Times of Agriculture 2023 August

Timesofagriculture.
in August, 2023/ Page | 1

From the Editor’s Desk
We are pleased to introduce the August issue of the Times of Agriculture e-
magazine. This edition comes at a significant moment, as the country has recently
celebrated its 77th Independence Day. Right now, the government is more
emphasizing of being self-reliant. In this era, new and exciting agritech startups
are coming up in India. The government is also providing funds to help these
startups. In this August issue, we're putting the spotlight on the biggest farming
startup in the country, 'DeHaat'.
DeHaat is making a big impact in farming and has become the largest & the
fastest growing agritech platform in India. It's changing the way farming works and
is making a real difference. In this issue, DeHaat's co-founder, Shashank
Kumar, discusses in detail the journey of DeHaat from its inception to its current
state. Also, we're covering some important agricultural updates from the last few
weeks. We really hope you enjoy this issue. Please do share your thoughts with us, as
your ideas make us do even better. Enjoy Reading.
Thank you!
Dr. Devraj Singh
Editor-In-Chief
Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 2

CONTENT
Cover Story
DeHaat: Sowing the seeds of Indian Agri-Revolution
Article
S.No. Title Page No.
No.
1. - Agriculture Updates 5-13
DeHaat: Sowing the seeds of Indian Agri-Revolution.

2. 2191 14-24
Cover Story
Conservation and promotion of forests is the need of the present for a healthy life.
3. 2192 255-29
(Kalyan Singh)
Growing market of seed treatment and enhancement.
4. 2193 30-31
(Gaurav Yadav)
Medicinal properties and health benefits of jamun.
5. 2194 32-33
(Aman Kumar Maurya and Gaurav Sharma)
Drones in agriculture.
6. 2195 33-35
(Manvendra Sharma and Kirti Vardhan Pandey)
Soil NPK sensors with high precision in agriculture.
7. 2196 35
(Umesh Kumar, Deepak Kumar Dwivedi and Gayatri Pralhad Turkar)
Biogas and biogas plant: A study.
8. 2197 36-37
(Hiren Das, N. Surbala Devi and Nakeertha Venu)
Non-destructive methods for quality evaluation of fruits and vegetables.
9. 2198 38-39
(Shubham Gangwar)
Unfortunate consequence of microplastics in agriculture.
10. 2199 39-41
(G. Senbagavalli)
Modern agricultural extension practices.
11. 2200 41-42
(Preeti)
Empowering agri-exports for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
12. 2201 42-43
(Manisha Lawankar, Rohit Shelar and Sharayu Deshmukh)
Contribution of carbon footprinting to zero waste environments.
13. 2202 43-44
(Diksha, Simran Jasht and Asha)

How pesticides affect on vertebrates health.
14. 2203 45
(Sachin Kumar Yadav and Ram Singh Umrao)
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Transforming farming for a changing climate.
15. 2204 46-47
(Disha Joshi and Parul Gupta)
Hill farmer's multipurpose agricultural machine.
16. 2205 47-48
(Rahul Kumar Yadav)
Unleashing the underground magic: The vital roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing soil
17. 2206 fertility. 49-50
(Yashowardhan Singh, Sandhya Sinha and Likhita J.)
Revolutionizing pest control: Cutting-edge agricultural entomology innovations paving the way to a
18. 2207 sustainable future. 50-51
(Pradeep, S.)
QTL mapping: A revolutionary approach of crop improvement.
19. 2208 51-53
(Dharm Veer Singh and Kamaluddin)
Spoilage of fresh and processed horticultural produce: Biochemical changes and enzymes associated
20. 2209 with spoilage of horticultural produce. 53-54
(Rahmat Gul Hassanzai)
Sweet potato: As a super food.
21. 2210 55-56
(Tomar Pallavi and Verma Anisha)
Previous Issues

Agriculture
Updates

Agriculture
Updates
st
Arunachal becomes 1 State to Obtain
Organic Certification for Kiwi
Arunachal Pradesh has become the first state in
the country to obtain Organic Certification for
Kiwi under Mission Organic Value Chain
Development for North East Region (MOVCD-
NER).
It is to be noted that the kiwi production has
helped in boosting the local economy of the state
and also increased the scope for cultivation, owing
to its natural agro-climatic conditions.
“Hearty congrats to farmers of Lower
Subansiri district for achieving the feat” tweeted
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

Agriculture
Updates
nd
India Becomes 2 Largest Exporter of
Agrochemicals
According to the latest data released by the
WTO, India has emerged as the second largest
exporter of agrochemicals in the world. While,
th
the rank was 6 , 10 years ago. This is indeed a
remarkable milestone towards the direction of
Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
Globally the agrochemicals market is
estimated to be US$78 bn, almost 75% of this is
of post-patent products. India is fast emerging as
a preferred global hub for sourcing the post-
patent agrochemicals.

Agriculture
Updates
“Authoor Betel Leaves” of Tamil

Nadu gets GI tag
Authoor betel leaves from Tamil Nadu's
Thoothukudi district recently received a
Geographical Indication (GI) certificate.
The GI tag felicitated by the Tamil Nadu
State Agriculture Marketing Board and
NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation
Forum, is registered in the name of Authoor
Vattara Vetrilai Vivasaigal Sangam.
The betel leaves commonly known as
th
'Vettrilai' have been mentioned in the 13
century book of Marco Polo, „The Venetian‟.

Agriculture
Updates
Godrej Agrovet announces 47,000 acre

land for oil palm cultivation
Godrej Agrovet‟s (GAVL) Oil Palm business
announced that it has been allotted a potential area
of 47,000 Acre in Sangareddy district of
Telangana by the Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation (Horti. & Seri.), Government of
Telangana.
The allotted area will be utilized by the
company to expand cultivation of oil palm and
set up oil palm processing units.
It is a testimony of GAVL‟s commitment and
efforts to boost oil palm plantation and promote
farmer prosperity in the region.
Timesofagriculture.in
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Agriculture
Updates
Syngenta unveils crop protection

solutions
Seed and crop protection products major
Syngenta India has launched its plant protection
solutions Incipio and Simodis which effectively
curb pests like leaf folder, stem borer and
sucking insects which severely reduces the
yields in paddy, cotton and vegetables crops.
“These insecticides developed using
Plinazolin technology help farmers dealing with
climatic stress and pest resistance,” Incipo
combats new pests such as stem borers and leaf
folder attack on paddy crops while Simodi
provides protection against sucking pests attack
on vegetables.
August, 2023/ Page | 10

Agriculture
Updates
India‟s first fisheries Atal

incubation centre at Kufos
The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean
Studies (Kufos) has secured a grant of ₹10
crore from NITI Aayog to establish India‟s
first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in fisheries
at the University.
The AIC initiative is part of the Atal
Innovation Mission, which seeks to encourage
a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
across various sectors in the country. Kufos,
under the guidance of Radhika Rajasree,
professor and head of the Department of Fish
Processing Technology.

Agriculture
Updates
India‟s first pig school in Assam

Pigs are becoming the center of attention in
Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)
with the introduction of India's first pig schools.
This pioneering initiative, led by the Bodoland
Territorial Council (BTC), aims to stimulate
the local economy and improve pig farming
methods
Assam, with its highest pig population in
India, is an ideal location for expanding the pig
farming industry. The establishment of pig
schools is a vital part of this mission, focusing
on training, technology demonstration, and
skill development based on the Folk School
concept.

Agriculture
Updates
India is set to host the World Coffee

st
Conference for the 1 time.
th
India is set to host the 5 World Coffee
Conference (WCC) in Bengaluru from
September 25 to 28, where it will present its
diverse coffees to buyers from over 80
countries. This is the first time that the event
will be held in Asia. The International
Coffee Organisation (ICO) and the Coffee
Board of India will co-organize the event.
The event will feature tennis player Rohan
Bopanna, who has been appointed as its brand
ambassador.
Theme: “Sustainability through Circular
Economy and Regenerative Agriculture”

Sowing the seeds of Indian
Agri-Revolution
About the Author
Shashank Kumar
Co-founder & CEO, DeHaat

India has been an agrarian society for decades and farming
continues to be the primary source of livelihood for a significant
portion of the population. In recent years, the share of agriculture
sector and allied activities accounted for about 17.8% of the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while the sector employed
45.6% of the labour force in India. These numbers represent a
mismatch wherein the population dependent on agriculture for
livelihoods widely exceed the contribution of that sector to the
national income, highlighting a strain on individual incomes for
the people engaged in the sector.
According to the National Sample Survey, 50.2% of agri-
households in India are in debt. The inability of small agri-
households to adapt to rapid commercialisation of agriculture
combined with other challenges such as lack of access to quality
agricultural inputs, unpredictable weather patterns, lack of
infrastructure and more has further exhausted the profitability and
incomes of the people engaged in farming activities, leading to
great discontent among the agriculture community.
This extent of dissatisfaction with income generation
amongst farmers served as a catalyst for DeHaat‟s journey and
continues to shape its mission even today. As we delved deeper
into these daunting challenges, a noticeable gap emerged -
The disconnect between farmers and key stakeholders of this
ecosystem.

Input companies, manufacturers, institutional buyers, and
financial institutions seemed disconnected from the harsh realities
and struggles of farmers, and more focused on their business
priorities which ended up exacerbating their difficulties. The
desire to bridging this gap and ensuring seamless access to
holistic agri-services led to the birth of DeHaat, a „Farmer-
First‟ organization, dedicated to providing full-stack agri
services to farmers across the country. Operating at the
intersection of traditional agriculture & modern tech-enabled
innovations, DeHaat is today the largest & the fastest growing
agritech platform in India.
3 Ts to Success: Trust, Tech & Transparency

In the early stages of DeHaat‟s journey, the tough reality was
to sensitize the farmers and help them embrace the ideas. The first
challenge encountered was the unfamiliarity many farmers had
with the concept and team‟s IIT- background at large. They asked,
“What's this all about?” Even those who knew about IIT were
surprised, saying, “There's not a single one within a hundred
villages!” They were sceptical and wondered, “Do you even know
anything about farming? Can you really tell us what to grow and
what not to grow?”

DeHaat‟s Presence
Haryana
Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Jharkhand
Gujarat West
Madhya Pradesh Bengal
Chhattisgarh
Odisha
Maharashtra
11 Agrarian States
190+ Districts
118,000+ villages

Each one of us was equally puzzled by the deep-rooted
inefficiencies found at every stage of the farming process. While
team‟s conviction was backed by solid data showing that a
whopping 80% of cultivated land in the state was dedicated to
low-return traditional crops like wheat and paddy. It made us
wonder, “Why aren't they growing more profitable crops?”. All
of us were united by one conviction that switching to high-value
crops with shorter growth cycles was the key to this problem.
However, it wasn't easy to win over the farmers. For
decades, they had been struggling with wheat and paddy farming
just to make ends meet. Trusting a bunch of urban youths and
embracing the idea of high-value crops was a big leap for them.
The team at DeHaat didn't give up. As time went on, the team
adjusted its strategy. We realized that gaining the farmers' trust was
crucial, so the focus shifted towards improving the efficiency of
their current crop cultivation and instilling sustainable practices.
The core concept here was to gain trust and invest the required
time and efforts to deliver the desired results. Each & every
individual at DeHaat spent months working alongside the farmers,
becoming their trusted companions.

It was during this process that we realised that the entire agricultural
process was flawed, fragmented, seen as separate pieces instead of a
connected whole. This created a significant void for a comprehensive
and holistic solution that could truly make a positive impact on
farmers' lives.
The real game-changer for us was to cultivate a behavioural
change. No matter what technology interface we build, bringing this
behavioural change through our platform was need of the hour. The
problem being tackled was all about transparency because the
sector was riddled with inefficiencies owing to its long tail.
Technology could bring that transparency, but it was also crucial that
the farmers, operators, collection centre operators, and even last mile
delivery partners could embrace and use it. That's where behavioural
change became vital.
The journey from „Beej to Bazaar‟
A little away at Maithana Jagatpur village, 18-year-old Kushal
Sharma helped his fellow Basmati paddy farmers with farm
solutions by looking up the DeHaat app, while 46-year-old Hukam
Singh called the start-up's call centre seeking solutions. This is just
one story amongst the 2 million farmers that DeHaat has been
able to empower as part of its journey. Through numerous
encounters, learnings, failures, and success, DeHaat has perfected its
phygital outreach to farmers to offer holistic agri services required
throughout the crop life cycle.

Dehaat‟s Agri Input
Business Model
Delivers to > Order on App >
Farmer
>>>
>>>
Micro-Entrepreneurs at Input Supplier

Spoke
>>>
>>>
< Take input to < Take input to
Staff at Hub

With customised advisory solutions tailored as per individual
farmer‟s location, crop & land holding, DeHaat is on a mission to
revolutionize agriculture and empower farmers‟ decision
making. The goal is simple: to make a meaningful impact on
farmers' lives through cutting-edge solutions that truly make a
difference.
Operating through three focused verticals, the aims remain to
offer comprehensive solutions tailored to a farmers' needs. The
organization provide essential agricultural inputs, expert
advisory services, and seamless marketing opportunities for
their produce. Imagine having access to premium agri-input
products, personalized advisory services, financial support, and
market connections all in one place. That's what DeHaat delivers.
Its comprehensive approach ensures that farmers receive the
utmost support at every step of their journey. We believe in
harnessing the power of technology to create a seamless, 360-
degree experience for our valued vendors and internal teams.
But it just doesn‟t stop here! DeHaat embraces the latest
advancements in deep tech, including artificial intelligence and
machine learning, to optimize operations at every level - from
the farm to the farmer and throughout the entire value chain.
This integrated approach allows us to provide holistic solutions
that empower farmers and propel their success forward.

