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Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book, National Seminar on “Converging

Agribusiness acumen for growth, proﬁtability and sustainability
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Souvenir-cum-Abstracts Book: National Seminar on “Converging
Agribusiness Acumen for Growth, Profitability and Sustainability
through Agripreneurs & Agri Start-ups”, 2022.
November, 2022
Patron:
Dr. Arun Kumar, Vice Chancellor, BAU, Sabour
Edited by :
Dr. P. K. Singh
Dr. R. P. Sharma
Dr. S. M. Rahaman
Dr. S.L. Bairwa
Dr. Meera Kumari
Ms. Ashwini Choudhary
Dr. Ajay Bhardwaj
Dr. Paramveer Singh
Dr. Tarak Nath Goswami
Dr. Aditya Sinha
Dr. Samik Sengupta
Dr. Tirthartha Chattopadhyay
Dr. Srinivasaraghavan A.
Dr. Shridhar Patil
Declaration: Opinions in this publication are those of respective authors

and not necessarily that of organizers. This publication cannot be
reproduced, stored, retrieved or distributed mechanically,
Souvenir-cum-Abstracts Book
photographically, electronically or otherwise, in part or full, without the

written consent of the Publisher.
Published by:
Sabour Agri Incubators (SABAGRIs), Directorate of Research, Bihar
Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur
University website: www.bausabour.ac.in
Cover designed by: Mr. Brajesh Kumar Tiwari, Editor, Media Centre
ISBN: 978-81-957512-3-5.
© All Rights Reserved, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour.
Printed at:
Sri Tara Geeta Printing Press, Bhagalpur – 812001
lans'k
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PHAGU CHAUHAN RAJ BHAVAN
PATNA-800022
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GOVERNOR OF BIHAR
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Phone : 0612-2786100-107, Fax : 0612-2786178

e-mail : governorbihar@nic.in
Message
Former Agriculture production Commissioner, Government of Bihar.

Former Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Department of Agriculture, Research and
Education, Government of India.
I am excited to learn that Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour is hosting National
Seminar on “Converging Agribusiness Acumen for Growth, Profitability and Sustainability
through Agripreneurs & Agri start-ups (CAGSAS-2022)” during 25-26 November, 2022 at
Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Agribusiness is essential to transforming supply-side manufacturing into the
demand-driven consumerism of today. In states like Bihar that are plagued by great poverty,
the issue gets worse. Even if one is an expert in business, they may not comprehend the
regulatory obstacles to incorporation, continuous compliance, or the simple, affordable, and
systematic ongoing management of basic administrative duties like accounting, legal, and
tax, etc. Without access to a sizable marketing budget, it might be difficult to establish a
brand.
I extend my sincere compliments to seminar's organizers and attendees to include
such vital topic for debate and discussions.
(Sunil Kumar Singh)
Office Address : 4th Floor, Pant Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna - 800 015
Mob. : 8252683363
Message
pkS-pj.k flag jk"Vªh; Ïf"k foi.ku laLFkku
(Ïf"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky;] Hkkjr ljdkj dk laxBu)
dksVk jksM] cEckyk] izrki uxj] t;iqj&302033 (jkt-)
CH.CHARAN SINGH NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL MARKETING
(An Organization of Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India)
Kota Road, Bambala, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur-302033 ( Rajasthan)
Telephone:0141-2795111(D) Fax:0141-2771938,2770595
Website: www.ccsniam.gov.in
Dated : 18th November 2022

It is a matter of immense pleasure that Bihar Agricultural University is
organising a National Seminar on “Converging Agribusiness Acumen for Growth,
Profitability, and Sustainability through Agripreneurs & Agri start-ups (CAGSAS-
th th
2022)" on 25 -26 November, 2022 in Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar.
The country's economic prosperity depends heavily on agriculture, which also
helps create jobs and reduce poverty. The agribusiness, processing and export sectors
assist the country in generating significant foreign exchange. The trained and motivated
agribusiness professionals, incubated agri start-ups will play primary role in stimulating,
bringing innovations, and process re-engineering in the agriculture system.
I believe that this seminar will increase participants' awareness, and discussions
among experts will facilitate the creation of effective plans for enhancing the application
of management techniques for upcoming research and development.
I send my best wishes and happiness for the seminar's success.
Vijaya Lakshmi Nadendla

Director General, CCS NIAM Jaipur
Message
BIHAR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, SABOUR
BHAGALPUR - 813 210 (BIHAR)
Phone : 0641-2452606 (O)
Dr. Arun Kumar Fax : 0641-2452604
Vice Chancellor Patna : 0612 - 2222267 (O)
Fax : 0612 - 2225364
Mob. No. : +91-8987374521
Email ID : vcbausabour@gmail.com
Ref. No. : 4361/vc Dated : 22.11.2022
It is a matter of pride that on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav the Sabour
Agri-incubators (SABAGRIs), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour is organizing National
Seminar on Converging Agribusiness Acumen for Growth, Profitability and Sustainability
th th
through Agripreneurs and Agri-startups (CAGSAS-2022) on 25 & 26 November 2022 in
collaboration with Agricultural Economics and Social Science Research Association
(AESSRA) at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour to agglomerate the pebbles of wisdoms
across states towards inculcating vibes of technology centered agribusiness that suits the
time and permeate cultural inheritage with passion to posterity .
The developed agricultural sector not only provides self-sufficiency in food
production, but also gives impetus for the transformation of the impoverished rural
community into a modern civilization. Agripreneurs and agri start-ups infuse novel methods,
processes, and techniques to increase output and economic bearings. It is believed that
entrepreneurs are the torch bearers of tomorrow's innovations and play a critical role in
creating a thriving economy. Agripreneurship is the future of India, and the Bihar
Government is already treating it as a priority sector.
I hope that outcome of this seminar will be fruitful in developing effective strategies
and an action plan for developing entrepreneurial environment in the state. I wish organizers
a grand success and best of luck in this endeavour.
(Arun Kumar)
Message
Dated : 18th November 2022
Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with
diligence - Abigail Adams.
With this quote, I extend my best wishes to the blissed occasion of organizing the National
Seminar on "Converging Agribusiness Acumen for Growth, Profitability and Sustainability through
Agripreneurs and Agri-startups" (CAGSAS-2022) on 25th & 26th November 2022, to be organized at
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour.
The startups are solving agricultural problems faced by the small holders in various ways
such as proper supply chain management, provision of necessary infrastructure, direct pickup of
produce from the farmers' fields and so on. The government has formulated several policies to
provide a healthy ecosystem to boost up the startup culture across the country. I hope that the
deliberations and sharing of the ideas, experiences and growth stories during the national seminar will
play a vital role in providing new dimensions to agricultural ventures in the coming decades. I believe
that such scholarly gathering will enlighten the delegates, students and agripreneurs about creative
and innovative thinking for improving the agricultural landscape of the Indian economy.
Being the president of this grand congress of academic embodiments, I am less of word to
express gratitude to the researchers, academicians, students and others who have submitted abstracts
and full-length articles for the seminar. I am confident that the participants will take this opportunity
to learn about the various aspects of agri starts-ups in dual mode (online and offline) and will enjoy the
accomplishments.
Again, my best wishes for a very successful National Seminar at BAU, Sabour.
( P. K. Singh)
President , CAGSAS 2022
Directorate of Research, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur - 813210, Bihar Ph. : 0641-2451056
From the Desk of Organising Secretary...............
It is my pleasure and pride moment to elucidate that the Sabour
Agri Incubators (SABAGRIs), Directorate of Research, Bihar
Agricultural University, Sabour in collaboration with Agricultural
Economics and Social Science Research Association (AESSRA), New
Delhi is organizing National Seminar on “Converging Agribusiness
Acumen for Growth, Profitability and Sustainability through
Agripreneurs & Agri start-ups (CAGSAS-2022)”during 25-26
November, 2022 to celebrate the nation's call of Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav. The present seminar intends to provide a forum for
congregation of scientists, researchers, students, progressive farmers,
agripreneurs, agri start-ups, NGOs, FPOs, and field functionaries of
agriculture departments for discussing and elucidating the issues related
enabling a conducive agribusiness environment with growth,
profitability and sustainability.
Now time has come to capitalize on cutting-edge research and
technology to boost India's global competitiveness and realize the goal
of "Start-up India, Stand-up India”. Agripreneurs and Agri-startups can
act as change agents by offering unique, need-based, cutting-edge
concepts and pragmatic fixes to a variety of problems encountered along
the value chain for agricultural production and commercialization.
It is hoped that the seminar will provide fresh insights into hot
topics like agribusiness start-ups, commercialization, knowledge Souvenir-cum-Abstracts Book
transfer, spinoff processes, social entrepreneurship, and green
entrepreneurship. I want to express my gratitude to all the professors,
scientists, outside experts, authors of papers, keynote speakers,
chairpersons of various committees, participants in technical sessions,
and, in particular, the Ph.D. students and co-workers of the Department
of Agricultural Economics at BAU, Sabour, for their contributions in
making this endeavour a great success.
(S.M. Rahaman)
For Team CAGSAS-2022
Dedicated to
Indian Farmers, Agripreneurs
&
Agri Start-ups
¼Hkkjrh; fdlkuksa vkSj —f"k m|fe;ksa dks LkefiZr½
Acknowledging the incubation support provided under

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for

Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RKVY-
RAFTAAR) Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI) scheme of
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW),
Government of India, New Delhi.
The financial assistance received from Research and

Development Fund of National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD) towards publication of
journal/printing of proceedings of the seminar is
gratefully acknowledged.
1
LEAD PAPERS
AND
EXTENDED SUMMARY
2
LP-1 3
Studies on Future of Farming - India’s Biggest
Challenge
Debashis Sarkar
Professor & Head
Department of Agricultural Economics
Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal
Author’s email: debashis.sarkar@visva-bharati.ac.in
Agriculture still remains the largest sector for employment in Indian economy.
Apart from labour engaged in the process of cultivation, the raw material for the indus-
trial sectors like food processing, textile industry comes from the agricultural sector.
The services sector accounts for 53.89% of total India’s GVA of 179.15 lakh crore
Indian rupees. With GVA of Rs. 46.44 lakh crore, the industry sector contributes 25.92%,
while agriculture and allied sector’s share is 20.19%. It is estimated that the number of
farm workers is likely to be closer to half a billion people, if we add family members
who engage in farm as well as wage labourers. It is observed in many studies that there is
disguised unemployment in Indian agriculture. Only 4 million people are required if we
shift from labour intensive to labour efficient agriculture in India like US by adopting
large scale mechanisation. At the same time a relevant question arises is it required or
even possible in Indian condition?
It is found that a less than 2% of its population growing food sufficient for almost
2 billion people, while much of it is fed to animals in United States (US). US has adopted
large scale mechanisation for many suitable crops. In case of East Asian countries, it is
found that about 10% of the population are engaged in agriculture while as many as nearly
half the labourers are engaged in agriculture in India. Therefore, there is a scope a large
section of people to move out from agriculture to other alternative occupations provided
sufficient opportunity created that will transform agriculture sector from labour intensive
to labour efficient. There is also an urgent need towards shifting from subsistence farming
to commercial, sustainable, and productive farming if we can keep aside the largest sector
of employment in agriculture. However, agriculture policies in India are not in a position to
select suitable cropping pattern, cost of inputs and the markets which are knotted perpetu-
ating small and marginal farms. Only increase in production and productivity cannot be a
solution for intensification in employment. It is possible to increase the exports in case of
higher production but it also requires extensive value addition. Similarly, it is also not clear
how larger exports can benefit the farmers when there is an insignificant association of the
farmers in export in comparison to the strong bonding of the processors as well as traders.
It is an urgent need to find out a solution for meaningful employment to a large section of
Indian population outside this agriculture.
1. Farming Livelihoods and its Viability
In 2019 World started thinking about a structural crisis relating to food produc-
tion. The world’s food demand is increasing but the number of people is leaving, or not
joining, farming is consistently growing. This raises an empirical question that who will
produce the food. The average age of an Indian farmer was 50.1 years according to the
Input Survey 2011-12 (released in 2016) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare, Government of India. The maximum number of operational land holders (33.7
per cent), belong to the age group of 41-50 years, followed by 33.2 per cent in the age
group of 51-60 years (Input Survey 2011-12, GoI). The next generation is not inclined
to farm, while the present generation is reaching the age of retirement. A majority of
4 students graduating from agricultural universities has already switched to other profes-
sions. Only 1.2 per cent of 30,000 rural youth surveyed by non-profit Pratham for its
2017 ‘Annual Status of Education Report’ aspired to be farmers. Similarly, for girls,
who play a major role in traditional farming, 25 per cent wanted to be teachers (Mahapatra,
2020). The fact remains that Indian agriculture is still very risky, and even unrewarding
job, especially as undertaken by the majority of the masses, which is subsistence in
nature. In case of unfavourable weather and infestation and pest and diseases, the farm-
ers tumble in crisis due to lower yield and production. The Indian farmers also try to
avoid risks in the production process with an implicit cost of capital at the range of 50-
100%, which is essentially one season or one year of limit and mostly are not in a
position to take large scale investment in agriculture and adoption of modern technolo-
gies.
In view of the above, there is an acute deficit of labour supply in some areas where
the large farms coerce to migrated agricultural labourers from the neighbouring states
even from other country (especially the north-east) like Nepal. The present generation is
not interested to continue in agriculture and migrate to urban areas. On the other side,
there is less opportunity of high- end employment in the urban areas.
This problem can easily be visualised even in case of Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA formerly NREGA). It is stated in Schedule-
I Clause-12 of NREGA (2005) that “As far as practicable, a task funded under the Scheme
shall be performed by using manual labour and not machines.” MGNREGA has stressed
on labour employment rather than output or productivity. Much involvement of labour
into agriculture cannot change productivity and thereby it will not increase the revenues
to pay the cost due to involvement of much labour employment. In this case, there is only
scope to match the labour supply with cropping pattern in order to enable a steadier
balance of opportunities (and labour supply). Size matters in agriculture but the fact is that
the size of holding is very small in India and it is declining due to different factors. National
Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) estimated that the average size of holding is 1.2
hectare only. Due to this factor and higher family living expenses than returns from agricul-
ture, they craving to switch from farm to non-farming activities. At the same time, the small
and marginal farms are not in a position to pay to hired labour cost and depend on family
labour and remain in subsistence farming as they have no option for choice in cropping
pattern due to their consumption needs.
Table 1: Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing, Value Added (% of GDP)
Country Year Value

Ethiopia 2021 37.6
Bangladesh 2021 11.6
Ghana 2021 19.7
India 2021 16.8
Thailand 2021 8.5
China 2021 7.3
South Korea 2021 1.8
France 2021 1.6
United Kingdom 2021 0.6
Germany 2021 0.8
United States 2020 1.1
Source: The World Bank 5
Figure 1: GDP per capita
Source: World Bank

How the Indian farmers can generate more income from this present situation? It
is possible to delay in altering crops as because market-focused changes often lead to
future risks with debt and price volatility, such as fabled guar plant, whose gum has been
exported for shale gas production to the US. The simplest means to make more income
can be generated through producing crops with less inputs therefore, the productivity
should be increased. When the argument relating to productivity occurs, another perti-
nent problem arises as because productivity of some selected crops is not so low in
India even very good in some cases like sugar. The productivity for cereals is 2.88 tons/
ha in India against the world average of 3.67 tons/ha (FAO, 2012). It is possible to in-
crease the yield double up to 6.65 tons/ha as evidenced in Western Europe. Is it possible
doubling farmers’ income on the face of increase in output? Even there is distinct pos-
sibility of glut in the market and thereby reduce prices at the event of increase in output.
Besides, the farmers are able to increase the yield in agriculturally developed countries
by using high-tech agriculture and whose average yield is higher than the Indian farmers.
This high-tech agriculture does not require additional labour. The labour is required at
the stage of performing marketing functions like packaging etc. which is seasonal in
nature.
Figure 2: Value Chain- Cup of Coffee (UK)

