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
RNR 15048’s Water Productivity and Water Expense Efficiency during the Kharif Season in Red Loamy Soils of Paralakhemundi, Odisha
The farmers of Paralakhemundi primarily cultivate rice in Kharif. With a potential grain yield of 6500–7000 kg ha-1, the selected cultivar RNR 15048 is appropriate for late sowing. Implementing the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation method, effective rainfall was determined. In both years, the field was medium-puddled because it greatly reduces water percolation loss by increasing the bulk density of soil compared to an unpuddled transplanted rice field. The rate of infiltration into the metal ring column, which was positioned in the middle of the field at a depth of 20 cm, was tracked over a period of 24 hours. In the second year, the percolation rate was reduced. Following crop harvesting, grain yield was measured, water productivity and expense efficiency were computed. These were all showing the opposite trend of the water percolation rate. Grain yield, water productivity, and water expense efficiency all increased when rice was transplanted earlier in the second year in contrast to the first. Consequently, transplanting Kharif rice during the final week of June will undoubtedly increase grain yield, water productivity, and water expense efficiency in this area.
Copyright (c) 2026 Triptesh Mondal, Vytla Sravya, Venkata Sai Prasad Cherukuru https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
GIS-Based Approaches for Enhancing Agronomic Biofortification and Nutritional Security
Although micronutrient malnutrition is not common in developed nations, it is a significant problem in developing countries, where diets are predominantly based on staple crops. The use of micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, known as agronomic biofortification, is a practical solution to improve the micronutrient content of crops. In practice, uniformity of fertiliser application is often partially compromised, however, by differences in soil nutrient availability. Solving this challenge with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is possible because it enables spatial mapping of soil micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, iron, and selenium. GIS can be used to integrate soil characteristics, topography, climate and crop response, which can help in site-specific nutrient management and precision agriculture practices. This allows the fertiliser application to be targeted, thus ensuring nutrient-use efficiency and increasing the nutritional quality of the crops. In addition, GIS decision-support systems can be used to identify priority areas for biofortification. Consequently, GIS is of great importance for enhancing the efficiency of resource utilisation, supporting sustainable agriculture, and boosting global food and nutrition security.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ankit Mahar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of the Israel-Iran War on Agriculture and the Global Food Crisis
Armed conflicts have a devastating impact on food systems, forcing farmers out of their homes, damaging food infrastructure and disrupting food supply chains. These pressures have been exacerbated by the Israel–Iran War, which has raised questions about the Strait of Hormuz, through which as much as 30% of the world's fertiliser supply and 27% of traded oil flow every day. This closure had a domino effect, causing sharp rises in energy costs, dramatic increases in nitrogen fertiliser prices, and steep increases in freight costs. The farmers are struggling with a surge in input prices at crucial planting periods in Brazil, the world's biggest soybean producer, Argentina, and India. Heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip has damaged the Gaza Envelope, which has historically provided more than half of Gaza's daily caloric needs and the full daily requirements for 12 critical micronutrients. These disruptions exacerbate existing vulnerabilities such as micronutrient deficiencies for 17.3% of populations in conflict settings, and increase the likelihood of outbreaks of diseases associated with malnutrition. This article discusses the causal chain linking Middle Eastern conflicts to a global food insecurity crisis and recommends an immediate, coordinated multilateral response to safeguard vulnerable food systems, including maintaining fertiliser stockpiles, diversifying supplies, and de-escalating the conflict through diplomacy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chinmaya Kumar Ghosh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How Remote Sensing Can Make Fertiliser Use Smarter, Cheaper and Greener
Agriculture is evolving its nutrient management systems with the help of remote sensing; nutrient monitoring is now enabling farmers to detect crop stress and soil variability before it becomes apparent to the naked eye in the field. Today, using satellite imagery, drones, ground sensors, GIS, and artificial intelligence helps determine when and where nutrients are missing and how the crop is reacting. This article explains how precision nutrient management can increase fertiliser efficiency, lower input costs, enable zinc and micronutrient biofortification, and minimise environmental losses, including nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. It also emphasises the need for digital soil mapping, variable-rate fertiliser, and farmer-friendly advisory systems to make these technologies relevant to small and marginal farmers. Costs, technical skills, and model accuracy across all locations remain significant issues, but remote sensing-based nutrient management offers a viable pathway to advancing climate-smart, resource-efficient, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Its true value will depend on smallholder farming systems being able to access it at low cost, on extension support being available, on everyone being digitally literate, and on recommendations being localised and simplifying complex information into simple field-level decisions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akash Pattnaik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Empowering Tribal India through Millet-based Nutritional Security
Millets are one of the oldest crops grown in India. They are highly nutritious cereals, climate resilient crops and were traditionally the main food of tribal communities. This article highlights the major millets grown in India and their nutritional compositions with health benefits. It also explains the issues faced by tribal communities, including nutritional insecurity (malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies) and economic constraints. It also highlights the significant role of millets in enhancing nutritional security and supporting rural and tribal livelihoods through rural enterprises and value-added millet products. Various government policies and schemes at both the central and state levels, such as the Odisha Millet Mission, are being implemented to increase millet cultivation and consumption. This article also highlights the challenges faced by tribal communities in millet production and offers recommendations to overcome them.