Cultivating Success, 1 Village at a Time
With an impressive presence of 12,000 micro-entrepreneurs across
190+ districts, DeHaat extends its unwavering services to farmers in
118,000 villages. Currently, the operations span 11 agrarian states,
servicing 2 million farmers directly & through associations with
500+ Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
500+ FPOs
12,000+ 2000000+
Micro Farmers
Entrepreneurs

In addition to the physical presence, the agritech based company
facilitates AI-enabled crop advisory services that cater to over 30
crops, delivered in regional languages for maximum accessibility.
The commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology ensures
that farmers receive the most accurate and tailored guidance for their
specific agricultural needs. As a fully funded start-up, DeHaat has
experienced exceptional growth, solidifying its position as a leading
player in the industry, even at a global level as well. The consistent
recognition as a Great Place to Work for two consecutive years,
2022-2023 and 2023-2024, is a testament to the strong work culture
being fostered.
What truly sets DeHaat apart is the profound impact made at the
grassroots level throughout its remarkable 12-year journey. Over the
past three years, our growth has been remarkable and witnessed 50x
growth in revenue and business. In early 2019, we were working
with 200 DeHaat Centers, a number that has now grown to an
impressive 12,000. Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 23
Our key business metrics have also seen 3x growth YoY for the
past 4 years. The efforts have been recognized and applauded by
prestigious organizations including NASSCOM, Forbes, ET, Niti
Aayog, the Bill Gates Foundation, and many more.
The Road Ahead

DeHaat is on an unwavering mission to create a positive
impact on the lives of Indian farmers. We have today successfully
built a crop agnostic ecosystem, offering end to end value chain
services for more than 50 commercial crops, in line to service 5
million farmers through a network of 30,000+ Micro
Entrepreneurs by 2025. In addition, we are aggressively working
towards tackling global agri challenges, including promoting
climate resilient farming through our association with global bio
agri-input innovations and ensuring global food securitization
through our rapidly expanding exports footprint. And in a $400Bn
Indian agriculture sector with more than 150 million registered
farmers, this is just the beginning.
***

August, 2023/ Page | 24 Timesofagriculture.in
Times of Agriculture
A Monthly Agriculture E-Magazine
Previous Issues

CONSERVATION AND PROMOTION OF FORESTS
IS THE NEED OF THE PRESENT FOR A HEALTHY LIFE
the balance between human and (motherland), salutations to the
… ? nature, whose dire consequences are

seen today for the destruction of life in
motherland.
The earth takes care of us like a
Kalyan Singh the form of drought, flood, extreme heat, mother, not only human beings, but all
flood. Have been Human life will be the living beings have their abode land
Research Scholar & Author
BUAT, Banda, (Uttar beautiful and comfortable only when we only by living on which they can
Pradesh) stay close to nature and work towards conduct their life successfully. The
others for its welfare and prosperity. The vegetation, trees and plants present on
word life is basically made up of two the earth are the basis of the heartbeat of
words, Jiva and Van. We are, our dear human and wild animals. From the
mother earth, and our sky. Matter and period before the development of human
“When forests are lost, water is lost, consciousness have their own world on civilization to the present period, man
fish and life are lost, crops are lost, this Basundhara. Everything is related to has been dependent on plants and trees
animals are lost, the fertility of the each other, depends on each other, and to fulfill his needs. Human beings and
soil is gone, and then those old
influences each other. That's why society get direct and indirect benefits
ghosts appear one after the other.
flood, drought, fire, famine, and balance between the components of the from trees, plants and forests from
pestilence"... environment is absolutely necessary. ancient times till today. Today's era is of
Robert Chambers Where there is a state of balance industrialization, in which food items,
Science Writer between nature and man, all the boons of fodder, fuel, timber for humans and
nature are found there – pure air, animals, sources of various medicines,
sunlight, water and peace. Where there fibers, fruits and flowers, small wood for
I
n order to make the environment is no balance left in nature, the result of agricultural implements and raw
pleasant, fragrant, green and suitable our human mistakes is that today it is materials for paper industry. The supply
for human life, on the instructions of being reflected in the form of impure air, of water is ensured only through forests.
the Government of Uttar Pradesh, efforts contaminated water, lack of rain, Apart from this, forests prove to be
are being made for the prosperity of excessive rain, landslides, noisy helpful in controlling the temperature as
forests in the entire state with the spirit environment as well as conflict between well as in maintaining the continuity of
of public cooperation. For the successful wild animals and humans. . Earth has the rain. They play an important role in
concept of life on this earth, it is also the been adorned with the name of mother converting harmful greenhouse gases
moral responsibility of the human being and man with the name of son, as like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide,
to conserve and promote the naturally described in our Vedas. into life-giving oxygen, due to which the
provided water, air, vegetation, land, and Atharvaveda declares that imagination of life is sure and running.
forests by using them in human life, but “माता भूमम”: पुत्रों अोंह पृमिव्या: That Trees, plants and forests protect humans
the increasing population, air- means the land is my mother and I am and crops from strong and hot winds.
conditioned lifestyle has changed the her son... It is also said in Yajurveda- According to America's
human condition. Made consumption in नमर मात्े पृमिव्ये, नमर मात्े पृमिव्या: That Agricultural Scientist Pablo, 16-18
such a way that it only exploited nature is, salutations to mother earth people per tree are dependent for pure
and did not pay attention to maintaining oxygen in the country of India. This

dependency has crossed the figure of agriculture with their heritage. Surely it
3,500 persons per tree in Patna city of will not be an exaggeration to say that
Bihar state and 15,000 in metropolitan we cannot even imagine a successful life
cities like Kolkata of West Bengal. without farming. According to an
According to a census of the year 2011, estimate, this fact has come in front of
the rate of population growth in a decade the general public that a human being
between the years 2001 to the year 2011 uses 1.752 tonnes of oxygen per year for
is 17.64 percent. The figures are breathing and a middle aged tree emits
showing how busy life has become. about 1.6 tonnes of oxygen in a year i.e.
Therefore, it has become necessary that a tree in its lifetime. Gives almost as
“Protecting the environment is a
we all should plant more and more much oxygen as a person needs oxygen
matter of faith for us. We have
forests in order to continue receiving to breathe in his life time. Due to
natural resources because our
services from the environment. environmental imbalance today due to
previous generations protected these
According to his research paper indiscriminate cutting of trees and
resources. We should do the same for
presented by Prof. T. M. Das in the urbanization, along with the worldwide
our future generations. This is a
Indian Science Congress in the year problem like global warming, due to the
commendable effort by the Uttar
1980, production of oxygen till the age increasing effect of ozone gases, the
Pradesh government to increase the
of 50 years by a medium sized tree, possibility of holes in the ozone layer is
number of trees.”
conservation of animal proteins, soil increasing, due to which the ultraviolet
Shri Narendra Modi
erosion control, maintaining water cycle, rays will directly enter the future. Due to Hon‟blePrime Minister
air pollution serves as a control. the effect, the risk of skin cancer related Government of India
Environmental services worth Rs. diseases will increase, as well as the
128.74 lakh are received from tropical possibility of melting of glaciers due to
forest planted in one hectare. All living the ever-increasing temperature, due to
beings and plants are complementary to the problem of flooding in the cities
each other. It is only the plants that situated on the sea coast, the possibility
consume the carbon dioxide gas exhaled of their drowning is visible in the future.
by us on this earth and manufacture their According to a study, about 24.6 percent
food substances in the form of water and of greenhouse gases are emitted in the
light and provide oxygen gas for us to generation of energy all over the world.
breathe, due to which all the speech The amount of greenhouse gases in the
along with the living beings on this atmosphere can be reduced by the use of
earth. Living creatures are prevalent, energy efficient equipment and natural
they run their lives. A forest in one absorbers of polluted gases, by “Plantation has taken the form of a
hectare of land produces one metric ton increasing the cover of forests. One of folk festival in the new Uttar Pradesh
of pure air by ingesting an average of 3- the main reasons for increasing the of new India. Expressing gratitude to
4 metric tons of impure air per year. On amount of carbon dioxide in the nature, a record of planting more
the other hand, through the banyan tree, atmosphere is the continuous cutting of than 30 crore saplings was made in
400 liters of water per day is sent to the forests. Today the concentration of Uttar Pradesh on July 22, 2023. By
atmosphere through the process of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 450 imbibing the spirit of „माता भू मम :
transpiration, due to which the hot air ppm, in which continuous increase is पुत्रोंह पृमिव्या:, people in all the 75
remains moist and the temperature of the going on and there is a possibility of districts participated in this pious
atmosphere remains the same. In the reaching the concentration of 540 ppm work with great enthusiasm and
global pandemic called Corona, people in the future. According to an estimate enthusiasm. This effort will be
had died without the facility of pure air. several acres of forest are cut down or helpful in providing a "Clean-
There was a huge demand for oxygen burnt every year. It is responsible for 20 Prosperous-Green" environment to
boxes in the homes and markets to save to 25 percent of the total carbon the coming generations.”
their lives, the common man was emissions. With their determination
constantly demanding, but it was not towards the importance of forests and Shri Yogi Adityanath
even being informed that people's lives their protection, the eminent Hon‟ble Hon‟ble Chief Minister
could be saved. At that time, people Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Government of UP
have remembered for the present as well Modi Ji and the eminent Chief Minister
as for the future in order to definitely of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji has
adopt the old concept of alternating called it a matter of public faith.

Schemes helpful in speeding up the tree
plantation campaign by the Government
of Uttar Pradesh.
Heritage Tree Adoption Scheme:
The Government of Uttar
Pradesh has given the status of heritage
trees to generations old trees. Under this
scheme, preparations are on to groom
and decorate a total of 948 heritage
trees. Committed to create awareness
among the general public by preserving
trees that are more than 100 years old
associated with mythological and
historically important monuments,
religious places, very special persons,
and beliefs. This tree is located in 75
districts of the state. In order to get the
contribution of each person in the
Current status of total forest The data presented is related to protection of heritage trees, the feeling
cover and green cover in Uttar Pradesh – the saplings planted in Uttar Pradesh of love, affinity, reverence, will be
The unprecedented efforts in the from the year 2017 to 2023. developed by connecting the heritage
direction of increasing greenery in Uttar trees with public sentiment and
Pradesh have now started showing Year Planted Saplings sentiment. Bio-diversity will be
pleasant results. It is the effect of the 2017-18 5.72 Crore promoted and conserved by establishing
ongoing campaign since 2017 that the 2018-19 11.77 Crore eco-tourism in the districts having
green area of the state has increased. 2019-20 22.60 Crore heritage trees.
According to the State of Forest Report Heritage trees and its related
2020-21 25.87 Crore
– 2021, there has been an increase of districts;-
2021-22 30.53 Crore
794 square kilometers in forest cover Name of the No. of heritage
2022-23 35.49 Crore district trees
and tree cover in Uttar Pradesh. The
total forest cover in Uttar Pradesh is 2023-24 35 Crore Varanasi 99
14,818 square kilometers, the total tree The point wise number of different fruit Prayagraj 53
cover is 7.421 square kilometers and the trees in the year 2022-23 is as follows: Hardoi 37
total green cover is 22,239 square Different trees Number Ghazipur 35
kilometers, which is 9.23 percent of the Wood 14.74 crore
Unnao 34
total area of the state. Presently Uttar Fruits 6.02 crore
Lucknow 24
Pradesh has 9.23 percent green cover, Medicine 3.06 Crore
which is targeted to be increased to 15 Uttar Pradesh State
Environmental 1.88 Crore
percent in the next five years. For this, Biodiversity Board has declared a total
Variety
100 crore plants will be planted in agro- of 28 species of trees located in non-
Ornamental 12.79 Crore
forestry in five years, due to which forest area (community land) as heritage
greenery will increase in 18 lakh hectare trees.
Tree Varieties Number
area every year, in addition, 75 crore S
Teak 4.67 Crore Names of heritage trees
plants will be planted in forest, N
Rosewood 4.44 Crore 1 Aru, Arjun, Mango, Tamarind,
community and state land, due to which
greenery will increase in 5 lakh hectares Jamun 1.84 Crore Cam, Karil, Kusum, Khirni, Shami,
in five years. Will go at present, Uttar Arjuna 1.49 Crore Gamhar, Gular, Chitwan, Chilbil
Pradesh has 22,239 sq km of green Guava 1.44 Crore 2 Jamun, Neem, Adansonia, Pakad,
cover. In the next five years, more than Drumstick 0.49 Crore Peepal, Banyan, Mahua,
14 thousand square kilometers of Amla 0.63 Crore Mahogany, Mysore
greenery will be added and a total of 36 3 Sheesham, Sal, Semal, Haldu,
Neem 0.38 Crore
thousand square kilometers of green Tumal, Peelu
Bamboo 0.37 Crore
cover will be there.

In the last 6 years, with public Haritima Ganga Yojana: and developing the spirit of public
cooperation and public sentiment and the Green belt is being created by cooperation.
joint efforts of the government, the planting saplings in more than 27 To increase the supply of timber.
plantation campaign has taken the form districts in an area of 1140 km from Beautification of rural and urban
of a mass movement, the result of which Bijnor to Ballia district under intensive landscapes by massive tree
is the increase in greenery as well as plantation campaign in the bank areas of plantation.
biodiversity. has also registered an various rivers including Ganga, Major components of social
unprecedented growth. In the last five Yamuna, Saryu. forestry
years, there has been an increase in the
Usefulness of social forestry and Three components of social forestry
number of wild animals like tigers,
agro-forestry in increasing have been prepared:
elephants, storks, and vultures. The
forest cover Agro-forestry
number of national animal tiger has
Social forestry is forestry for the Public-forestry
increased from 118 to 173 in the last five
society, by the society, on the land of the Community-forestry.
years. Similarly, the number of elephants
has also increased from 265 to 352. The society. The country gets 25 percent of Agro-forestry- Farmers grow plants
population of the state bird stork has its energy from burning wood. Every provided by the forest department at
increased from 13,670 to 17,586. The year 1.3 million hectares of forests are affordable rates on their fields and
number of tigers in the Tiger Reserve in cut down. Therefore, a forest policy was ridges.
Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh was 25, prepared in 1952 for forest cover on 33 Public Forestry- Trees growing at a
but now it has increased to 65. percent of the country's area, whose very fast pace are planted by the Forest
objective was afforestation. The Department on the banks of roads,
Mukhyamantri Krishak Vriksha National Agriculture Commission railways, and canals and on public land.
Dhan Yojana: started the Social Forestry Scheme in Whose main objective is to fulfill the
In order to give impetus to the 1976 with the following objectives – main need of the people of the
plantation campaign, the Uttar Pradesh To conserve land and maintain and community.
government has started this scheme to increase soil fertility. Community Forestry- Planting of
plant saplings on the ridges of private To contribute to the growth of food trees by the villagers on the land of the
farms under the MNREGA program. If resources by increasing crop village society.
the beneficiary of MNREGA plants at production. ■■■
least 200 saplings on his land and Increasing the availability of fuel
protects them, the government will and fodder
provide him an incentive of Rs 50,000 in Increasing collective consciousness
three years. towards environmental protection

GROWING MARKET OF
SEED TREATMENT
AND ENHANCEMENT
AND ENHANCEMENT Seed treatment has
many benefits, including
… ? preventing pests and diseases
from harming seeds and
Gaurav Yadav seedlings, encouraging good
Research Scholar germination, and increasing
agricultural yields.
Deptt. of Seed Sci. & Tech.,
CSAUA&T Kanpur Farmers may protect
their investments and reduce
the risk of output losses
brought on by soil-borne diseases and in their agricultural activities, which
T
he first step in the growing of pests by treating their seeds. represents a promising option.
crops, seeds is the most basic Additionally, seed treatments can
Seed enhancers are relatively
and essential inputs in improve the vigour of seedlings, the
new to Indian seed sector. There are
agriculture. These small packets of life uptake of nutrients, and the general
biological, organic chemicals, inorganic
contain the genetic material required for health of plants, producing crop yields
chemicals and couple of micro nutrients
plant development and growth. Seeds that are more resilient and strong. By
available from domestic and
maintain the continuity of agricultural minimizing the requirement for
international source in Indian market
systems and supply food for an excessive pesticide use during the
which needs really thorough
expanding population by germinating growth season, this strategy offers a
investigations. I believe that India has
and producing new plants. sustainable choice. Basically, seed
enormous business potential for seed
treatment is extremely important for
Seeds come in various shapes, enhancers. At the same time, it is a big
boosting agricultural potential and
sizes, and varieties, tailored to specific challenge to incorporate into the seed
maintaining sustainable crop output.
crop requirements and environmental sector. However, we are confident that it
conditions. They embody the The market for seed will become necessary as Indian farmers
accumulated knowledge and improvement has been expanding move toward higher and higher quality
advancements of generations of farmers, gradually in the constantly changing seeds in the next years. Once this
incorporating traits like disease world of agriculture. The term "seed happens, there will be no other choice
resistance, high yield, and nutritional enhancement" describes a variety of than to embrace the proper value
value. Farmers protect biodiversity, techniques and methods used to raise the addition on seeds.
adjust to changing climates, and increase caliber, effectiveness, and output of
Another fact is that the Indian
agricultural output by carefully seeds. It includes a range of
seed industry is moving toward higher-
choosing, storing, and sharing seeds. It is enhancements, treatments, and coatings
quality seeds and embracing newer
impossible overstate the importance of given to seeds to improve germination,
technological advancements in seed
seeds in agriculture because they serve guard against pests and diseases, and
production. However, in order to
as the cornerstone of our future promote plant growth. The rising global
increase the application of seed
sustainable and food security. need for food is one of the major factors
improvement technologies in the Indian
boosting the seed improvement market.
Seed treatment is a vital seed industry, the appropriate policy
There is an urgent need to increase crop
practice in modern agriculture that framework is absolutely essential.
yields due to a growing population and
involves the application of treatments to Compared to traditional spraying, seed
limited arable land. Using seed
seeds before planting. Fungicides, treatment has proven to be a more
modification technology, farmers can
insecticides, nematicides, or biological efficient, affordable, and labor-intensive
increase their production and efficiency
agents might be used in these treatments. crop protection option.