Source: Guardian Earth Special (2003)
6 The Indian agriculture has many falsifications and disarticulations other than sup-
ply-demand equilibria. These are not due to market intermediaries but also a very poor
supply-chain in association with poor market infrastructure, lack of storage and efficient
transport. In spite of India being the world’s second largest producer of fruits and veg-
etables, the consumers are not getting proper quality, at aright time and at a right cost due
to losses and wastage in the supply chain of fruits and vegetables sector. A huge share of
production turns into waste which made India as one of the biggest wasters in the world
(ASSOCHAM, 2013). Negi and Anand (2014) observed that supply chain of fruits and
vegetables in India is highly inefficient which is leading to huge losses and wastages and
less income to the stakeholders in return. Apart from the loss of revenue to the farmers, it
leads to increased additional costs in the supply chain which ultimately enforces the final
consumers to pay high charges from his pocket. From various studies on post-harvest
losses in India, it is evident that the amount of food wasted in a year in India is equivalent
to annual food consumption in the UK (Rathore et al., 2010). As per the survey by
ASSOCHAM (2013) India, the producers have to forgo every year Rs. 2.13 lakh crore due
to losses in the supply chain of fruits and vegetables. It has been argued by many scholars
that a number of improvements are needed in terms of markets, flexibility, etc., allow-
ing farmers to choose whom they sell to, at what terms, etc.
It is also important to know that food basket and agriculture are not identical.
Expenditure on food basket is associated with value addition which includes different
marketing functions like processing, preparation, services in restaurants, etc. As for
example, food is now one of the biggest household expenditures in US. The practice of
taking food in restaurants is still low in India but trend is changing due to change in food
habits and income of Indian population. Importantly, farming revenues will not raise
much even as India’s income rises. In fact, the ratio of total agriculture income to total
population is relatively flat across countries regardless of per capita income. Rising
GDP means growth of non-agricultural incomes. Figure-1 shows (in log scale) that In-
dia is not very different from a number of advanced countries in absolute GDP coming
from agriculture spread per capita. There is some room for growth, but far less than
growth in GDP. This tells us farmer incomes normally rise only when there are fewer
farmers.
It is now argued how the farmers’ income can be enhanced under this context.
Exports can be an option in case of cash crops. Even with these, the share of end-product
like a chocolate bar or coffee cup going to the farmer is often infinitesimal (see a represen-
tative retail coffee shop value chain in the UK, in Figure- 2). Even by adding processing to
industrial growth and by preventing wastage, it is to be considered how much (or little)
can be conveyed to the farmers.
2. Stop Bashing Agriculture and Search for Alternative Solutions
It is fact that size of holding in agriculture is one of the important factors for
generation of potential income from the farm business. It has been found as per the NSSO
data that on an average 30% of farm revenues are spent by the farmers mostly on fertiliser
and labour. It can be noted that fertilisers are heavily subsidised, and electricity which
create lift irrigation is seemingly nearly free. Even under this situation the small farm-
ers lose money, and the majority of the farmers are small and marginal in size.
Actually, the most of the farmers are labourers and they do not have their owned
land. Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data indicated that 56% of rural house-
holds are landless when irrigation is considered and they work as agricultural labourers,
so they are not the beneficiary of free electricity. Less than 10% owned any irrigation
equipment, mostly electric but including diesel. A small portion of land owned by the 7
farmers enjoy irrigation by canal and almost 30% of households cultivate their land
under rainfed condition. These figures substantially exhibit that the number of benefi-
ciaries enjoying free electricity are less, and many of them actually sell water to fellow
farmers. Therefore, it proves that distortions of electricity in the name of the poor is
transpired who actually does not get free electricity. Small and marginal farmers are
confined with growing staple foods for their own consumption. The large farmers grow
cash crops where consumptive use of water is high like sugarcane are not only benefited
due to high support prices but also low-priced water. Support prices combined with
distorted retail prices are why farmers pick “bad” crops when it comes to
inputs. Therefore, free power is one of the important factors for penniless electricity
distribution. It may create distortion on economic competitiveness and employment
due to overcharge of electricity either to commercial and industrial consumers.
3. Suggestions to Overcome the Problems
Recently, the Natural Resource Défense Council (NRDC), a leading US environmen-
tal NGO, came out with the shocking statistic that 40% of the total US food supply is
wasted (Gunders, 2012). Despite the statistics and warnings demonstrating the prevalence
of agriculture overproduction, it has continued for many years. Overproducing food,
while allowing for food security, also disrupt world markets as well as causes immense
environmental damage to soil and water supplies. The natural question that arises is why
food is continually overproduced in specifically the United States and European Union.
While Marxist philosophy has its own faults, Karl Marx’s particular concept of the crisis of
overproduction does offer a new dimension to the discussion when examining current
agriculture trade. Free market economies operating in the US and EU show how govern-
ments and producers often encourage production to increase economic growth. While
this guiding doctrine has long been the backbone of these countries, the environmental
impact of the policies indicates it is important to revisit the logic of food overproduction.
In India supports to agriculture are of many folds like administrative price, subsidy,
free inputs like electricity etc. It is now imperative to judge all these supports on the face
of equity, efficiency and microeconomic impact. In view of the overall discussion, few
suggestions are made to overcome the problems of liberalisation of pricing and supply-
chain restrictions.
• Beyond the adoption of technology in relation to reduction of costs and increase yields,
there is an essential need to guide agriculture based on soil, climate change, availability
of water etc. In some cases, traditional wisdom dominates and therefore better facilities
for network should be provided at the doorstep of agricultural universities so that they
can use the drones, satellite imagery, soil sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) in order
to find out low-tech solutions like drip irrigation, mulching etc. Major investments are
also required in order to provide better marketing functions like processing, supply-
chain, storage etc.
• System level efficiency is to be improved specially in case of water and fertiliser.
Overuse of fertiliser, consumptive use of water, cropping pattern should be taken into
account immediately. If the situation is not changed, it will worsen further on the face of
climate change. Bottom of the poor should not be left out and mechanism of Direct
Benefits Transfer (DBT) should be strengthened in a real perspective.
• Immediate step is to be required to start taxes on high-income agriculture on the basis of
farm revenues.
• Instead of quantity, focus should be made on the quality or value of the product.
8 • Organic farming is very important for Indian agriculture as because a lot of government
exchequers are spent on the sake of subsidy for inorganic inputs. Besides, organic farming
requires more labour as a substitute for other inputs which will create larger employment.
Organic farming also requires less water than inorganic farming. Its intensive nature does
not favour economies of scale, but that expressly fits well with smaller farm size of farms.
Organic farming might cost a little more, but a there are several more serious challenges
that deserve policy attention. A variant mentioned in the 2019 Budget by the finance
minister is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which also focuses on breaking input cost bur-
dens. Establishing organic as a true offering needs innovative thinking, beyond it is just
labelling and certifications.
Conclusion
Given limits to farming as a viable profession for hundreds of millions of people,
even efficient and sustainable farming, the government needs to give other sectors the
same political focus they have given farmers. Growth in employment has been from the
informal sector, partly for structural reasons including small operations and labour regu-
lations that burden growth, but also because of a proclivity for employers to desire
“cheap labour”. But existing cheap labour is unlikely to be skilled or efficient. Voca-
tional training is one option, but India can also do far more emphasising technology and
agriculture skilling efforts such as Digital Green. While non-agricultural GDP growth
is critical to solving the farming livelihoods challenge, we cannot ignore farming itself.
After all, these are not an either-or proposition. Even if we treat food as a basic right,
that does not mean we cannot also view it as a commodity. The sooner we move agricul-
ture away from politics, and stop applying band-aids to fundamental challenges, the sooner
we can take bold steps in other directions.
References :
ASSOCHAM. 2013. Horticulture Sector in India-State level experience. New Delhi: The
Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
Gunders, D. 2012. Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm
to Fork to Landfill. Retrieved on April 2014 from http://www.nrdc.org/food/files/wasted-
food-ip.pdf. (September 15, 2015). U.S. Sets First-Ever Goals to Reduce Food Waste.
Mahapatra, R. 2020. India’s agrarian distress: Is farming a dying occupation, Down to
Earth, 24th September, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/india-s-
agrarian-distress-is-farming-a-dying-occupation-73527.
Negi, S., & Anand, N. 2014. Supply Chain Efficiency: An Insight from Fruits and Vegetables
Sector in India. Journal of Operations and Supply Chain Management, 7(2), 154-167.
Rathore, J., Sharma, A., & Saxena, K. 2010. Cold Chain Infrastructure for Frozen Food: A
Weak Link in Indian Retail Sector. The IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management, VII
(1 & 2), 90-103.
Tongia, R. 2022. India’s Biggest Challenge: The Future of Farming, The India Forum.
https://www.pratham.org/2021/11/17/the-sixteenth-annual-status-of-education-report-
rural-2021-released/
***
LP-2 9
Agri Startups in India: Opportunities and Challenges
Ramesh Mittal
Director, CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur
Author’s email: mittalramesh@gmail.com
Agri Startups are envisaged to revolutionize the Indian agribusiness sector by pro-
viding innovative solutions to different challenges faced by agriculture and allied sec-
tors, create newer livelihood opportunities and promote socio-economic development.
Increased investments in agribusiness creates a positive effect by joining forward and
backward linkages of agri supply chain, increase demand of agricultural products and
create competitive advantage. The global human population is forecasted to reach 10
billion by 2050, which makes it imperative to find disruptive solutions to fulfil future
requirements of food, feed, fuel and factory, and sustain the livelihoods of small and
marginal farmers. Indian agriculture is predominantly dependent on the small and marginal
farmers and there are many critical farming activities that need attention and informed
decision making to ensure a good yield and appropriate return on investment.
The transformation of agriculture to agribusiness is essential to improve farmers’
income and increase contribution of agriculture in national GDP. The agri startups in India
have been playing an important role in harnessing the potential of innovative agricultural
technologies to support farmers in reaching better scale, systems and sustainability, im-
prove farm incomes thus making agriculture as sustainable source of income. India hosts
more than 1000 Agri start-ups who are providing customized solutions and products to
make the agricultural value chain more profitable and remunerative. The future growth
potential for India agri start-ups is immense as they are bringing in market relevant innova-
tions in the form of technologies, products and services to farmers at a faster rate. The
government of India has brought in many schemes and policy reforms in agriculture and
allied sector to further augment the Indian agri startup ecosystem. The agri startups are a
boost to the country’s economy, and several policies have been implemented by the
government to nurture, mentor and provide funding support to startups and help them
establish successful business ventures.
India has emerged as the third largest ecosystem for startups globallywith over
77,000 DPIIT recognized startups across 656 districts of the country till August 2022.India
is home to highest number of unicorn startups after USA and China with 108 unicorns out
of 1100+ total unicorns globally. Agritech startups are providingdifferent relevant solu-
tions across the agricultural value chain in the form of product, service or application.
There is a decent growth ofagri startups in the country which needs a strong push for
faster growth of the agricultural sector in India. India hosts more than 1,000 agritech
startups who are leveraging different technologies to revolutionize the agri value chain.
Opportunities for Agri Startups in India
Agriculture and its allied sectors form the major source of livelihood for its coun-
trymen. Majority of rural Indianhouseholds (70 percent) still depend primarily on agri-
culture for their livelihood, with 82 percent of farmers being small and marginal. India
is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consump-
tion) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world. India is also world’s largest producer of
milk and jute. India is one of the leading producers of spices, fish, poultry, livestock and
plantation crops. India is the world’s third largest economy after the USA and China.
India has the world’s largest cattle herd (buffaloes) population and largest area planted
for wheat, rice, and cotton. The Covid-19 pandemic and turbulent economic conditions
10 worldover have massively disrupted the global food system, catapulting agriculture-based
economies like India in the centre stage to provide more sustainable options in global
food supply.
The growth of agricultural sector has been stimulated by the incremental adoption
of cutting-edge techniques including blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), geographic
information systems (GIS), drones, remote sensing technologies, as well as the release of
various e-farming applications. The agri tech startups have revolutionized Indian agricul-
tural and many agritech sub-sectors have emerged in recent past who are leveraging
technology in the area of market linkages such as retail, B2C and B2B marketplaces and
digital agronomy platforms. Big Data Analytics, Supply Chain/Market-linked Model, FaaS,
IoT Enabled, Engineering-Led Innovation are the major sub-sectors where agritech startups
are coming up in India. The different opportunities for Indian agri startups can be enumer-
ated as:
• Agricultural Productivity: Foodgrain productivity has grown at a very rapid pace in
India driven by rice and wheat mainly due to introduction of high-yielding varieties,
investment in public research and fertilizer usage. The average foodgrain production
increased in the past decade due to availability of higher agriculture credit, public and
private investment, increased usage of quality seeds and fertilizers, expansion of acre-
age under irrigation and increased cropping intensity. Many agri startups are providing
services as supply of farm inputs to farm gate, providing platform to farmers to access
credit for carrying out their agricultural operations seamlessly, crop land monitoring,
prediction of disease and pests, precision agriculture operations resulting in better crop
yields e.g. DeHaat provides online platform providing end to end farming solutions such
as soil testing, yield forecasting, advisory, agri input and uses AI based technology to
monitor supply chain activities. Agrostar is an online platform offering agri-inputs, con-
tent, and advice for products like seeds, fertilizers, tractors, pumps, pesticides, etc.
They also offer expert advice, agricultural data, agronomy knowledge, weather forecast,
etc. to farmers through its platform. Their app is available for Android users. Plantix
provides disease detection services, WayCooldevelops bio and organic agricultural in-
puts that aid farmers in minimizing the use of harsh chemicals that affect soil quality.
• Diversification of Agriculture and allied activities:The allied sector has steadily
gained importance in the last decade led by strong growth in animal husbandry and fish
production. Indian livestock sector attained a record growth during the last decade (2010-
19) with India emerging as a major producer of milk, egg and meat in the world (GoI,
2019). With operational land holding size declining gradually, livestock is emerging as
an important source of stable livelihood for not only the small and marginal farmers but
also the landless labourers.For eg. Ninjacart offers an App-based B2B marketplace of-
fering vegetables and fruits. The app offers fruit and vegetables to retailers and restau-
rants from farmers.
• Agricultural Warehousing: Warehousing is an integral part of the supply chain where
goods are not only stored for safekeeping but also where other value processes are
implemented, thereby, minimizing wastage and costs. The agricultural warehousing mar-
ket in India is local, unorganized and fragmented. Many small and medium landholding
farmers use the services of public warehouses, also known as third party logistic com-
panies. These warehouses help farmers by storing, packing and shipping produce. For
e.g. Star Agri warehousing & Collateral Management provides agricultural warehousing
and post-harvest supply chain solutions. The solutions offered include warehousing,
procurement, and collateral management of agricultural commodities. It also offers a
wide array of value-added services covering risk management, retailing, logistics, and 11
export of agricultural produce.
• Farm mechanization: Farm mechanization has the potential to enhance agricultural
productivity, reduce the input cost and time required to complete the farm operations
and reduce the drudgery associated with agriculture labour. The extent of farm
mechanisation in India has increased over the years leading to increased farm output
with active participation of many agri startups. For eg. Absolute provides IoT and AI-
enabled hardware and software solutions for farmers. It has developed solutions for
open farms, greenhouses, or indoor vertical farms. It offers IoT devices equipped with
sensors, hardware systems, and satellite sources, which feed into proprietary machine-
learning algorithms to deliver real-time crop insights.
• Farm Diversification using veterinary, aquaculture, poultry keeping etc: The
AgriTech Startups are empowering farmers to integrate livestock rearing and aquacul-
ture into their existing operations with micro-farm installation requiring minimum space
and labour. Non-crop diversification is helping farmers increase and earn round-the-
year income, improve productivity and profitability and adopt sustainable farming sys-
tems. For e.g. Licious is an online retailer offering multi-category meat and seafood
products.Fresh to home an app-based platform offersdelivery of no-preservative added
marinades and ready-to-cook seafood & meat such as chicken, naturally raised mutton,
duck, and other meats at the customer’s doorstep through its own logistics team. The
company operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai,
Pune, Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Thrissur.
• Agricultural extension services: AgriTech startups with the ever-increasing internet
are increasing awareness among the farming communities and connecting them to a
network of traders, retailers and exporters willing to buy their produce at higher prices.E.g.
Agribazaar provides online agri-trading marketplace. Similarly, Arya provides an online
marketplace platform offering farm products. The platform connects buyers and sellers
of agri-products. It offers solutions for farmer producer organizations, processors, fi-
nancial institutions, agri-corporations, and international buyers. Its solutions include
storage, warehousing management, embedded finance, and market linkages to agricul-
tural producers and buyers through its digital collaborator platform. Users get regular
updates on commodities and market data. It also offers an e-mandi platform for farmers
to buy and sell agricultural commodities.
• Agricultural credit and finance: With the emergence of Fintech and AgriTech startups,
the lending landscape of the country is changing.Previously underserved small and mar-
ginal farmers can now secure loans from formal institutions at low-interest rates.A
plethora of easy financing options and government initiatives have alleviated the burden
of interest on farmers. For e.g. DeHaat provides in Agri financing by providing credit
and insurance to farmers for agriculture related activities. Jai Kisan provides online
platform connecting farmers with finance providers and facilitating finance solutions. It
also provides an agriculture marketplace for the users to buy agriculture inputs, market
linkages with buyers to buy the farmer’s produce, and advisory services on agriculture
practices.
Government policies for agri startup ecosystem in India:
• The Ministry of Agri. & Farmers Welfare has been implementing a programme called
Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development under Rashtriya Krishi VikasYojana
(RKVY-RAFTAAR) since 2018-19 with an objective to promote innovation and agri-
entrepreneurship by providing financial and technical support for
12 nurturing agri startups including agritech startups using digital techniques. Five Knowl-
edge Partners (KPs) as Center of Excellence and twenty four RKVY-RAFTAAR
Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABIs) have been appointed from across the country for
implementation of this programme.Under the Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship De-
velopment programme, a total of 799 start-ups in the field of agriculture and allied
sectors including agritech startups have been provided technical and financial support.
• The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has been supporting Agri-based
startups including agritech startups using digital techniques under the project called
National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF) since 2016-2017. It has two components
viz. I. Innovation Fund; II. Incubation Fund and National Coordinating Unit (NCU). ICAR
Agribusiness Incubators (ABIs) provide technical backstopping and other incubation
services to startups /entrepreneurs including agritech startups. ICAR through its ABIs in
50 institutes has supported a total of 818 startups including agritech startups till date.
• The Union Government has taken following steps to provide digital and hi-tech ser-
vices which will open up opportunities for private entrepreneurs:
r The Department has constituted a high level Task Force, which is in the process
of finalizing a report on India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) which
would lay down the architecture of Digital AgriStack with unique ID for farmers,
and standards for interoperability between various data streams in the Agristack.
This would open up possibilities for developing services and solutions by Private
Entrepreneurs.
r Provisions are being made under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to fund
private agritech players.
r Government of India has made an announcement in the Union Budget 2022 re-
garding the setting up of a fund routed through NABARD under a co-investment
model to finance for agri-startups and rural enterprises in the agritech space.The
exclusive fund will provide a fillip to the farm produce value chain.
r Government is providing financial assistance through Sub Mission on Agricul-
tural (SMAM) to Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), In-
dian Council for agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes, KrishiVigyan Kendra
(KVK), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and State Agricultural Universi-
ties (SAUs) for drone demonstrations and for establishment/upgrading the Cus-
tom Hiring Centres (CHCs)/ Hi-Tech Hub for providing agricultural services by
using drone technology. Drone service providers can also avail benefits of Agri-
culture Infrastructure Fund.
In 2020, the Reserve Bank of India directed banks to treat loans up to Rs. 50 crore to
agri-startups under priority sector lending.
• The International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) provides
funding to agritech start-ups under the NIDHI-Seed Support Scheme (NIDHI-SSS).Under
this scheme selected start-ups receive funding up to ¹ 50 lakh and the seed fund enables
them to accelerate their commercialization activities.
• In Union Budget 2022, the Government of India mentioned about‘Kisan Drones’ for
crop assessment, digitization of land records, spraying of insecticides and nutrients and
Digital Ecosystem for Skilling and Livelihood (DESH-Stack e-portal) to be launched to
empower citizens to skill, reskill or upskill through on-line training.Startups will be
promoted to facilitate ‘Drone Shakti’ and for Drone-As-A-Service (DrAAS).
Challenges faced by Agri Startups in India 13
In today’s world, in order for this to be a success, we need to take it hand in hand
with technology and innovation. Bringing in innovation in any sector means that one can
open new markets and opportunities and ultimately strengthen global trade.It is there-
fore pertinent for agristartups to harness the offerings of the sector in order to create a
ripple effect that will end up bringing up the nation’s economy. While Agri startup eco-
system is new and going towards maturity, technology is playing key role and has bridged
the gap in the agristartup chain. As they are working to solve issues in farming, it is
important to find ways to overcome these concerns as well. The some of the key chal-
lenges faced are:-
• Old school models: One of the major reasons for rejection of agristartups have been
the old business models in the agriculture ecosystem. The existing systems are too rigid
that it is difficult to break and scale the new business models. There has been a presump-
tion that agriculture cannot have a viable business model and discouraging acceptance
by investors as well as from farming community raise challenges for these agristartups.
• Lack of commercial guidance: When it comes to expansion of agri start-ups, what is
needed is good commercial guidance. In fact this guidance is what aids them in network-
ing, finding resources and gaining expertise. Although the agristartup ecosystem gaining
momentum in the country but it is still not in easy reach of many agricultural start-ups.
• Naïve agri startup incubation ecosystem: Agri Startup Incubators are new in the
country and it shall take time to achieve maturity in terms of expert level. Although it is
not just the matter of competence of the incubation team but the altogether different
challenges of agricultural ecosystem which has major impact on agri business models.
Secondly, for other startup incubators, the priority is still given to startups of other
sectors/ focus areas including health, IT, lifestyle, etc.
• Investor apathy: Considering that the sector is filled with a lot of uncertainties and
challenges, there is a lot of investor apathy when it comes to agristartups.
• Lack of entrepreneurial mentoring to startups: One of the chief problems faced is
that not many industry members or entrepreneurs are keen or available to mentor startups
in this space. The other experienced ones comes from academics who have the subject
knowledge but are not aware about the entrepreneurship encounters about this space.
• Application of technology: When it comes to agriculture, the infusion of technology
becomes challenging as the implementation of the same is mostly in fields which are
the difficult locations to install equipments or tech, and difficulties while usage by the
end users. Also there is hardship in technology adoption by farming community.
• Lack of angel investors: Being naïve ecosystem, angel investors lack interest in
investing in these high risk, uncertain and challenging business models. The problems
and solutions of these startups may not be easily backed by investors.
• Natural climate changes: One of the main problems faced by agristartups, is the
climatic changes as there is little or no intervention that is possible by a business. Un-
like other startups where climate may or may not play a significant role in success, in
agriculture, it is the primary factor.
• Lack of cold storage: A substantial quantity in million metric tonnes of food grains,
vegetables and fruits are decays annually in India due to lack of storage and refrigeration
facilities. There is a need to mobilise large-scale investment into storage sector and
without improvements, agristartups will find it difficult as they cannot mobilise such
large investments themselves.
14 • Productivity information: The productivity level in India is low when it comes to
agriculture and, at the same time, the exact information on productivity is difficult to
find. This makes it difficult for startups to plan and create successful models.
• Lack of acceptance among small and marginal farmers: The agri sector in India
remains largely unorganised and fragmented, farmers owning less than 5 acres consti-
tute 80 per cent of the entire farming community. However, the bigger land holders are
more able to access and accept the innovation of these agristartups in comparison of
small & marginal farmers
From 2017 to 2020, India received US$ 1 billion in agritech funding. With sig-
nificant interest from the investors, India ranks third in terms of agritech funding and
number of agritech start-ups. By 2025, Indian agritech companies are likely to witness
investments worth US$ 30-35 billion. Agri startups have potential to revolutionize the
Indian agribusiness sector by providing innovative solutions to different challenges of
the agriculture sector, create livelihood opportunities and promote socio-economic de-
velopment. In the last decade, agriculture sector has witnessed the inflow of educated
youth with ideas, innovations and business models to lead the way for hi-tech agricul-
ture. In this journey, startups are providing the missing links in agri value chain and
delivering efficient products, technologies and services to the farmers on one hand and
desired products to consumers on the other hand. The startups exemplify how the great
things are done by a series of small things brought together. Taking one small step at a
time, moving from one problem to another and solving the issues through innovation is
what these startups are trying to achieve.
***
LP-3 15
The Impetus for Agripreneurship and Development of
Agristart-up Acumen in India
S. M. Rahaman, Meera Kumari, Samik Sengupta, Sandeep Kumar,
M. K. Wadhwani, Nitu Kumari*, Yogita Sharma, S. L. Bairwa and Nishat Anjum
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar-813210
*Corresponding author’s email: nituaec.bhu@gmail.com
Agribusiness is the most effective and extensive integration of activities related
to the production, handling, processing, and distribution of agricultural or horticultural
goods and livestock products. Agriculture and horticulture production depends on sev-
eral sectors, including those that produce pesticides and fertilizers, tractors and other
agricultural equipment, irrigation equipment, and logistics services. Similar to pre-pro-
duction, post-production activities are aided by intermediates in marketing, logistical
suppliers, processors, the packaging material sector, and retail network operators.
Agribusiness’s success, viability, and profitability depend on the incremental value added
at each stage of production and the distribution of costs across the goods in the supply
chain, which eventually makes it affordable for the consumer and profitable for stake-
holders. India, an agrarian nation, has relied heavily on domestic and international agri-
cultural commerce for much of its history of growth. Following independence, exports
and food self-sufficiency both contributed to an exponential increase in agricultural
trade. Currently, India’s agricultural sector is worth US$ 370 million and accounts for
about 20% of the country’s GDP, making it the fifth-largest economy in the world. The
current advancements in digital farming technology will hasten expansion by providing
greater agricultural yields and improved sustainability through the use of less water and
agrochemical. An increase in employment and business prospects is being brought about
by the spin-off in the form of primary and secondary processing and value chains. Op-
portunities for Indian farmers and businessmen to prosper are being brought to them by
the shifting geopolitical landscape of the world.
Entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector is known as agripreneurship. But un-
like self-employment, entrepreneurship is also characterized by the spirit of the entre-
preneurs. Entrepreneurs offer fresh ideas, uses money and business sense to turn those
ideas into tangible, marketable products (Sternberg and Wennekers, 2005). Entrepre-
neurs typically exhibit creativity, seize opportunities, take calculated risks, and have the
flexibility to quickly alter their plans in response to shifting conditions and at times
they are the inventors (Monsen, 2012). Farmers are typically inventive and creative, but
frequently lack the experience, access to resources, contacts, or markets, as well as the
knowledge and abilities needed to succeed as business owners. Agripreneurship and
agri-business has laid the foundation for building a self-reliant India and harness the
potential of a nation bestowed with the largest youth population in the world. It can lead
from the front in driving India’s sustainable economic growth and create large scale
employment opportunities.
Indian Startups is the most vibrant and fastest growing startup ecosystem in the
world. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) defines “a startup as an
entity which is established not prior to ten years with annual turnover not exceeding INR
25 crores in any preceding financial years (provided that such entity is not formed by
splitting up, or reconstruction, of a business already in existence) and is working towards
innovation, development or improvement of products or processes or services, or if it is a
scalable business model with a high potential of employment generation or wealth cre-
16 ation”. India is the largest startup ecosystem with 44 unicorn status during 2020-21 and
over 46000 recognized startups from among different states. More than 41,317 startups
have been recognized till 2021 by DIPP which has generated approximately 4.7 lakh
jobs opportunities with an average of 12 jobs generated by each recognized startup. Top
10 highlighted sectors in terms of number of startups are: IT Services, Healthcare &
Life Sciences, Education Professional & Commercial Services, Food & Beverages,
Agriculture, Finance Technology, Technology Hardware, Finance Technology, Construc-
tion and Green Technology (Start-Ups India Report, 2021).
Need and drivers to Agripreneurship and Agribusiness in India:
Agritech startups in India have a lot of potential and hold a lot of promise. For
Indian farmers, who contend with changing climate, a lack of water, price volatility, and
a host of other problems. It offers an idea of introducing cutting-edge technologies to
the agricultural sector in order to boost production and produce enough income to sus-
tain livelihoods. For agripreneurship to be beneficial to farmers in general and agri-
entrepreneurs in particular, it must address the issues of decreased agricultural mecha-
nization and low productivity of the livestock sector. Even though the cattle and food
processing industries are expanding at rates of 5% and 8%, respectively, additional steps
must be taken to reduce waste and improve product marketing (Srishailam et al, 2022).
For Indian farmers, unethical behaviour in unorganized agricultural markets and a dearth
of efficient production marketing channels are important sources of worry. They must
also deal with challenges including poor storage and transportation, among others. They
are exposed and isolated because they have little access to cutting-edge technologies
that would enable them to get timely information and agricultural solutions. Agritech
companies have the ability to immediately address these problems and transform Indian
agriculture in the process. They are like knights in shining armour to Indian farmers.
The Canvas for Agripreneurship Ecosystem
The creation of favourable conditions for emerging and expanding businesses to
flourish, entrepreneurial ecosystems, promote regional economic vitality and national
economic expansion got urgent attention. The ecosystems perspective recognizes that
businesses do not function in a vacuum, but rather are a part of a larger social, cultural, and
institutional context that influences their development and increases their likelihood of
success (Isenberg, 2011). Typically, the entrepreneurial ecosystem consists of following
six distinct domains: a) favourable culture, b) the availability of funding, c) enabling
leadership and policies, d)human capital, e)venture-friendly markets, and f) various kinds
of support. Accessible market, human capital, workforce, funding and finance, support
system, regulatory framework, education and training and cultural support are the pillars
of an ecosystem which are easily accessible in nations like the US and North America,
whereas most of them are constrained in developing regions like Asia (Vijayan et al,2020).
Growth of Agritech Startups and Agribusiness in India
In 2020, a total of 55,000 start-ups are in India and 3200 start-ups received $63
billion investment. The number of new companies incorporated under the Companies
Act rose 26 % to over 1.55 lakh in 2020-21 as compared to previous year. Sustained
government efforts in this direction have resulted in increasing the number of recog-
nized start-ups from 726 in FY 2016-17 to 65,861 in FY 2021-22. India’s agritech-
startup ecosystem has flourished in past couple of years and funding for this sector has
also burgeoned. In terms of funding, India stands next to US and China and has secured
cumulative investment worth $1.5 billion in the last ten years. In 2021, agritech start-
ups raised $684 million across 47 deals. The total funding for agritech during 2014-21
has crossed the $1 billion mark. Indian start-ups have raised $42 billion in 2021, up 17
from $11.5 billion in the previous year. The total market opportunities available for
entrepreneurs in terms of turnover are $170 billion while the addressable market op-
portunity is only $24 billion. Of total market opportunity; the overall agritech market
potential is $204million while the current market size of agritech is only about 1% (Fig
1). Market linkage remains an investor favorite in agritech space overall.
Fig1: Total Agritech Market Opportunity in India
India’s Agritech Market Opportunity
The start-ups in this sector have bagged $305.2 million through funding from 2014-
20. Indian Agritech funding grew by 192.5% between 2014 -19. Bengaluru leads among
Startup hubs for Agritech funding and raised over $256.5 million till 2020. B2B Agritech
models have grown at a CAGR of 96.5% from 2015 to 2020 with a total of $229.1 million
invested. Agritech Start-ups in B2B2C segment grabbed the greatest number of funding
deals during 2014-20 and grew at a CAGR of 24.2% in the past five years. 54% of the
startups have adopted Business to Farmer model, 47% adopted Business to Business
model, 41% adopted Business to Business to Farmer model, 39% to Farmer to Business
and 22% followed Business to Consumer model (Fig 2).
Fig 2: Business Models Adopted by Start-ups
Source: Source: PwC 2022 report

