The process of osmotic dehydration followed by tray drying was studied on grapes for raisin preparation. Grapes were dried out by osmosis using sugar syrup at grapes to sugar syrup ratio of 1:4, which were than dried in a commercial tray dryer maintained at 60oC temperature to obtained raisin. The grapes were dipped in sugar syrup of 40oBrix, 50oBrix, 60oBrix and 70oBrix concentration in beakers having fruit to syrup ratio 1:4 at 60oC temperature and time of immersion was 30 minutes and one hour for osmotic

dehydration. From this it was concluded that, acidity and ascorbic acid decreases with increase in syrup concentration, temperature of solution and time of concentration and total, reducing and non-reducing sugar increases with increase in syrup concentration, temperature of solution and time of concentration.

The traditional use of fertilizers as per the recommendations has some limitations as it does not consider the site-specific and timely application. In this practice, less emphasis was given to resource use efficiency which may leads to various problems related to non-judicious use of essential inputs and agricultural sustainability. In terms of fertilizer nitrogen application, there are various approaches available in resent day agriculture. Among them, site-specific nutrient management through variable rate application can

 be considered as an advanced method for optimization of nitrogen requirement in cereal crops. By using optical sensors like chlorophyll content meter and crop reflectance sensors, nitrogen can be optimized by application at right time in a right amount. These optical sensors work on the greenness of the leaf which is a directly related component of leaf nitrogen content. The threshold value given by these sensors called as chlorophyll Index value or Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) can be considered to

estimate the nitrogen deficiency or nitrogen sufficiency in plant tissue. The application of these sensors has a greater impact on resource conservation and precise application of nutrients. However, in developing countries like India, the economic viability and limitation of application of these sensors in small land holdings for fertilizer nitrogen management are still not adequately studied. The review article focuses on benefits of use of various hand-held optical sensors for optimizing N application and N use efficiency.

This study was carried out to determine areas best suited for capsicum production in the peri-urban counties of Nairobi, Kenya for growing capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.). The study used a multi-criteria evaluation approach by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). These methods involved a selection of various criteria used for analysis and categorized according to their usefulness concerning capsicum growth conditions/requirements. Soil (pH, drainage, texture, and electrical conductivity), climate (temperature and rainfall), and topography (slope and elevation) were the main criteria selected from the literature for the study. The AHP was used to determine the relevance of a criterion based on its cumulative weights as per Saaty’s table. The cumulative weights were used to construct output maps using Quantum Geographic Information Software (QGIS). A crop suitability map was produced through

overlaying of the different thematic maps and suitability levels were based on Food and Agriculture (FAO) land suitability classification. The results showed that about 50% of land in Kiambu County, 8% in Kajiado County, and 12% in Machakos County is suitable for capsicum production. The remaining areas were reported unsuitable for the production of the crop due to the presence of some limitations  such as texture, soil pH, drainage, and climate.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of Tanzania’s high-potential cash crops. Nonetheless, nutrient depletion, especially nitrogen (N), is limiting its productivity. The study was conducted in the semiarid -Dodoma region in Tanzania where it adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments each replicated four times. These treatments were T1; Control (sunflower pure stand) without mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer, T2; Sunflower-Sunn hemp intercrop under 1:1 row ratio without fertilizer, T3; Sunflower-Sunn hemp intercrop under 1:1 row ratio with fertilizer, T4; Sunflower-Sunn hemp intercrop under 2:1 row ratio without fertilizer, T5; Sunflower-Sunn hemp intercrop under 2:1 row ratio with fertilizer and T6; Sunflower pure stand with fertilizer. Data that were collected were sunflower growth, and yield parameters, economic returns (gross income, net income, benefit-cost ratio-BCR), and

soil chemical properties. Regardless of the site, T6 and T3 showed the best performance based on the sunflower growth and yield. For instance, at Kongwa the sunflower leaf area was highest in T3 (285 cm2) and T6 (282 cm2) with T4 having the least value of 149 cm2. Economically, Kongwa outperformed Bahi. Specifically, based on treatments, T3 had the highest gross income both at Kongwa (US$ 3412 ha-1) and Bahi (US$ 1756 ha-1). This translated into respective net income and BCR of US$ 1639 and 698, and 7.50

and 3.20. Except for soil pH, the other chemical soil properties tended to increase significantly (p ≤ 0.05) under all the treatments containing integrated approaches like Sunn hemp and N fertilizer application relative to the sunflower pure stand. This study’s findings will help rural poor farmers achieve their nutritional, social, and economic needs, hence reducing poverty, and increasing food security.