A small number of active domestic and foreign companies agricultural and rural development.
components are needed in seed treatment participate in the Indian seed treatment Farmers have been encouraged to adopt
because only planting seeds are covered and enhancement market. Bayer Crop modern farming practices, including
with the treating agent; as a result, Science, Syngenta India, UPL Limited, seed treatments and modifications,
protection against a variety of fungal PI Industries, Crystal Crop Protection, through programs like the National Food
diseases and insect pests only has to be and Biostadt India Limited are Security Mission, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
provided. The need for crop protection significant market players. Collectively, Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
has grown as a result of the rising cost of these statistics show how India's market Yojana. Furthermore, the creation of
genetically modified (GM) seeds and the for seed treatment and improvement is research facilities and agricultural
desire to minimize risk on investment. expanding. universities has aided in the research and
Additionally, the market has grown as a development of the seed industry,
This is a result of a number of
preferred preventive approach for crop resulting in the introduction of cutting-
causes, including a rise in the demand
and ultimately food protection because edge seed treatment methods.
for food security globally, technological
to the increased food requirement caused
improvements, increased use of In conclusion, the seed
by the fast expanding worldwide
precision farming, and backing from the treatment and seed enhancement
population.
government. All of these factors have industry in India has expanded
The world seed treatment combined to produce a climate where significantly and is expected to do so
market an excellent compound annual seed treatments are becoming more and further. The market is being driven by
growth rate of 8.3%, the seed treatment more popular, resulting in more effective the rising use of modern farming
market is predicted to reach $9.2 billion and efficient solutions that are boosting methods, the need for high-quality seeds,
by 2027. In 2022, the market valuation crop protection and yields. It is evident and the emphasis on environmentally
reached an amazing US$ 6.1 billion, and that the Seed treatment market is well- friendly farming. Among the important
it is only expected to climb from there. positioned to carry on with its abundant categories influencing the Indian seed
And major part of it comes from harvest in the next years. The need for improvement industry are seed coatings,
Northern US Asia pacific region is still high-quality seeds is increasing, which is genetically modified seeds, seed
under growth phase, where India stands fueling technological breakthroughs, priming, and biological seed treatments.
very minimal market share. The seed government support, and the growth of Seed treatments and upgrades will
treatment market in India was valued at the seed treatment business. continue to be essential in helping India
approximately USD 304 million in 2020 overcome its issues with food security
The expansion of the seed
and is projected to reach USD 566 and increase agricultural production.
treatment and seed improvement market
million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of
around 10.3% during the forecast period
has also been aided by government ■■■
efforts and policies in India that support
(2021-2026). Market participants: Both
25 Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas with Bharat Agri Startup: Unleashing Agricultural
low investment Innovation

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND
HEALTH BENEFITS OF
Phytochemical activity of
Table.1 Nutritional Value of jamun
Jamun Seeds Jamun tree has primary and
…? Group Composition
secondary metabolites more in amount.
The metabolites such as cyanogenic
Aman Kumar Maurya* Carbohydrates 31.62–41.4% glycoside, gallic acid, gallotannins,
Ph.D. Scholar triterpenoids, tannins and essential oils
Total dietary fibers 2.3–16.9%
Crude fat 0.83–1.18% etc are identified from the different
Gaurav Sharma
Associate Professor & HOD Total soluble solids 3.7 0Brix parts of the black plum tree.
Energy 335.64 Kcal Antioxidant and Anti-cancer
Department of Fruit Science, activities of jamun
RLBCAU Jhansi Acidity 0.02–0.06
The jamun fruit has the ability
Moisture 9.34–16.34%
to combat cancer. With active
pH 3.79–4.83 components like sitosterol,
Source: Bose, T.K., S. K. Mitra and D. Omethylether and kaempferol, the
Sanyal (2001). Fruits: Tropical and
T
he Myrtaceae family member phenolic compounds identified in the
Syzygium cumini (L.), also Subtropical. Vol. II, Naya Udyog,
extract of this plant were discovered to
known as Myrtus cumini or Calcutta, India. pp. 643-56.
have greater antioxidant and anticancer
jamun, Calyptranthes jambolana, activity.
Syzygium jambolanum, Eugenia Anti-viral activity of jamun
jambolana, and Eugenia cumini, is a A viral investigation looked at
highly perishable fruit having a very how the goatpox virus (GTPV) was
limited shelf life of just a few days in affected by the leaves of the jamun tree
typical conditions. There are several and found that it has virucidal
other names for it, including jambul, properties and replication
Black Plum, Java Plum, Jambolan, inhibitors.
Jiwat, Salam, and Indian blackberry.

Antimicrobial activity of jamun 3. Jamun treats
The flower of the extract has an digestive
antimicrobial effect on bacteria problems
including Candida albicans, Jamun's
Staphylococcus aureus, and digestive qualities
Mycobacterium smegmatis. The bark of might ease stomach
S. cumuni has an alcoholic extract that issues. Vitamins A
has antimicrobial properties. and C, which support
Antidiabetic activity of jamun healthy digestion and
Its fruit and leaves possess body cleansing, are
advantages for diabetic people. Diabetes abundant in the fruit.
sufferers should eat jamun during the It possesses
summer because of its low glycemic characteristics that
index. Diabetes can be effectively reduce gas
treated using the leaves, seeds, and bark production, which aid in bloating, ailments and kill microorganisms. The
extracts of jamun. flatulence, and constipation. It has fruit extract's anti-bacterial and anti-
Health benefits of jamun qualities that lessen the production of fungal properties not only aid to get rid
1. Jamun increases haemoglo- gas, which helps with bloating, of germs and bacteria but also to heal
bin levels flatulence, and constipation. Jamun also and mend wounds.
The high iron and vitamin C possesses antacid qualities that stop the 6. Keeps skin healthy and
content of jamun makes it advantageous production of too much acid in stomach. radiant
to increase haemoglobin levels. Jamun's 4. Fights respiratory problems Jamun contains vitamin C,
iron concentration also functions as a Jamun fruit is regarded as a which helps to treat dark spots and
blood purifier. Women have blood loss traditional treatment for all respiratory balance out excessive oil production.
during the menstrual cycle, thus the iron issues. It is widely known to have a Moreover, wrinkles and fine lines are
content is advantageous in these range of strong antibiotics and anti- diminished by antioxidants. Blood is
circumstances. inflammatory substances that help cure cleansed and detoxified by jamun,
2. Jamun Maintains Heart illnesses like asthma, the common cold, giving you clear skin that glows. The
Health and the flu. The fruit is also helpful for fruit has astringent qualities as well,
Jamun is helpful for treating bronchitis and asthma which can be used to cure blemishes and
maintaining heart health and preventing symptoms. acne.
cardiac problems. Jamun's dietary fibres 5. Jamun protects against ■■■
and antioxidants are excellent for infection
controlling cholesterol levels and For centuries, jamun has been
preventing plaque development. used as a traditional medication to treat
DRONES
mapping, and crop health
assessment. Agricultural drones
are equipped with various
sensors and imaging
IN AGRICULTURE
technologies, such as
multispectral and thermal cameras,
to capture high-resolution images of
crops. These images provide valuable
data about plant health, growth patterns,
A
n agricultural drone, also and potential issues like nutrient
… ? known as an agricultural UAV
(Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), is
deficiencies, pests, or diseases. Farmers
can use this information to make
Manvendra Sharma* a type of drone specifically designed and informed decisions about irrigation,
Deptt. of Seed Sci. & Tech.
utilized for agricultural purposes. These fertilization, or pest control.
Kirti Vardhan Pandey
Deptt. of Agril. Meteorology, drones offer various applications and Drones have the ability to move
ANDUA&T benefits in the agricultural industry, around at desired pace and in the
Kumarganj Ayodhya (UP) including crop monitoring, spraying, targeted spatial dimensions. They can be

Spraying of fertilizers,
completely controlled from a distant discoveries of any defects can help save insecticides and other agro
location. They can carry different types crops from damages. chemicals
of materials including agricultural Monitor growth, examine flaws Crops require application of
inputs. These features of drones make and damage assessment fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides and
them highly suitable for agricultural use. Vegetation growth determines other agro chemicals based on
Use of advance technology like drones the output levels of the crop and to conditions of field and vegetation. The
will really aid the farming community in ensure better harvest availability as per application of these chemicals in general
reducing the use of labour, time as well market requirement the crop needs to be needs intensive use of labour, time and
cost of activities involved in agriculture. surveyed and monitored. It is also fuel. Use of drones have helped to
Drones are capable of performing simple important for determining the right price simplify the time-consuming process of
as well as precise actions for crop for the harvest in the market, or agricultural fertilization and application
cultivation and livestock rearing. Drones harvesting cyclical crops. Drones can of agro chemicals. Human contact with
can be utilized in many ways to reduce collect data on regular intervals and such harmful chemicals is reduced and
overall cost and improve the provide accurate information about Agri-drones can carry out such tasks
productivity of the farm. Some of the stages of crop growth, and report any much quicker. Drones having RGB
applications of drones in agriculture is variations. Multispectral images can sensors and multispectral sensors can
discussed below: show suitable differences between precisely detect and treat problematic
Field soil analysis and healthy and unhealthy crops. Drones can areas.
monitoring the soil health be used to map the flaws in real-time, Monitoring of water
Surveys of field soils with the use and the information can be utilized to requirement and irrigation
drones can help in analysing the field make additional crop decisions. The Large scale farming has huge
conditions for planting, irrigation and drones mounted with multispectral requirement of water and efficient
nutrient level management. Periodic use sensors and RGB sensors can detect irrigation system. Drones, including
of drones can be useful in monitoring the field areas inflicted by infections, pests hyperspectral, thermal, or multispectral
health of soil during the cropping season and weeds. Based on the collected data sensors can recognize the areas. that are
as well as when the field remained the amounts of chemicals needed to fight dry or need irrigation. Monitoring of
empty. The fertility levels of soils can be these infestations, pests and weeds are irrigation disclose potential
ascertained with the help of sensors calculated which reduce the cost of pooling/leaks, reduces cost improve
mounted on drones. cultivation. water use efficiency. Timely application
Monitoring and surveillance of Seeding and planting of irrigation helps in better vegetation
crop health Agriculture by design is labour- growth and increased levels of crop
Crop health surveillance is the intensive and time-consuming. Seeding, yields.
supervision of crop progress from seeds planting and application of nutrients to Tracking of livestock
sowing till the crop is harvested. soil consumes labour and time. Drone Rearing of livestock is deeply
Monitoring the health of vegetation is are being used to shoot pods, their seeds, integrated with agriculture. Tracking of
crucial to detect bacterial/fungal and crucial nutrients into the soil. It livestock is one of the major concerns of
infections at an early stage. With reduces costs, labour, fuel and increases farmers. Drone survey allows the
infrared mapping the drones can collect consistency & efficiency. The farmers to keep track and monitor the
the light reflected by leaves of plants. attachments like lasers, sensors, tanks movements of their cattle. Use of
The collected data helps to produce etc. for drones enable them to plant thermal sensor technology helps to find
multispectral images to track vegetation seeds swiftly and cleanly. lost animals and detect an injury. Drones
health. Regular monitoring and early can carry out such functions round the

clock which sets farmers free for other simplified versions will be ubiquitous. to greater extent if the adoption of
important tasks. Use of drones in Drones can change the way farming is technology is at large scale and
increasing in dairy technology. being done through conventional improvement in technology continues.
Conclusion methods. There are some limitations of The benefits of using drones in
Agricultural drone technology is the this technology as well like Connectivity agriculture outweighs the limitations and
future of the farming community. issue, Weather dependent operations, we must endeavour to help everyone in
Though this technology is little complex requirement of Knowledge & Skill for adoption of this futuristic technology.■
in the present form, very soon the operations. These limitations will reduce
SOIL NPK SENSORS WITH