Seed stage funding has grown in 2020 after a lackluster 2019 for the agritech sector.
Despite Covid-19’s impact, late-stage deals dominated agritech funding. Growth stage
funding grew by 55.6% while late-stage deals contributed to over half of all funding in 2021
so far. The agritech sector is a rapidly expanding industry that has great promise for
improving Indian agriculture and, consequently, farmers’ incomes. According to
NASSCOM, India is home to nearly 450 agritech businesses, which are expanding at 25%
annual rate. India has experienced a boom in agritech firms over the past several years. The
agritech industry in India has expanded from 43 startups in 2013 to over 1000 companies in
2020 due to improved internet connection in rural areas, a decline in post-harvest and
18 supply chain losses, and greater investor interest in the industry (Fig. 3). The latest
statistics show that $3.23 billion in foreign investment was made in the agriculture in-
dustry. A total of $313 million was raised by 53 Indian agritech companies.
Fig. 3: Number of Agri-Startups in India
Source: Source: PwC analysis of data from NASSCOM (2022)

Financial support has been provided by various public and private institutions at
different stages of the startups. 22% of the startups had received funds at Ideation stage,
29% at the Validation stage, 37% at the Early Traction stage and 12% at the Scaling
stage. Under Fund of Funds Schemes, 21% of the funds have been provided to IT sec-
tors, 12% to healthcare and life-sciences, 9% to finance technology, 6% to e-com-
merce, 4% to logistics and 3% to food and beverages while other sectors have also
received funds to the tune of 38% (Fig. 4). These funds have been proved as a lifeline to
the entrepreneurs in thriving the startups during the difficult phases.
States focusing on Agritech in India:

Even while all states understand that Agritech businesses are essential for the suc-
cess of agriculture, some have created centres for the startup ecosystem. Nearly half
(about 49 percent) of the Agritech startups established in the nation during the past five
years have been in Karnataka and Maharashtra combined (NASSCOM, 2022).The num-
ber of Agri Startups is maximum in the states of Karnataka (27%) and Maharashtra (22%)
while other states i.e. Delhi and NCR to the extent of 9%, Haryana (9%), Tamil Nadu
(8%), Telangana (7%) and Gujarat (7%) are also focusing and stepping forward in this
field (Fig. 5). Gujarat is the top-performing state and Bihar is categorized as leader-
state in the Indian Agritech startup ecosystem centre despite having a limited number of
agritech companies, according to the State Startup Ranking Report 2018 released by the
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP).
Table1: Ranking of states by DIPP 19
Rank of states States
Best-Performing State Gujarat
Top Performers Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan
Leaders Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
and Telangana
Aspiring Leaders Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh,
and West Bengal.
Emerging States Assam, Delhi, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra,
Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand
Beginners Chandigarh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry,
Sikkim, and Tripura
Barriers/ Growth Constraints to Agripreneurship and Agribusiness:

Entrepreneurship has long been acknowledged as the primary engine of economic
progress in emerging nations (Kalogiannidis and Chatzitheodoridis, 2021). Due to a lack of
liquidity, investor backing, and insufficient market demand, many businesses have dis-
covered ways to alter their products, tweak their technologies, and invest in their long-
term growth potential (Bhooshan and Kumar 2020). The pandemic gave agriculture
(Apostolopoulos et al., 2021) a chance to change from doing business as usual by encour-
aging startups and a sustainable agri-food system to accelerate green innovations

(Galanakis et al., 2020) that will power the Atmnirbhar Abhiyan while also achieving a $ 5
trillion economy (Singh et al., 2020). Agriculture is still a source of inspiration despite
the Covid-19 disruption in 2020 because it is the only industry with positive growth (3.4
per cent) in the pandemic year 2020-21, contributing about 19.9% of the nation’s GDP
after 17 years (Economic Survey 2020-21), and directly or indirectly employing 44
percent of the workforce. Startups in the agriculture industry are anticipated to support
growth and give young people suitable work opportunities. For technological advance-
ment, capacity development, and the development of entrepreneurial capital in busi-
nesses, investment is essential (Deeds 2001, Almeida et al., 2003). It has been found to
foster entrepreneurship and raise the nation’s wealth and income.
Recommendations:
i. Investment requirements: The government ought to think about lowering some re-
strictions on foreign investment. For instance, lowering the foreign investment
20 ceiling or allowing for the negotiation of reasonable, win-win investment policies
could promote foreign investment in the nation.
ii. Credit guarantee: By creating a national credit guarantee tailored exclusively for
business owners, more inexpensive financing should be made available to entre-
preneurs.
iii. Entrepreneurship curriculum: There should be a well-established entrepreneurship
curriculum in the educational system, ideally beginning in the early grades.
iv. Market gaps: To solve market gaps, the government may establish a separate insti-
tution or agency for the promotion of entrepreneurship.
v. Practical training: Educational institutions should shift away from simply theo-
retical instruction and toward actual entrepreneurship training that fosters an en-
trepreneurial culture.
Conclusion:
India’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, and start-ups are assisting farmers
by digitizing the entire supply chain and using cutting-edge engineering innovations, big
data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. The introduction and
adoption of operational efficiencies and openness are changing India’s agricultural land-
scape. Much of the food and nutrition in India is still produced by 86% of the country’s
small and marginal farmers, but they continue to face difficulties such having landhold-
ings of less than two hectares and having limited access to markets, technology, inputs,
financing, and money. Agritech innovation can overcome problems that have historically
stopped the industry from realizing its full potential, such as a lack of infrastructure,
ineffective supply networks, and low digital adoption. The sector’s consumption and
production characteristics also have an impact on non-agricultural industries like con-
sumer goods, retail, chemicals, and e-commerce. Because of India’s interwoven economic
systems, the agriculture sector is essential to the country’s economic output and growth
potential. Additionally, it explains why the industry needs extensive reform. Agritech
provides the opportunity to address several current pain points in the agricultural indus-
try along the entire value chain, hence expanding the market. Agritech seems to have
reached a turning point when investors, both private and public, are becoming interested
in it.
References:
Apostolopoulos, N., Ratten, V., Petropoulos, D., Liargovas, P. and Anastasopoulou, E.,
2021. Agri-food sector and entrepreneurship during the COVID 19 crisis: A sys-
tematic literature review and research agenda. Strategic Change, 30(2):159-167.
Baker, S.R., Farrokhnia, R.A., Meyer, S., Pagel, M. and Yannelis, C., 2020. How does
household spending respond to an epidemic? Consumption during the 2020 COVID-
19 pandemic. The Review of Asset Pricing Studies, 10(4): 834-862.
Bhooshan, N. and Kumar, A., 2020. How Did Agri-start-ups Fare during the COVID-19
Pandemic?. Economic & Political Weekly, 55(50): 13.
Deeds, D.L., 2001. The role of R&D intensity, technical development and absorptive
capacity in creating entrepreneurial wealth in high technology start-ups. Journal of
engineering and technology management, 18(1): 29-47.
Isenberg, D., 2011. The entrepreneurship ecosystem strategy as a new paradigm for
economic policy: Principles for cultivating entrepreneurship. Presentation at the
Institute of International and European Affairs, 1(781): 1-13.
Kalogiannidis, S. and Chatzitheodoridis, F., 2021. Impact of Covid-19 in the European 21
Start-ups Business and the Idea to Re-energise the Economy. International Jour-
nal of Financial Research, 12(2): 56-61.
Kessler, B., 2020. COVID-19 Impact: Most Vulnerable Are Startups in the Early Phase
(seed). Startup Spider, 18.
Monsen, E.,Mahagaonkar, P. and Dienes, C., 2012. Entrepreneurship in India: the ques-
tion of occupational transition. Small Business Economics, 39(2): 359-382.
Singh, N., Tang, Y., Zhang, Z. and Zheng, C., 2020. COVID-19 waste management: effec-
tive and successful measures in Wuhan, China. Resources, conservation, and recy-
cling, 163: 105071.
Srishailam, B., Jirli, B. and Chowdary, K.R.,2022. A Critical Analysis on Legal Aware-
ness of Farm Based Agri-input Enterpreneurs on Agri Enterprises in Central Telangana
Region. Ecology,Environment and Conservation Journal,28: 376-382
Sternberg, R. and Wennekers, S., 2005. Determinants and effects of new business cre-
ation using global entrepreneurship monitor data. Small business economics, 24(3):
193-203.
Vijayan, Bhagya, and Shivkumar, S.P., 2020. “Pro-Agripreneurial Factors for the Forma-
tion of Agri-startups in India.” Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Econom-
ics & Sociology, 38(8): 1-8.
***
22 LP-4
Human Resources in Agriculture: A few Issues and
Challenges
K. J. S. Satyasai
Department of Economic Analysis and Research (DEAR),NABARD, Mumbai
Author’s email: satyasaik@outlook.com
More than 55% of the Indian population still
heavily dependent on agriculture directly (Census,
2011). There are many other dependent on agricul-
tural related activities leaving alone consumers who
depend on the sector for food. Thus, farmers, agri-
cultural labourers, traders, processors, input manu-
facturers, distributors, retail merchants, logistics
(storage and transportation) providers,players in
agricultural markets including hamalis, scientists
and other staff working in agricultural research and
education system,people working in extension,
training and skill development systems, start-ups,
technology solution providers, related ministries
and departments at state and central level, global
research networks such as CGIAR (Panel 1).
Farmers, however, form the core of the human resources in agriculture without
whom the entire edifice loses its existence or meaning. In this paper, we explore a few
HR related issues in agriculture primarily focusing on farmers.
1. Farmers and Labour1.
1.1. Workforce in agriculture vs. share in income
Gross value added (GVA) by agriculture and allied activities such as livestock,
fisheries, forestry, and logging has increased around 7 times, in real terms, from ¹ 2.96
trillion in 1950-51 to ¹ 20.48 trillion in 2020-21. During the same period, overall GVA from all
sectors multiplied over 26 times. Thus, the share of agriculture and allied sectors has
declined from 61.72% in 1950-51 to 16.27% in 2020-21. The share of agriculture in workforce
has not declined commensurately reflecting more hands working in agriculture and lesser
income to share. Though agriculture lost its share in GVA to other sectors, its importance
remains the same due to its interlinkages with other sectors of the economy.Even today
half of the workers depend directly on agriculture for their livelihoods (Panel 2). Many
more are indirectly supported by it.
Panel 2.Workforce in agriculture vs income share
Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2021, Ministry of Agriculture and Family

Welfare (MoAFW), GOI, New Delhi. 23
1.2. Categories of farmers involved in agriculture
Agriculture in India is predominantly small farmer driven.Farm holding less than
2 ha i.e., small and marginal farmers account for 86% of the number (146 million) and
47% area (157.8 million ha). There has been marginalisation of farms as during 1960-
61,63% were small and marginal accounting for 18.8% area. Most of these farms are
likely to be unviable as the average farm size was mere 1.08 ha as per the Agricultural
Census 2015-16, down from 2.28 in 1960-61.
Panel 3. Share in number of holdings (%)
1.3. A Few Characteristics of Farmers

Average age of agricultural households is 49 years which is 3 years higher than
non-agricultural households, as per NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey
(NAFIS) 2016-17 report (Panel 4). NAFIS has surveyed over 40000 rural households,
half of whomare agricultural households. About 72% agricultural households are aged
between 36 to 65 years.Similar proportion of non-agricultural households are between
26 to 55 years. That is, agricultural households are slightly aged compared to their coun-
terparts.
Panel 4. Age structure of rural households
Around 68% of agricultural households are literate with one-third being illiterate.
Most among the literates had education between 6 to 10 standard (Panel 5). The literacy
24 level is slightly higher compared to non-agricultural households.
Panel 5. Distribution of households as per education level
Hardly 8.5% agricultural households reported formal training in their principal

activity. Proportion of such trained members is higher according to the education level
(Panel 6). Relative to non-agricultural households, the proportion of trained people is
lower among agricultural households.
Panel 6. Proportion of farmers who received training for their principal activity
(%)
Hardly 11.3% of the respondents have good financial literacy score among rural
households. The proportion is lower at 10.6% among agricultural households. As in the
case of training, those with higher formal education levels have showed higher financial
literacy (Panel 7).
Panel 7. Respondents with good financial literacy
1.4. Aptitude towards Farming