Copyright (c) 2026 Soumya Panda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Plant Protection
AI has a major role to play in advancing sustainable plant protection by optimising crop management practices to be more eco-friendly, efficient, and accurate. The use of AI systems, including machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, is found across a broad range of applications for early detection of plant diseases, monitoring insect pests, identification of weeds and precision pesticide application. The technologies will reduce chemical use, decrease environmental pollution, and enhance crop productivity. Predictive models also leverage AI for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), providing accurate pest forecasting and real-time decision-making. In addition, the use of precision agriculture technologies with AI helps to optimise resource use and is part of climate-smart agriculture. Although AI offers certain benefits, it also presents challenges, including high implementation costs, limited technical expertise, and data availability issues. While AI offers significant potential, it also has its drawbacks, such as the high cost of implementation, the availability of technical expertise, and data availability issues. The ongoing development of AI technologies will continue to reinforce eco-friendly plant protection measures and contribute to global food security.
Copyright (c) 2026 N. Pavan, Navya Sri Bollampalli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Fields to Earphones: The Growing Role of Podcasts in Agricultural Extension
Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in disseminating scientific information and innovative farming practices to rural communities. With the rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), podcasts have emerged as an effective digital tool for agricultural communication. Podcasts are audio and video programs that can be accessed on smartphones, computers, and other internet-enabled devices at the convenience of listeners. They provide farmers with timely, relevant, and location-specific information regarding crop production, pest management, weather advisories, market intelligence, government schemes, and success stories. Due to their flexibility, low production cost, and ease of access, podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for strengthening agricultural extension services.
Copyright (c) 2026 Soumya Mishra, Jyotishree Anshuman, Pramod Tripathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Next-Gen Monitoring: Technological Interventions for Climate-Adaptive Agriculture
Climate change poses a serious threat to global agriculture by altering temperature regimes, atmospheric CO₂ levels, and ecosystem dynamics, ultimately affecting crop productivity and food security. This paper highlights next-generation monitoring technologies designed to study crop responses under climate variability. Controlled environment systems such as Temperature Gradient Chambers (TGC), Temperature Gradient Greenhouses (TGG), and Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Research (SPARE) facilities provide precise regulation of environmental parameters, enabling detailed analysis of plant physiological responses. In contrast, field-based technologies including Infrared (IR) warming, Free Air Temperature Enrichment (FATE), and soil warming systems simulate realistic field conditions, allowing ecosystem-level assessment of climate impacts. Each approach offers distinct advantages: controlled systems ensure accuracy and repeatability, while field technologies enhance realism and scalability. However, limitations such as high cost, technical complexity, and challenges in maintaining natural environmental interactions persist. The integration of both approaches is essential for comprehensive understanding and reliable prediction of crop responses to climate change. These advanced technological interventions support the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, improved agronomic practices, and sustainable farming systems. Future research should focus on enhancing accessibility, reducing costs, and conducting holistic studies to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability and global food security.