HIGH PRECISION IN AGRICULTURE
machine learning,
the cloud sensors, and
… ? other automated devices to be
able to quickly deliver the
Umesh Kumar* appropriate information. A
M.Sc. Scholar
Deptt. of Soil Science, farmer will be able to make
ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya decisions by applying the support system rocks, make sure the steel needle doesn't
Deepak Kumar Dwivedi rather than depending just on the touch anything hard material, remove
M.Sc. Scholar regional agriculture offices. In order to the top layer of dirt to the desired
Ph.D. Scholar, increase productivity, this sensor helps measurement depth, keep the soil below
Deptt. of Soil Science, CPGS-AS tight to its original state, hold the sensor
to reduce the amount of fertilizer applied
(CAU) Umiam, Meghalaya
to the soil. vertically, and insert it into the soil.
Gayatri Pralhad Turkar
M.Sc. Scholar Characteristics of soil NPK Avoid tilting right and left. For an
Deptt. of Soil Science, sensors: average value that occurs within a
ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya  Easy to operate, a few phases in the narrow range of a measuring point, it is
process, quick measurement, no advised to take multiple measurements.
need of reagents, and unlimited 2. Buried detection method:
detection times. Dig a pit with a diameter of at
T
he soil NPK sensor can be used  High measurement precision, quick least 20 cm, put the sensor needle into
to measure the fertility of soil response times and good the pit wall horizontally at a
and determine its nitrogen, interchangeability. predetermined depth, and then
phosphorus, and potassium level.  The electrode is comprised of a completely fill the pit. Once the situation
Consequently, it is made easier to assess specially treated alloy material that has stabilised, measurement and
the soil's state systematically. For a long is hard to damage and can withstand recording can continue for a number of
time soil bury ability, long-term significant external impact. days, weeks, or even months.
electrolysis resistance, corrosion  Completely sealed, resistant to acid Applicable environment:
resistance, collect potting and total water and alkali corrosion, and can be  Agricultural production.
proofness. The detection of soil nitrogen, buried in soil for long-term dynamic  Soil research.
phosphorus, and potassium as well as testing.  Orchard seedlings consolidation.
precision farming, forestry, soil research,  The probe plug-in design ensures  Greenhouse farming.
and geological prospecting are all accurate measurement and reliable Scope of application:
common uses for soil NPK sensors. The performance.  Detection of problematic soil such as
major goal is to give a farmer a constant Method of application: acid soil, alkali soil and saline soil.
support system so that he can receive Generally two methods are widely  Detection of soil matrix.
input regarding his crop and land on a used in agriculture for nutrient detection  Soil testing for seedbed.
regular basis. He should also be able to in soil.  Copra soil testing.
make wise choices at every level of 1. Quick test method: ■■■
farming. The decision support system Choose an appropriate area for
has to include artificial intelligence, your measurement, stay away from

BIOGAS AND BIOGAS PLANT "anaerobic digestion”. In principle
biogas can be obtained/ produced from
A STUDY other
of
substances(gases),
any organic raw material such as
agricultural waste, manure, municipal
waste, plant material, swage, green
including up to 1% hydrogen
waste, food waste, night soil etc. Cattle
sulphide (H2S) and traces of
manure can be used as a "starter". Feed
hydrogen. Longer the digestion process,
… ? higher the methane content and higher
material containing lignin, such as straw,
should be pre-composted and preferably
Hiren Das* the calorific value. If the methane
chopped before digestion.
Deptt. of Soil Science content is considerably below 50 %,
Assam Agricultural University, biogas is no longer combustible. The digestion process consists
Jorhat Therefore, the first gas from a newly of two main phases:
filled biogas plant contains too little First phase is acid formation
N. Surbala Devi
Deptt. of Soil Sci. & Agril. methane. The gas formed in the first 3 to phase:
Chem. CAU, Imphal 5 days must therefore be discharged In the first phase, protein,
unused. The methane content depends carbohydrate and fat give rise to fatty
Nakeertha Venu on the digestion temperature. Low acids, amino acids and alcohols.
ICAR-NAARM,
digestion temperatures give high Second phase is methane
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
methane content, but less gas is then formation phase:
produced. The methane content also Methane, carbon dioxide and
depends on the feed material. ammonia form in the second phase.
The following types of digestion are
Some typical values of methane
B
iogas production is a well- distinguished according to the
established technology are as follows:
temperature in the digester:
primarily for the generation of Cattle manure: 65%
 Psychrophilic digestion (10-20 °C,
renewable energy and also for the Poultry manure: 60%
retention time over 100 days).
valorization of organic residues. Biogas Pig manure: 67%
 Mesophilic digestion (20-35 °C,
is the end product of a biological FYM: 55%
mediated process, the so called Straw: 59%
 Thermophilic digestion (50-60 °C,
anaerobic digestion, in which different Grass: 70%
microorganisms, follow diverse Leaves: 58%
In most of the cases mesophilic
metabolic pathways to decompose the Kitchen waste: 50%
digestion is common.
organic matter. Nowadays, the biogas Algae: 63%
All feed materials consist of
sector is rapidly growing and novel Water hyacinths: 52%.
 Organic solids
achievements create the foundation for
constituting biogas plants as advanced
Biogas is produced by  Inorganic solids
bioenergy factories.
putrefactive bacteria (rotting or decaying  Water.
bacteria with foul smell), which break But the biogas is formed by
Biogas
down organic material under airless digestion of the organic substances. The
It is a gaseous fuel obtained by
conditions. This process is called inorganic materials (minerals and
anaerobic fermentation of biomass.
Biogas is a mixture of methane, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen,
ammonia and other gases. It is an
excellent fuel which is colourless, clean
and environmental friendly. Biogas
typically refers to a mixture of different
gases produced by the breakdown of
organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
Biogas is somewhat lighter than air and
has an ignition temperature of
approximately 700 °C/650 to 750 0C
(diesel). Biogas consists of about 60 %
methane (CH4) and 40 % carbon dioxide
(CO2). It also contains small proportions

metals) are unaffected by the digestion Types: There are 3 types of simple  Once the gas plant starts functioning,
process. Adding water or urine gives the biogas plant in use. They are: more cattle dung slurry is added to
substrate fluid properties. This is  Fixed dome plants. the digester. Thus a continuous
important for the operation of a biogas  Balloon plants. supply of biogas can be obtained.
plant. It is easier for the methane  Floating gas holder/floating drum Uses of biogas:
bacteria to come in contact with feed plant.  It is used as domestic fuel for
material which is still fresh when the cooking food as in “smokeless
slurry is liquid. This accelerates the Fixed dome type biogas plant: It chullas” and for other heating
digestion process. Regular stirring thus has following parts: purposes.
speeds up the gas production. Slurry 1. Digestor: It is a well like structure  It is sometimes used to run small
with a solids content of 5-10% is made from bricks or concrete. Its electric engine and water pumping
particularly well suited to the operation roof is dome shaped which acts as a sets.
fixed storage tank (gas holder) for
of continuous biogas plants. The pH of  It is used for street lighting for rural
the fermentation slurry indicates whether biogas. A tapped outlet for biogas is
roads.
the digestion process is proceeding provided at the top of the dome.
Merits of biogas as a fuel:
without disturbance. The pH should be 2. Mixing tank: It is made above the
1. It is an efficient source of renewable
about 7. This means that the slurry ground level on one side of the
energy which replaces non-
should be neither alkaline nor acidic. digestor. Mixing tank is connected
renewable energy.
Why biogas? with inlet tank
2. It is colourless, odourless,
About 290 million tones of 3. Inlet tank: It is made below the
environment friendly clean gas that
dung being burnt away by farmers as ground level under the mixing tank does not produce smoke and
fuel for cooking. It is uneconomical to 4. Outlet tank: It is made below the pollution.
use dry cattle dung cakes and plant ground level under the overflow tank 3. It has high calorific value i.e. it
wastes as fuel by direct burning. A more 5. Overflow tank: It is made on produces a large amount of heat per
economical use will be to obtain biogas other side of the digester at a level unit area.
from biomass along with production of lower than mixing tank and the 4. It is cheaper.
BGS as byproduct. overflow tank is connected with 5. Its use is convenient.
Biogas slurry: Biogas slurry is a outlet tank. 6. It does not require storage space in
byproduct from biogas production. It is Working procedure: the house as it is directly supplied to
called biogas-spent slurry.  Cattle dung (or also human excreta the house through pipes from the
Disadvantages in using dry and domestic sewage) and water are plant.
cattle dung cakes as a direct mixed in equal proportion in mixing Advantage of using domestic
fuel: tank to form slurry. sewage in production of biogas:
 Low calorific value (produce less  The slurry goes into the inlet tank 1. It provides smokeless fuel
heat per unit mass). and then to the digester and fills 2. It provides spent slurry, which is
 Smoke produced is harmful for the about 2/3 of the digester. The top1/3 good manure for agriculture
health of the family which also is left empty for the collection of the 3. It helps to control water pollution by
pollute environment. biogas. decomposing unwanted water
 Many valuable nutrients (like N and  The cattle dung undergoes pollutants.
P) are lost because cattle dung can fermentation/decomposition by Conclusions
serve as good manure in agriculture. anaerobic bacteria to form biogas, Biogas production process is an
 A lot amount of ash is produced as which gets collected in the dome. It established technology for energy
residue. takes about 50-60 days. As the generation. However, recent trends open
Biogas plant: amount of gas collected in dome new horizons for exploitation of biogas,
The arrangement used for increases, it exerts pressure over the expanding its potential applications.
obtaining biogas from biomass is called slurry and forces the spent slurry in Since the biogas market is facing rapid
biogas plant. Since they mostly use the digester to go out in to the out let development, it is envisioned that more
cattle dung i.e. gobar as biomass, they tank first and from there to overflow advanced monitoring and control of the
are also called gobar gas plant. In some tank. process is going to provide better
cases, besides cattle dung, human  The biogas collected in the dome is utilization of the treated biomasses.
excreta, domestic sewage along with taken out through the tapped outlet at Finally, it is foreseen that in the future
water serve as the raw material for the the top, through a pipe provided with the biogas plants are going to constitute
gobar gas plants. a gas control valve. It is then advanced bioenergy factories with more
distributed as desired. secure and stable operation.■

NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHODS FOR methods have shown promise
in evaluating the internal
QUALITY EVALUATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

quality of fruits and vegetables.
By transmitting sound waves
through the produce, these
quality evaluation of fruits and
techniques can detect changes in texture,
vegetables.
moisture, and structural properties. As
1. Spectroscopy techniques:
… ? Spectroscopy involves the
different defects or irregularities
influence the propagation of sound
Shubham Gangwar interaction of electromagnetic radiation
Research Scholar waves, ultrasound and acoustic methods
with the matter, providing valuable
provide valuable insights into the
Deptt. of Post Harvest information about its chemical and
internal attributes of the produce.
Technology, BUAT, Banda physical properties. Near-infrared
4. Image processing and
spectroscopy (NIRS) and mid-infrared
computer vision:
spectroscopy (MIRS) are commonly
Computer vision algorithms
used non-destructive techniques for
have revolutionized the way we evaluate
assessing the quality of fruits and
fruit and vegetable quality. By analyzing
vegetables. These methods can
T
he global demand for fresh and images of the produce, these systems can
determine the internal attributes, such as
high-quality fruits and detect defects, size, shape, color, and
sugar content, moisture levels, and
vegetables has been on the rise other external attributes that signify
overall ripeness, without the need for
due to the increasing awareness of the freshness and ripeness. With the advent
physical sampling.
importance of a healthy diet and of machine learning and artificial
2. Hyperspectral imaging:
lifestyle. As consumers become more intelligence, computer vision techniques
Hyperspectral imaging combines
discerning about the products they continue to improve, enabling faster and
conventional imaging with spectroscopy,
purchase, it becomes essential for more accurate assessments.
allowing for the acquisition of both
producers and retailers to ensure that the 5. Electronic nose and tongue:
spatial and spectral information. This
fruits and vegetables they offer meet the Electronic nose and tongue
technology enables the identification of
desired standards. Traditionally, quality systems employ sensors to detect
defects, bruises, and contaminants in
evaluation of these perishable goods has volatile compounds and taste-related
fruits and vegetables. By analyzing the
involved destructive testing, which often attributes in fruits and vegetables. By
unique spectral signature of each
leads to significant product loss. analyzing the emitted gases and taste
element, hyperspectral imaging can
However, advancements in technology profiles, these devices can assess the
assess the overall quality and safety of
have paved the way for non-destructive produce's maturity, freshness, and flavor
the produce rapidly and non-
methods that allow for efficient and characteristics. This non-destructive
destructively.
accurate quality assessment without approach offers a rapid and
3. Ultrasound and acoustic
compromising the produce. In this comprehensive evaluation of multiple
techniques:
article, we explore some of the most samples simultaneously.
Ultrasound and acoustic
promising non-destructive methods for 6. Nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR):
NMR is a powerful non-
destructive technique that provides
information about the molecular
composition of fruits and vegetables. It
can measure parameters like water
content, oil content, and sugar levels,
helping to determine the produce's
overall quality and ripeness.
7. Bioimpedance analysis:
Bioimpedance analysis measures
the electrical properties of fruits and
vegetables, which vary with their
physiological condition and internal
attributes. This method can estimate
parameters like water content, firmness,

and cell structure, providing valuable Sr. Methodology Technique Components
information about the produce's quality. No. being used
Advantages of non-destructive 1 Optics Image Size, shape, colour, outward defects.
methods for quality evaluation analysis
of fruits and vegetables: Spectroscopy Sugar, acidity, soluble solid content,
a) Reduced product waste: Non- (NIR) colour, internal and external defects,
destructive methods allow for quality stiffness.
assessment without damaging the 2 X-ray X-ray image The inner cavity structure, the degree
produce. This significantly reduces & CT of maturity.
product waste since the fruits and 3 Mechanics Ultrasound Stiffness, viscoelasticity, internal
vegetables can still be sold and cavity, density, sugar.
consumed after evaluation. Acoustic Stiffness, viscoelasticity, internal
b) Preservation of freshness: cavity, density, sugar, texture.
Destructive methods often lead to the 4 Electromagnetic NMR/MRI Sugar, moisture content, the inner
acceleration of ripening or decay cavity.
processes in fruits and vegetables.
which may pose a challenge for vegetables have emerged as valuable
Non-destructive techniques enable
small-scale producers or retailers. tools in the agricultural and food
producers and retailers to maintain
b) Complexity and training: industries. These techniques not only
the freshness and shelf life of the
Operating and interpreting results reduce product waste but also enable
produce.
from non-destructive equipment may faster and more accurate assessments,
c) Time and cost efficiency: Non-
require specialized knowledge and ensuring that only the highest-quality
destructive methods are generally produce reaches the consumers' hands.
training. Skilled personnel are
faster than destructive ones, allowing As technology continues to evolve, we
necessary to ensure accurate and
for rapid evaluation of large batches can expect further advancements in these
meaningful assessments.
of fruits and vegetables. Moreover,
c) Limited depth of evaluation: non-destructive methods, ultimately
the reduction in product loss
Some non-destructive methods benefiting producers, retailers, and
translates to cost savings for consumers alike. With a greater
primarily assess external attributes or
producers and retailers. emphasis on sustainability and resource
surface characteristics. While they
Limitation of non-destructive are useful for certain quality optimization, the adoption of non-
methods for quality evaluation parameters, they may not provide a destructive evaluation techniques is a
of fruits and vegetables: complete picture of internal significant step towards a more efficient
a) Equipment cost: The initial setup attributes. and eco-friendly supply chain for fruits
cost of acquiring and implementing Conclusion and vegetables.
non-destructive evaluation Non-destructive methods for ■■■
equipment can be relatively high, quality evaluation of fruits and
UNFORTUNATE CONSEQUENCE OF
MICROPLASTICS IN AGRICULTURE
… ?
P
lastic is a desirable and useful
G. Senbagavalli material, but erroneous
Ph.D. Scholar management and handling have Fig. 1 Microplastics
resulted in microplastic pollution at root cause of these crises is
Tamil Nadu Agricultural
every edge of the environment in the overconsumption of finite resources.
University, Coimbatore
specific agricultural ecosystems. The In light of their toxicity, the
spread of microplastic particles across consequences of inadequately managed
ecosystems continues to be a major plastic garbage on agricultural
environmental issue. The fundamental ecosystems are seen as a global issue.