It is often heard that farmers donot want their children to take up farming. During
59th NSSO Situation Assessment Survey, 2002-03 a specific question was asked if the
farmers like farming. At all-India level, 60% farmers revealed liking farming. Due to non-
profitability of agriculture, 27% did not like it. Around 8% did not like because it is risky,
while remaining 5% did not like farming for other reasons. Across states, 8 were below
all-India average including Assam and Uttar Pradesh that are just one percentage point 25
below national average.Lesser proportion of farmers from Eastern Indian states of Bihar,
Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal did like farming. Comparatively, in agriculturally
developed states larger proportion of farmers liked farming.
Panel 8. Are farmers liking their profession?
A recent survey of 240 farmers of above 60 years across several districts of India
showed that 63% of the farmers do not want their future generation to be in agriculture.
Major reasons cited by the respondents for unwilling to continue agriculture are follow-
ing:
· Farming, not a lucrative occupation. New generation not keen to take up farming
· Farming is a risky venture
· Decrease in farm size and increase in input cost
· Shortage of labour
· Remunerative prices not met
· Market uncertainty
· Migration from rural areas to urban areas for better future
· Future generation youth have no guarantee of income/ Low income/ no regular
income
· Not profitable
· Highly Dependent on monsoon
· Climate Change causing reduction in yield
· Highly risk prone to natural disasters
· No respect/ social status
· Irrigation
26 · Absence of proper price mechanism
· Absence of robust procurement system including marketing, MSP inadequate
· Lack of awareness of Govt schemes, even if aware not getting benefits as an
individual farmer
Among all the above points 40% respondents gave a reason that agriculture is a
risky venture. These reasons are similar to those obtained in NSSO 59th round survey.It is
disturbing that the farmers who led India out of food shortage by adopting Green Revolution
technology since mid-1960s are not liking farming so much so that they do not want their
children to be in farming. Even children of the farmers are getting into higher studies and
hence, are not available for farming even if they like farming. Most farmers are continuing
in farming since it is a traditional occupation of the family. Reassuring finding is that 53%
farmers are proud to be farmers and 38% felt that farming gave them good social status
(Panel 9).
Panel 9. Reasons to be in farming (% farmers)
The waning interest of farmers especially youth in agriculture has attracted the
attention of all. Here we should make a distinction between interest in farming and
interest in agriculture. Agriculture is a skill-based profession and increasingly technol-
ogy-driven over time. Also, its inter-linkages with other sectors have opened a variety of
avenues for absorbing youth. Thus, there is a scope for engaging youth not in just tilling
the farm but a whole gamut of activities off the farm too. Thus, there is no point in
forcing people to work on farms when they are not interested. Further, the dependence
of workforce on agriculture for their livelihoods has continued to be high, incommen-

surate with the agriculture’s share in national income. Economists have recommended
time and again shifting workforce out of agriculture. Thus, there is a need to allow exit
from farming for people not liking the profession and need to shift labour to other
sectors to reduce disguised unemployment in agriculture.
There have been several interventions from various governmental and non-gov-
ernmental organizations to engage youth in farming.Agri Clinic and Agribusiness Cen-
tres Scheme (ACABC Scheme),launched in 2002, was one of the important interven-
tions to engage professional graduates in agriculture. Between 2002 and 2022, 82671
candidates have been trained under this scheme and 36195 agri-ventures were
established. Though large number of agricultural graduates are coming out of colleges
every year, engaging them and using their skills for the benefit of the sector has been a
challenge. Schemes like the above are essential.
Since youth are put off by the drudgery and the need to handle unpleasant stuff like 27
dung, etc, and have aptitude to use technology, engaging them will be effective if technol-
ogy is adopted on a large scale.
1.5. Technology and Farmers
Farmers have always shown eagerness and aptitude to adopt technology that
promised better income. They adopted seed-fertiliser-water technology of mid-1960s,
popularly known as Green Revolution which saved India from severe food crisis through
higher yields. How they adopted Bt-cotton that led to significant increase in cotton
production in spite of widespread activism against GM crops. Some of them wanted to
adopt Ht-cotton despite ban.
2. Scientists & technology providers
Indian agricultural research system comprises 103 Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) institutes, 75 Central and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), 82 All
India Coordinated Research Projects, 11 Agriculture Technolgy Application Research
institutes, and 721 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). This is complemented by 15 CGIAR
institutes, and several corporate/private research facilities within and outside the coun-
try. Scientists working in all these institutions have toiled to usher in new seed varieties,
standardise package of practices, reduce drudgery for farm families, manage soil and
water, control pests and diseases, ensure sustainable agriculture, help launch new tech-
nologies for processing, storing, etc. Even private research agencies have been contrib-
uting to agricultural progress. For instance, private sector companies have introduced
about 122 crop varieties during last few decades while improving their share in total seed
production from 57% in 2017 to 65% in 2021.
Now several farmers are adopting ICT, drones, and AI-based solutions for many
farm issues. A lot of young professionals are taking up agriculture as a passion and/or
providing solutions through start-ups leveraging their IT expertise. About 10% of the
69000 start-ups in India as on 2 May 2022 are in agriculture and food and beverage sectors.
Several innovative technological and marketing strategies leveraging cutting edge infor-
mation technologies by start-ups helped overcome supply disruptions emerged during
COVID 19 to strengthen resilience of food supply chains and at the same time accelerated
their growth. Technology incubators such as those in ICRISAT, ICAR-NAARM, ICAR-
IIMR in Hyderabad; rural business incubation centres (RBICs) supported by NABARD in
TNAU in Madurai and Coimbatore; and CCS-HAU, Hissar among others have been help-
ing budding innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into start-ups.
A 2018-released book entitled ‘Supporting Indian Farms the Smart Way’ by Gulati
and others shows that every rupee spent on agricultural research and development, yields
better returns (11.2), compared to fertiliser subsidy (0.88), power subsidy (0.79), education
(0.97) or on roads (1.10). The focus of research policy should remain on improving the
efficiency of public research system and encouraging participation of private sector
wherever possible. Further, the barriers to technology transfer from labs to land should
be removed to stimulate technology transfer and growth. Three things that make tech-
nology transfer more effective are extension, irrigation, and rural infrastructure.
3. HR working in the value chain
Apart from farmers, labourers and scientists, there are many more working in the
agriculture value chain activities such as inputproduction anddistribution, logistics in-
dustry, processing, export and import, and so on. Since they all operate at a more organised
level and have their own HR policies I will not discuss much here except that all these value
28 chain participants should think of adding value to the farmers are the basis of existence of
all of them. If underlying farmer is not happy none of these players would sustain in the
medium to long run.
4. How can we improve HR in agriculture?
The following measures are suggested for improving HR in agriculture.
1. Organize Farmers:Small and marginal farmers and disadvantaged social groups
suffer the problems of access to quality inputs, institutional credit and other resources,
organised markets, modern farming technologies, etc. In this context, aggregation of pro-
duce by organising small farmers into FPOs to achieve economies of scale can spur farm-
level efficiency.
2. Engage Youth:In any sector youth will bring energy and innovation. We should
make agriculture attractive to youth. Respect for farmers and farming should be enhanced.
We need not engage all youth in farming itself. We have myriad activities where young
talent can be engaged depending on their aptitude and skill.
3. Strengthen research, education and extension:Though we have huge scien-
tific manpower, the outcomes are not commensurate with the numbers. We need to
spend more on R&D at least to an extent of 1% of our GDP from agriculture from
present level 0f 0.6%. We need to give practical training to the students and motivate
them to remain in agriculture-related jobs. Incentivise research and forge industry-uni-
versity linkages.
4. Training and skilling:As agriculture is more technology driven and skillsets
required are different than most existing farmers possess, we need to train our farmers to
impart essential skills. Research shows that training has positive outcomes.
5. Resource access to the future farmers:Access to land, the primary factor of
production, is a serious barrier to entry to those interested in farming. Leasing-in land is
not easy given the present legal provisions.Several well-placed professionals have shown
affinity to farming and many others with an interest in farming do not have access to land.
Terrace farming, vertical farming, hydroponics and aeroponics are alternatives people are
pursuing to obviate the problem. Liberalizing the landlease market may offer a solution.
***
LP-5 29
Dynamics of Indian Agribusiness
Ramappa K. B.
Professor & Head
Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC)
Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru- 560072
Author’s email: ramappa@isec.ac.in; ramskb@gmail.com
Since Independence, India has been given thrust to increase the production of
foodgrains to achieve self-sufficiency and counter the challenges of malnutrition. Despite
the population growth, the per capita foodgrains availability has improved from 144 kg/
capita/year in 1950s to 185 kg/capita/year in 2020. In consonance with the raising income
and changing consumption pattern, the focus is shifting from food to nutrition security.
Accordingly, the farming community has been shifting their production towards high
value crops, especially to fruits and vegetables and livestock-based enterprises. At the
same time, there is a visible trend in the changing income composition of farming commu-
nity. According to Situation Assessment Survey of NSSO 59th round AY (2002-03) and 77th
round AY (2018-19), the net receipt from crop production has declined(46 to 38%) whereas
the net receipt from farming animals has increased (4 to 16%). The share of income from
wages and salaries is also optimistic especially among the socially deprived categories.
These changes are indicating a shift in focus from traditional agriculture to modern
agriculture, wherein the emphasis is on market orientation with an objective of making
profits. The growth and development in both forward and backward integration in agricul-
ture has transformed the agriculture to agro-industry. It clearly shows that today’s farmers
are finding marketing and business management as a way to increase farm income. Even
the policy makers and the government have changed their mindset and started focusing
on income augmentation and entrepreneurship programmes. The goal of doubling farm-
ers’ income by the year 2022, Scheme on Agri-clinics and Agri-Business centers, Innova-
tion and agripreneurship component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The In-
tegrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM), Start-up India, Pradhan Mantri
Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Honey Mission Programme / Beekeeping, Ambedkar Social
Innovation & Incubation Mission, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund,
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, Gram Udyog Vikas Yojna, Mahatma
Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization (MGIRI), Scheme for formalisation of Mi-
cro Food Processing Enterprises, Skill Development and Training, formation and pro-
motion of farmer producer organizationsetc., are a few important initiations of the Gov-
ernment of India for creating a favourable agri-entrepreneurship climate in the country.
In this backdrop, the following dimensions have been identified and illustrated in this
thematic area.
1. Growing food processing industry
2. Rising consumer income and changing consumption patterns
3. Commercialization and diversification
4. Growing retail
5. Digitalization in agriculture
6. Emerging technologies in agriculture
7. Availability and affordable innovative farming inputs
8. Agri-entrepreneurship and Start-ups
30 9. Policy reforms in agricultural marketing
10. Aligning agribusiness to achieve Sustainable Development Goals
1. Growing food processing industry: Although the country is a major producer of
many agricultural, horticultural and livestock commodities, the processing seems to be a
meagre (2%). The sector is dominated by small and medium players. However, there is a
growing demand for processed and packaged food products due to urbanization and
consumer health consciousness. Quality management and traceability are attractive in
terms of scalability for the players in consonance with farmer groups.
2. Changing consumption patterns:The consumption patterns is mainly due to
speedy urbanization, diet diversification, increasing income and globalization. There is an
increasing demand for nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fish and
meat. According to NSSOSurvey 2013,an average Indian HH spends about 45% of the
total monthly expenditure on food.
3. Commercialization and diversification:There are a change in cropping pattern
from traditional cereal production to high value commercial crops due to higher demand
and profitability. Diversification is more towards horticultural crops and animal-based
farming. There is also a diversification towards secondary and tertiary sectors. The re-
search institutions and agri-based private companies in the country are also moving
towards commercialization of their technologies to enhance their scalability.
4. Growing retail: Due to favourable policy environment, a sizeable middle class,
unexplored retail market coupled with an increased purchasing power and brand aware-
ness, the Indian retail industry is growing more quickly. Many players have shown their
interest and ventured into retailing business in India.
5. Digitalization in agriculture:The government has been giving much impor-
tance and taken steps to aid and support agricultural sector with the proven technologies
such as Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing (GIS&RS), Global Posi-
tioning System (GPS), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Drone tech-
nology, IoT,big data, block chain technology and so and so forth, are transforming agricul-
tural value chains and modernizing operations. Digitalization in agricultural marketing has
been making revolutions in the form of creating various marketing platforms and e-portals
by the Government and Private players.
6. Emerging technologies in agriculture: Technologies are the solutions to ad-
dress emerging issues in agriculture. These technologies may concern with digital agricul-
ture, farm mechanization, conservation of agriculture, natural resource management, bio-

technology and genetic modifications, climate smart agriculture, biofortifications, frontier
technologies etc. Use of these technologies help in developing eco-friendly, judicious use
of resources, and disease resistant, climate resilient, more nutritious and tastier crop
varieties.Although the adoption of these technologies is happening at minimal propor-
tion, the advantages have been reaped by a few progressive farmers in the country.
7. Availability and affordable innovative farming inputs:The technology improve-
ment and increasing competition among private players leading to surge in the supply of
quality and affordable farming inputs in turn which leads to increased usage of innovative
and quality inputs in farming and animal-based businesses.
8. Agri-entrepreneurship and Start-ups: The favourable agri-entrepreneurship
environment created by the GoI has been helping to create a greater number of agri-tech
players. They have been creating end-to-end agri-services to the farming community right
from the input selection to delivery of output across all stages of value chain including
financial services.
9. Policy reforms in agricultural marketing:The governments (both Central and 31
State) have been making changes/amendments and introducing new legislations in tune
with the changes in agricultural marketing scenario time to time. The long standing APMC
regulations have been modified and amended to engage private players in contract farm-
ing with farmers, setting up of marketing in private and cooperative sectors, direct market-
ing, e-trading, single licence system, single point levy of market fee, freedom of sale
(farmers) and buy (traders) of agricultural commodities, barrier-free interstate and intrast-
ate trade and trade outside the physical premises of markets are a few important reforms in
agricultural marketing in the recent years to raise farmer’s income in the coming years.
10. Aligning agribusiness to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The
country has agreed and committed to achieve the SDGs in various sectors including
agriculture. Hence, to align agribusiness with the SDGs, the players should abide and
make an effort to achieve the target of Goal 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13 and 17.
To sum up, the Indian agribusiness scenario is experiencing positive change due to
growth in economy, commercialization and crop diversification, change in dietary pat-
terns, rapid urbanization, growing retailing and favorable policy reforms in agriculture.
The change in thrust area of production to marketing is given a way for growth in farming
income and the community has started looking it as a profitable venture than mere a food
production.But, the extent of making use of dynamics of these developments with modern
technology remains a question and challenging in India, where a majority of farming
community belong to marginal and small category, less education, low infrastructure, and
low level of technology adoption besides many other constraints.
***
32 LP-6
Digital Economy and Virtual Business : An Era of
Agricultural Transformation
K. M. Singh, S. Sangeeta Kumari and Nasim Ahmad
Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar-848125
Author’s email: m.krishna.singh@rpcau.ac.in
As the digital revolution sweeps the globe, each sector of the economy, financial
services, communication, taxation and governance, education, healthcare, agriculture,
retail services, manufacturing and logistics has witnessed a significant technological
amendment. Technological intervention is making day-to-day life increasingly conve-
nient, instantaneous and ubiquitous as more options are available to consumers on digi-
tal platforms. The term “Digital Economy” was used for the first time by the United
States Department of Commerce in 1988 to describe an economy dominated by ICT
innovations.In the process of establishing a path of revolution, the digital economy cre-
ates flexible infrastructure for the demand market of new goods and services, manages
price fluctuations, and reorganizes the existing employment structure to create new
employment opportunities.Thus, Digitalizationor the digital economy can be stated as
the new era of the Indian economic revolution.
The concept of “Digital Economy” can be broadly categorized into three main
components, namely:
• E-business Infrastructure: Human capital, networking, telecoms, hardware and
software
• E-Business: Conduct of business process over a digital-mediated network
• E-Commerce: Transfer of goods and services through a digital platform
As acumulative effect of government efforts, technological innovation, and the
introduction of new participants into the consumer-centric digital infrastructure, these
technologies are also being deployed in the agriculture sector, much like other sectors
and have started a process of transformation and development.Globally, agricultural vir-
tual businesses are more prominent in the field of online farm-to-fork, robotics and
sensing, big data and IoT, AI, biotechnology, farm management software, mechanization
equipment, precision and smart farming systems, food safety and traceability. Concern-
ing the highest number of deals in agricultural technology, The US, Canada, the UK,
Israel, France and India are among the top six countries globally.
Concept of Digital Economy

The concept of the “digital economy” was used for the first time in the year 1996
by Canadian Professor Tapscott D.in his book “Digital Economy: Promise and Danger
in the age of network intelligence,” where hestated that “the age of networked
intelligence is not only about the networking of technology via smart machines rather it
is about the networking of humans through technology that combines intelligence,
knowledge and creativity for a breakthrough in the creation of social and economic
development”. The Digital India initiative by the Government of India to increase the
digital literacy of rural areas was laid down on nine pillars that include the following
spectrums:
· Broadband highways for connecting all rural and urban parts of the nation
· Universal access to mobile connectivity
· Public Internet access programme through National Rural Internet Mission and
Common Service Centres (CSCs)
· E-Governance i.e. reforming government business process through technology.
· E-Kranti, i.e. electronic delivery of services 33
· Online hosting of information for all through open data platform
· Electronic manufacturing in India to target net zero imports
· IT for jobs
· Early Harvest Programmes
India become global leader by clocking almost 40 per cent of the total global digital
transaction. The government has enrolled more than 1.2 billion Indians in its biometric
digital identity programme, Aadhar and more than 10 million enterprises into a centralized
digital platform through Goods & Services Tax (GST). The pandemic COVID 19 gave the
Indian digital payments sector a significant boost, and every day more and more users are
shifting to digital modes. By 2023, it is anticipated that India’s market for digital payments
will reach the benchmark of USD 1 trillion and increase by more than 300 per cent by 2025.
Digitalization in the Agriculture sector
The application of standardized production methods and advanced digital technol-
ogy in forming a high-quality, sustainable agricultural development model would en-
hance productivity, protect from price volatility, reduce supply-side risk in agriculture
and help maintain the ecological carrying capacity by reducing carbon emissions from
agricultural practices. The impact of Digitalization on agriculture can be observed in
three major aspects. That includes:
i ) Market transparency: Before digital penetration, producers relied completely
on market functionaries like traders and agents to decide when, where and how much to
sell their produce. Such a situation of “asymmetrical information” resulted in produce
wastage and low income for farmers as well as a higher price for consumers; Digital
platforms maintain market transparency by linking farmers to spatially distributed
marketsat different stages of the value chain so that they receive better product value
and take better marketing decision by providing them with real-time information on
prices.
ii ) On-farm productivity: In this prospect, efficient agricultural extension ser-
vice plays a major role in the diffusion of technological intervention. GIS-enabled tech-
nologies and remote sensing components can help provide real-time and accurate weather
forecasting at lower prices to modern farmers. Digital platforms have helped farmers to
increase their knowledge about modern production techniques like precision farming
and climate-resilient agriculture, leading to changing investment decisions to
alternative crops.
iii) Efficient logistics system

Digital technology also tends to optimize agricultural supply chain management
and ensure food safety. Financial digital gateways have been instrumental in reducing
transaction costs by facilitatingfast and secure payment of funds for inputs, agricultural
subsidies and remittances.Digital tools help strengthen the existing trade model of agri-
cultural produce by connecting demand and supply.
Virtual Business
Virtual business is defined as a “distinct business model derived from traditional
businesses through novel digital technologies and the creation of new innovative
enterprises characterized by the use of digital technologies to improve business
operations, engaging with customers and stakeholders through new digital channels”.
The idea encompasses all programmes, procedures, items, and services that improve
either the input or the received outcome of the process. The “3S” strategy, i.e. Scale,
Skill and Service, can promote the wider acceptance of Digitalization by overcoming the
34 bottlenecks in the agricultural ecosystem. In addition, a multi-stakeholder approach in-
volving farmers, the government, and industry is required to widely adopt modern agricul-
tural techniques in India, with the government playing a crucial enabler’s role in the
ecosystem. Regarding the number of start-ups, advanced manufacturing, agtech, and
blockchain are still in the early stages of their life cycles. These sub-sectors share 0.6
to 1.5 per cent of the global start-ups sector. The sub-sector of artificial intelligence,
big data, and analytics is also expanding rapidly and is about to reach the mature stage,
accounting for 5% of all global start-ups. Analyzing this niche market in greater detail
reveals that AI businesses are gearing expansion.
Fig 2: Growth Potential of emerging digitalized sector by 2025 (Source: McKinsey