Copyright (c) 2026 P.V.S. RAMUNAIDU, Swathi Gaikwad Bhimraoji, Dharminder, Meka Shivaram Reddy, Peram Nagaseshi Reddy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Intercropping for Climate-Smart Agriculture: Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Resilience
Intercropping has become a viable concept in climate-smart agriculture as it is perceived to assist farmers in dealing with production risks in a climate of uncertainty. Farmers can decrease the susceptibility that comes with monocropping by planting two or more crops in the same field, and this will enhance the stability of the main output of the farms. This paper explains the role of intercropping in resilience, including increased yield stability, increased resource-use efficiency, soil health, and ecological control of pests and diseases. It also emphasises how crop diversity is effective to buffer drought, moisture stress and market fluctuations, particularly in the smallholder farming system. Based on recent studies, the article discusses the idea of intercropping as being a situational approach, rather than one that can be universally applied, but rather one that works best when there is a fit between crop combinations, planting systems, and managerial actions to local agroecological parameters. The discussion also highlights that intercropping may be considered to serve people with more climate-smart objectives as it is combined with proper management of soil, nutrients, and extensions. On the whole, the article proposes that intercropping belongs to the most viable and biologically efficient channels of establishing resilience, downside risk reduction, and more stable agricultural production in the face of climate change.
Copyright (c) 2026 Moumita Roy, Subham Dutta, Debasmita Mondal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sowing the Seed of Digital Literacy for Agricultural Sustainability
Digital literacy of farmers has the potential of balancing farm productivity with environmental sustainability. The growing adoption of digital technologies in mobile advisory applications, precision agriculture technology, tools of remote sensing, and data-driven decision-support systems has enabled farmers to practice in a more environmentally sustainable manner. With digital capabilities, farmers will be in a better position to receive real-time data referring to the state of the weather conditions, the health of the soils, pests and diseases, and the wise application of inputs, resulting in a decrease in the unreasonable use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water. This type of evidence-based decision making improves efficiency in resource-use, reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, and alleviates the ecological degradation. Moreover, online platforms foster a more robust climate-wise and organic farming and sustainable land management practices uptake. Digital literacy advances the economic viability by availing timely access to information in the market and extension support services, which contributes to the long-term sustainability of environmental responsibility. Digital competencies interacting with indigenous and experience-based agricultural knowledge further enhances the adaptive ability of farmers and allows them to respond more effectively to climatic fluctuations and environmental risks. Together, the transformative role of digital literacy in agricultural sustainability is being made in the light of the on-farm behavioural change towards digital literacy adoption and reclaimation which highlights the importance of digital literacy in the deployment of environmentally sustainable agricultural systems in digital era. This analysis of the transformative nature of digital literacy on agricultural sustainability has been prepared along Indian context and has identified some recent reports and case studies. The debate of this paper will be highly useful to farmers to modernize themselves and explore the new hot spots in the plantation world.
Copyright (c) 2026 Koustav Banerjee https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plants as a Natural Solution to Stress and Mental Fatigue in an Urbanised World
In the age of rapid urbanization and the development of technology, reconnecting to nature might be an incredibly efficient way to de-stress and mentally recharge. Despite indoor or outdoor cultivation, plants play a significant beneficial role in the mental health and well-being of people. The article discusses the numerous psychological benefits of plants, backed by scientific evidence that includes the reduction of stress, mood, cognitive function, and mindfulness improvement. The mechanisms, such as biophilia, the calming effects of greenery, and physiological responses to plant interactions, are discussed. In everyday life, the application of plants can make people more emotionally resilient and enable a feeling of unity with the natural environment, which can be proved by such helpful methods as indoor gardens, horticultural therapy, and biophilic architecture. This paper highlights the changing role of plants on the psychosocial condition and advocates their incorporation as important co-cultivators of overall well-being by underlining their importance in households, places of work, and treatment scenarios.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bandana Mohapatra, Nihar Ranjan Singh, Rupak Jena, Milan Kumar Lal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
AI, Social Media and AgriStack: How The Rural Digital Renaissance is Transforming Agricultural Extension in India