Climate change events such as sea ice Agricultural systems are particularly disturbing the C, N, and P cycles,
melting, floods, storms, higher winds, sensitive to MPs, owing mostly to impacting flora nutrition uptake and
frequent rain events, sea level rise, and soil management strategies and, to a food crop output.
ocean acidification will greatly affect the lesser extent, to atmospheric Plants: limiting plant growth,
global distribution of plastic pollution deposition. modifying root characteristics,
flows and concentrations. Plastic items serve a purpose (e.g., reducing biomass, delaying and
Microplastics mulching, wrapping, greenhouse reducing fruit output, interfering with
Plastics are ubiquitous in shedding, seedbeds, and water pipes), photosynthesis, causing oxidative
agriculture. Macro plastics are used as some of which degrade on the field damage, and causing genotoxicity.
protective wraps around mulch and and change into MPs. Soil Fauna - MPs can be consumed
fodder. They cover greenhouses and Irrigation and organic by terrestrial organisms such as
shield crops from the elements. They are fertilization with compost derived ciliates, amoeba, flagellates,
used in irrigation tubes, sacks, and from municipal solid waste, manure, springtails, and earthworms, resulting
bottles and intentionally added or sewage sludge have been in decreased survival and growth
microplastics are even used as coatings identified as a significant entry rates, intestinal damage, immune
on fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. channel for MPs into agricultural disorders, oxidative stress,
Microplastics are less than 5 soils. neurotoxicity, DNA damage, and
mm in size, are composed of various Household waste compost may abnormally expressed genes, and
chemical components, and originate contain both plastic debris from they can even make it to the top of
from a variety of sources. According to packaging materials and MP- the human food chain.
facts, global plastic manufacturing has contaminated food waste, whereas Physical obstruction of the pores in
reached 8.3 billion tonnes. However, sewage sludge may contain MPs the seed capsule or roots, Uptake of
only around 20% of plastics are from laundry, personal care items, MPs from soils via apoplastic
recycled, with the remaining 80% and urban runoff. (passive diffusion) and symplastic
ending up in the soil, rivers, and oceans. Plastic coatings from slow-release (osmosis) pathways, Vascular system
Plastic wastes accumulating in the fertilizers and films from coated transport to the entire plant, and even
environment are gradually broken down seeds have also been detected as the smallest plastic particles can
into smaller fragments and particles by potential sources of MPs in enter plants via stomatal foliar
physical, chemical, or biological agricultural soils. absorption.
activity, forming microplastic (MP) These microplastics can
particles. Primary MPs are created in change the earth's physical structure
sizes smaller than 5 mm, whereas and limit its capacity to hold water.
secondary MPs are derived from the That can affect plants by reducing
fragmentation of bigger plastics or root growth and nutrient uptake.
primary MPs. Around one million metric Chemical additives in plastics that
tons of plastics are produced worldwide leach into the soil can also impact
daily. food value chains and lead to health
Sources: implications.
Fig. 3 Soil Mulch
Microplastics’ impact on
agricultural ecosystems:
Agricultural soil - Soil is one of the
most valuable assets on the planet,
providing a variety of essential
ecosystem activities and services
for humans and other species.
MP impacts soil physicochemical
qualities, diminishes soil fertility,
and even changes the soil microbial
community, hence influencing
soil quality and nutrient cycling. Fig. 4 Way of microplastics entering into
MPs alter soil chemistry by plants
Fig. 2 Sources for Microplastics

Table. 1 Impact of MP on various agricultural ecosystems Strategy for avoidance and
management:
Different
Changes on ecosystem  Biodegradable plastics.
contamination
 Recycling and proper disposal of
Alter soil properties, such as water retention, aeration,
plastic wastes.
Soil Contamination and nutrient availability; potentially affect plant growth
and microbial communities.  Wastewater treatment plants.
Conclusion
Physically block root systems, limiting nutrient uptake,
Reduced Plant Mitigating the impact of
or even being ingested by plants, disrupting their normal
Growth microplastics in agriculture will likely
physiological processes.
require a combination of improved waste
Adhere to the surfaces of crops, fruits, and vegetables.
management, sustainable farming
There is a possibility that microplastics could be
Crop Contamination practices, and further research to realize
transferred into the food chain, raising concerns about
the full extent of the issue. It's important
potential health implications.
to note that the specific impacts of
Water Contamination Contaminate irrigation water used in agriculture
microplastics in agriculture and the
Alter the diversity and activity of soil microorganisms,
Impact on Soil extent of the effects may vary depending
which play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and overall
Microorganisms on factors such as the type of plastic, the
soil health.
agricultural practices employed, and the
Be ingested by animals, and as they move up the food
Bioaccumulation in overall environmental context should be
chain, there is a risk of bioaccumulation, potentially
Animals considered.
affecting animal health and the entire ecosystem.
■■■
Contribute to soil erosion and runoff. This can lead to
Soil Erosion and microplastics entering nearby water bodies, furthering
Runoff contamination and negatively impacting aquatic
ecosystems.
MODERN AGRICULTURAL networks). Important tools of cyber

extension- Email, Telnet, FTP- File
EXTENSION PRACTICES
Transfer Protocol, Gopher, Archie and
WWW-World Wide Web.
3) Market led extension
Market-driven extension is the
individual or organization is ideal combination for bringing
known as private extension. It agriculture, economics, and extension to
refers to services provided in rural areas
?
the doorsteps of the average person with
… and related areas by extension the use of technology.
Preeti professionals. Private companies or Market- It is a place where buyers and
organizations that provide extension sellers with a common motive of trading
Home Science Extension and services to farmers for a charge can be of a particular commodity. And
Communication Management seen as a supplement to or an alternative extension is spreading/reaching out to
Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar to public extension services. Its the mass.
approaches are share cropping system, Marketing mix- Elements of
village extension contract system, public product‟s marketing plan commonly
extension through private delivery and known as 4P‟s: product, price, place and
service for vouchers. promotion.
N
ew trends in agriculture
extension approaches: 2) Cyber or e-extension Marketing plan means outlines
privatization, cyber or e- It refers to the process of a business and marketing effects in
extension, market led extension, farmer- spreading agricultural technology coming years.
led extension and expert system. through the use of digital multimedia, Marketing intelligence- It includes
1) Privatization of Agricultural computer communications, and internet process of gathering data from the
extension networks. Thus defined as the extension company‟s external environment such as
It is a process of funding and over cyber space (which is imagined or sales, purchases and shipments.
delivering the extension services by virtual world created by computers 4) Farmer led extension
connected to one another through global

5) Expert system
It is intelligent computer software
that employs reasoning techniques and
expertise to solve issues.
Objectives of expert system:
 To improve the performance of
agricultural extension personnel and
farmer.
 To increase farming's productivity
and profitability.
 To reduce the amount of time spent
on problem-solving.
 Keep the expert system up to date by
regularly updating the databases.
Conclusion
As a result extension systems
were forced to adapt relaunching their
goal, creating a fresh vision for the
future, and creating plans for the
necessary transition to bring about the
Provision of training from Essential elements of farmer
needed transformation.
farmers to farmers, often through the led extension are the group, facilitator,
creation of structure of farmer promoters field, curriculum, programme leader and ■■■
and farmer trainers. financing.
EMPOWERING AGRI-EXPORTS FOR worth 456.5 billion Indian rupees was
ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
exported from India during 2021-22.
Sugar: India‟s sugar exports have
surged by 291% since 2013-14. In the
financial year 2022, Indonesia,
?
conditions, India is a
Bangladesh, Sudan, and the UAE were
… significant global food supplier. In
the top importers. With sugar exports
Manisha Lawankar 2020, India accounted for 2.07 percent
exceeding 10 million tonnes and
Ph. D. Scholar of agricultural exports and 1.46 percent
improving market liquidity, it remains a
Dept. of Plant Pathology, of imports. It stands among the leading
University of Agricultural Sci., significant agricultural product exported
producers globally for various
GKVK, Bengaluru from India, worth 343.48 billion Indian
commodities like dairy, cereals, spices,
rupees in 2021-22.
Rohit Shelar fruits, vegetables, and more. The
Basmati rice: Indian Basmati rice
Research Scholar agriculture sector's growth rate was 3.5
enjoys immense popularity globally,
Agriculture Extension & percent in 2022-23 and 3.0 percent in
communication, BHU Varanasi with around two-thirds of its production
2021-22, producing diverse crops and
being exported. Notable varieties like
Sharayu Deshmukh food grains.
Karnal local, Basmati 370, and Basmati
Ph. D. Scholar Highly demanded agricultural
385 contribute to this success. In fiscal
Dept. of Plant Pathology, products exported from India:
year 2022, Basmati rice exports
University of Agricultural Sci.,
amounted to 264.15 billion Indian
GKVK, Bengaluru Non-basmati rice: More than 1000
rupees.
varieties of rice exist in thge world, with
Castor oil: Because India is the
most originating in India. The second
A
gricultural exports play a world's largest producer of castor oil, it
most exported agricultural product in the
crucial role in doubling ranks high on the list of agricultural
financial year 2022 was non-basmati
farmers' income, and India aims products exported from India. Castor oil
rice, which includes any other types of
to be a top five agri-exporting nation. worth 87.54 billion Indian rupees was
rice except Basmati. Non-Basmati rice
With abundant resources and favorable exported in fiscal year 2021-22.

Other cereals: India is the world's Steps taken by government specific Export Promotion Forums
largest producer of cereals, making them The Government of India has (EPFs) and Agri Infrastructure Fund and
highly sought after globally. Cereals like taken several steps to promote PMMSY funding further contribute to
Paddy, Sorghum, Millet, Barley, and agricultural exports and support the boosting production, earnings, and
others are popular agricultural goods sector. Notable initiatives include the employment opportunities.
exported from India. In 2021-22, Indian Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) to
Conclusion
cereals were exported for a total of diversify export baskets and facilitate
India's agricultural exports play
343.48 billion Indian rupees. market access, the Market Access
a pivotal role in doubling farmers'
Fresh fruits & fresh vegetables: Initiatives (MAI) providing financial
income and propelling the country
Fresh Fruits and Fresh Vegetables rank assistance for international market
towards becoming a top agri-exporting
among India's top agricultural exports. access, and the Trade Infrastructure for
nation. With abundant resources and
In 2021-22, fresh fruits generated 65.61 Export Scheme (TIES) upgrading export
favorable conditions, India holds a
billion Indian rupees in revenue, while infrastructure. Additionally, the
significant position as a global food
fresh vegetables brought in 59.8 billion Agricultural and Processed Food
supplier. The nation's diverse
Indian rupees. Exported fruits like Products Export Development Authority
agricultural products are highly sought
Bananas, Pomegranates, Grapes, (APEDA) and Agricultural Export
after internationally, contributing
Mangoes, Watermelons, Muskmelons, Zones (AEZs) aid in increasing exports.
substantially to the economy. The
Guavas, and Custard Apples are well- Financial assistance schemes, research
government's proactive approach to
known globally. Additionally, and development investments, and
promote agricultural exports through
vegetables such as Onions, Chilies, promotion by institutions further bolster
various initiatives, assistance schemes,
Green Lemons, Ginger, Drum Sticks, the sector. Measures like online
and investments in research and
Suran (Elephant foot yam), and Tondli certifications, export inspection
infrastructure has strengthened the
(Ivy Gourd) are in high demand agencies, ease of doing business
sector's competitiveness. With a focus
worldwide. initiatives, and regional offices
on value addition, organic production,
Miscellaneous processed items: contribute to strengthening exports. The
and specialized export zones, India is
These include dried soups, ice cream, Operation Greens Scheme, Krishi Udan,
well-equipped to unlock the full
sauces, masalas, powders, soft drink and Krishi Rail ensure better prices and
potential of its agricultural exports,
concentrates, mineral water, and other transportation for perishable goods.
benefiting both farmers and the economy
processed foods. During 2021-22, India Focus on organic production and the
as a whole.
exported miscellaneous processed One District One Focus Product
■■■
commodities valued 86.8 billion Indian (ODOFP) Programme aim to enhance
rupees. processing and value addition. Product-
CONTRIBUTION OF CARBON FOOTPRINTING

TO ZERO WASTE ENVIRONMENT
role in climate change and global
warming. By calculating the carbon
footprints, we can learn about how much
they contribute to global warming and
?
C
arbon footprinting, also referred
… to as carbon fingerprinting, is a
find ways to cut emissions. Carbon
Diksha* footprints take both direct and indirect
technique used to calculate the
Ph.D. Research Scholar emissions into account. The term "direct
precise quantity of greenhouse gas
Department of Soil Science, emissions," also known as "Scope 1
emissions connected to a certain activity,
CCH HAU, Hisar emissions," describes the greenhouse
product, entity, or person. It calculates
Simran Jasht gases that are produced directly from an
Ph.D. Research Scholar the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2)
activity or source. This could include
Department of Agronomy, and other greenhouse gases in terms of
emissions from on-site industrial
CCH HAU, Hisar CO2 produced, used, and disposed of in a
processes or fuel burning automobiles
Asha given period of time.
Ph.D. Research Scholar etc. Indirect emissions, often referred to
The idea behind carbon
Department of Soil Science, as “Scope 2” and “Scope 3” emissions,
fingerprinting is based on the knowledge
CCH HAU, Hisar are greenhouse gases produced by the
that greenhouse gases, such CO2, play a
use of electricity, the movement of

widely agreed procedures and
standards for measuring carbon
footprints, measurements might vary
and comparisons across different
entities can be difficult. The
comparability and dependability of
results may be impacted by various
methodologies and boundary-setting
decisions.
Excessive focus on quantitative
metrics: Measuring emissions is the
main focus of carbon footprinting,
which frequently ignores other
environmental and social effects
connected to the activities. Along
with carbon emissions, it's critical to
take into account broader
sustainability factors including water
goods, the disposal of waste, and other loss brought on by changes in land use, use, land use, and social equality.
actions that are not under the entity's such as the clearing of forests and the Rebound Effects: Rebound effects
direct control. Scope 2 emissions are cultivation of land for food production. might occasionally result from the
caused by the generation of power used Once the carbon footprint has application of emission reduction
by the organisation while scope 3 been determined, solutions for reducing measures. For instance, increasing
emissions cover the complete lifecycle emissions can be created. These include energy efficiency in one area may
of goods or services, including increasing energy efficiency, switching result in higher consumption or
extraction, production, transportation, to renewable energy sources, improving emissions in another, negating the
and disposal. transportation logistics, and intended advantages.
Detailed information is gathered implementing sustainable practises all Limited Application: Carbon
on energy use, trash production, throughout the supply chain. In order to footprinting focuses on emissions
transportation, and other pertinent advance efforts towards a low-carbon brought on by the consumption and
elements in order to perform carbon future and lessen the effects of climate production of energy. It might not
fingerprinting. The global warming change, carbon footprinting can be used properly account for the effects of
potential of additional greenhouse gases at many scales, including families, huge other industries that also contribute
including nitrous oxide (N2O) and organisations, and even entire nations. to climate change, such as waste
methane (CH4) is taken into account management and deforestation.
Limitations of measuring carbon
when measuring emissions, which are
footprints When using carbon footprinting,
commonly stated in equivalent tonnes of
Complexity and incomplete it is crucial to be aware of benefits and
carbon dioxide (CO2) or CO2e (carbon
assessments: Calculating a person's drawbacks in order to ensure a thorough
dioxide equivalent).
carbon footprint can be difficult and and impartial strategy for combating
Prior to 1850, there were about
require precise data inputs, which climate change. We can better
280 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in
aren't always easy to come by. Due to understand the environmental impact of
the atmosphere. By 2006, there were
indirect sources including supply our waste and make rational choices to
381.2 ppm, with an ongoing yearly
chains, personnel travel, and minimise emissions, save resources, and
increase of 0.88 ppm (3.5 GT C/year).
consumer product consumption, it is move towards a sustainable, zero-waste
The combustion of fossil fuels is
difficult to measure all of an entity's environment by integrating carbon
responsible for roughly two-thirds of the
carbon emissions. footprinting into waste management and
entire rise in atmospheric CO2, with the
Comparability and standardization: zero-waste programmes.
remaining one-third coming from SOC
Because there are currently no ■■■