Global Institute analysis)
The virtual business model can drastically reduce intermediaries’ costs from the
supply chain and effectively connect farmers and customers. Consumer benefits from
easy delivery and reasonable pricing, and the farmers benefit from cross-border selling.
For instance, the online grocery store Big Basket accepts orders from customers and
ships sorted and cleaned foods, vegetables and fruits to those customers. Therefore, it
can be said that virtual business has a great deal of potential for agricultural marketing,
making it an ideal market for high-quality fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, and organic
foods.Through the active involvement of FPOs and cooperatives, it can also bring niche
products produced in remote locations to national markets to give it a multi-vibrant
market presence.
Conditions for a digital transformation
Several conditions will shape the Digitalization of agriculture in different contexts:
• Primary conditions required to use technology include infrastructure and connec-

tivity (mobile subscriptions, network coverage, internet access, and electricity sup-
ply), connectivity, affordability, ICT in education and supportive policies and
programmes (e-government) for digital strategies.
• Enabling conditions are factors that further facilitate the adoption of technologies.
These include using the internet, mobile devices, social media, and digital skills and
encouraging an entrepreneurial and innovative culture (talent development, sprint
programmes including hackathons, incubators and accelerator programmes).
Globally, Agritechs are prevalent in agricultural biotechnology, online farm-to-
consumer, farm management software, sensing and IoT, robotics, mechanization equip-
ment, novel farming systems, food safety, traceability, etc.In India, most agritech startups
focus primarily on e-commerce businesses to sell fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
Many startups have recently come up with innovative and sustainable solutions for farm-
ers’ problems. Additionally, they are using technology to strengthen market connections
through platforms for digital agronomy, B2C and B2B markets.
Government initiatives to boost Digitalization in Agriculture 35
Government initiatives are the rescue points for uplifting farmers and strengthening
the core of the Indian economy by advancing the agriculture sector. According to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the growth of the agricultural sector somehow contrib-
utes to India’s transformations and development. Some of the significant steps the gov-
ernment has taken to improve the digital ecosystem are as follows:
• National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGPA) : NeGPA was first introduced in
2010–2011 in seven pilot States to achieve rapid development in India by utilizing
information and communication technology (ICT) to provide farmers with timely ac-
cess to information on agriculture. The programme was further expanded in 2014–15
to include all remaining States and 2 UTs.
• Agristack framework: In July 2021, the government constituted a High-Level Task
Force for “The India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA). Based on their report,
the Department is developing a framework for Agristack in the nation, which will serve
as a base for developing cutting-edge agri-focused solutions utilizing digital tech-
nologies to significantly raise farmers’ incomes and boost the
effectiveness of the agriculture sector in the nation.
• Digital Agriculture Mission: In September 2021, the government announced the
initiation of the Digital Agriculture Mission 2021–2025, which aims to advance
digital agriculture through pilot projects based on new technological interventions
such as AI, blockchain, remote sensing and GIS technology, and the use of drones
and robots.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): This was launched in 2016 to create an
online and transparent trading and marketing system to generate remunerative prices
for agricultural produce by connecting 1260 APMC market. Apart from enabling
competitive bidding, it also provides integrated service package on quality standard,
grading, packaging and transporting.
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer or DBT is an attempt to change
the mechanism of transferring subsidies launched by the Government of India on
1st Jan 2013. Through their bank accounts, the recipients of this programme are
intended to receive direct subsidy payments. DBT comes under the Department of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare. It has been established by the Government of India so that farmers may
take advantage of several agricultural programmes from a single location.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization: The Department of Agriculture

and Farmers Welfare implemented a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Sub-Mission on
Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) with effect from 2014-15. For the imple-
mentation of SMAM, the Department has also created a Farm Machinery Direct
Benefit Transfer (FMDBT) portal. Farmers can receive DBT in agriculture mecha-
nization, a centralized farm machinery performance testing portal, and the farm
machinery solutions mobile app (FARMS) through the platform, among other
resources. Since the SMAM’s inception, central government grants of INR 4865
crores have been distributed to various States between 2014–15 and 2021–22, and
through them, more than 1323000 machines have been distributed to farmers.
Additionally, more than 15400 Custom Hiring Centers, 360 Hi-tech hubs, and 14200
Farm Machinery Banks have been established to provide farmers with machinery
and equipment on a rental basis.
• Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under “Agriculture Infrastructure
Fund”: This scheme was launched in August 2020, to solve infrastructure gaps and
36 encourage investment in agriculture infrastructure. Through the Agri Infra Fund, the
government provides a medium-long-term loan financing facility of INR 1 lakh crore.
Conclusion
In a consistently evolving world, where technology alters performance at a rapid
pace, humanity needs to recognize such technology’s advantages and take full advantage
of them before they are no longer available. The future of sustainable food systems,
which will achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, will be held by a major
disruption in Indian agriculture through digital and data-driven technologies. A success-
ful digital agriculture paradigm in India will depend heavily on creating and supplying
technology and logistics in real time and space. Farmers will become managers and
knowledge partners in the future of digital agriculture, agronomists will become data
analysts, AgTech businesses will become technological enablers, and the government
will become a facilitator of the digital infrastructure.
References
Anupam Anand, Saravanan, R. (2019) AgritechStartups:The Ray of Hope in Indian
Agriculture, Discussion Paper 10, MANAGE-Centre for Agricultural Extension
Innovations, Reforms and Agripreneurship, National Institute for Agricultural Extension
Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, India
Araujo, S.O., Peres, R.S., Barata, J., Lidon, F. and Ramalho, J.C. (2021). Characterizing the
Agriculture 4.0 landscape-emerging trends, challenges and opportunities. Agronomy.
11(667):1-37
Dayioglu, Mehmat Ali and Turker, Ufuk. (2021). Digital transformation for sustainable
future-Agriculture 4.0: A review. Journal of Agricultural Science. 27(4): 373-399
Gaba, Madhu and Nagpal, Manisha. (2017).Cashless Economy: Problems and Prospects.
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. NCIETM - 2017
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Agriculture. International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas, and Innovations in
Technology.3(3):403-410
IBEF. (2021). Digital Agriculture - The Future of Indian Agriculture. India Brand Equity
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of-indian-agriculture
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Models”.International Journal ofCurrent Microbiology and Applied Science. 9(08):
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and Tian, Yuan (2022). The impact of digital economy on the economic growth and the
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“Belt and road”. Frontiers in Public Health. 10: 856142
http://www.npci.org.in
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http://www.trai.gov.in
LP-7 37
Role of ICT and Robust Value Chain in Attaining
Sustainable Food and Nutritional Security through
Green Economy
Sarba Narayan Mishra1* and Avisweta Nandy2
Prof. & Head 1, PhD Scholar2, Department of Agricultural Economics,
College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar
Author’s email: sarbamishra@gmail.com
Food security was defined in the 1974 World Food Summit as: “availability at all
times of adequate world food supplies of basic foodstuffs to sustain a steady expansion of
food consumption and to offset fluctuations in production and prices” [1]. Most of the
research that link environmental change and food security solely focuses on agriculture-
either impact of climate change on agricultural production or vice-versa [2]. Though food
production is important for understanding food security, many other factors need to be
considered for the same viz., gender, ICT, value chain, tradeoffs, etc.
Fig.1. The Key Dimensions of Food Security
ICT and Food Security

Research shows that the global growth of Information and Telecommunication
Technologies (ICTs) has resulted in significant development opportunities, especially
in rural areas. ICTs can improve households’ agricultural production and profitability,
increase job opportunities, and encourage the adoption of healthier practices and more
effective risk management techniques. Recent studies investigated the potential of ICTs
to improve global food security and support agricultural initiatives. The papers high-
lighted a number of challenges and constraints to the effective use of ICTs in supporting
agricultural development and food security. [4]

ICT has enormous roles to play in boosting food production and promoting
equitable distribution and marketing of food products. Key challenges to the effective
utilization of ICT in promoting food security include lack of access to ICT tools, low
literacy level, and inadequate capital among others. Massive sensitization and literacy
programmes on ICT, providing ICT tools at affordable rates to households and building
capacities of agricultural extension agents and nutrition-based extension agencies should
be enhanced to facilitate the collection, collation, and dissemination of information to
stakeholders in the food production system among others. The effective utilization of
ICT in establishing link between stakeholders in the food production system has
shown great promise in enhancing food security through timely dissemination of
information, distribution of food produce and reduction in food produce wastage. All
pillars of food – availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability will be strength-
ened when people become aware of the when, where, and how questions involved in
38 food security. When is the availability of food produce, where is it available, and how
can it be procured are issues that can only be resolved through adequate information
exchange made available through effective use of ICTs. [5]
There exists a positive correlation between reforms like ICT intervention and the
effectiveness of the food security system. The Indian food security system, commonly
known as the Public Distribution System (PDS) is plagued with inefficiency. While imple-
menting the recommendations of various national committees; the Government of India
has initiated many ICT-based projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the
system. [6]The components used in ICT programme in India are shown in Fig. 2.
Fig.2: Components used in ICT programmes in India

ICT and the Way Forward
In the near future, the ICT interventions should take the following points under
consideration:
• Informing farmers and fishers
ICTs are fundamental in providing farmers with useful information such as weather
reports and crop prices, as well as in educating them about new farming techniques. Radio
broadcasting is a key medium for this, especially as it is relatively inexpensive and has
wide coverage in the developing world. FAO Rural Radio, for example, is a service directed
at developing countries and which features a special Food Security Channel with
programmes advising on how to improve productivity
• Monitoring and early warning
The systematic monitoring of world food supplies is a first and necessary step to
addressing food security. This includes mapping agricultural production and food short-
ages and establishing comprehensive databases. Monitoring can be greatly facilitated by
ICT, through: Remote sensing of agricultural and water resources by the use of high-
resolution radiometers and moderate-resolution imaging spectrometers aboard aircraft
and satellites. Using computers, networks, databases and software to collect, analyse and
share information that is relevant to food security. Geographic information systems, for
example, can help to establish cross-sectoral communication by providing powerful tools
for analysing statistics, and by integrating the databases of various sources in the same
format. Deploying communication infrastructure (such as the Internet and mobile tele-
phony) to send information and advice to individual farmers and consumers.
• Disaster relief
Monitoring of crops and weather patterns is also used by international organiza-
tions to issue early warnings of famine or shortages resulting from natural disasters. This
can make it possible for governments to take preventive action in areas at risk. If a crisis
does occur, then emergency communications become essential. 39
• Sustainable agriculture
Monitoring environmental and soil conditions can make farming more profitable and
sustainable, such as through better water management and pest and disease control. ICT
tools employed for this purpose include:
1. Stand-alone sensors to measure air temperature, atmospheric pressure and humid-
ity.
2. Ubiquitous sensor networks (USN), with sensor nodes in the field that transmit
data to a base station, which can then be uploaded to global systems.
3. Telemetry units that send environmental data using mobile networks.
• Improving the food supply chain
Better communication between the producers of food, traders and consumers means
that less food will be wasted and supplies will be more reliable. One way to achieve this is
by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to track inventories, from the field to
the shop. RFID systems can also help ensure that perishable products are kept in optimal
conditions, and they can provide details of each product’s origins that can be used in
preventing the spread of food-borne illnesses.
Value Chain and Food Security
The value chain approaches that make it suitable for addressing food security ob-
jectives are:
1. It draws attention to incentives
2. It is market-driven
3. It is a systems approach
4. It seeks sustainable solutions
5. It emphasizes leverage
Food insecurity has a significant impact on the effectiveness of value chain pro-
gramming in many contexts. In many countries receiving development assistance, the
majority of the population is food insecure. This includes both rural households that have
periods of food insufficiency, and urban households that spend up to 80 per cent of their
incomes on food and so are greatly affected by fluctuations in food prices. Thus, many of
the participants and would-be participants in value chain programs are food insecure.
Food insecurity shapes the behaviour of households and therefore the success of value
chain initiatives. Food insecure households are often less likely to take risks to make
investments in upgrading. Individuals that are malnourished have a diminished capacity
to engage in value chain programming, due to deteriorated cognitive capacity and greater
susceptibility to illnesses. Those food insecure households that do engage in value chain
initiatives may divert resources away from productive investments to bolster household
food security if these initiatives do not directly address food security. Addressing food
security is therefore critical in many contexts to improving the outreach and effectiveness
of value chain initiatives.
Conversely, value chain programming can and often does impact food security.
Although it is frequently assumed that raising the incomes of the poor will automatically
improve food security, this is not always the case. A food security lens helps value chain
practitioners in identifying the potential impact of activities on food security and de-
velop mitigation strategies for any possible negative impacts. Moreover, it can help to
guide value chain programs in understanding what strategies can create positive food
security outcomes. [7]
40 Natural Capital in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Following nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been identified as
‘Natural Capital” which can be focused to maximize their positive outcomes.
Figure 3: Natural Capital in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Government policies with potentialities to strengthen the Natural Capital:
Following are certain good Government policies which have been idenfied based
on their high potential either to strengthen natural capital or to minimize the footprint on
natural capital. These need to be further strengthened through judicial budgetary alloca-
tions and defining the natural capital- oriented outcome targets. In addition, the aspect of
effective and efficient implementatin of the policies should also be looked into.
Government Scheme Description
Green Economic Recovery and Sustainable Food Security

Green Recovery measures combat the social, economic, and environmental im-
pacts of climate change and the pandemic crisis. Green Economic Recovery initiatives
envision a collaborative effort involving multiple key stakeholders like government bod-
ies, private sector players, community organisations and multilateral organisations. In
the context of Odisha, a recent study at KREA University, Chennai identified three green
recovery stakeholder types- Government departments, community-based organizations
and technical experts. The study also identified “Best” Green Recovery Strategies which
are currently practised locally by the stakeholders in Odisha. The list of the nine best
green recovery strategies identified for the purpose are presented below.
List of Nine Green Recovery Strategies 41
GR Strategies and Description