Agricultural extension system in India is evolving and now, with the adoption of digital technologies, social media, and artificial intelligence in the new Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), it is developing a new form. This paper discusses how the development of projects such as AgriStack and AI solutions such as Bharat-VISTAAR are transforming access, sharing, and acquisition of agricultural knowledge by farmers. Smart farmers are adopting such social networks as WhatsApp and YouTube as the contexts in which farmers can interact with specialists, exchange their experiences, and collaborate on resolving issues. The rise of agri-influencers and peer-to-peer communication are creating a sense of trust and accelerating the dissemination of new ideas. Nevertheless, concerns such as misinformation and digital exhaustion indicate that people should have improved digital literacy and effective verification by organizations. The article claims that AI, combined with the use of multilingual technologies and social media, will foster an Extension 4.0 that fosters collaborative learning, advice that is welcoming to all, and a more responsive farm knowledge system in rural India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mr. Saumyadip Chakraborty, Mr. Swapnamay Ghosh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations Through Extension Support
The Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been observed to have emerged as major institutional processes of advancing the socio-economic status of small and marginal agricultural businesses. The FPOs as a group assist the farmers in amalgamizing the produce, purchasing inputs on large scale, accessing improved markets besides undertaking value additions. Such functions are enhancing the bargaining power, minimizes the transactional costs and improves the income stability. Amidst the opportunity, most FPOs have been faced with disadvantages of governance, managerial incompetence, financial literacy, infrastructure and credit and market access. These limitations may adversely affect their long term sustainability and growth unless the institutional support is provided in the long term. The agricultural extension services are significant in empowering the FPOs since it is not only diversified to include the institutional development and enterprise promotion, but also the conventional technology transfer. The extension assistance will entail the leadership training, capacity building, monetary connection and market intelligence dispersion encouragement and promoting the adoption of new methods of production. This is also openness, cost-effectiveness and competitiveness through digitalisation of services via mobile advisory services and e-marketing sites. Eventually, in favour of inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation will lead to the empowerment of FPOs leading to increased farmer incomes, employment opportunities, food security, and rural entrepreneurship.
Information and Communication Technology
Copyright (c) 2026 Sai Kumar Periginji, Vaishnavi Pulletikurthi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Women at the Center of Governance: Policy Innovations under Mission Shakti
There has been a growing centrality of gender-responsive governance as a major voice of sustainable development. Decentralized local governance structures and self-help group (SHG) movements have become institutional frameworks of promoting the mobilization of women in making decisions at the location in India. This paper is a critical analysis of the policy innovations of the policy of Mission Shakti which is a flagship women centric program of Government of Odisha and how it has made women central to the process of governance. The study relies on the secondary data, governmental reports (2017-2026) and recent academic literature to analyze institutional restructuring, financial inclusion apparatus, digital empowerment programs and market integration strategies that are part of the introductions of the Mission. The results indicate that Mission Shakti is a type of governance innovation model reflecting economic empowerment and participative leadership, thus enhancing inclusive local governance. The paper ends by locating policy points and issues pertinent to the scaffolding of gender-responsive systems of governance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nibedita Mishra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Real Nutrition Story Behind Amaranth’s “Superfood” Hype
As a 21st-century superfood, amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is emerging once again due to its combination of excellent nutrition and an extensive culinary range as well as a naturally gluten-free menu. Though commonly consumed as a cereal grain, amaranth is a pseudocereal whose small grains provide relatively better-quality plant protein, has been shown to be a useful dietary fiber, and is providing a significant mineral content, especially of iron and magnesium. Protein and fiber per serving in food composition data that is typically reported on cooked amaranth indicate its usefulness in a variety of diets, including gluten-free and plant forward eating patterns. In addition to the standard nutrients, current review studies indicate that amaranth has bioactive constituents, including phenolics, pigments (betalains), and protein-derived peptides, which are under scrutiny as functional attributes related to antioxidant and cardiometabolic mechanisms. Meanwhile, human research is still developing and is even rather contradictory, which is why it is important to consider the concept of superfood as enriched with nutrients, instead of being a medicine. Amaranth is also addressed in terms of food-systems and its potential to develop into a climate-smart crop because of its heat and water stress-resistance combined with its developmental potential. This is a popular article, which summarises what amaranth is as a food, why it is believed to be nutritionally beneficial, how it can be consumed in daily meals and what are the major caveats to responsible and evidence-based consumption.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seaverna Pradhan, Gayatri Sinha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations: Farmer Adoption Dynamics, Institutional Influences, and Extension Strategies