HOW PESTICIDES AFFECT  It has been demonstrated that some
pesticides affect an animal's capacity for
ON VERTEBRATES HEALTH
learning and cognitive function.
binding, and
Ecological consequences of
elimination,
pesticide use
pesticides can cause
 The ecological effects of pesticides can
endocrine system disruption.
Multiple health issues, including as be extensive, impacting not only the
target pests but also unintended species
… ? immunological
growth, and
suppression,
reproductive
aberrant
and and ecosystem functions.
Sachin Kumar Yadav* developmental issues, may result from  Pesticides may interfere with important
Research Scholar this. For instance, some herbicides can ecosystem functions such as pollination,
resemble estrogen and bind to its soil health, and others.
Ram Singh Umrao receptors, feminizing male animals and Regulatory framework for
Assistant Professor reducing both male and female fecundity. pesticide use
Department of Entomology, Other chemicals may disrupt the way  Countries and regions have very
CSAUA&T Kanpur (UP) thyroid hormones work, causing aberrant different laws governing the use of
growth and metabolic malfunction. pesticides, and some jurisdictions have
Endocrine disruption may have long-term tougher laws than others.
repercussions that include an increased
 Research and discussion surround the
risk of cancer, developmental problems,
I
n agriculture, pesticides are frequently usefulness of regulatory frameworks in
used to protect crops from pests and and problems with reproduction. These
maintaining the health of vertebrates.
boost harvests. However, the effects are not yet fully understood.
Reproductive dysfunction Alternatives to pesticide use
environment and human health may be  Integrated pest control, crop rotation,
harmed by these pollutants. Pesticides can Pesticides can also affect a
vertebrate's ability to reproduce. Pesticide and cover crops are just a few of the
also lead to imbalances in the health of
exposure can impact fertility, raise embryo alternative pest management techniques
vertebrates, such as fish, birds, and
mortality, and result in birth abnormalities. that might lessen the need for pesticides.
mammals. This article explores how
pesticides affect vertebrate health, For instance, some pesticides may harm  It is possible to lessen the effects of
including how they may alter the sperm or eggs, lessen the production of pesticides on the environment and the
endocrine system, affect reproductive hormones, or alter the timing of health of vertebrates by raising
success, and weaken the immune system. reproductive events. Indirectly, pesticides awareness of these tactics and
In order to lessen the negative effects of can impact the quality of the environment encouraging their usage.
pesticides on vertebrate health, the article's or the availability of food to produce Conclusion
conclusion discusses the necessity for issues with reproduction. For instance, the The health of vertebrates can be
additional research and the creation of use of pesticides may decrease the quantity significantly impacted by pesticides, which
alternative pest management techniques. or quality of insect prey available to birds can also cause endocrine disruption,
and mammals, which would result in lower reproductive problems, and immunological
Introduction rates of reproduction. suppression. Although the long-term
A significant contributor to Immune suppression consequences of these affects are still not
environmental chemical contamination are Vertebrates whose immune fully understood, they may include an
pesticides. These substances may have systems have been weakened by pesticides elevated risk of cancer, developmental
unforeseen effects on wildlife and public are consequently more susceptible to problems, and reproductive failure. The
health despite their intended uses as illness and other stresses. Pesticide development of alternative pest
pesticides and agricultural productivity exposure can affect cytokine synthesis, management techniques that minimise the
boosters. Pesticides have a history of impair immune cell function, and increase use of chemicals and encourage ecological
affecting animals' immune systems, vulnerability to infection. The synthesis of methods to pest control is crucial to
reproductive processes, and endocrine antibodies, for instance, might be reducing the negative effects of pesticides
systems. Additionally, a lot of pesticides decreased by some pesticides, leaving on vertebrate health. This could include
are environmentally persistent and can animals more susceptible to infectious cultural practises that lessen the need for
build up in the food chain, providing a diseases. The equilibrium of the gut pesticides, biological control, and
long-term harm to both human and animal microbiota can be altered by other integrated pest management. Additionally,
health. This article looks at how pesticides chemicals, which can result in dysbiosis more study is required to establish
affect the health of vertebrates, particularly and immunological dysfunction. practical mitigation techniques for the
how they affect endocrine, reproductive, Effects of pesticides on behavior effects of pesticides on vertebrate health.
and immunological systems.  Vertebrates' capacity to obtain food,
Endocrine disruption mate, and evade predators may change ■■■
By interfering with hormone as a result of pesticides.
production, release, transport, metabolism,

CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE (CSA)
TRANSFORMING FARMING FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE
of improving the livelihoods and well-
… ? The objectives of climate-smart

being of rural communities, especially
smallholder farmers who are often
Disha Joshi* agriculture vulnerable to climate change impacts. It
Ph.D. Research Scholar, aims to enhance their income generation,
Department of Agronomy 1. Increase agricultural create employment opportunities and
Parul Gupta productivity: CSA aims to improve access to markets, finance and
Ph.D. Scholar
sustainably increase agricultural technology.
Deptt. of GPB
Rajasthan College of productivity and improve food security,
Agriculture, MPUAT, particularly in the face of climate
Udaipur, Rajasthan change. This involves the use of
GBPUAT, Pantnagar, innovative technologies, improved crop
varieties, and sustainable land and water
management practices to enhance yields
C
limate change poses significant and overall farm efficiency.
challenges to agricultural 2. Enhance resilience and
systems worldwide. Rising adaptation: CSA seeks to build the
temperatures, changing precipitation The three pillars of climate-
resilience of agricultural systems to
patterns and extreme weather events smart agriculture
climate change impacts, such as
impact crop yields, water availability The three pillars of Climate-
droughts, floods, and pests. It involves
and soil health. In response, climate- Smart Agriculture (CSA) are
measures like the use of climate-resilient
smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as productivity, adaptation and mitigation.
crops, improved irrigation techniques,
a holistic approach that aims to address These pillars represent the core
agroforestry, and better risk management
these challenges while ensuring objectives and strategies of CSA.
practices to help farmers adapt to
sustainable food production, enhancing 1. Productivity: The producti-vity
changing climatic conditions.
resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas pillar of CSA focuses on increasing
3. Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Climate-smart agriculture agricultural productivity and ensuring
emissions: It promotes the adoption of
(CSA) refers to a set of practices, food security in the face of climate
climate-friendly practices such as
approaches, and strategies aimed at change. This involves implementing
precision farming, agroecology,
transforming and adapting agricultural sustainable agricultural practices,
agroforestry and the efficient use of
systems to effectively address the innovative technologies and improved
inputs like water, fertilizers and energy.
challenges posed by climate change. It farming techniques to enhance yields
These practices aim to minimize
encompasses sustainable agricultural and overall farm efficiency. By adopting
emissions and improve the overall
practices that simultaneously increase climate-resilient crop varieties, efficient
carbon sequestration capacity of
productivity, enhance resilience, and irrigation systems, integrated pest
agricultural systems.
mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. management and other productivity-
4. Sustainable resource
enhancing approaches, farmers can
management: CSA
improve their output and agricultural
emphasizes the sustainable
productivity.
use and management of
2. Adaptation: The adaptation pillar
natural resources in
of CSA aims to build resilience within
agriculture. This includes
agricultural systems and enable farmers
promoting efficient water
to cope with the impacts of climate
management, soil
change. It involves implementing
conservation, biodiversity
strategies that help farmers adapt to
conservation and reducing
changing climatic conditions such as
the use of agrochemicals.
increased temperatures, altered rainfall
5. Improve rural
patterns and extreme weather events.
livelihoods: CSA
Examples of adaptation measures
recognizes the importance

include the use of drought-tolerant crop Benefits of climate-smart Challenges of climate-smart
varieties, improved water management agriculture agriculture
practices, soil conservation techniques CSA practices, such as improved Implementing CSA practices often
and diversified farming systems. By crop varieties, efficient irrigation and requires technical expertise and access to
adopting these practices, farmers can sustainable land management can information, which may be limited in
reduce their vulnerability to climate- enhance yields and overall farm certain regions. Bridging the knowledge
related risks and maintain agricultural productivity. It improves the ability of gap and providing training and extension
productivity. agricultural systems to adapt and cope services to farmers is essential to
3. Mitigation: The mitigation pillar of with climate change impacts. By promote the adoption of CSA practices.
CSA focuses on reducing greenhouse implementing measures like diversified The adoption of CSA practices may
gas emissions from agricultural cropping systems, water conservation require upfront investment, which can be
activities. Agriculture is a significant and improved risk management, farmers a challenge for resource-constrained
contributor to global greenhouse gas can better withstand and recover from farmers. Access to finance, credit and
emissions, mainly through the release of climate-related shocks. Practices like insurance mechanisms are crucial to
methane from livestock and the use of agroforestry, precision farming and support farmers in implementing CSA
synthetic fertilizers. Mitigation strategies efficient fertilizer use help minimize measures. The effective implementation
within CSA aim to minimize emissions greenhouse gas emissions and enhance of CSA requires supportive policies,
and increase carbon sequestration in carbon sequestration, thereby reducing institutional frameworks and
agricultural landscapes. This can be the sector's environmental footprint. By coordination among stakeholders.
achieved through practices such as adopting practices such as conservation Governments and institutions need to
precision farming, agroforestry, agriculture and agroecology climate provide enabling environments,
conservation agriculture and improved smart agriculture enhances soil health, incentives and support mechanisms to
nutrient management. By adopting reduces water use and protects encourage the adoption of CSA
climate-friendly agricultural practices, ecosystems, leading to long-term practices. Different farming systems,
farmers can contribute to mitigating sustainability. CSA creates economic cultural contexts and social dynamics
climate change while maintaining or opportunities and income generation for influence the adoption of CSA practices.
improving productivity. farmers, especially smallholders. By Gender disparities, access to land and
improving agricultural productivity, resources and social equity
enhancing market access and promoting considerations need to be addressed to
value chains, climate smart agriculture ensure inclusive and equitable
can contribute to rural development and implementation of CSA.
poverty reduction.
■■■
the population of these regions is
AGRICULTURAL
dependent on agriculture and related
businesses. Small, sloping and terraced
fields, low depth of soil and pebbles,
difficult road to reach, lack of cultivable
sources is only 2.0-2.0kw/ha land, lack of money, etc. are many such
… ? which is much less than the country's factors which have a direct impact on
average availability ( 7.1kw/ha). It is productivity. In these regions, only
Rahul Kumar Yadav*
Ph.D. Research Scholar, also estimated that at least 1.0 kw/ha of traditional hand tools and animal driven
Deptt. of F.M.P.E, COT, row is required to get good productivity. machines are prevalent for carrying out
GBPUAT, Pantnagar (UK) The major mountainous regions include agricultural works. The hilly areas have
India GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, not yet been consolidated, due to which
Uttarakhand Uttarakhand and seven mountainous the fields of the farmers are divided into
regions of the north-east, parts of Assam many scattered pieces and they have to
and West Bengal in the Western resort to inaccessible roads to reach
n India, about 02% of the
I cultivable land comes under

mountain agriculture, in which the
availability of power from various
Himalayas. Whose soil, climate, flora,
lifestyle, animal husbandry, methods of
farming, etc. are very diverse Most of
them. In this way, agricultural
machinery, seeds, fertilizers and we have
to face a lot of difficulties in moving

from one field to another. Therefore, fluted roller
there is a need to develop such mounted on the
agricultural machinery for hilly areas, metering shaft.
which are light, cheap, durable, capable Fertilizer,
of performing many agricultural tasks by measured by the
various adjustments, easy to carry, metering unit,
require minimum repair and at least be falls over a
the one who uses wood. In this way, we deflector plate
see that there are many problems related attached to the
to agricultural mechanization in rear of the jet
mountainous areas, yet many types of plow's wings by
Fig.1 Animal Driven 6-in-1 Tillage Outfitters:
equipment have been manufactured to a plastic pipe,
perform various agricultural activities. which scatters the fertilizer in a the tine of the tillage outfit by two
Whose propaganda is being done by wide swath. The weight of this nut-bolts. According to the
various organizations but it is worth device is approximately 22 kg. requirement, less or more width of
noting that a farmer has to buy many 3. Seed drill: The fertilizer the fall can be adjusted. The weight
implements to do various works like applicator and the seed drill is the of this device is approximately 9 kg.
ploughing, sowing, weeding, furrowing, same. Only in place of the chisel 6. Potato digger: An iron bar is
digging etc. Problems related to repair foot of the jet plough, a specially attached to the rear end of the
and maintenance has to be faced. made inverted-T fall is attached to interculture sweep or plough. On
Whose name is 'Pant-I.C.A.R. Animal the end of the tines of the tillage which the crops sown on the ridge
Driven 6-in-1 Tillage Outfitters: outfit by two nuts and bolts, so that like potato, ginger etc. can be
Working of various instruments the seed is sown without plowing excavated by connecting a specially
of tillage outfitters (zero-tillage). All those seeds can be made iron rod mesh with the help of
Frame: The tillage outfit has a handle sown by this seed drill which is two nuts and bolts. The weight of
on a specially developed main frame sown by seed drill with metering this device is about 10 kg.
above which a handle is attached by nut- device of common tractor driven Conclusion
bolt to adjust according to the height of fluted roller. Such as wheat, peas, Although the Animal Driven -0
the operator. A tine has been added at gram, soyabean, urad, moong etc. in- 7Tillage Outfit has been made
052on the main body, at the end of The seed drill weighs about 20 kg. mainly for the hilly areas, but this
which six types of instruments are made 4. Ridger and furrow: it is equipment will prove to be equally
by connecting various units / attached to the end of the tine of the beneficial for the small and marginal
components by two nut-bolts. tillage outfit with the help of two farmers in the plains as well. With the
nuts and bolts. By adjusting the use of tillage outfit, along with saving
1. Jet Plough: A winged chisel foot distance between the two wings of time, money and energy, quality
is secured to the end smalker of the this ridger, 17 to 34 cm wide production can be achieved by adopting
tine of the tillage plant by two nut- furrows and furrows can be made. modern methods of farming. The main
bolts forming a 'jet plough'. With this With this device, furrows can be feature of the tillage outfit is that
device, the depth of more than 15 cm made for irrigation channels and initially the farmer can do the work of
can be added without turning the crops sown on furrows such as plowing by purchasing only 'Jet Plough'
soil. Its main components include an potato, ginger, onion, maize etc. and later can buy other units
iron vane in which the blade part is The weight of this device is about (components) from time to time as per
made of steel for less wear. 11 kg. his requirement.
2. Fertilizer applicator: The 5. Interculture tool: For weeding
Fertilizer Metering Unit is attached in row sown crops such as soybean,
to the Jet Plough to determine the maize, sugarcane, etc., a triangular ■■■
appropriate dose of Fertilizer. This sweep or plough available in the
unit consists of a hopper and a market is connected to the end of