Abbreviation
Integrated Framing An interdependent and interrelated production system based on crop
(IF) and animal husbandry that maximises utilization of nutrients and
minimizes negative effects on the environment
Renewable The use of renewable technologies that generates no emissions, reduces
Technology (RT) carbon footprints and reduces harmful air pollutants.
Millet Cultivation Cultivation of millet as an alternate cropping pattern to rice. Millets
(MC) require lesser inputs and are more resilient to water shortages and are
also rich in nutrients.
Direct Seeded Rice An alternate cropping method in both dry and wet conditions that is
(DSR) low input and carbon-intensive.
Agroforestry (AF) An alternate cropping system which combines agriculture and forest
systems in a symbiotic manner.
Organic Certification Streamline and simplify the organic certification process for farmers
(OC) and allied MSME units based on process standards.
Green Promote green entrepreneurship/supply chains for the agri-food
Entrepreneurship industry, involving the development of business models around green
(GE) products and processes in a cluster format.
Water Conservation Water conservation and storage like rainwater harvesting, digging
and Storage (WSC) ponds and expanding reservoirs.
Green economy Establishing a green economy advisory board to collect, share and
Advisory Board disseminate information on green practices in agriculture & allied
(GAB) sectors.
Linking Supply Chain, Sustainable Food Security through Green Economic Recovery
Theoretically, improved and sustainable food security through Green Recovery
Strategies can be achieved by (a) increased availability – by extending staple food produc-
tion area, higher productivity, and good post-harvesting practices; (b) enhanced access –
as a result of more stable prices, improved farmer income, or even rural income; and (c)
increased stability - through improved and sustained competitive advantage of the mem-
ber firms, which eventually contribute to the sustainable industry including in agriculture.
Nonetheless, there has been a limited study linking the concept of food security and the
necessity of managing the competitive advantage of the agricultural supply chains. [8] A
sustainable green economic recovery requires a holistic policy, strategy, mandatory moni-
toring, evaluation, and reporting framework in place, and public discourse for participa-
tory decision-making. Green economic recovery policy should incorporate intended out-
comes focusing on the maximization of positive natural capital outcomes and the
minimisation of negative implications on natural capital. [10]
Conclusion
Food Security and Sustainability are imperative to feed the growing population and
minimize the effects of climate change. How food is grown and produced, what types of
foods are consumed and how much food is wasted have major impacts on the sustainability
of the world’s food system [9]. Food security is related to all of the United Nations Sustain-
able Development Goals (SDGs). Improved food security governance based on sound,
equitable and sustainable food systems that benefit from modern information and sustain-
able and equitable agricultural technologies is essential for countries to meet the SDGs.
ICT enables global food businesses to gather and analyze relevant information so that
they can develop productive operational practices to boost operational performance.
Applying value-chain concepts to nutrition should involve a broad approach to “de-
42 mand” by including consumers’ unmet and uncreated demands. Nutrition-Sensitive Value
Chain (NSVC) is a food chain consisting of all stakeholders participating in the coordi-
nated production and value-adding activities that are needed to make food products.
Green agriculture has the potential to rebuild natural capital by restoring and maintaining
soil fertility; reducing soil erosion and reducing agricultural GHG emissions. Smart farming
aims to streamline agriculture to obtain the most crop yield from the least land and waste
possible. Agribusinesses remain rooted in mass land use for intensive farming practices,
involving fundamentally unhealthy levels of waste and emissions. Companies must be
held accountable for their responsibilities to farmers, and consumers should continue to
build the necessary pressure behind sustainability issues to keep them at the forefront of
the business agenda. An improved and sustainable food security through the Green
Recovery path requires a holistic policy, strategy, mandatory monitoring, evaluation and
reporting framework in place which can be achieved by focusing on the maximization of
positive natural capital outcomes and minimisation of negative implications on natural
capital.
References
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1974. New York.
Polly J. Ericksen, John S.I. Ingram, Diana M. Liverman. Food security and global envi-
ronmental change: emerging challenges,Environmental Science & Policy,Volume
12, Issue 4,2009,Pages 373-377,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2009.04.007.
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Sara Gustafson. 2017. ICTs to Improve Food Security and Aid Agricultural Initiatives.
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and-aid-agricultural-initiatives
Agu, Rachael & Okadi, Ashagwu.2020. Role of Information and Communication Tech-
nology in Promoting Household Food Security in Nigeria.
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https://www.marketlinks.org/good-practice-center/value-chain-wiki/integrating-food-
security-and-value-chain-approach
Aji, J. M. M. 2020.Linking Supply Chain Management and Food Security: A Concept of
Building Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Agribusiness in Developing
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https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/practice-resources/food-security-and-sustainability
Satabdi Datta et al 2022: Green Economic Recovery of India: Scopes and Opportunities
for Selected Key Sectors; Policy brief, Jan 2022
***
LP-8 43
Navigating Risk and Uncertainty- The Way Forward of
Agribusiness for the Indian Economy
Kamal Kumar Datta
Professor in Agri-Business Management, NDRI, Karnal, Haryana
Author’s email: kkdatta2007@gmail.com
There are four major supply-side shock drivers of the great global food inflation
from around October 2020: weather, pandemic, war and export controls. The weather-
related shock included droughts in Ukraine (2020-21) and South America (2021-22), which
especially impacted sunflower and soyabean supplies, and the March-April 2022 heat
wave that devastated India’s wheat crop. The Russia-Ukrain War led to supply disrup-
tions from the two countries that, in 2019-20 (a non-war, non-drought year), accounted for
28.5% of the world’s wheat, 18.8% of corn, 34.4% of barley and 78.1% of sunflower oil
exports. Export controls were first imposed by Russia in December 2020, prompted by
domestic food inflation fears arising from record hot temperatures. Shortage concerns at
home triggered similar actions in palm oil by Indonesia (the world’s No. 1 producer-cum-
exporter) and in wheat by India during March-May 2022. This is mainly due to global
economy battling persistent inflationary pressures on the one hand; there is the cost of
living crisis with retail inflation in double digits. On the other is the problem of stalled
economic growth, which, in turn, leads to lower revenues and higher debts. The trouble
is as the government curbs spending in a bid to contain inflation, it will further drag down
economic growth. And any efforts to boost growth by keeping interest rates low and
expanding position nurturing India’s domestic demand will require a fine balancing act,
especially as government spending will likely worsen inflation and further reduce people’s
purchasing power. In this global growth slows down.
1. Bright side for Indian Agriculture:
In India, easing of food inflation was due to better setting of monsoon. Cumulative
rainfall during the current season from June to August has been 5.7% above the historical
long-term average for this period. Almost all agriculturally-significant areas – barring Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal – have received good rains so far. The pros-
pects for the coming days seem equally encouraging, with a low-pressure area forming
over northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts – and another one
forecast after mid-August. That’s not all; the current water levels in the country’s major
reservoirs are 5.9% higher than a year back and 25.1% above their last 10 year’s average
storage. As the monsoon delivered reasonably well in the second half (August-Septem-
ber), the benefits of groundwater recharge would be expected to flow for the rabi crop
also. There are compelling reasons – global and domestic – for food inflation in India to
“trend down”, even if not “drop rapidly”. This is already being seen in edible oils. In-
creased soyabean and cotton production, should improve availability of oil-cakes. These,
along with maize, are key ingredients in animal and poultry feed. A good monsoon would
also mean more fodder and water for animals, further reducing livestock input costs and
inflationary pressures on milk, egg and meat.
The Economic Survey noted that India’s growth–inflation trade-off is becoming
more favourable. Economic recovery has stabilised and is proceeding at a quick pace,
while prices are expected to moderate in the coming days. The good news is that logistics
and the operational costs of cross-border trade have come down. In light of these expec-
tations, the importance of the fiscal space will play a vital role in the coming years. To
reinforce India’s medium-term “potential growth” prospects and the associated “output
44 gap”, the Survey notes longer-term uncertainty in the post-Covid world due to technol-
ogy, supply chains, geo-politics and other shifts. The Survey notes that supply chain
disruptions and slow economic growth have contributed to an increase in inflation. The
withdrawal of stimulus in developed economies in the upcoming fiscal is likely to affect
capital flows into the country. The crisis in energy, food, non-food commodities, and input
prices, supply constraints, disruption of global supply chains, and rising freight costs
across the globe stoked global inflation during the year.
The economic survey pointed out that the stimulus spending in developed econo-
mies and pent up demand during the pandemic could lead to “imported inflation” in India.
The economic survey noted that major economies had begun the process of withdrawing
liquidity that was extended during the pandemic in the form of stimulus checks and relaxed
monetary policy to stimulate an economic recovery. The Survey has clearly mentioned
that demand measures alone will not provide the solution. The fact is that, a wide variety
of factors such as consumer behaviour, technological developments, geo-politics, sup-
ply-chains, climate change could interact in unpredictable ways, and India will need to
develop a supply-side strategy to deal with the long-term unpredictability of the post-
Covid world. The interactive approach, used in fields like project management and tech-
nology development, assesses outcomes in short iterations while constantly making in-
cremental adjustments is much needed approach to face out the extreme uncertainty which
has been highlighted in the economic survey.
2. What caused setbacks in India?
On the domestic front, the concern is that even as the economy has recovered to
its pre-Covid level, large parts continue to be mired in stress. For instance, micro, small
and medium enterprises continue to struggle. An indication of this is that 16.4 per cent
of those who availed credit under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme of the
government defaulted and have not been able to repay their obligations owing to finan-
cial difficulties. Considering that MSMEs employ a sizeable section of the labour force,
their continuing struggles are bound to affect labour market prospects. In fact, as per the
latest periodic labour force survey, the labour force participation rate in urban areas is
lower than pre-Covid levels, while in rural areas, wage growth continues to be subdued
indicating labour market slack.
Most importantly, the difference in the business models of public and private sec-
tor banks has been the root cause which received due attention. At the beginning of the
2010s, public sector banks had significantly higher exposure (per cent of total loans) to
commodity-sensitive sectors such as iron and steel and textiles compared to private sector
banks. A careful examination of the data gives overwhelming evidence that a large fraction
of the difference between NPAs in the public and private sector banks arose due to
differences in their business models. The projected India’s GDP growth in FY23 will be 8.0-
8.5 per cent, moderate and more realistic compared to the IMF’s forecast of 9.0 per cent.
This follows the official estimate in early January of a 9.2 per cent growth for FY22, which
the Survey has retained. However, there are risks and uncertainty that needs to be ad-
dressed since the recent forecast of Indian growth strategies turned to be 6.2 per cent.
3. Perspective for Indian economy to address how risk & uncertainty can be addressed?
Policy changes in the 1990s favouring liberalisation and globalization was aimed at
effecting structural transformation in the national economy. The challenge is now that
how could we make strategy, preferring a short-term reactive approach over a more coher-
ent long term sustainable approach towards inclusive growth, a laid out policy framework
in our planned development. It must open up completely too foreign capital inflows for
developing the back end infrastructure facility creation instead to enjoy or break the old 45
age tiny production base, motto to expand and strengthen their network to protect the
interests of small farmers. It must do so on an ex-post basis that can be justified with
legitimate national interest arguments rather than on an ex-ante basis that prevents flow of
fund from coming into the extent it can and wants to.
Focus should be on boosting competitiveness building infrastructure and creating
conditions for companies to compete in global markets. Being vocal for “local” can be a
stepping stone to a self-reliant India and an India that will add its own unique glow and
charm to the vast array of products in the global marketplace. It is essential to transform
traditional supply chains from linear, sequential processes into adaptive supply chain
networks in which communities of customer- centric, demand-driven, intelligently adapt to
changing market conditions, and proactively respond to shorter, less-predictable life cycles.
4. Relevance of supply chain and its importance in Indian context:
Food and supply chain has a unique role in the ever-growing economy because it is
universal to human life. Supply Chain Management is one type of assurance at the primary
vendor’s how their service is ready to be used safely. At this point of these policies are
complex ones as we have to trace all the retailers and original sources. Many retailers have
adopted criteria where we can control aspects of food by either owning the farms which
supply them food or work with local vendors where we can guarantee the safety and of the
product. The ability to track a product from farm to fork is a complicated process, espe-
cially so given the number of process cycle a product may need to read and the potential
complexity of the product recipe itself. Some suppliers will subcontract work on occasion,
and this could cause issues in the food supply chain.
One of our study (Singh & Datta; 2013) in the Indian diary sector where our major
concern it’s sustainability justified on the ground that it realizes the needs of the produc-
tion base by the masses and self sustaining. It generates income, employment to cover
their better way of living with self respect. In this kind of social business, part of the
surplus is invested in expanding the business, and part is kept in reserve to cover uncer-
tainties. By fulfilling the inclusiveness it is not moving towards efficiency but also the
achieving a social goal ‘Sab- ka sath- sub ka bikas’. The new ways of defining Atmanirvar
Bharat already committed towards the resilience at multiple levels at an individual (dairy
farmers’) level, dairy industrial level as well as national level. For example, the government
has indicated that it would provide various forms of incentives and protection to key
industries. Resilience also applied to small and marganalised dairy farmers’ like other
individuals and vulnerable social groups, calls for the creation of safety nets.
5. ‘Local to vocal’ & ground reality of Indian economy:
Vocal for Local gaining momentum, there’s a huge increase in local apps, local
kirana stores, local artisans and brands. We need to recognize that agriculture as an
enterprise by converging agribusiness to agro -business in the form of monetization of
farmers’ produce, and to provide demand-led, evidence-based policy advice to Indian
policymakers for the promotion of a sustainable economic growth. Enhancing farm income
requires efficiency in terms of input use which will help to reduce cost of production,
shifting from low value to high value commodities, increase cropping intensity, improve
efficiency in irrigation, seed replacement, balance fertilizer use and convert the agriculture
into a business model.
It is high time that the various stakeholders in the discussions relating to retailing in
India start making a serious effort to understand how efficient or inefficient India’s retail-
ing infrastructure is today. And then how to make it more efficient for the consumers,
46 the producers of consumer goods, those whose livelihood rests upon the retailing value-
chain and, finally, the state and central governments who have to expand their tax rev-
enue base to meet their revenue needs to provide better physical and social infrastruc-
ture to India’s masses. The government still has a role but it is as an enabler, providing
soft and hard infrastructure.
The One District One Product – District as Export Hubs (ODOP-DEH) initiative,
started by Uttar Pradesh in 2018, under the slogan “Vocal for Local,” primarily aims to
transform every district of the country into an export hub. After being applied across the
nation, the scheme was able to identify export potential, for both products and services, in
a total of 733 districts. Since its launch, the scheme has led to a quadruple growth in export
in nearly all states. Exports of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have increased more than
thrice since the introduction of ODOP-DEH initiative.
The data in SBI’s report showed an exponential increase in goods export of various
states in FY22, when compared to FY19. For instance, Bihar was one the states that saw a
massive jump in export, registering nearly 400 per cent growth in FY22 from FY19. Primarily
exported goods in the state of Bihar include Shahi Litchi, Bhagalpur Silk, Madhubani
paintings, Bhagalpuri Zardalu. Haryana’ export jumped more than 314 per cent to $15.55
billion as compared to FY19. Maharashtra’s export increased almost 340 per cent to $25.88
billion in FY22, from FY19’s $5.9 billion. Several other states followed suit and grew their
export three times from where it stood in FY19 (SBI Research Team).
6. Ways towards sustainable goal:
Sustainable development in agricultural economy could be revitalized with the scheme
like Sufal Bangla Scheme which was initiated in West Bengal 2014. The best and proven
illustration of such market linkage is the famous AMUL model in dairy development. This
has been replicated across length and breadth of the country with varied success, which
has demonstrated that access to market through credible rural institutions, owned and
managed by the producers, add value to the produces which are eventually passed on to
the primary producers. In the North Eastern Hilly region of India, a similar initiative has
been initiated through Integrated Technology Enabled Agri Management System
(1917iTEAMS) to enable and facilitate access to remunerative and sustainable markets for
farmers’ produce.
What is needed at this juncture is capturing social inclusion by means of investment

of effort and resources to the promotion, capacity building and improvement of gover-
nance even though there were various difficulties that were crept in i.e., human assets,
fund, show casing, administration and organization. It is not a charity, but a business in
every sense. For this we need to recognize that agriculture as an enterprise by converging
agribusiness to agro-business in the form of monetization of farmers’ produce and to
provide demand-led, evidence-based policy advices for the promotion of a sustainable
economic growth. Social business would be conducted and operated with pleasure as it
holds a purpose, self satisfaction, and self-sacrifice.
The government’s agenda of setting up 10,000 FPOs a ‘Public-Private-Farmer Group
Partnership’ model could be the way ahead for pushing agriculture exports from India.
Further, the government can establish crop-specific councils and extensively fund them
for carrying out market research, building strong brands and setting up common infra-
structure. Since NABARD is also responsible for the creation of 10,000 more FPOs, it can
create a package that will help these outfits realise better prices.
7. Diversifications and risk management: 47
Eastern and north eastern states are predominated by production of cereal crops
and nearly 70 percent of the agricultural land is covered by food grains only. It is assumed
that diversification towards other high value crops is likely to improve the farm income.
Obviously, the prime concern should not be the scale of operation or magnitude of agricul-
tural prices that could keep farmers into their farming business. We need sustainable agro-
business value chain where all actors in chain would be interdependent to each.
As we understand, a sustainable way to enhance income needs incentives, invest-
ments, institutions and innovation. However, as commodity markets become more com-
petitive and over-saturated because of oversupply in domestic market, the prices could
often depress and a hard competition among the producers and sellers become inevitable.
The successful branding is possible when the brand, delivers consistently, a clearly de-
fined, appealing offering that sets it uniqueness among the competitors. This is possible,
because for most of the agricultural products, there is no remarkable perceived difference
in the eyes of the consumers. One of the options for gaining competitive price of the
produce is by adding value to the product.
8. Community based approach
Generally in a natural resource based economy, communities and user groups man-
age for individual and collective benefit. Characteristically, this involves a variety of infor-
mal norms and values (social practice) employed for a governance mechanism. Focusing
on the idea of governance mechanisms, the commons might be identified not just with the
resources themselves but also with the societal arrangements (communities) around the
resources. And then, further to this, commons may also be conceptualized in terms of
social production. As social products, these are the results of human-human and human-
nature interaction with shared aims (cooperation) over a period of time; examples of such
include language, knowledge, plant genetic resources and biodiversity. Again, the soci-
etal arrangements productive of these themselves may also be regarded as commons. The
variety produced, may be considered a type of common. The community that produced it,
the research community, may also be considered thus, as a social common.
9. Exploring the Government Schemes towards sustainable inclusive growth
An enabling policy regime, proactive government initiatives and supportive regu-
latory administration allowed the private and public sector entities in the financial sec-
tor to overcome longstanding challenges of exclusion of a large part of the population.
For instance, in rural Bharat, the government has allowed providing financial assistance
effectively and transparently to farmers with lower transaction costs – be it for fertilisers
or any of the other schemes including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima
Yojana, and PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana becoming the backbone for supporting the growth
of the agricultural economy. The benefits received under the Mahatma Gandhi Na-
tional Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Public Distribution System drive the
rural demand-supply chain.
In urban Bharat, the PM Awas Yojana and LPG Pahal scheme successfully use to
transfer funds to eligible beneficiaries. Various scholarship schemes and the National
Social Assistance Programme use the DBT architecture to provide social security. DBT
under rehabilitation programmes such as the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation
of Manual Scavengers opens new frontiers that enable social mobility of all sections of
society.
To protect the life and livelihood, it is necessary to assessed that how some finan-
cial assistance and insurance and pension schemes under the Garib Kalyan Yojana could
48 be extended. Even more glaring is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which
provides a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment in empanelled
government as well as private hospitals. While 10.35 crore PM-JAY Cards have been
issued since the launch of “the world’s largest health assurance scheme” in September
2018. The lack of hospital infrastructure itself has been the single biggest deterrent to the
success of this programme.
10. Sum up and concluding remarks
Broad base economic transformation where ordinary people can befits directly from
improvements in productivity associated with the incentives of market incentives through
supply chain management may be the guiding force/example to address how such risk and
uncertainty of the world economy can be an opportunity to restructure the economy We
do hope that reinforcing at least some of the proposed measures could place in a superior
position in terms of sustainable development goals and inclusive growth. The develop-
ment of low skilled, labour intensive industries provided a source of employment for
workers released from agriculture which are connected them with urban and export market.
We have explained how the existing resources of a region could be utilized in a better
egalitarian way for a fair sustainable and inclusive growth. We have explained how the
Covid pandemic and other incidences have posed challenges and simultaneously opened
up avenues for an improved economy. We have suggested to adapt diversification of
agriculture, develop value chain, ago-business, agric- tourism, community management
and implement the SDGs. Secondly, perspective towards social protection policy for the
poor households including programmes for social assistance, insurance and welfare mea-
sures can help the development process. The successful implementation of growth strat-
egy, as well as evolving the set of targeted growth policies required effective governance.
References :
Basic Statistics of North Eastern Region (2015) , GoI, North Eastern Council Secretary,
Evaluation and Monitoring Sector, Nongrim Hills, Shillong 793003.
Datta, K. K (2017), Towards Enhancing the Farm Income in the relatively Disadvantaged
Areas in India: special reference to the North East Hill Region of India, Presented in
the 77th Annual Agricultural economic Conference at Barapani, on 12th -14th October,
2017 Indian Society of Agricultural Economics.
Datta, K.K and Mandal, S (2011) Outlook of the North East India: An Agricultural
perspective, Academic Foundation, New Delhi, 2011. Pp.1-136,
ICAR for NEH (2014), Final Report on Livelihood Improvement and Empowerment of Rural
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tunities; www.pwc.com/in.
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nual Report 2018-19.
Roy.A, N.U. Singh, D.S. Dkhar, A.K. Mohanty, S.B. Singh and A.K. Tripathi (2015),Food 49
Security in North-East Region of India —A State-wise Analysis, Agricultural Eco-
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Export Hubs (ODOP-DEH)
Singh Shiv Raj & Datta, K.K.(2013) Future of small holders in the Indian Dairy Sector-
Some Anecdotal Evidence, Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics Vol 68, No
2, pp 182-194.
Singh, Shiv Raj and K.K. Datta (2013), Futuristic Outlook to Ensure Food Security
Through Broad-based Livelihood Activities Chapter 12, in Agrarian Crisis in In-
dia, Academic Foundation, Pp.321-336.
***
50 LP-9
Bringing Synergy between FPOs and Agri-startups for
Sustainable Agricultural Growth in India
Ranjit Kumar
Agri-Business Management Division, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural
Research Management (ICAR-NAARM), Hyderabad-500 030
Author’s email: ranjitkumar@naarm.org.in
In agriculture, the demand for innovations is rising rapidly to reduce the frictions in
last mile delivery to the farmers. The marriage between conventional agricultural technolo-
gies like seeds, soil health-based nutrients application, precision farming, irrigation tech-
nologies, etc. with modern technologies like application of artificial intelligence (AI), internet
of things (IoT), machine learning (ML), data science, etc. demand paradigm shift in agricul-
ture sector. It envisages organizing farmers into producer groups, linking farmers to mar-
kets, bringing value addition infrastructure and services at the doorstep of the farmers so
as to allow farmers capture the maximum value from the value chain. Food and Agri-
startups, on the other side are innovations-based enterprises which help in making avail-
able the right products and services at right time at least possible costs. India is home of
primarily small holder farmers, where more than 86 per cent farmers are small and marginal.
It becomes quite challenging for the agri-startups to connect and deal with individual
farmers. The policy changes brought in the year 2002 to promote Farmers Producers
Organizations (FPOs) can be a boon for entire sector by bringing both the initiatives
together. For the farmer to produce a high-quality produce, there is a need for right inputs,
information, infrastructure and market linkages. These farmers through aggregation/ col-
lectivization can reduce the transaction costs significantly, access the inputs at much
cheaper rate, get quality advisory services and with professional management under FPO,
can navigate the markets well.
Bringing collaboration between Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Agri-
startups together will fill the gap in the agricultural supply chain. Concurrently, food
processing industry as well as consumers can have better assurance about the production
practices, in other words traceability through technologies provided by the agri-startups.
Thus, by way of FPOs and agri-startups, even smallholder farmers can have access to
high-quality inputs or information and trade directly with large processors or retailers or
even participate in export market and realize the maximum price for their produce. With the
development of technology, accessibility of networks in remote rural regions, spiking of
smart phones or tablets, remote sensing, cloud-based internet services, Agri-tech startups
are giving suitable and innovative answers to a numerous challenges faced all over the
agricultural value chain. A new age of business and evolving startups in the country are
guiding the way in disrupting the age-old agriculture system with innovative ideas and
inexpensive solutions. These startups have become the bridging link between the farmers,
retailers, wholesalers, input dealers and consumers joining each of them and giving strong
marketing linkages and quality produce on time. Therefore, to harness full potential of
horticultural sector in the country, in terms of ensuring better farm income as well as better
nutrition to the consumers, synergy between FPOs and Agri-startups is imperative. All
efforts need to be made to enable the ecosystem to support both the initiatives to make
Atmanirbhar Bharat a reality.
1. Role of Agri-Startups
The Government of India is constantly searching methods to enhance agricultural
production, food processing and marketing platforms by way of uniting recent technolo- 51
gies and innovations, thus generating a profound scope for food and agritech startups in
India (Balaji, 2018). Agri-Tech is the notion of applying novel technologies to the agricul-
tural sector with a perspective to increase produce, revenue and efficiency. The idea
stretches to any practices, products, services and applications that increase any param-
eter of the agricultural process, it may be output received or input function. Most of the
agritech startups in India are present in market place segment where e-commerce compa-
nies give fresh and organic fruits and vegetables acquired straightaway from farmers.
Lately, many startups have come up contributing long lasting and innovative solutions for
farmers’ problems like spraying machines, seed drills, biogas plant, vertical farming, solar
powered cold storage, weather prediction, fencing and water pumping, etc (Sachitanand,
2018). Enhanced smart phone reach, increase in the internet use, emergence of startups
and different government initiatives in village regions ease the technology adoption by
the farmers (Ganguly, 2018). A flow of startups has come up in India in last few years to
solve the problems of Indian agriculture like improper infrastructure, supply chain man-
agement, use of old equipment and growers are unable to access a wider range of markets
with ease and increasing the sector’s marketing infrastructure which has the capacity to
alter the face of Indian agriculture sector and subsequently enhance farmer’s incomes. In
2019, agritech startups have attracted $244 million of investment, a 350% bounce from the
previous year (Maple Capital Advisors). In Karnataka, a tomato farmer Sangamesh Tallikoti,
is benefited due to his association with agritech startup. In order to reduce water usage by
about 60%, he followed the instructions given by Wolkus Technology Solutions, which
gives a farming advisory service called Fasal. This tomato farmer was instructed through
AI-powered platform by sending instructions to his smart phone on how much water and
at what time. The platform takes data, like soil moisture and temperature, through sensors
installed in fields, which are sent to the company’s desktop network. It then integrates the
information with local meteorological details for analysis by its AI systems, before giving
advice back to the farmers. The Fasal app is using by some 1600 farmers working more than
10,000 acres of farmland across four states, including western Maharashtra and Karnataka.
For now, Star Agribazar Technology is providing farmers a platform to sell to retailers,
removing intermediaries. Producers provide fruits and vegetables on the platform at the
cost they decide and ship them in response to orders, with all transactions done digital
and delivery provided by Star Agribazar. Star Agribazar’s platform allows for low cost and
rapid supplies of vegetables and other farm produce to retailers like super markets with
reasonable margins for farmers (Akira Hayakawa, 2020).
Table 2: India’s Major Agritech Startups

