on several herbal feed additives that are good for fish health and may help prevent fish diseases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Diksha Arya, Akansha Khati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recent Trends in Agricultural Extension and Capacity Building of Farmers in India
In India agricultural extension has witnessed an overwhelming shift in paradigm from traditional technology-transfer model to a multifaceted, demand and market driven strategy with digitally enabled system. Witnessed several challenges- climate change, volatility in market, deterioration in farm profitability and natural resource degradation has demanded effective extension approaches for enhancement of capacity among farmers. According to reports, latest advancement included ICT- enabled advisory services, climate smart agriculture (CSA), digital agriculture, and farmers’ producers organization (FPOs), educational platforms for e-learning, artificial intelligence (AI), precision agriculture, along-with participatory extension methodologies. Synthesis of recent literature on emerging agricultural extension approaches and farmer capacity-building initiatives in India has been performed. This review highlighted significant challenges, trends, opportunities, and future directions for consolidating extension systems in order to boost farmers’ resilience, productivity and livelihood sustainability. Attributes like household size, farm size, training exposure, awareness of programmes on extension remarkably influenced farmer’s adoption through extension provision. The review focuses on literature published between 2009-2026. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple academic databases, including Google Scholar, Consensus, ResearchGate, etc. The review is both rigorous and reflective, capturing the depth and breadth of research on recent trends in agricultural extension and capacity building of farmers in India.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Saikat Mukherjee, Bireshwar Kundu, Rupa Das https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Revitalizing soils with Green Manuring: Principles & Management
Green manuring is an eco-friendly and cost-effective soil management practice that contributes to the restoration of degraded soils and the development of sustainable agricultural systems. It involves incorporating green biomass or collected green leaves into the soil to increase organic matter, improve nutrient availability and enhance soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Leguminous green manure crops also contribute biologically fixed nitrogen, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and support beneficial soil microorganisms. In addition, green manuring improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient cycling, weed suppression and the management of selected pests, pathogens and nematodes. Proper crop selection, timely sowing, adequate biomass production and incorporation at the flowering stage are essential for obtaining maximum benefits. Despite constraints related to moisture availability, decomposition and cropping schedules, green manuring has considerable potential for soil carbon sequestration, climate-change mitigation and carbon-credit generation. Wider adoption and improved seed availability can strengthen climate-resilient, organic and sustainable farming systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prakshipta Boruah, Bamon Timung, Barenya Gogoi, Monuj Kumar Doley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Water Fleas to the Rescue: Cladocerans as Climate-Smart Live Feed for Sustainable Aquaculture and the Blue Economy
Healthy fish seed is the foundation of every successful aquaculture operation, yet the first days of larval life remain the hardest to get right. During this window, larvae need live prey of the correct size and quality, and hatcheries have long met that need with imported brine shrimp (Artemia), an increasingly costly and uncertain input. This article makes the case for a locally available alternative: the cladocerans, chiefly Moina and Daphnia. These freshwater water fleas reproduce rapidly, tolerate demanding conditions, and supply protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive enzymes that match the needs of young fish and shrimp. Several traits suit them to a warming, less predictable climate. They can be reared on organic residues such as poultry and cattle manure, converting farm waste into feed, and Daphnia forms hardy resting eggs (ephippia) that survive drought and heat and can be stored like seeds. Because culture units are small and low in energy use, they fit backyard and small-scale hatcheries. Cladoceran live feed therefore connects productivity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods within India’s aquaculture roadmap toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayushi Bhardwaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Climate Change on Food and Nutrition Security
Climate change has a dramatic effect on the food and nutrition security of the world, affecting agricultural productivity, food availability and ecosystem stability. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) define food security as availability, access, utilisation and stability of adequate, nutritious food for everyone. Climatic changes, including increased temperatures, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events, pose a risk to the gains made by technological innovations in food production. Pollination changes, soil degradation and reduced crop production are some of the problems caused by the rise of GHGs that worsen food shortages. Developing countries like India and China are suffering disproportionately from population pressure, loss of arable land and a shortage of water brought on by climate change. By the 2050s, yield losses in the major crops of Africa and South Asia are projected to make matters worse and worsen food security. The Kyoto Protocol and other world policies were in place to limit the effects of climate change, but political and economic challenges have hindered implementation. There are potential mitigation possibilities, such as sustainable agriculture strategies, such as ecosystem approaches and advanced breeding techniques. Increasing the diversity of land and water resources, such as genetic resources, and optimising irrigation techniques in order to restore degraded lands can enhance food resilience. Furthermore, biodiversity conservation via protected areas is an important element in future food security. The production of livestock and the use of land are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions; feed systems need to be improved and efficient use of fertilisers needs to be achieved. All adaptation and mitigation measures need to combine ecological research, policy and technological developments to guarantee food security worldwide. Implementing climate-related risks involves community, research and government working together to create a sustainable, resilient food system for future generations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Harshitha Chikene, Sutej Raghavendra Kulkarni, Vasanth Singisetti, Basabendra Sinha Mahapatra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Farm to Fork: How India is Rewriting the Rules of Post-Harvest Management