Agricultural advancement depends on the adoption of innovation, but farmers don't always utilize new technology just because it's available. Socioeconomic, institutional and policy-related factors, together with technological features like relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability, affect farmers' adoption decisions. The spread of innovations theory serves as the foundation for this. A range of factors, including as farmer characteristics, farm resources, information access, social networks, extension contact and market and governmental assistance, affect the rate and extent of innovation transmission. Agricultural extension becomes a vital catalyst in this process by increasing awareness, reducing uncertainty, fostering learning and boosting farmer confidence through interactive techniques, training and demonstrations. The integration of information and communication technology enhances Extension's capacity to expand outreach and expedite dissemination. Equitable adoption is nonetheless hampered by issues including scarce resources, risk aversion, inadequate institutional coordination and social inequities. Effective diffusion of agricultural innovations requires a comprehensive and context-specific approach that combines responsive and pluralistic extension systems, active farmer participation, supportive policies and sound technology design in order to achieve sustainable agricultural development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bablu Ganguly, Suman Saha, Sachin Sarkar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Agricultural Extension
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as transformative tools in agricultural extension by enhancing the efficiency, reach and effectiveness of knowledge dissemination to farming communities. This article examines the role of ICTs in modernizing agricultural extension systems, with particular emphasis on the tools and platforms used, their impact on farmers’ knowledge and adoption behavior and the challenges limiting their effectiveness. ICT tools such as radio, television, mobile phones, internet-based platforms, social media, decision support systems and digital advisory services complement conventional extension approaches and address long-standing constraints related to manpower shortages, geographical isolation and information delays. ICT-based extension significantly improves farmers’ access to timely and reliable information, enhances awareness and adoption of improved agricultural practices, increases productivity and income and supports risk management and sustainable farming. A part from the uses of ICT, it also faces critical challenges, including the digital divide, low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, content relevance issues and institutional and governance constraints, which limit equitable access and impact. Overall, the importance of ICT-enabled extension is a key component of future strategies for sustainable agricultural development and improved farmer livelihoods.
Copyright (c) 2026 Subhajit Chakraborty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Attracting Youth towards Agriculture through Agripreneurship: Challenges and Extension Opportunities
The combination of business with agriculture, known as agripreneurship, has become a popular means of encouraging young people to work in agriculture, enhancing rural lives and advancing sustainable food systems. Due to poor salaries, high risks, labor intensity and restricted access to land, financing, technology and training, many young people view agriculture as unappealing despite its crucial economic role. Concurrently, new possibilities for youth-led agricultural enterprises are being created by global trends including digitalization, climate-smart agriculture, rising demand for high-value foods and creative financing options. This article examines the chances and difficulties for young people to engage in agripreneurship, emphasizing structural, environmental and socioeconomic limitations. By bridging the gaps between research, technology and practice, it highlights the changing role of extension services in assisting young agripreneurs through business advising, digital training, mentorship and market connections. In order to maintain youth-led businesses, the research also looks at policy, finance and ecosystem assistance, such as youth-friendly land laws, blended finance systems, incubators, accelerators and market infrastructure. Agriculture may become a viable, successful and contemporary job for young people if barriers like land availability, startup funding, skills, market connectedness and risk management are addressed. In addition to producing revenue, agribusiness improves rural communities, boosts value chains, decreases urban migration and encourages innovation. This underscores the necessity of youth-focused, regionally specific approaches to unlock a new era of rural wealth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Subhajit Chakraborty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gender Nutrition Nexus: Addressing Inequities through Agriculture, Education, and Inclusive Health Strategies