S.No Company Outline of the business
1. Star Agribazar A platform for linking farmers directly to retailers online
Technology
2. Wolkus Technology Giving farming advice to the producers through smartphones using AI
Solutions based analyses of soil, weather and other data
3. 63 Idea Infolabs Buying the farm products directly from the producers using internet and
selling to the retailers
4. ULink AgriTech Giving expert advice for farmers over the phone during selling of seeds,
chemicals and fertilizers online
5. Intello Labs Providing a system for automatic sorting of produce by size and damage
6. EM3 Agri Services Leasing tractor and other agricultural machinery by the hour
52 Role of FPOs
It was felt that without good agricultural practice and aggregation at farm level, the
farmer’s benefit is not possible. In such need, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are
emerging as a practical approach towards authorizing a huge number of smallholder farm-
ers and make certain their success. In the past decade, the GOI has introduced different
beginnings through agencies including National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Develop-
ment (NABARD) and Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC), National Com-
modity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX), and the different State Governments and NGOs.
As of now, these agencies have established over 5,000 FPOs across the country with up to
a 1000 members in each of these organizations. Most of these FPOs have been successful
in making agriculture lucrative for thousands of farmers. In addition to, the GOI introduced
a new Central Sector Scheme that targets to promote and create 10,000 FPOs. In this new
scheme, the members of FPOs can make use of suitable advantages like Credit Guarantee
Fund and the National Project Management Agency (NPMA) and advisory services from
Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBO). Individual smallholder farmers encounter
numerous varied obstacles like lack of knowledge of modern farming techniques, low
income, less or no access to the proper inputs, and a lack of direct access to market. In
several developing and under developed nations, most of the smallholder farmers culti-
vate for their initial existence and sell few amounts of the harvest when there is a need.
These farmers view farming as a way of leading life rather than business, which intensely
limits them from reaching the total capacity of their farms. But, with the right motivation
and guidance, they can bring about a huge transformation in the agriculture and food
sector. This is made real by FPOs that mobilize farmers in large numbers, build their capac-
ity and leverage their collective strength to increase production potentialities and market-
ing chances. For both governmental and non-governmental organizations are similar, an
FPO is a way of actively gathering farmers in the development process. It gives an orga-
nized system to transfer modern-day technology, practice them efficiently into rural devel-
opment programs, and monitor their socio-economic growth. It also plays an important
role in generating job opportunities for youth and women, and move forward towards
alleviate poverty for millions of people.
The combined energy of this producer-led organization provide various benefits. At
first, it sufficiently betters their bargaining ability by creating forward and backward link-
ages in the supply chain and make them able to benefit from economies of scale. By
integrating both their demand and supply, the members will now be able to buy agri-inputs
and sell their commodities at aggressive prices. Secondly, FPOs can ease linkage with
different stakeholders, which permits members to gain access to technical, technological
and financial support. Consequently, the members of FPOs can adopt improved agricul-
tural practices, utilize hassle-free financial support from banks, and leverage the infra-
structure that is made available to them through the organization. Exploitation of all these
makes possible to enhance agricultural productivity and subsequently raise in their in-
come too. The FPOs also empower them to safeguard against commodity price fluctua-
tions during harvest by leveraging available platforms. Thirdly, forming growers into
collectives makes it easy for governments to bring them into the multiples of digitization
and empower them with the advantages of different developmental policies. In the last few
years, the GOI has introduced many measures, like the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, the
Equity Grant Fund Scheme, the scheme for creation of forward and backward linkages, and
the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NLRM) to promote and strengthen the FPOs.
The aim of these steps is to make the agriculture sector more sustainable and wealthier by
making effective use of existing resources (https://www.cropin.com/blogs/farmer-producer- 53
organisations-pathways-to-agricultural-transformation/).
Collaborating Agri-Startups with FPOs
FPOs help integrating smallholder farmers to raise their voice and build their bar-
gaining abilities as compared to an individual farmer. Simultaneously, they also make it
simpler for buyers or corporates to have direct talk with farmers. Through FPOs, farmers
can have access to high-quality inputs or information and trade directly with large proces-
sors or reseller companies to get the maximum value out of their produce. Agritech startups
play a prominent role in filling the gap of information disproportion both on the upstream
(supplies to farmers) and downstream (market linkage) side. With the development of
technology, availability of networks in remote village regions, availability of tablets or
smart phones, remote sensing possibilities, cloud based internet services, agritech com-
panies have a chance to solve issues in the agriculture sector, particularly experienced by
small farmers. The regulatory modifications or suggestions brought recently removing the
monopoly of APMCs and stock limits under the Essential Commodities Act and policy
push towards FPOs has created an opportunity which if exploited well by FPOs, Agritech
startups and Agribusiness companies, India will be the food basket of the world with
farming being a profitable opportunity. To leverage the advantage of integration that FPOs
bring, there is a need to shift the primary concentration of the whole supply from a de-
mand-supply depicting situation to a quality-based pricing situation (Avishek Gupta,
2020).
When the quality is better and produce is brought directly from the farm, the market
is willing to pay higher. An urban niche market at this level, but still a great chance. Most
of the big food companies have picked up the trends and new products are introduced.
Farmers should not let go of this chance and should link with the new high value segment,
alter cultivation procedures to meet the uniqueness and demand a better price. This is the
time for growers to integrate and make use of digital platforms to sell their produce directly
to consumers or to connect with the novel agri-tech companies or link up with large
chains. Aggregation of the right kind with digital connect to the market. The trends in the
market open up a lucrative space for FPOs who knows the market and tailor their opera-
tions. Already, there are about 7,000 FPOs registered as of now, and proposal to add 10,000
more. More number with fewer turnovers will not make any indentation in the market, nor
will it collect required value. Many of these are produce aggregators looking for a market,
not market savvy grower’s provision to high value demand. FPOs have to learn to trans-
form big in a single commodity and/or remain concentrated on the market for the urban
consumers. The best advancement for FPOs is to link with agri-tech startups. There are
about more than 400 of them, mostly in the post-harvest, aggregation and distribution
space. Linking with input dealers or companies will also help them alter processes and get
tailor made solutions. No doubt, the market is modifying, generating new chances for
growers to enhance their share of value. An action plan based on demand to enhance
farmer’s income needs a cautious understanding of the various segments of the market. It
is not about the number of FPOs, it is about taking a fair share of the volume and price in
the market. Government has formed an authorized environment, FPOs and Agritech startups
have to generate lucrative partnerships as there is a market beyond APMCs (Kumar, T.N.
2020).
Agri startups have demanded approach to farmer communities and self-help groups
to diversify their areas of operation and requested on the need for building backward
linkages. Agri startups proposed this demand in an online program conducted by NAB
Foundation, a not for profit company, promoted and wholly-owned by National Bank for
54 Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to implement development projects. At
present, leveraging the power of convergence was the need of the hour with some 1,500
agri startups on the one side and some 4,500 FPOs on the other side which are formed
or set up by the NABARD. Convergence between NAB Foundation, NABARD, NAB
Ventures and agri startups can bring in the vital young energy and technological exper-
tise which rural India requires so miserably. NABARD will jointly work with GOI to
establish a fund of funds particularly for rural agri startups in India. NABARD, through
NAB Ventures, has contributed venture capital assistance to agri startups and today is
the largest supporter in the agri sector (Bureau, 2021).
Growing demand for horticultural commodities vs other food crops
The horticulture sector consists of different crops like vegetable crops, fruit crops,
ornamental crops, potato and tuber crops, spices and plantation crops, medicinal and
aromatic crops. Due to the presence of various climate and soil, it is possible to cultivate
various horticultural crops in one or other parts of India. It is rapidly rising section in the
agriculture sector providing towards nutritional security, poverty alleviation and it gives
required scope for farmers to enhance their returns and is useful in sustaining large num-
ber of agro-based industries which produce a large number of job opportunities. At present,
horticulture contributes 30.4 % of agricultural GDP. India has emerged as the world’s
largest producer of coconut and tea and the second largest producer and exporter of tea.
Export growth of fresh fruits and vegetables in terms of value is 14% and of processed
fruits and vegetables is 16.27%. The increasing demand for horticultural products particu-
larly burgeoning market for processed fruits and vegetable and also prospering floricul-
ture market is a proof of the scope for advancing horticultural growth in the country. So,
horticulture is set to presume a big role and prominence within the agricultural sector and
in due course in the national economy. Consequently, a number of thoughtful research,
inputs, technological and policy initiatives, horticulture in India, today, has become a
feasible and operational venture for the small and marginal farmers. It is a matter of satis-
faction that their household incomes and food consumption have enhanced. In addition,
this section also has initiated enchanting entrepreneurs for taking up horticulture as a
commercial venture. Thus, there is large scope for speeding up agricultural development
through expansion of horticultural crops (H.P. Singh, 2009). In Indian Agriculture from
1950-51 to 2020-21 there is 6 times increase in food grains production i.e., from 50 to 296.2
million ton and 6.6 times increase in horticulture i.e., from 25 to 320 million ton. Various
novel technologies altered the horticulture sector like exploit of genetic resources for
improvement of varieties and hybrids for unique features, propagation methods for mass
production, rootstock usage for reducing soil borne biotic and abiotic stresses, altering
plant architecture and management, proper management of insect pests during produc-
tion, reduction in post-harvest losses by post-harvest management (S.K. Malhotra, 2021).
Per capita total cereals consumption for food has reduced somewhat over the past few
decades, whereas, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, fish and dairy consumption have en-
hanced. Compare to rural areas urban food basket contains varied and higher levels of
food per capita consumption of fruits, vegetables, milk and other dairy products. Enhanc-
ing urbanization and widening rural-urban disparity have decreased the demand per head
for cereals and enhanced the demand for fruits, vegetables and dairy at a rapid rate.
55
Enhancing Horticultural food processing and supply chain

Over the last decade, the area under horticulture was raised by about 3% per year
and annual production enhanced by 5.4%. As per Ministry of Food Processing Indus-
tries (MoFPI), 76 per cent of fruits and vegetables are fresh in India and only 2% of
fruits and 4% of vegetables are processed. The remaining 20 to 22 per cent go as post-
harvest wastage between farms to table.
There has to be structural changes at various stages – farmers, middlemen and
consumer. The government, private, co-operatives, public-private partnership, technol-
ogy providers and even media can play an important role. Infrastructure like transport,
cold storage, roads, information and communication technology are the basic needs for
effective supply chain. To better the effectiveness of supply chain it is important to
forecasting the demand. Because of poor forecasting, there is a disproportion between
supply and demand. Vertical coordination of farmers through retail chains, cooperatives
and contract farming would allow better delivery of output, attract more public interest,
reduce market risks, provide better infrastructure, gain better extension services and cre-
ate awareness regarding the existing and novel technologies. Customized logistics is
another vital immediate need to make logistic effective. This decreases the cost, allows to
maintain quality of the produce and fulfills the needs of targeted customers. The State
Government is providing subventions of Rs. 1/- per KWH of electricity used by cold
storages in the horticulture sector. National Horticulture Board is providing a back ended
subsidy of 25 percent (maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs whichever is less) for establishing or
modernization of cold storage units. The internet and mobile communication can also be
used to enable information and financial transfer among the stakeholders. Public private
partnership is another strategic solution. Supply chain like washing, waxing, grading,
sorting, packing, pre-cooling, handling facilities, insurance, finance, transport and pro-
cessing facilities would add value to supply chain functioning. Food and Technology
Parks helps to promote agro and processing industries in cluster in areas where there is
predominant production of process able agriculture and horticulture products. These
parks also give the needful infrastructural and common facilities which are required for
sustenance of the industries. Quality assurance laboratories, common effluent treatment
plants, ware housing including cold storages etc. (Rais and Sheoran, 2015).
56 Table 3 : Government schemes/policies supporting FPOs
S. No Scheme/Policy Aim/Objective
1. Producers Organization It supports POs at three levels, viz. credit and grant
Development Fund support, capacity building and market linkage. The
(PODF) aim of the fund is to meet end to end needs of POs
along with to make sure their sustainability and
economic viability.
2. NABKISAN’s support It provides credit for promotion, expansion and
to FPOs commercialization of enterprises involved in
agriculture, allied and rural non-farm activities.
3. Venture Capital It facilitates setting up of agribusiness ventures in
Assistance Scheme close association with all notified financial
institutions notified by the RBI where the ownership
of the Central or State government is >50%.
4. Equity Grant and Credit It enables eligible FPCs to receive a grant equivalent
Guarantee Fund Scheme in amount to the equity contribution of their
shareholder member in the FPC, thus increasing the
overall capital base of the FPC. The scheme engage
in nascent and emerging FPCs, which have paid up
capital not exceeding INR 30 lakhs as on the date of
application.
5. Credit Guarantee Fund It provides a Credit Guarantee Cover to Eligible
Scheme Lending Institution (ELI) to enable them to
contribute collateral free credit to FPCs by reducing
their lending risks in respect of loans not exceeding
INR 100.0 lakh.
6. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas It makes farming a remunerative economic activity
Yojana (RKVY)- through strengthening the farmer’s effort, risk
Remunerative reduction and encouraging agri-business
Approaches for entrepreneurship.
Agriculture and Allied
sector Rejuvenation
(RAFTAAR)
7. Re-Vamped National It aims to enhance production of rice, wheat, pulses,
Food Security Mission coarse cereals and Nutri-cereals through area
(NFSM) expansion and productivity increase in a sustainable
way in the identified districts of the country. It also
helps in restoring soil fertility at individual farm and
enhance farm level economy.
8. NAM-National It is a pan-India electronic trading portal which
Agriculture Market seeks to connect the existing Agricultural Produce
Scheme Market Committee (APCL) and other market yards
to form a single national market for agricultural
commodities. It will create national network of
physical mandis which can be accessed online.
9. Operation Greens It involves in increasing value realization of TOP 57
farmers, stabilization of prices, reduction in post-
harvest losses, enhance in food processing and
value addition in TOP value chain and setting
up of a market intelligence network.
(https://birdlucknow.nabard.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Guide-Book-FPO-
schemes.pdf)
Government policies supporting Agri startups
Various supportive policies from government like Start up India, Atal Innovation
Mission, NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, the Venture
Capital Finance Assistance (VCA) Scheme promoted by the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business
Consortium and ASPIRE scheme. Such schemes in addition to well-known accelerators,
incubators and mentors identified for the agritech startup ecosystem have been working
in club to give the best technical support and decrease the gestation period of agri startups.
Table 4: Government schemes/policies supporting Agri startups
S. No Scheme/Policy Aim/Objective
1. Start Up India Startup India is a flagship initiative of the
Government of India, which aims to build a strong
ecosystem for nurturing innovation and start-ups
in the country, to drive sustainable economic growth
and generate large-scale employment opportunities.
2. Atal Innovation Its objective is to serve as a platform for the
Mission (AIM) promotion of world class innovation hubs, grand
challenges, start-up businesses and other self-
employment activities, particularly in technology
driven areas.
3. NewGen Innovation The government’s NewGen IEDC startup Program
and Entrepreneurship is implemented in educational institutions. A
Development Centre maximum of 20 new projects are supported in a year
(NewGen IEDC) under and the government provides one-time, non-
National Science & recurring financial assistance, up to a maximum of
Technology 25 lakh INR to the institution for the establishment

Entrepreneurship cost, furnishing of cubicles for start-ups, purchase
Development Board of PCs with printers, library books, journals, laptop,
(NSTEDB) multimedia projector, 3D printers etc.
4. Dairy 25% of the project cost as back-end subsidy
Entrepreneurship restricted to a maximum of 10 animals, subject to a
Development Scheme ceiling of 15,000 INR per animal for establishing a
promoted by National dairy unit (6 lakh INR maximum) • 25% of the project
Bank for Agriculture cost as back-end subsidy restricted to maximum 20
and Rural calves, subject to a ceiling of 6,000 INR per animal
Development for establishing a dairy unit (5.30 lakh INR maximum)
(NABARD)
58 5. Venture Capital Finance Capital assistance will depend on the project cost,
Assistance (VCA) location and the promoter’s status. It will be in the
Scheme promoted by form of interest-free venture capital assistance up
Small Farmers’Agri- to 50 lakh INR or 26% of the promoter’s equity,
Business Consortium whichever is lower.
6. Aspire (MSME) Aspire has been launched by the Indian government