Post-harvest losses remain a major constraint in India’s horticultural sector, reducing farmer income, weakening food security and increasing inefficiencies across agricultural supply chains. This article examines the changing landscape of post-harvest management in India, with particular emphasis on cold-chain expansion, decentralized storage, digital technologies, improved handling practices, institutional support and value addition. Persistent losses are attributed to rough harvesting and handling, inadequate pre-cooling, poor packaging, insufficient refrigerated transport, fragmented marketing channels and limited access to scientific storage facilities. Recent interventions, including integrated cold-chain projects, pack houses, refrigerated logistics, controlled-atmosphere storage and government-supported infrastructure financing, are strengthening preservation and distribution systems. At the same time, low-cost technologies such as zero-energy cool chambers, evaporative storage structures, solar-powered cooling and small-scale dryers are improving accessibility for small and marginal farmers. Emerging digital tools, including machine learning-based quality assessment, freshness monitoring and smart packaging, offer additional opportunities for early spoilage detection and better marketing decisions. The article also highlights the importance of crop-specific handling, particularly for highly perishable commodities such as flowers and leafy vegetables, along with the role of training, incubation centres and formalized food-processing initiatives. Value addition through pulping, drying, pickling, dehydration and ready-to-cook processing can further reduce waste and generate supplementary income. Achieving India’s long-term objective of reducing horticultural post-harvest losses to below 5% will require coordinated investment in infrastructure, affordable technologies, skilled human resources, digital systems and localized processing networks.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. Devika, B. Jagadhesan, C. Vaishali, Naveen A. Kumar, Sandeep B. Adavi, S. Santhiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advancement in Drying Techniques: Qualitative Empowerment of Dehydrated Foods
Drying, one of humanity's oldest preservation methods, has undergone a remarkable transformation from simple sun-drying to sophisticated, quality-driven dehydration technologies. This review examines how modern drying techniques have evolved beyond mere moisture removal to become precision tools for enhancing the qualitative attributes of dehydrated foods. Advanced methods including microwave-assisted vacuum drying, Refractance Window Drying, instant controlled pressure drop technology, and hybrid approaches integrated with ultrasound and pulsed electric fields are systematically evaluated. The qualitative empowerment achieved through these technologies is evidenced by superior retention of bioactive compounds, improved textural characteristics, enhanced color stability, and optimized nutritional profiles. Contemporary understanding positions drying as a complex chemical reaction engineering process governed by water activity and glass transition principles, enabling intentional quality regulation. The integration of intelligent monitoring systems, deep learning, and renewable energy sources represents the frontier of sustainable, high-quality food dehydration. This review synthesizes current research to demonstrate that modern drying technologies not only preserve foods but qualitatively transform them into products with enhanced functional, sensory, and nutritional value, meeting evolving consumer expectations for minimally processed, nutrient-dense shelf-stable foods.
Copyright (c) 2026 B. L. Jani, V. D. Kukadiya, P. N. Timbadiya, A. R. Parmar, N. U. Joshi, B. M. Devani, J. R. Jat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Salicylic acid (SA) is a crucial plant hormone that acts as the master regulator of the innate immune system. Because plants lack specialized immune cells, they rely on SA to trigger localized programmed cell death and activate antimicrobial proteins to trap and neutralize invading pathogens and defend against insects by altering defensive metabolites and recruiting natural predators. Beyond insect and disease resistance, SA helps plants tolerate severe environmental stresses like drought and salinity. While SA offers immense potential for sustainable agriculture, researchers are developing advanced nano-formulations to overcome its natural phytotoxicity and ensure safe, controlled crop protection.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana: Empowering Tribal Livelihoods Through Sustainable Practices
The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (PMVDY), launched in 2018 by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of tribal communities through the sustainable utilization and value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Implemented by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), the scheme promotes skill development, entrepreneurship, market linkages, and the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) for processing and marketing forest-based products. PMVDY enhances tribal incomes while encouraging sustainable harvesting practices, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. By fostering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), improving infrastructure, and facilitating financial inclusion, the scheme contributes significantly to inclusive rural development. With nearly 3,958 VDVKs and over 11.83 lakh tribal beneficiaries across India, PMVDY has emerged as a successful model for tribal empowerment, livelihood security, and sustainable socio-economic development through community-based forest resource management.