The interactions between nutrition and gender are a highly vital determinant of the general wellness of human beings. Nutrition is the process of intake, absorption, and utilization of the food, which is closely connected to the physical, mental, and social health outcomes. The gendered nutrition is also affected by cultural practices. Conventional gender roles and social practices tend to dictate food distribution in family, rate of meals and variety of food. Women and girls are also victims of systematic inequalities in access to nutrient-rich foods that reinforce gender-based health inequities in most settings. Intersectional elements of socio-economics relate to gender to worsen the nutritional situation. The disparity in income, education, employment, and access to healthcare hurts women and marginalized gender disproportionately, reducing their capacity to access healthy and sufficient diets. These structural inequities are the components of nutrition security and health equity addressed. Agriculture is very crucial in determining diets and nutritional outcomes of the household. Ag-based extension which is gender and nutrition sensitive can be used to encourage the production and consumption of nutrient-rich food, promote equal intra-household food distribution, and eliminate gender-based barriers in food systems. The incorporation of gender and nutrition in the extension services enhances the building of resilient and inclusive institutions and programs that are attuned to nutrition. Some of the main suggestions are the use of a family oriented approach to guide malnutrition, intensifying nutrition education among workers at the grassroots level, encouraging the use of nutrition garden at both home and school, incorporating local food nutrition into school curriculum and creating awareness to both male and female level workers in the villages.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nibedita Mishra, Chitrasena Padhy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Potassium Polyacrylate as a Climate Resilient Solution for Water Management Under Arid Regions
Water conservation techniques could be revolutionized by potassium polyacrylate, a crucial climate-resilient substitute for water management in arid regions due to its superabsorbent qualities. Applying this polymer to soil makes it a very efficient water reservoir because it can absorb and hold water up to 500 times its weight. This ability to retain large amounts of water and gradually release it to plant roots lowers the frequency and volume of irrigation while maintaining soil moisture levels. In agriculture, potassium polyacrylate is utilized to increase crop yield and lessen water stress, especially in regions with few water supplies and costly irrigation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amith Somahanthi , Vasanth Singisetti, Sai Varshith Pulipati, Sai Krishna Reddy Jonnala, Harshitha Chikene, Bharath Kumar Kammili https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Microgreens and Their Role in Sustainable Urban Food Systems
With increasing urbanization, environmental concerns and the rising demand for nutrient-dense foods, traditional horticulture faces significant sustainability challenges. Eco-friendly farming practices have become essential to ensure food security while minimizing ecological impact. Among these practices, microgreen cultivation has emerged as a promising solution for urban and peri-urban horticulture. Microgreens are young, tender seedlings of vegetables, herbs and grains harvested shortly after germination, typically within 7–21 days. Despite their small size, they are nutritionally potent, offering higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients compared to mature plants. Microgreens can be cultivated using minimal resources in soil-based, soilless or hydroponic systems, making them highly suitable for urban environments with limited space. Their rapid growth cycle, low water requirement and high yield per unit area make them both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Additionally, microgreens contribute to food security by enabling year-round production and reducing dependency on long supply chains, thereby lowering carbon footprints. Beyond nutrition, they support ecological balance by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This article highlights the potential of microgreens as a green alternative in modern horticulture, emphasizing their ecological, nutritional and economic benefits. By integrating microgreen farming into urban horticulture systems, communities can achieve sustainable food production while promoting health, environmental stewardship and innovation in horticulture. As such, microgreens represent a pivotal step toward the green future of horticulture and eco-friendly farming practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumit Acharya, Priti Smita Nayak, Kartik Pramanik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Sensor Data and Plant Physiology: How Digital Farming Can Track Heat & Water Stress in Field Crops
Digital farming is transforming the way crop stress is detected, monitored, and managed by integrating plant physiology with sensor- and satellite-based diagnostics. Plants exhibit subtle physiological shifts—such as increased leaf temperature, reduced chlorophyll fluorescence, and declining photosynthetic activity—long before visual symptoms appear. This article illustrates how multispectral, thermal, fluorescence, and soil-moisture sensing technologies can be combined to create real-time stress maps that reflect these physiological indicators. Using examples from satellite platforms such as Sentinel-2, ECOSTRESS, OCO-2, and SMAP, as well as ground-based tools like SPAD meters and IoT soil probes, the article demonstrates how remote sensing indicators align closely with plant responses to heat and water stress. The integration of machine learning models further enhances early-warning capabilities, allowing farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions. Overall, the article highlights how merging physiological understanding with digital tools enables proactive, scalable, and precise crop stress management in a climate-vulnerable agricultural landscape.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jyostnarani Pradhan, Hemlata Singh, Tushar Kumar Pandey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic Diversity and Genomic Resources in Millets