Rising temperature and consequent variations in climate unfavorable affect plant growth and development and catastrophic result loss of wheat productivity. In temperature for each degree increase, wheat production decrease by 6% is estimated. Responses of wheat to stress of heat morphophysiological may help formulating appropriate strategies for heat-stressed to improvement of wheat yield. Additionally, examining for probable management technique may raise productivity and sustainability of growing

wheat. The main findings from this observation causes of heat stress significantly decrease seed germination and seedling growth, cell turgidity, and plant water-use ability, at a cellular level, stress of heat disarrange cellular functions by generating more reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress; wheat main response to heat stress include the raise of leaf senescence decrease of photosynthesis, deactivation of photosynthetic enzymes, and increase of oxidative harm to the chloroplasts; heat stress also decrease number of grain and size by affecting grain setting, include translocation and duration and growth rate of grains; a well-mobilized genetic and agronomic management option may improve wheat tolerance to heat. However, all the genotypes were affected adversely due to delayed sowings, It has been stated that wheat has adaptive effiicient to be cultivated in warm-dry tropical weather with irrigation and particular genotypes may be used for a breeding program of wheat with stress of abiotic tolerance. The nursery was consisted of 27 elite genotypes of wheat. It was grown under late sowing condition. Considering yield and other yield contributing characters along with different morphophysiological traits, five genotypes, viz., E-16, E-20, E-23, E-25 and E-27 were selected for further evaluation.

The mouth cavity protects around 700 types of microorganisms. It harbors bacteria, fungus, viruses, and protozoa. Microbes colonize the teeth and oral mucosa of the mouth, creating a complex ecosystem. The oral microbiota begins digestion and maintains oral and systemic health. Untreated dental caries is the most frequent illness worldwide, while simple periodontitis is the sixth. Bacteria from the mouth are increasingly linked to systemic illnesses. Poor oral hygiene, dental operations, periodontitis, and improper tooth brushing can induce bacteremia, which can lead to infective endocarditis. Systemic disorders and therapies can reduce salivary flow and disrupt the oral flora, impacting dental health. Dental and medical researchers are beginning to exchange knowledge about human disease’s etiology and pathogenicity and the makeup and metabolic activities of the oral microbiome.

Meat being the fastest growing industry in India has a tremendous scope for further development when it comes to preparing the ready to eat meat products with high nutrition, high fiber and low cholesterol content. Adding the non meat ingredients like vegetables in meat product will surely enhance the overall quality of meat product. The present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of carrot and radish powder on proximate, physico- chemical and sensory characteristics of chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets

were prepared with addition of 4, 8 and 12% carrot powder and radish powder and the nuggets were compared with control group for various parameters like proximate composition, physico- chemical characteristics and sensory attributes. It was observed from the study that the moisture percentage increased with addition of carrot powder while decreased when radish powder was added in it. Protein and fat content decreased with addition of carrot and radish powder. Ash and moisture: protein ratio also increased with addition of carrot and radish powder. Cooking yield, moisture retention, and fat retention increased significantly with increase in carrot and radish powder incorporation. With increased carrot powder and radish powder incorporation the sensory score decreased but a non significant difference is observed between 4 and 8% carrot powder and radish powder incorporated chicken nuggets. The present study proves that 8% carrot and 8% radish powder can be incorporated effectively in chicken nuggets to enhance its nutritive and textural properties which is comparable to control group of chicken nuggets.

The study on low glycemic index (GI) rice cultivars is thoroughly reviewed in this review article. A significant portion of the glycemic load in the diet is contributed by rice, hence developing excellent low GI rice cultivars has become a research priority to reduce any adverse health effects. Low GI rice cultivars have been developed using conventional breeding techniques, but molecular breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection, genomics-assisted breeding, and transgenic methods, have become more popular. To pinpoint the genes and quantitative trait loci that cause low GI and comprehend the underlying mechanisms, genetic and genomic techniques have been used. Measurements of the glycemic index of rice cultivars are performed using in vitro, in vivo, and human intervention research. Low GI rice consumption is linked to better blood sugar regulation, diabetes management, weight management, and cardiovascular health. However, issues with consumer acceptance, intellectual property rights, and integration with sustainable agriculture still exist, in addition to the efficacy and safety of transgenic techniques. The development of better low GI rice cultivars has the potential to significantly improve global health outcomes, and molecular breeding techniques show promise in this regard. In order to create and implement low GI rice agriculture, which helps both human health and the environment, challenges must be overcome.