Loktak Lake: Natural Capital and Livelihood Security in Manipur
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater wetland in Northeast India and a Ramsar site, represents a valuable natural capital that supports ecological sustainability and livelihood security in Manipur. The lake provides multiple ecosystem services, including fisheries, aquatic resources, biodiversity conservation, hydropower generation, tourism, and water regulation, benefiting thousands of households. Fisheries remain the primary livelihood source, while wetland resources such as edible plants, medicinal species, and handicraft materials contribute to income diversification and food security. The lake also supports eco-tourism and the emerging blue economy through sustainable utilization of aquatic resources. However, environmental degradation caused by pollution, siltation, hydrological alterations, invasive vegetation, and unsustainable resource exploitation threatens its ecological integrity and economic potential. Sustainable management through community participation, wetland restoration, ecosystem service valuation, and conservation-oriented policies is essential to safeguard Loktak Lake. Protecting this unique wetland will strengthen livelihood resilience, biodiversity conservation, and long-term sustainable development in the region.
AI-Powered Agriculture: A New Era of Smart Farming
Digital agriculture and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are developing as game-changing technologies in modern farming systems. The integration of digital technologies such as sensors, drones, mobile applications, satellite imaging, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and AI-based decision support systems is improving agricultural productivity, resource use efficiency, and sustainability. AI technologies help farmers in various activities including precision farming, smart irrigation, pest and disease identification, weather forecasting, yield estimation and overall farm management. These technologies help farmers make better decisions, reduce production costs, minimize environmental impacts and improve crop yields. Digital agriculture also supports climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices. However, high costs, limited digital knowledge, poor internet access and lack of technical skills restrict its wider adoption especially in developing countries. Despite these challenges, technological advancements and government support are promoting the growth of smart agriculture worldwide.
Sustainable Agri-Entrepreneurship through Value Addition
India's agriculture, despite sustaining over half the population, traps farmers in low returns as raw produce is sold cheaply while processors capture the real profits. This article examines "value addition" converting raw commodities like milk, wheat, and fruits into higher-value products such as paneer, bread, and jams as a pathway to boost farmer income, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate rural employment. It outlines how farmers can become agri-entrepreneurs through skill training, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), supported by success stories like Amul and Lijjat Papad. While challenges such as limited capital, technical know-how, and market access persist, government schemes (PMFME, NABARD) and digital platforms (e-NAM) are easing this transition. The paper concludes that Sustainable Agri-Entrepreneurship can transform rural India into self-reliant hubs of growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 V. D. Kukadiya, B. L. Jani, A. R. Parmar, N. U. Joshi, J. R. Jat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects in Modern Mushroom Production: A Review
Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a highly sustainable agricultural enterprise, capable of converting agro-industrial waste into nutritious food while simultaneously generating rural employment and income. Recent advancements have transformed traditional, low-input cultivation methods into technology-driven, precision systems. This evolution is characterised by substrate optimisation, controlled-environment cultivation, mechanisation, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring, high-efficiency spawn production, and modern post-harvest technologies. These innovations have significantly enhanced productivity, quality, and year-round production capabilities while mitigating contamination risks and labour dependencies. India ranks among the world's leading mushroom-producing countries, with production steadily increasing as consumer awareness of mushrooms' nutritional and medicinal values grows. Looking forward, modern technologies such as climate-controlled growing rooms, vertical farming systems, liquid spawn technology, automated environmental controls, and biofortification are poised to revolutionise the global mushroom industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Janet Biswajit Mukherjee, Kaneeshka Duraikkannu, Ayyandurai Marimuthu, Sangeetha Anbazhagan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strawberries in the Plains: Unlocking Bihar’s Horticultural Potential
Strawberry cultivation is gradually emerging as a promising high-value horticultural enterprise in Bihar's plains. Once considered mainly a temperate fruit crop, the strawberry can now be grown successfully during the winter season in suitable parts of the state through improved planting material, mulching, drip irrigation, protected cultivation practices and better crop management. Districts with favourable winter temperatures, access to urban markets, and progressive farmers have considerable potential to develop strawberry-based enterprises. The crop offers opportunities for income diversification, direct marketing, value addition and agri-tourism. However, its commercial success depends on reliable planting material, appropriate nutrient and pest management, cold-chain support, farmer training and organised market linkages. With coordinated support from research institutions, government agencies, farmer groups and private enterprises, strawberry cultivation can become an important component of climate-responsive and market-oriented horticulture in Bihar.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jyostnarani Pradhan, A. R. Shravanthi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0