Millets, a diverse group of small seeded C₄ grasses, are vital for food and nutritional security in arid and semi-arid regions due to their resilience to drought, short growing cycles, and nutrient-rich grains. This review synthesizes advances in understanding the genetic diversity and genomic resources of major millets pearl, finger, foxtail, proso, barnyard, little, and kodo. Landraces and wild relatives remain critical reservoirs of alleles for stress tolerance and nutritional enhancement. Recent genomic breakthroughs, including the sequencing of foxtail, pearl, finger, proso, and barnyard millet genomes, have accelerated gene discovery and molecular breeding. Marker-assisted selection, QTL mapping, and genomic selection have enabled significant progress in developing biofortified and stress-resilient cultivars, such as iron- and zinc-rich pearl millet hybrids and blast-resistant finger millet lines. Integration of pangenomics, transcriptomics, and genome editing (CRISPR-Cas systems) offers transformative potential for trait improvement. However, limited research funding, complex polyploid genomes, and regulatory barriers still constrain genomic adoption. The paper highlights future prospects, including omics integration, AI driven breeding, and global mainstreaming of millets as climate-smart, nutrient-dense crops crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 DATTI PURUSHOTAMA RAO, H P Chaturvedi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Innovation: Revitalising Rural Livelihoods in India
India is undergoing a hidden but profound transformation as rural areas struggle to create sustainable livelihoods by balancing innovation and tradition. Agripreneurs are using organic farming, greenhouse cultivation, agrotourism, value addition, and digital marketing to turn farming from a means of subsistence into a lucrative enterprise. While cardamom farmers are battling climate change and pests with micropropagation technology, and connecting individual farmers to market their produce, Shital Pati craftsmen are combining traditional weaving methods with modern designs and online marketing to reach the global market. Despite their diversity, many industries face common problems such as limited access to affordable loans, inadequate infrastructure, dependence on middlemen, and a lack of technical assistance. Cultural barriers, such as the notion that agriculture and traditional crafts have a low social standing, also demotivate young people. The essay emphasizes through solutions and success stories that rural livelihoods will cease to exist and become long-term prosperous with the help of enabling policies, technology, and skills. The preservation of Indian cultural legacy depends on the empowerment of these people, which is more than just an economic concern. By combining new technology with knowledge systems rooted in rural areas, a rural economy can be established that is self-sufficient, respectable, and leaves a legacy for future generations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bablu Ganguly, Sachin Sarkar, Suman Saha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Climate-Smart Agriculture: Extension, Training, and Awareness
Climate change is becoming a growing menace to the productivity and food security of agricultural systems, and livelihoods of the rural populations, especially that of smallholder farmers who are the most vulnerable. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has risen to become an integrated approach in improving sustainable production, climate resiliency of production, and reducing environmental degradation. Nonetheless, the implementation of the CSA practices is obstructed by a high degree of knowledge gap, unstable access to advisory services, lack of awareness, gender differences, and socioeconomic barriers. This article reveals the importance of agricultural extension, sustained capacity-building interventions, and use of behavior-oriented awareness interventions in facilitating informed decision-making and skill-based adoption of CSA innovations. It focuses on participatory communication strategies, online advisory instruments and institutional partnership as critical ways of bridging research and frontline farming communities. The conclusion of the article is that extension, training, and awareness integrated knowledge systems are essential in enhancing the adoption of CSA faster, providing farmers with power, and achieving long-term livelihood security of agricultural development resistant to climate changes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Akhila Badavath, Porandla Praneeth, Navya Duggempudi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green Leaves as Nutritional and Economic Cliff
Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) play a vital role in ensuring both nutritional and economic security, particularly in regions like Sikkim where traditional and organic cultivation practices prevail. Despite their high nutrient content and rapid production cycles, the commercial cultivation of GLVs remains underexploited. This study highlights the nutritional composition and livelihood potential of both indigenous and non-native leafy vegetables of Sikkim, including Eryngium foetidum, Diplazium esculentum, Moringa oleifera, Urtica dioica, Nasturtium officinale, and Phytolacca americana. These species are rich in vitamins (A, B-complex, C, K), minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn), fiber, and antioxidants, making them essential for improving human health and dietary diversity. The paper emphasizes how cultivating GLVs can provide farmers with monthly income opportunities, reduce labor and input costs, and enhance intercropping efficiency, thereby improving rural livelihoods. Furthermore, post-harvest value addition through dehydration and powder production can extend shelf life and open new markets for farmers. The promotion of awareness regarding their health benefits and the development of local marketing systems are crucial to realizing the dual goal of nutritional sufficiency and economic empowerment.