Menstrual hygiene is one of the important points of national as well as global health consideration that needs more attention for appropriate products development at affordable price. In India, the policy makers have included this issue as an important agenda, as far as public health programmes are concerned. Till date fibre-based cloth material is mostly used a significant figure in place of sanitary napkin that sometimes causes many infections. In the resent past, several companies, self-help-groups, entrepreneurs, etc. have been actively engaged in manufacturing the suitable sanitary napkin at affordable price by utilizing the locally and/or nationally available fibrous raw materials or wood pulp in mixing with requisite superabsorbent- polymer (SAP)/ materials. The wood pulp used in the sanitary napkin manufacturing is commonly imported, and thus becomes expensive. Attempts have been made to explore the alternative raw materials, particularly plant-based natural-fibres for their application in place of wood-pulp. Plant fibres like cotton, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, hemp, pineapple, sisal and nettle are mostly used in apparel, home and technical textiles. Some of these fibres and a few more viz., cotton fluff, organic cotton, water hyacinth, jute, banana, flax, kenaf, hemp, soya fabric, bamboo fabric, lyocell fibre, milkweed fibre, woollen fabrics and cellulose-acetate nano-fibres have been attempted in producing sanitary napkin

(medical textile). Likewise, several attempts have also been directed to use/develop different polymers as a replacement of super-absorbent-polymer (SAP), which is non-biodegradable in nature. Functional value of such sanitary napkins was further enhanced with aromatic and medicinal plant extracts and summarized in this paper.

In the present context of climate change and declining productivity of major crops, it is important to cultivate an environmentally friendly crop. Millets are ecologically sound and can be grown under diverse agroclimatic conditions. Millet-based cropping system is common in dryland and rainfed conditions. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) has a wider adaptability for different agroclimatic conditions and

seasons, even it is suitable for intercropping system. In pearl millet-based intercropping system, crop choice, crop maturity, plant stand and planting geometry, and planting time are the key considerations which determine the success of the intercropping system. Earlier researches have documented the benefits of pearl millet-based intercropping system in terms of resource use efficiency and yield benefits. The present review article focuses on the key considerations while choosing pearl millet-based intercropping system and its holistic benefits on land resource use efficiency and enhanced productivity.

Ensuring food for the continuously increasing global population is one of the most challenging aspects for scientists and researchers around the globe. To meet the growing demand for food, agricultural expansion is necessary. However, traditional agriculture is crucial to meet the nutritional requirements for humanity as well as to make countries self-sufficient in food production. Conventional farming techniques depend on the widespread use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for plant nutrition and disease pest management. The use of such chemical inputs in different crop fields is popular to farmers for plant growth, crop production, and quality, but also for farmers’ income. However, these chemical inputs pose a considerable threat to the natural environment by contaminating water, air, and soil. Eco-friendly approaches, such as organic farming and bio-fertilizers, are gaining popularity as a more sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture. Organic farming helps in reducing dependence on artificial plant protection inputs in field crop production. Bio-fertilizers are a type of fertilizer that uses microorganisms that promote plant growth and are referred to as biofertilizers or microbial inoculants. Biofertilizers are getting priority in world agriculture due to simple production technology and low installation cost. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on biofertilizers and their potential for sustainable agriculture.

Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest of the world and shared between India with a 40% of landmass and remaining with Bangladesh. The ecosystem of Sundarbans is dynamic and in the developmental stage by formation of new islands through soil erosion and sedimentation. It is a low-lying area with an average elevation below high tide line. Traditional method of rice-based farming system is common in low lying coastal land of Sundarbans. Climate change, rising of sea level and frequent cyclones have been changing the crop production and cropping pattern in the Sundarbans delta. The communities of Gosaba, Kultali, Kakdwip, Sagar, Patharpratima and Namkhana blocks of Sundarbanss have been affected by climate change and soil salinity. The agricultural production system is totally hampered after the strike of cyclonic storm ‘Aila’ in 2009, and super cyclone ‘Amphan’ in 2020 due to high salinity and pH condition of soil. Human migration is very common in Sundarbans delta because of extreme poverty and at least one family member is working in other states of India in 75% of families. Crop cultivation is very challenging due to high salinity and changing climate in Sundarbans. Use of salt tolerant variety, land shaping, use of organic manure, rain water harvesting are the key elements to manage the saline

soil of Sundarbans delta.