UNLEASHING THE UNDERGROUND MAGIC
THE VITAL ROLES OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN ENHANCING SOIL FERTILITY
called glomalin by the Impact of Arbuscular
extramatrical mycelia. Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the
… ? Glomalin is a hydrophobic and

availability of soil nitrogen
legacy
Yashowardhan Singh heat-tolerant substance that imparts
Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for
Junior Research Fellow water resistance to soil aggregations.
plants, contributing to the formation of
Deptt. of Plant Pathology, The presence of glomalin in the soil
RLBCAU Jhansi (U.P) important molecules such as amino
helps in binding together micro-
Sandhya Sinha acids, phospholipids, and coenzymes. In
aggregations (diameter <250 μm) to
Assistant the soil, nitrogen exists in organic and
form macro-aggregations. These larger
Deptt. of Entomology mineral forms, including nitrites,
Collage of Agriculture and soil aggregates promote better water
nitrates, and ammonium ions. While
Research Station (C.G.) infiltration, reduce surface runoff,
plants generally prefer nitrogen in the
Likhita J. control soil erosion, and minimize
form of nitrate, AMF can assist in
Ph.D. Scholar nutrient and organic matter losses. They
mobilizing inorganic nitrogen from the
Deptt. of Plant Pathology, also enhance gas exchange, improve
soil. AMF mycelium has the ability to
RLBCAU Jhansi (U.P) water and mineral retention, especially
absorb nitrogen in various forms,
potassium, and ultimately enhance crop
including ammonium ions, nitrates, and
productivity.
amino acids. This allows AMF to
A
rbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Impact of Arbuscular facilitate the uptake of nitrogen by
(AMF) are a type of symbiotic Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on soil plants. The availability of nitrogen is
fungi that form mutualistic phosphorus legacy and its dependent on the activity of local
associations with the roots of most land availability transporters in the AMF hyphae.
plants. They play a crucial role in plant Phosphorus (P) is an essential Furthermore, mycorrhizal associations
health and ecosystem functioning. The element for plants, playing a crucial role have been found to contribute to the
name "arbuscular" refers to the in various biological processes. decomposition and mineralization of
characteristic branching structures called However, most soils contain large plant organic matter, aiding in the
arbuscules that the fungi form within the amounts of organic and inorganic release and mobilization of nutrients,
root cells of the host plants. These fungi phosphorus, with only a small fraction particularly nitrogen, for the benefit of
provide numerous benefits to plants, available for plant uptake. This limited the host plant.
including enhanced nutrient uptake, availability is due to the fixation of Enhancing soil biological
especially phosphorus, and improved phosphorus as insoluble compounds by properties: The role of
resistance to various stresses, such as soil minerals, such as iron, calcium, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
drought and disease. In return, the host aluminum oxides. Consequently, plants Soil microorganisms play a crucial role
plants supply the fungi with face challenges in accessing an adequate in soil functioning and contribute to
carbohydrates. AMF are widespread in supply of P, leading to depletion around ecosystem services necessary for our
terrestrial ecosystems and are considered their roots. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal survival. They interact with each other
important players in nutrient cycling and Fungi (AMF) play a significant role in and the environment, participating in
plant community dynamics. improving phosphorus availability in the diverse biochemical reactions and
soil. These fungi act as P activators, essential ecological processes. Within
The importance of Arbuscular
accelerating the transformation of P into the soil, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in
bioavailable forms through chemical (AMF) interact with a wide range of
improving soil structure
reactions and biological interactions. microorganisms to improve soil fertility.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungi
While AMF themselves do not release The secretions of AMF influence the
(AMF) play a crucial role in improving
phosphatases, recent studies have shown composition and activity of microbial
soil structure through various chemical
that they recruit Phosphate Solubilizing communities in the rhizosphere, leading
and biophysical mechanisms. The
Bacteria (PSB) that produce phosphatase to positive, neutral, or negative
mycelia or hyphae of AMF are abundant
enzymes. These enzymes mineralize relationships between AMF and other
in soil and have the ability to create
organic P, releasing soluble P that can be soil microorganisms. AMF work
stable soil aggregations. This is achieved
easily assimilated by plants. synergistically with many microbial
through the production of a glycoprotein
components of the soil, promoting plant

growth and protection. These positive soybean or chickpea is the preceding symbiotic relationship between plants
interactions involve nutrient acquisition, crop. These benefits are attributed to and AMF requires an allocation of plant
biological control of root pathogens, enhanced AMF activities in the soil. carbohydrates, which is less necessary
improvement of plant tolerance to However, crop rotation with non- when the soil is already rich in nutrients.
abiotic stresses, and enhancement of soil mycorrhizal crops like those from the Conclusion
fertility. Brassica family can reduce AMF Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Impact of crop and soil abundance in the soil and diminish the (AMF) play a crucial role in improving
management on AMF symbiotic benefits conferred to crops soil fertility and plant health. They
Farmers employ various due to the production of antimicrobial contribute to plant mineral nutrition,
management strategies, such as crop compounds. water absorption, and protection against
rotation and intercropping, to enhance Soil management practices, various stresses. However, our
nutrient availability, soil health, and such as the application of mineral understanding of the underlying
pest/disease control in sustainable fertilizers, chemical pesticides, mechanisms and the comprehensive
agriculture. These practices have a herbicides, and tillage, have significant impact of AMF on soil properties is still
significant influence on the diversity, impacts on soil properties and microbial limited. This review aims to provide an
abundance, and functioning of diversity. Long-term and excessive use overview of the existing knowledge on
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in of inorganic fertilizers can reduce the the symbiotic relationship between AMF
the soil. Crop rotation, for instance, has dependency of plants on Arbuscular and crops and its effects on the physical,
been shown to increase AMF spore Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), leading to a chemical, and biological properties of
density and root colonization in maize, decrease in AMF diversity and the soil.
resulting in improved wheat yields when abundance. This is because the ■■■
REVOLUTIONIZING PEST CONTROL

CUTTING-EDGE AGRICULTURAL ENTOMOLOGY INNOVATIONS PAVING THE WAY TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
3. Precision spraying systems:
Variable-rate sprayers enable
Precision agriculture: Targeted targeted pesticide application based on
… ? pest management real-time data, reducing costs,
Pradeep, S. Precision agriculture integrates minimizing residues and mitigating non-
advanced technologies for precise pest target impact. Spray volume adjusts to
Ph.D. Scholar management, enabling accurate pest density and crop health, targeting
Deptt. of Agril.Entomology, monitoring, detection and intervention. specific areas or plants.
TNAU, Coimbatore,
1. Remote sensing and imaging 4. Sensor networks and IoT:
Tamil Nadu
Aerial imagery, satellite Sensor networks monitor
imaging and drones provide real-time environmental parameters related to
data on crop health, vegetation indices pests. Soil moisture sensors, weather
and pest hotspots. High-resolution stations and insect traps equipped with
images help identify early signs of sensors gather data on temperature,
infestations, enabling timely action. humidity, rainfall and pest activity. Real-
A
gricultural entomology
Drones with cameras detect stress time monitoring facilitates early warning
addresses the challenges posed
patterns, diseases and pest damage. systems and precise pest control.
by crop pests, which can cause Biotechnology and genetic
2. Automated pest detection
yield losses and threaten food security.
algorithms: engineering in pest control
Recent technological advancements are
Machine learning and computer Biotechnology and genetic
revolutionizing the field. This article
vision automate pest detection by engineering offer targeted approaches to
explores the latest innovations
analysing imaging data. Algorithms combat pests, addressing their harmful
transforming pest management,
identify pests or infestation symptoms effects on agriculture.
improving crop productivity and
with high precision, saving time and 1. Genetically modified crops:
ensuring a sustainable future for
resources while improving intervention Genetically modified crops
agriculture.
speed and accuracy. (GMOs) with pest-resistant genes, like

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), reduce the pheromones, enabling early population 3. Crop vulnerability and
need for chemical insecticides. GMOs detection and reducing reliance on resilience:
offer improved pest control, increased broad-spectrum pesticides. Climate change affects crop
yields, and reduced environmental 3. Advanced vision systems: vulnerability to pests. Elevated carbon
impact. High-resolution imaging dioxide levels and changes in
2. Gene editing technologies: sensors and computer vision algorithms precipitation weaken crops, making
Emerging gene editing identify pests, assess crop health, and them more susceptible. Resilient
technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, monitor growth. Detailed information on approaches and breeding for pest
modify pest genes to disrupt their infestations informs decision-making in resistance mitigate risks.
harmful traits. Highly targeted pest management strategies. 4. Changes in pest management
interventions avoid introducing foreign 4. Integration of Artificial strategies:
genes, addressing concerns associated Intelligence (AI): Adaptive pest management
with GMOs. Artificial intelligence and strategies are needed. Integrated Pest
3. RNA interference (RNAi): machine learning analyse sensor data, Management (IPM) approaches require
RNA interference technology identify patterns and make predictions recalibration, considering shifting pest
silences essential genes in pests, related to pest presence and behaviour. dynamics, altered phenologies, and
disrupting their physiology or Proactive decision-making optimizes changes in interactions. Biological
reproductive abilities. This reduces pest interventions and minimizes crop losses. control methods and pest-resistant crop
populations and crop damage. Climate change and its varieties combat emerging challenges.
Insect-inspired robotics and implications for agricultural 5. Increased disease
sensor technologies entomology transmission:
Insect-inspired robotics and Climate change impacts Warmer temperatures and
sensors mimic or enhance insect agricultural entomology and pest altered precipitation patterns impact
capabilities, offering innovative management strategies. disease vectors, increasing disease risks.
solutions for pest management. 1. Altered pest dynamics: Vector control, cultural practices, and
1. Bio-inspired robots for pest Warmer temperatures early detection manage disease
control: accelerate pest development, increase outbreaks.
Insect-inspired robots navigate generations, and disrupt pest-natural Conclusion:
fields, identify pests, and perform enemy synchrony. Changes in Innovations in agricultural
targeted interventions. Drones with precipitation affect pest survival, entomology are transforming pest
imaging sensors detect pest-infested dispersal, and distribution. management, reducing reliance on
areas, delivering precise treatments or 2. Range shifts and invasive chemical pesticides, and ensuring a
releasing beneficial organisms. species: sustainable future for global agriculture.
2. Sensor technologies for pest Changing climates enable pests By embracing these advancements,
monitoring: to expand into new areas. Invasive pests researchers and practitioners can forge a
Sensors inspired by insect cause damage and challenge existing path towards a productive,
sensing mechanisms detect and identify management strategies. Monitoring and environmentally friendly, and secure
pests or their damage. Pheromone-based early detection are crucial. food system.■
sensors detect specific insect sex
maintaining and improving crop output.

The significance of genetic markers in
plant breeding may not be fully
A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH OF CROP IMPROVEMENT understood by non-molecular biologists,
however, as many agriculturally
significant traits, such as yield and
Dharm Veer Singh*
S
ince genetically identical quality, tolerance to environmental
Ph.D. Scholar
genotypes are quickly becoming stresses, and some kinds of disease
Kamaluddin susceptible to possibly novel resistance, are polygenic in nature (also
Professor
Deptt. of GPB biotic and abiotic challenges, the limited called continuous, quantitative or
BUAT, Banda genetic basis of current agricultural complex traits). The QTL, or
cultivars is a significant barrier to "quantitative trait locus," is a portion of

the genome or a gene's location that for a trait are correlated among members
impacts that has an impact on a of a mapping population. Development of Mapping
quantitative characteristic, according to Population
Major and minor QTL
Gelderman (1919), who first used the
Minor QTLs are those that
word. A quantitative trait is influenced
account for less than 10% of the overall
by the environment and is regulated by
phenotypic variance, whereas major Generation of Saturated
various genes, each of which has
QTLs are those that account for more
a small, cumulative effect. Generally, a linkage Map
than 10% of the total phenotypic
bell-shaped curve is used to represent
variation. This criterion has been applied
the phenotypes of quantitative traits. In
in several QTL investigations carried out
plant breeding, locating and identifying
on crops including rice, wheat, and Phenotyping of Mapping
individual genes that mediate
others.
quantitative traits is crucial. Maps of Population
QTLs are created using molecular Pleiotropic QTLs
markers. F2, backcrosses, recombinant Multiple traits can occasionally
inbred lines, and double haploid lines are be found in a particular genetic area due
all included in population mapping. Detection of QTL through
to QTL analysis. A single pleiotropic
gene may be the cause of the clustering Statistical tool
Basic principles of QTL mapping
of QTLs for several characteristics
Finding a gene or QTL
within a specific genomic area.
throughout the genome of a plant is like
looking for a needle in the stack of hay. Pleiotropic QTLs are useful when Figure 1. Procedures to identify QTL
The fundamental component of QTL agronomically essential for use in marker assisted selection
characteristics are positively correlated.
(MAS)
analysis is the discovery of a
Therefore, it is beneficial to enhance
relationship between marker genotype
and phenotype. In order to determine
many traits at once. Development of mapping
whether an individual of one genotype Processes of QTL mapping population
significantly differs from an individual For QTL mapping, a suitable
of another genotype with respect to the mapping population created from
trait under study, the markers are parents with phenotypically different
used to divide the mapping Table 1: Advantage and disadvantages of most commonly-used DNA
population into different genotypic markers for QTL analysis, Collard et al.
classes based on genotypes at the Molecular (C) Restricted Random Simple Amplified
marker locus. Marker fragment amplified sequence fragment
length polymorphic repeats length
Kinds of QTL
polymorphism DNA (SSR) or polymorphism
On the basis of the level of
(RFLP) (RAPD) microsatellites (AFLP)
expression impacts on phenotype
Codominant Codominant Dominant Codominant Dominant
and contribution to variability in
(C) or
phenotype, quantitative trait loci
Dominant (D)
are discussed below.
Advantages Robust, Rapid, Simple, Simple, Multiple loci,
Expression QTLs Reliable, Inexpensive, Robust, High levels of
Expression QTL enables Transferable Multiple loci Reliable, polymorphisms
in comprehending how genes are across from a single Transferable produced
regulated genetically. When populations primer between
analysing expression QTLs, the possible, Less populations
link between the genome and DNA required
transcriptome is discovered by Disadvantages Time- Commonly Time Complicated
measuring the transcript levels of consuming, non consuming, methodology,
the genes responsible for a complex laborious, transferable, laborious, Large amount
characteristic. It is easier to find expensive, Less Generally of DNA
candidate genes for phenotypic more DNA reproducibility require required
QTLs when gene expression required, Less Polyacrylamide
variation and phenotypic variation polymorphism electrophoresis