Copyright (c) 2025 J Thusharreddy, Subhajit Panigrahi, Naveen Sankhla, Dipika Sarmah, S Vinodh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mustard greens (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) are an important leafy vegetable crop widely cultivated across Central and Eastern Asia, especially in the Himalayan and Northeastern regions of India. valued for their pungent flavor, versatility in culinary applications, and significant nutritional density. The leaves contain high levels of essential vitamins (A, C, E, and K), minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron, along with beneficial phytochemicals including flavonoids and glucosinolates that contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Regular dietary consumption supports cardiovascular health, immunity enhancement, improved vision, cognitive wellness, and musculoskeletal development. Mustard greens are commonly grown during winter seasons under smallholder conditions, with nursery raising followed by transplanting and harvest within 30 days for leafy use or up to three months for seed production. Diverse utilization methods—fresh, cooked, fermented, or dehydrated—enhance year-round availability and cultural acceptance in regional cuisines. Given their nutritive, therapeutic, and economic significance, mustard greens represent a vital functional food capable of contributing to food and nutritional security in mountainous agro-ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Subhajit Panigrahi, J Thusharreddy, Naveen Sankhla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Hypoglycemic Effects of Guava Leaves
The article emphasis on the potential hypoglycemic properties of guava leaves, focusing on the traditional uses, nutrient content, phytochemical compound and its health benefits. Psidium guajava, belonging to the Myrtaceous family, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. This important tropical fruit finds widespread cultivation in countries like India, Indonesia, Syria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South America. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves have been traditionally used for their excellent hypoglycemic property, including potential health benefits. It delves into the various constituents, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive components which are believed to contribute to their glucose-lowering activity. Studies have shown that it inhibits the inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (like; alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase), enhanced insulin sensitivity, and potential effects on glucose uptake and metabolism. Also highlighted the hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) properties of guava leaves, offering potential therapeutic benefits for the management of diabetes mellitus. The findings will contribute to a comprehensive compilation of guava leaves as a natural resource for managing blood sugar levels.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manjuree Bhattacharjee, Manisha, Mukesh Kumari, Priyadarshani P Mohapatra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How do Our Genes Shape the Way We Taste Food?
Taste perception plays a major role in shaping food preferences, dietary patterns, and health outcomes. Genetic variation in taste receptor genes significantly influences how individuals perceive sweetness, bitterness, umami, saltiness, and fat. Polymorphisms in TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 affect sweet sensitivity, while TAS2R38 variants accounts for up to 70% of individual variation in bitter taste response to compounds such as PROP (6-n-Propylthiouracil) and PTC (Phenylthiocarbamide), particularly influencing acceptance of cruciferous vegetables. Similarly, TAS1R1 and TAS1R3 variants modify umami perception, CD36 polymorphisms alter fat sensitivity, and ENaC variation influences salt preference and hypertension risk. These genetic differences drive variability in nutrient intake and are linked with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The rise of nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition aims to use genetic information to guide dietary advice. By identifying taste-related genetic variants, nutritionists can tailor recommendations to individual preferences. Commercial platforms such as Nutrigenomix, 23andMe, and DNAfit have begun integrating taste-related genes (e.g., TAS2R38, TAS1R2, CD36) into their nutrition panels, helping users understand how their genetic makeup influences taste preferences and dietary choices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mukesh Kumari, Pragati Godara, Sadil Khan, Manisha, Ravindra Kumar Meena https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture in India
Farming activities in India are very susceptible to the negative effects of global warming such as erratic rainfall, prolonged drought, and frequent flooding. Such climatic variations have exacerbated the plight of small and marginal farmers leading to deteriorating productivity and soil erosion, as well as livelihood insecurity. In this respect, climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) has become possible as a viable way of improving the ability of the farmers to cope and overcome the effects of climatic shocks. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are institutions that under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) help in the transfer of climate-sensitive technologies in research to the fields of farmers. KVKs stimulate such activities as planting of drought resistant crops, water collection, integrated pest management program, and diversified farm systems by front line demonstrations, on-farm experimentation and capacity building. Their location-specific and participatory nature has improved the level of awareness and skills among the farmers and their confidence in embracing the new practices. Although there are still several obstacles such as inaccessibility of funds, inaccessibility to inputs and inadequate market connections, the contribution by KVKs in promoting climate resilience is crucial. Sustainable and climate-smart agricultural development can be guaranteed in India by strengthening their outreach via constant interaction, online platforms, and innovations led by farmers.