Milk is one among the major foods consumed worldwide. Beyond its nutritional value, it is economically important since there are more than 6 billion consumers for milk and milk products. The quality of milk determined by its components, microbial quality and now drug residues too. Antimicrobials used in animals as therapeutic, prophylactic and sometimes used as feed additives which causes drug residue in milk. If antibiotics are present beyond their maximum residue level (MRL), there will be health damage

to the consumer ranging from allergic reactions to bacterial resistance. Some of the studies reported that the excessive use of antibiotics in animals to the appearance of super bacteria in humans. Above 60,000 tons of antibiotics are being used in livestock worldwide which is double the amount compared to human. Many times antibiotics are released unaltered, with full potential of antimicrobial activity. Methodologies or protocols to mitigate the antimicrobial residue in milk are detailed in this review. Since

this antimicrobial residue (AMR) problem is worldwide threat, awareness among the milk producers and consumers must be created. Judicious usage methods of antimicrobials are detailed which must be entertained by the veterinarians. The modern tools with high sensitivity for quick and accurate detection of AMR at field level viz., CG-MS (gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy), HPLC (High performance Liquid Chromatography), FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near Infrared Spectroscopy) were discussed with their usage and drawbacks. Existing ethnoveterinary medicines to replace the antibiotics in the treatment of ailing dairy animals are reviewed and suggested the adoption practices for documented and established herbal practices. Alternating the antimicrobials novel bio-controlling agents like bacteriophages against antimicrobial resistant Staphylococcus may be intervened and various bio-controlling agents are discussed. To reduce the antibiotic usage, proper bio security measures are to be followed for avoiding the infections. Various biosecurity measures of dairy farming are given in this review, to be implemented by small, medium and large scale farmers. It is suggested that one of the major ways and means to reduce the AMR in milk is not procuring the milk with the contaminant of AMR. Milk of the animals which are in the treatment or withholding period of the antibiotic after treatment should not be included in the pooled milk. Policy makers should take the strong decision for procurement of milk to reduce the AMR in milk.

In the 1980s, Indian agriculture understood the importance of shifting away from grains and towards other crops, but this did not expressly target the horticulture sector. Early in the 1990s, while economic reforms and liberalisations were being implemented, diversification in the direction of horticulture became increasingly evident. In recent years, the economy has gradually shifted from producing food crops to non-food crops and the area under non-food crops has increased far more than that of the sector

producing food crops. Fruits and vegetables have dominated the diversification in horticulture because to a change in demand brought on by a shift in peoples’ consumption patterns. The high rate of return and higher productivity of horticulture than other food crops are additional factors driving diversification in this sector. It also benefits the farmers since it gives the population year-round jobs and income.

Habitually, Desi variety chicken is used for backyard poultry farming in many rural villages. It provides a source of protein, income and employment generation for poor people. Since, desi variety chicken had low production potential, improved varieties like Vanaraja and Gramapriya were introduced into the rural villages by Indian Council of Agricultural Research –Directorate of Poultry Research, in Hyderabad under Poultry Seed Project (PSP). During November 2021, 100 resource constrained community people

of Tiruchirappalli were selected for this study and distributed with 50 numbers of improved chicken each. The study has been undertaken after the period of one year to know the pattern of rearing and socio-economic improvement in that community after rearing of improved variety chicken. Data analysed solitary by descriptive statistics. Both men and women were engaged in backyard poultry farming in 54 per cent of the households. Overall, 72 per cent respondents faced lot of constraints like brooding facilities, predator attack, lack of housing facilities and high incidence of diseases during improved variety chicken farming. Among respondents, 67 per cent had a high feeling that birds contributed significantly to their socio-economic strength. Average monthly income has been doubled per house hold by sale of eggs and live chicken. The findings of this study revealed that rearing improved variety chicken had positive impact on family health, source of income, employment and other social demands of resource constrained community people.