traits is required (for example, highly RAPD, SSRs, AFLP, and SNPs, have technically there should be no missing
resistant and susceptible lines). Genetic been employed to detect specific QTLs data, little quantities of missing data can
diversity among the parental lines used and determine their locations and be accepted. The usefulness of the
to create the mapping population will effects. Table 1 lists the most used sample size and the power of QTL
increase the likelihood of finding a molecular markers as well as significant mapping are both impacted by the
significant number of polymorphic benefits and drawbacks. It is possible for population's missing data. To get a
markers that are evenly dispersed the polymorphic markers to be single quantitative value for the line,
throughout the genome. In comparison codominant or dominant. data from many locations and
to other mapping populations, the This explanation is predicated replications are combined. To better
capacity to deviate QTL is considerably on the ability of markers to distinguish understand the QTL x Environment
stronger in F2 or F2 derived populations between homozygotes and interaction, it is also required to quantify
and RILs. The F2:3 families have the heterozygotes. While the dominant the target traits in studies carried out in
benefit that the effects of dominant and marker is either present or missing, the several places.
additive gene activities at particular loci codominant marker reveals changes in
Detection of QTL
may be quantified. From a practical size. A codominant marker may have
The QTL is detected on the basis of
perspective, QTL mapping's purpose is many distinct alleles but a domination
polymorphic markers with polymorphic
to identify the QTL with major effects marker only has two alleles. In actuality,
genes regulating the trait of interest.
that are only feasible when a large the various DNA markers, i.e., varied-
number of individuals are 500 or size bands on the gel, are referred to as Conclusion
more employed in the QTL study. Thus, marker alleles. The nature of the In plant breeding, it is crucial to
the mapping population is often markers, such as whether they are locate and identify individual genes that
constructed by using up to 200–300 codominant or dominant, and the kind of mediate quantitative traits. Assessing the
individuals. Placing the markers in mapping populations, collectively affect potential number of loci, their
order, identifying their relative genetic the genetic segregation ratio at marker distribution throughout the genome, the
distance from one another, and loci. equality of their effects, and the mode of
determining their linkage groups based their action using QTL analysis
Phenotyping of mapping
on the recombination rates of all pair- is beneficial.
population
wise combinations between the markers ■■■
It is necessary to determine the
is known as mapping. Numerous
desired qualitative characteristics as
molecular markers, including RFLPs,
precisely as feasible. Although
SPOILAGE OF FRESH AND PROCESSED HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AND ENZYMES ASSOCIATED WITH SPOILAGE OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
a toxin present, but cause them to be leavening agent and for production of
rejected. Food spoilage or deterioration beer and wine, citric and production by
… ? may be described as loss of weight, using Aspergillus sp etc.
softening, souring, rotting, wilting, Enzymatic spoilage
Rahmat Gul Hassanzai
Research Scholar moulding or a combination of one or Many reactions in plant and animal
Deptt. of Fruit Science more forms. The major causes of food tissues are activated by enzymes. The
ANDUAT, Ayodhya deterioration are: changes in foods during storage can be
Microbial spoilage produced both by enzymes present in the
Micro-organisms like yeast, food or by enzymes from microorganism
mould and bacteria spoil food after that contaminate the food.
F
ood spoilage is a metabolic harvesting, during handling, processing Spoilage by insects and
process that causes food to be and storage. Some of these micro- parasites
undesirable or unacceptable for organisms can be used to produce Insects are particularly
human consumption due to change in desirable changes in foods under destructive to fruits and vegetables.
sensory characteristics. Spoiled food controlled conditions such as lactic acid The loss of food due to insects varies
may be safe to eat; they may not cause producing bacteria in making cheese and from 5 to 50 per cent depending
illness because there are no pathogens or fermented dairy products, yeast as upon the care taken in the field

Enzymes that cause food spoilage 2) Ozone: Disinfection capacity is
equal to chlorine; but no residual
Enzymes Food Spoilage action effect.
Ascorbic acid oxidase Vegetables Destruction of vitamin-C 3) Hydrogen peroxide: Nor
Lypoxygenase Vegetables Destruction of vitamin-A residual effect, 0.5-2.5 % is used.
Pectic enzyme Fruits Destruction of pectic substances 4) Organic acid: Citric, lectic and
(softening) propionic acids are used.
Peroxidase Fruits Browning 5) Heat: Hot water treatment is an
Polyphenoloxidase Fruits/ vegetables Browning, off flavor, vitamin effective way of preventing fungal
loss decay in fresh produce.
6) Irradiation: UV-C radiations are
during storage. Insect infestations in food color,
grains, dry fruits and spices are flavor, vitamin Spoilage manifestations in low-acidic products pH> 4.5
generally controlled by fumigation A, C and E
with methyl bromide, ethylene oxide, and other food Group organism Effect Manifestations
etc. constituents. Flat sour Can Possible loss of
Spoilage caused by climatic Bacillus thermoacidurans flat vacuum during
Spoilage of storage
factors
canned food Product Appearance not
a) Temperature: Low or high
products: usually altered,
temperature apart from its role in
The spoilage pH markedly
food preservation also brings
of canned products lowered, may
deterioration of foods. The rate of
during storage may have slightly
chemical reaction doubles with
be caused due to abnormal odour,
every 10 oC rise in temperature.
two main reasons: sometimes
Similarly, low temperature cause
a) Chemical cloudy liquor
deterioration like freezing and
reaction on the Thermophilic anaerobic Can May burst
thawing of fruit and vegetables
can producing Clostridium sp. swell
destroy their structure.
hydrogen Product Fermented, sour, cheesy or
b) Moisture: The presence of water
swells or
is the most important factor butyric odour
perforations
controlling the of deterioration of Sulfide spoilage Can Hydrogen sulfide gas
and,
food either by micro-organisms, Disulfotomaculum flat absorbed by product.
b) chemical
enzymes or other chemical nigrificans
action on the
reactions. Moisture is required for
fruit or
chemical and enzymatic reactions useful as a surface sterilant. Use of
vegetable resulting in discoloration
and for microbial growth. Foods UV-radiation in sterilizing apple
or loss of flavour etc.
with high water moisture contents cider and juices is commercially
deteriorate fast. Perishable foods practice.
Control measures of food
with high water content like leafy
spoilage 7) Antimicrobial compounds
vegetables, juicy fruits deteriorate
1) Sanitizers: Chlorine most popular and food additives: Sulpher
rapidly. dioxide, benzoic acid, sorbic acid
decontaminant available are
c) Oxygen and Light: Air and and its salt are used (normally rate
hypochloride and chlorite.
oxygen bring about a number of of application of food additives are
Efficiency is < 10 g reduction; it has
destructive changes in food
components such as destruction of
residual toxicity, so banned in fresh <0.2%. ■
products.

SWEET POTATO levels in the blood.
Several studies in
AS A SUPER FOOD
Africa have found
that sweet potatoes
contain 10 to 1600
micrograms of
retinol activity
equivalent (RAE) of
… ? nutrition as an energy and vitamin A for every 3.5 ounces, on
Tomar Pallavi * phytochemical source. The plant has average, it is enough to cover 35% of the
Research Scholar great medicinal importance and its total requirement of vitamin A. in many
various parts are used in traditional cases, and sweet potatoes contain
Verma Anisha enough RAE to cover more than 90% of
Assistant Professor medicine. In the Kagawa regions of
Department of Food Nutrition Japan, various sweet potatoes were eaten the vitamin A requirement. Starch is
and Public Health, Ethelind raw to treat anemia, hypertension and considered to be the main component of
College of Home Science diabetes. The stem from sweet potato sweet potato root, followed by simple
SHUATS, Prayagraj has been used to treat prostatitis. Native sugars such as sucose, glucose, fructose
to Central America, sweet potatoes are and maltose. Sweet potato leaves are
now widely cultivated and consumed actually more nutritious than the tuber
worldwide. With an annual production itself. The leaves contain significant
S
ince ancient times, the whole of 115 million tons, sweet potatoes are amounts of nutrients (crude protein,
sweet potato plant including the seventh in the world among almost all crude fat, crude fiber, ash,
leaves, stem and root tuber, are food crops. About 92% of the carbohydrates, moisture content and
used as traditional medicine. Ipomoea world's‟supply of sweet potatoes is energy), vitamins (vitamin A and C),
batatas Lam, also known as sweet produced in Asia and the pacific islands, minerals (zinc, potassium, sodium,
potato, is a very versatile and tasty of which 89% is grown in china. manganese, calcium, magnesium and
vegetable with high nutritional value. iron), low levels of toxic substances
Today, sweet potato is preferred over Nutritional value of I. batatas (phytic acid, cyanide, tannins and total
other vegetables for its versatile Sweet potato is used as a staple oxalate) and can be added to the diet to
medicinal properties. It is also a valuable food, as a root (including its fleshy roots, supplement essential nutrients.
medicinal plant with anti-cancer, anti- tender leaves and stems), as a source for
industrial starch extraction and Health benefits of I. batatas
diabetic and anti-inflammatory
fermentation, and as various processed (Sweet potato)
properties. Today, sweet potato is
products. Sweet potatoes have high Sweet potatoes are one of the
considered a valuable source of unique
nutritional value in addition to protein medium calorie starch foods, containing
natural products, some of which can be
and niacin. It provides more than 90% of 90 calories per 100g compared to 70
used in the development of drugs for
the nutrients most people need per calories per 100g for other types of
various diseases and in the manufacture
calorie. The roots are a valuable source potatoes (solanum tuberosum).
of industrial products.
of carbohydrates, vitamins (provides However, the tuber does not contain
Introduction 100% RDA for vitamin A and 49% saturated fat or cholesterol and is a rich
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam, RDA for vitamin C) and minerals source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins
commonly known as sweet potato, (provides 10% RDA for iron and 15% and minerals. Its energy content comes
belonging to the family Convolvuaceae, RDA for potassium). In addition to mainly from starch, a complex
simple starches, sweet potatoes are rich carbohydrate. In sweet potato, the ratio
is an important root crop is large, starchy
and sweet in taste. The plant is a in complex carbohydrates, fibers, iron of amylose to amylopectin is higher than
herbaceous perennial vine with and vitamins such as beta carotene (a S. turberosum. Amylose slowly raise
alternately heart-shaped or palmate carotenoid that promotes vitamin A), blood sugar compared to simply sugars
leaves and medium sized sympetalous vitamin B2, C and E. Pink, yellow and and is recommended as a healthy food
green varieties are also rich in beta even for diabetics. Tubers are packed
flowers. The edible tuber is long and
narrow, with a smooth skin. It is carotene. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes with many important vitamins, including
appreciated for its short growing season may be one of the best sources of beta pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), Pyridoxin
of 90-120 days, high nutritional value carotene. Several recent studies have (vitamin B6), thiamine (vitamin B1), as
and sweetness. Sweet potato has played shown that sweet potatoes have an well as niacin and riboflavin. These
excellent ability to increase vitamin A vitamins are important in the sense that
an important role in human and animal
the body needs to supplement them from

external sources. These vitamins act as fights free radicals well. Sweet potatoes healing and immune modulating
cofactors for various enzymes during maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. I. properties. Sweet potatoes protect
metabolism. Sweet potaoes are rich in batatas is good for cardiovascular smokers from emphysema. Sweet
essential minerals such as iron, calcium, health. It is also used to treat mouth and potatoes can relieve muscle cramps due
magnesium, manganese and potassium, throat tumors, asthma, insect bites, to their high potassium content. Sweet
which are important for the metabolism burns, catarrh, swine fever, potatoes contain magnesium, an
of enzymes, proteins and carbohydrates. convalescence, dyslactia, fever, nausea, important mineral that promotes
Ipomoea species are used worldwide to rhenosis, splenosis, stomachaches. relaxation, calmness and mood and
treat a number of conditions, including nerve health. Sweet potatoes are a very
Conclusion
diabetes, hypertension, dysentery, versatile vegetable and are amazingly
Sweet potato is considered a
constipation, fatigue, arthritis, healthy for children and adults. It is a
super food compared to other vegetables
rhrumatoid arthritis, dropsy, meningitis, healthy alternative to other potatoes. Not
due to its versatile and delicious taste
kidney problems and inflammation. only are they sweet, but they are also
and high nutritional value. Today, sweet
They also have antimicrobial, analgesis, beneficial for cardiovascular health,
potatoes are preferred over other
spasmolytic, spasmogenic, longevity, diabetes prevention and
vegetables for its versatile medicinal
hypoglycemic, hypotensive, reduce the risk of cancer.
properties. Medicinal properties of sweet
anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory,
potato include anticancer, anti-diabetic,
psychotomimetic and anticancer effects. ●●●●
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
Sweet potaotes are effective in fighting
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-
cancer. It is rich in beta-carotene, which
ulcer, and hepatoprotective, wound

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Timesofagriculture.

in August, 2023/ Page | 1

We are pleased to introduce the August issue of the Times of Agriculture e-

startup in the country, 'DeHaat'.

is making a real difference. In this issue, DeHaat's co-founder, Shashank

your ideas make us do even better. Enjoy Reading.

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 2

DeHaat: Sowing the seeds of Indian Agri-Revolution.

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 3

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 4

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 5

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 6

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 7

“Authoor Betel Leaves” of Tamil

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 8

Godrej Agrovet announces 47,000 acre

Syngenta unveils crop protection

August, 2023/ Page | 10

India‟s first fisheries Atal

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 11

India‟s first pig school in Assam

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 12

India is set to host the World Coffee

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 13

About the Author

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 14

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 15

3 Ts to Success: Trust, Tech & Transparency

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 16

Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 17

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 18

August, 2023/ Page | 19

Delivers to > Order on App >

Micro-Entrepreneurs at Input Supplier

< Take input to < Take input to

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 20

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 21

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 22

The Road Ahead

Timesofagriculture.in August, 2023/ Page | 24

August, 2023/ Page | 25

… ? nature, whose dire consequences are

August, 2023/ Page | 26

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August, 2023/ Page | 28

August, 2023/ Page | 29

August, 2023/ Page | 30

August, 2023/ Page | 31

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SOIL NPK SENSORS WITH

August, 2023/ Page | 35

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August, 2023/ Page | 37

QUALITY EVALUATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

August, 2023/ Page | 38

August, 2023/ Page | 39

Fig. 3 Soil Mulch

August, 2023/ Page | 40

MODERN AGRICULTURAL networks). Important tools of cyber

August, 2023/ Page | 41