to set up a network of technology and, incubation
centres, and to promote start-ups for innovation
and entrepreneurship in rural and agriculture-based
industry.
(https://ficci.in/spdocument/23049/Agri-start-ups-Knowledge-report-ficci.pdf)
Way Forward
For a country like India we need more than one lakh FPOs as currently we have less
than 10,000. Most of the FPOs lack technical skills, weak financials, insufficient access to
credit, market and infrastructure, inadequate professional management, and lack of risk
mitigation. For this, banks must have structured products for lending to FPOs and they
should be connected with technical service providers, input companies, marketing or
processing companies, retailers etc. They require more data on markets and prices and
other information and competency in information technology. FPOs can be used to in-
crease the size of the land by concentrating on grouping contiguous tracts of land as far
as possible. More focus should be on forming a supply chain and find new markets.
As most of the farmers around 25% in India have access to mobile or smart phones.
So, mobile training programs to educate farmers and help them adapt and adopt to new
innovative technologies. Agri startups requires support in early stages of their start in
terms of investment and technology will boost the sector further in India. Only 9% of all
funding in the last five years was focused on growth-stage startups. This forces the need
for corporate and government accelerators to help agritech startups grow to the next
stage. There is a requirement for big companies to collaborate with startups. There is also
a need for the government to help set up agritech focused incubators and grants. As the
Karnataka state is home for 70% of agritech startups other states should also come up with
favorable policies to attract startups and investors.
References
Singh H.P. (2009). Triggering agricultural development throughHorticultural crops. Ind.
Jn. of Agri. Econ. 64: 1
Malhotra S.K. (2021). Research and developmental initiatives for achieving the goal of
IYFV. Webinar on “New paradigm in production and utilization of fruits and veg-
etables for health and livelihood.” Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farm-
ers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Mittal, Surabhi (2009), Feasibility Check for Diversification towards Horticultural Produc-
tion,” Agricultural Economics Research Review, Vol. 22 (1), January-June.
Gajanana, T.M. and Hegde, M.R. 2009. Marketing, value addition and export of horticul- 59
ture and processed products-problems and prospects. Agriculture Year Book, 2009,
pp. 48-53.
Kar, A., Singh, M. and Ray, A.K. 2003. Linkages between crop diversification and poverty
in Indian states. Agricultural Situation in India. 60 (8)Directorate of Economics
and Statistics. Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi.
***
60 ES-1
Understanding the Role of Pre-commitment and
Discounting in Technology Adoption –
a Behavioural Study
Kalyan Kanti Das
Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar, West Bengal, India
Author’s email: daskk3@gmail.com
Dissemination and adoption of technology/innovation is equally important to its
generation/development because, true implementation or using of ‘technology’ (in a
scale) always remains a subject of concern. CASI (Conservation Agriculture based Sus-
tainable Intensification) technology is one such farmers’ friendly, resource & environ-
ment conserving technologies. Principles and methods of conservation agriculture(the
CASI) were tried to be popularized (out-scaled) in Eastern Gangetic Plains (tracts of
India, Bangladesh, Nepal) with successful implementation of CIMMYT led and ACIAR
funded farmers’ participatory project named SRFSI. But despite of intensified exten-
sion effort and subsidiary arrangements (social, institutional, others), this proven tech-
nology (CASI) could reach only a meagre part (<1%) of potential customers (the farm-
ing households) in EGP even after 8 years of its implementation. Inability of Neo-Clas-
sical Economic methods and principles in explaining (fully) the rather low extent of
superior technology (like CASI) forces to think about possible alternative explanation
of such ‘behaviour’/’attitude’ of farming households.
This behavioural study, which is based on Randomized Control Trial (RCT), was
initiated during 2018-19 agricultural year involving 300 farming households distributed
over 15 project sites (where orientation/awareness about CASI exists) across northern
tract of West Bengal, an Eastern Gangetic state in India. The study continued upto winter
season of 2019-20. It aimed at understanding the role of ‘pre-commitment’, ‘discount-
ing’ on the possible adoption extent of CASI technology. As per design, the randomized
control trial (RCT) was conducted with three (3) distinct set/group of participants viz.,
T0, T1& T2. Each of these groups is having five (5) replications located at different cor-
ners of the region. Of these, participants of T0 represent control group (no treatment)
and those of T1& T2 represent treatment groups. Possible effect/impact of treatment
was judged using ‘pre-treatment’ & ‘post-treatment’ data on relevant parameters. The
techniques & model of Difference-in-Difference (DID) analysis of impact study was
followed to explain the obtained result. Also, the ‘paired t-test’ method was employed to
judge the difference between ‘stated’ and ‘revealed’ response with respect to relevant
parameters.
As per Difference-in-Difference (DID) analysis, both precommitment alone (T1)
and with micro-incentive (T2) significantly increased(á=10% and 1%, respectively) the
stated CASI land allocation of farmers by 0.76 bigha (0.101 ha) and 1.115 bigha (0.148
ha)respectively. But, precommitment with micro-incentive (T2) significantly increased
(á=1%) the revealed CASI land allocation of farmers by 1.095 bigha (0.146 ha) while
pre-commitment alone was not significant.During post-treatment, the revealed CASI
land allocation of farmers for pre-commitment without micro-incentive (T1) was sig-
nificantly lower (á=1%) by 0.55 bigha (0.07 ha) compared to stated land allocated for
CASI. Thus, pre-commitment may increase the stated land area of farmers allocated for
CASI; however, without micro-incentive, it will not likely result to higher adoption (land
allocated to CASI). So, micro-incentive is an important feature in pre-commitment nudges
to increase CASI adoption and the extension efforts should give due attention to these
fact.
Key Words : CASI Technology, Pre-commitment, Discounting, Adoption.
ES-2 61
Agricultural Productivity and Institutional Reforms for
Agricultural Growth and Sustainability
Amit Kar
Professor & Former Head, Division of Agricultural Economics, IARI, New Delhi
Author’s email: amitkar123@yahoo.com
India’s farm yields are much lower as compared to other developing countries.
India’s rice production is much less compared to China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Similarly
wheat productivity is much less compared to China. Similarly in other crops the productiv-
ity is less compared to other countries. Further exists a wide yield gap for many crops
across the country which is indicated by results from FLD’s data. Hence there exists a vast
potential for increasing the productivity by adopting improved technologies suitable for
different agro ecological regions. Improving production by adopting better planting mate-
rials and improved agricultural technology will contribute approximately 20- 30% to the
farmer’s income. Approximately 30% of income contribution can be realized by adding
value through grading, primary processing and cost reduction through improvement in
input use efficiency. Further 30-40% increase in income must be realized through institu-
tional innovations such as reforms in pricing, adoption of farmers producers companies to
have a collective bargaining power in terms of buying inputs and selling output and a
improved agricultural insurance policy covering all range of farming including crop, live-
stock, fishery, horticulture, sericulture etc.
Agricultural Growth and efficient marketing are the major source for sustainable
agricultural development. India’s farm yields are much lower as compared to other devel-
oping countries. Certain studies have shown that unless the farmers share in the con-
sumer rupee increases from the current 22%-24% to an expected 55-60%, farming will
remain an unprofitable proposition. However, realizing higher share for farmers in the
consumer price has several challenges. Primarily it calls for major market reforms and
processing infrastructure besides technology led weather forecasting, market intelligence
and agriculture insurance.
Many schemes have been launched to increase the productivity such as a) Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna b) National food security mission c) Gramin Bhandaran
Yojna d) Soil health card scheme e) PM Fasal BimaYojan f) National Mission for sustain-
able agriculture g)Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna h) National Agricultural Market i) Zero
Budget Natural Farming j) Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav k) Price stabilization fund l) Pradhan
Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan m) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and
many other. With all the efforts there is rise in per capita agricultural output has increase
over the years however the share of agriculture in national GDP has fallen.
Countering the challenges of Indian agriculture
First issue is low average productivity with regional variation. Which may need
the access to quality and timely agricultural inputs particularly water use efficiency,
good seed, fertilizer and pesticide, better mechanization etc. There is urgent need to
Shift to high value crops as fruits vegetables, flowers, livestock fisheries with option to
shift to GM seeds. However, agriculture research has significantly improved the agri-
culture productivity and profitability.
Second the farmers have to receive remunerative prices i.e., higher share in con-
sumer rupee and also increase in MSP. There is need of a more strong reforms in agricul-
tural marketing some of which is implemented.
62 Third the ownership rights of land in are poorly defined, making land lease diffi-
cult and obtaining finance for farm investment is a hurdle.
Fourth, Indian farmers frequently face droughts or floods etc. The crop insurance
schemes still not able to cover sufficient crop area.
Many govt schemes have been implemented to increase irrigation, the most impor-
tant input, but still the average irrigation is nearly half of the total cultivated area and there
exists enough scope to increase irrigation potential. The source of irrigation has changed
over the years. The major source of irrigation is groundwater which was earlier the canal
irrigation causing water table depletion. One of the major scheme for irrigation is Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is a good initiative.
Critical inputs like seed fertilizer and pesticides is crucial inputs for raising the
productivity. Private and public sector has increased the production of quality seeds.
However the availability of quality seeds is a difficult proposition because of high price
and right time availability. Similarly, timely availability of fertilizers is a constraint for pro-
ductivity. High cost of fertilizer is a burden for marginal and small farmers. Pesticides are
important to protect crops from weeds, insect-pest, disease, nematodes and rodents. Even
though pesticide use is lower than other countries but high residues in produce is a
problem
R&D contributes significantly in increasing productivity. Agricultural technology
is highly productivity but is also capital intensive. Nearly 85 per cent of Indian farmers are
small and marginal who are economically weak and cannot afford expensive technology.
To increase farmer’s income, lot of institutional reforms has to be made. Improved
marketing system, food processing industry and promotion of export has to be encour-
aged. Lack of vertical integration in agriculture marketing is an important issue.
Another option to increase farmer’s income is adoption of livestock. This can
improve farmers income. It’s a high value enterprise and may be promoted in a better
way.
Increase in demand for agriculture commodities has to be developed which can
be done to great extent by increasing employment rate. Efficiency in agriculture is at
present low and there exists a big potential to increase it and it has to be given high
priorities. This will reduce cost of production and make Indian agriculture more com-
petitive and profitable.
To increase farmer’s income, the non farm sector can play important role. Tech-
nology led non-farm sector provides livelihood to many in rural areas.
All of the above depends upon the rural finance in farm and non-farm sector. For-
mal institution are reluctant to provide finance because of the high risk involved in farm
and non farm sector and shortage of collateral in rural mass.
Govt has to share the risk and improve rural finance to boost the profitability and
should make all the reforms needed rapidly.
Keywords: Productivity, Institutional Reforms, Sustainability and Indian Agriculture.
ES-3 63
The Need of Entrepreneurship, Start-ups in Agriculture
and Allied Sector for Regional and National
Development: A Macroeconomic Perspective
Debajyoti Mukherjee
TEDx Speaker, Lifeskill Trainer & Entrepreneurship Development Activist, Bhagalpur
Author’s email: debjyotimukherjee1976@gmail.com
We are losing our freedom, selling ourselves in lieu of few thousands or lakhs and
devoting our full acumen to serve other. Bill Gates saying : Use your mind to build your
own emperor otherwise same will be used to make other’s. Entrepreneurs are the backbone
of any nation. Unlike businessman they not only address the financial goal but the human
and social too and that’s the difference. The sole motto of a businessman is to maximize
profit but an entrepreneur takes care of the people associated with him, be it in any form.
They believe in giving back to society. Economic Strength of an independent nation has
four indicative variables; 1) GDP growth 2) Social justice 3) Price control and 4) Self
Reliance. The GDP growth indicated the total value total value of agriculture produc-
tion, factory production and the services generated in this period. Social justice means
reducing the number of unemployment and persons living below poverty line. Now again
question arises: where these people will get employment, who will pull out people from
vicious circle of poverty by giving them livelihood? Who will open factories, schools,
colleges, institutions, hospitals, super markets or any other organisations where these
poor unemployed people will get job? The simple answer is entrepreneurs. A nation’s
economy is marked with it’s capacity to control the price of commodities. Price will
hike, it’s natural phenomenon. But whether the nation is able to control the price hike or
not that’s the question. No country can be self sufficient. No country can produce every-
thing that people needs. But they can be self reliant, means they can have sufficient
foreign exchange to buy all the items from other countries what they are not able to
produce.
Hence, we have seen that behind all the four factors that build a nation economi-
cally sound are entrepreneurs. Not dwarfing the credibility of a soldier who are fighting
for the country to protect borders, entrepreneurs do the same thing and are fighting
every moment to earn their country’s financial freedom. In India till date a big chunk of
agriculture production follows age-old process and depend mainly on rain harvesting.
The quality of seeds and agrichemicals are still under question. Food processing and
storage are not sufficient enough to prevent near about 50 per cent of total vegetable and
fruit production get rotten. We need agripreuners and agri start-ups to address all these
issues.
64
65
ABSTRACTS
THEME 1 :
AGRIPRENEURSHIP, GROWTH,
COMPETITIVENESS AND INSTITUTIONS (T1)
66
T1-01 67
A Study on Profitability Analysis for Industries
Financial Performance with Special Reference to
Selected Ayurveda Industries in Solan District
of Himachal Pradesh
Srishti Thakur1*, Setu Ratnam1 and Utkarsh Jaiswal2
1
Agriculture, Integral Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology,
Integra University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
The chartered financial analyst of India, Sikkim
*
Corresponding author’semail: srishtithakur43@gmail.com
Ayurveda plays a very important role in removing diseases from the root. Ayurveda
has not only sustained the changing outlook and demands for health services due to the
invasion of modern methods of treatment but, it has grown to be renowned all across the
world. This study intended to evaluate the profitability in Ayurveda industries in Solan
district of Himachal Pradesh. Multistage random sampling was used for selection of the
study area. From the sampling design 225 respondents from 45 Ayurveda industry units
were selected for the study. The study employed a casual design and secondary data
sources were used and data was analysed using financial ratio analysis. The finding
showed the average return on equity was 16 percent which implies the industries which
have return on equity more than this average is in the good state of performance and
effectiveness. Similarly, the overall average of return on assets was 9 per cent which
concludes that the industries whose overall average was more than 9 per cent is efficiently
using its assets to generate the profit. Further the result revealed that overall average of
return on capital employed in industry units was 16 per cent which implies that, the
industries which have return on capital employed above 16 per cent are using its capital
more efficiently to generate profit. It also concluded that the overall average gross profit
margin was 10 per cent. The industries above 10 percent are managing their operations
efficiently and making satisfactory gross profit from the net sales. Further the results
concluded that the overall average operating profit margin of the industries was 15 per
cent. It implies that the industry whose average percentage of gross profit margin is above
15 per cent is making good profit after paying its all-variable costs of production. Similarly,
the overall average net profit of Ayurveda industries in the study area was 7 per cent. This
implies that the industries which have the average net profit margin above 7 per cent are
getting satisfactory overall net profit in the business. The study recommends manage-
ment of Ayurveda industries by maintaining the price of the Ayurveda products, by reduc-
ing labour cost, and by reducing operating expenses. The average return on assets can be
improved by various alternatives like industries should increase their net income.
Keywords : Ayurveda, Profitability, Returns, Capital and Profitability analysis.
T1-02
Need and Importance of Agri-Entrepreneurship
Ashutosh Singh, Amit Kumar Pandey*, Manoj Kumar, and Niru Kumari
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa
*
Corresponding author’s email: amitpandeybau@gmail.com
The agricultural sector is comparably more effective in reducing poverty as any
other sector. Food prices reduce for poor people by increased crop productivity resultant
decreased poverty. Agri-entrepreneurship in common language can be defined as sus-
68 tainable, community-oriented, directly-marketed agriculture. It is the beneficial combi-
nation of agriculture and entrepreneurship and converts your farm into an agribusiness.
This association of agriculture and business promotes agrientrepreneurs who innovate,
identify markets, and satisfy needs by developing different ways. The term agri-entre-
preneurship is similar with entrepreneurship in agriculture and describes agribusiness
establishment in agriculture and allied sector. Agri-entrepreneurship has the prospect of
social and economic development, for example, employment generation, poverty re-
duction, improvements in nutrition, health, and overall food security in the national
economy especially in rural areas. In the face of growing unemployment and poverty in
rural areas, there is urgency of entrepreneurship in agriculture for more productivity
and profitability. Agribusiness has offered many prospects for value addition, packag-
ing, retailing and exports of agricultural products with advance technology and manage-
ment. A large part of Indian population is reliant on agriculture and this area also sup-
plies raw material for different industries. Agribusiness is most likely to control the
progressive growth of Indian economy. A huge number of opportunities have opened in
the industries like packaging, supply of raw material, processed agri-food manufacture,
export of agricultural products and other allied fields. Rising of micro financing, re-
laxed government regulations, accessibility to high technology, guidance, and work-
shops on agri and related areas have changing outlook of highly skilled personnel and
resultant they are opting for self-employment in agriculture, mounting the
agripreneuership’s prospective in India. There are numerous areas of entrepreneurship
in agriculture which include dairying, sericulture, goat rearing, rabbit rearing, floricul-
ture, fisheries, shrimp farming, sheep rearing, vegetable cultivation, nursery farming
and farm forestry. The feasible opportunities of entrepreneurship in agriculture are:
Agro produce processing units, Agro Produce manufacturing units, Agro-inputs manu-
facturing units, Agro service centers. New opportunities for agri-entrepreneurs have
produced due to preferences of consumer for value-added and locally grown agricul-
tural products. Value-added products include organic vegetables, BST-free cheese, un-
bleached flour, gluten-free food, and heritage apples. Value-added products are signifi-
cant as sales of these products produce extra income for agri-entrepreneurs and for the
local and regional economy. Agri-entrepreneurship is the call of hours to make agricul-
ture a more attractive and profitable business enterprise. Agriculture has great scope for
entrepreneurship and this can be harnessed only by effective management of agri ele-
ments such as soil, seed, water and market needs. Agri-entrepreneurship is the call of
hours to make agriculture a more attractive and profitable business enterprise. Agricul-
ture has great scope for entrepreneurship and this can be harnessed only by effective
management of agri elements such as – soil, seed, water, and market needs.
Keywords: Agri-entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Agribusiness and Value-added products.
T1-03
Agribusiness Opportunity for Pulse Growing Farmers
in Bihar: A Situation Analysis
Meera Kumari1*, S. L. Bairwa2 & S. M. Rahaman1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210
2
Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kisanganj, Bihar, India
*Correspondence author’s email: meera.bausabour@gmail.com
Pulses occupy a unique position in Indian agriculture. It plays a vital role in fixing
atmospheric nitrogen in to Nitrate and make the soil fertile. Banka district is one of the
important pulse trading centers in Bihar. Agro climatic condition of Banka as well as 69
Bhagalpur district of Bihar is suitable for main pulses like chickpea and pigeon pea
cultivation. An effort has been made to prove the leverage of suitable agro- climatic
condition for the pulse crops and agribusiness opportunity available in that area. Growth
and instability of major pulses shown significant but negative growth in area and produc-
tion however productivity of chickpea shown positive growth rate over the period of
time. As chickpea is cheapest source of protein and has multipurpose use, especially in
Bhagalpur district people used it as Bessoon, Sattu and whole chana dall and also as
substitute of vegetable during the off season when the price of vegetable in market is
very high, people could not afford to buy it. Crop utilization of main product and by
products of traditionally grown variety hardly sold in market by the farmers, better taste
having high demand in the market is the most preferred traits for consumption & mar-
keting of the produce of chickpea in Bihar. It was mainly used for consumption purpose
in both of district. Despite of these fact available dall Mills in the region was very few in
numbers. Instead of depending upon only farming; farmers can go for subsidiary
agribusiness. “Mini dall mill” and processing of sattu can be a good agribusiness in that
area. As it required less investment and can gets good return. Government subsidy is
also available for the same. Farmers, self-help group (SHG), small entrepreneur, unem-
ployed youth can leverage this opportunity and can start their own agribusiness.
T1-04
Agripreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Agriculture
and Allied Sectors
Praveen Kumar Mandal1*, Dinkar1, Sourabh Kumar1, Rounak Kumar1,
Imranul Haque1 and Namrata Dwivedi2
1
2
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, MP- 474002
*Corresponding author’s email: praveenkumarmandal09@gmail.com
Agriculture sector is providing employment and livelihood for about 70% of the
population in India and contributing significantly for GDP. For sustainable development
of agriculture sector and allied industries, for the benefit of majority of Indian population
and for achieving self-sustainability in food grains production, the concept of
‘Agripreneurship’ has to be promoted. Agripreneurship is the process of adopting new
methods, processes, techniques in agriculture or the allied sectors of agriculture, for better
output and economic earnings. The contribution of agricultural sector in GDP in India has
declined to18. 8% in 2020-21 from 51.9% in 1950-51. The decline is due to the shift from
traditional agricultural economy to industry and service sectors while performance is very
meager if size of the employment in this sector is considered. India stands second in the
world with respect to agricultural production but it is ranked 14th in agricultural exports. It
is reported that India’s average agricultural production per hectare is only 50% of the
world’s average, which shows the need for a lot of development in this area. The current
performance of agricultural sector in India is not up to the mark and there is a need for
agripreneurship development. There are excellent potential opportunities for entrepre-
neurial process at different stages of agriculture like bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers,
vermicompost, testing and amending soil etc. There are a lot of challenges for
agripreneurship like poor infrastructural facilities, poor entrepreneurial culture among
people, talent migration from rural to urban, poor technologies and equipments, problems
in marketing of agricultural products and unresponsive Government policies. The insti-
70 tutes like MANAGE, EDIs, EDIIs, NIESBUD and IIE should give proper training to the
farmers. This would help them not only in creating new innovations but also in enhanc-
ing their living standards. The proper training to the innovators creates a healthy compe-
tition between them to produce a quantity of product with appropriate quality. Competi-
tiveness in business refers to a company’s ability to balance the price of their products
and services with the quality to provide customers with the optimal experience. Compe-
tition among the innovators is good for consumers because competition force them to
maintain quantity with quality. Being the primary sector, agriculture will continue to be
a major sector for employment and GDP contribution. Further, it is believed that
Agripreneurship development will help the economy to leverage the identified strengths
and to achieve tremendous growth in primary sector and to contribute for rural develop-
ment. It helps the economy to achieve self-sustainability in food production. Further, it
helps in achieving balanced economic and sustainable growth.
Keywords : Agripreneurship, Agriculture, Sustainability and Sustainable growth.
T1-05
A Study on the Livelihood Assets of Rural Households in
Gumla District of Jharkhand
Arindam Banerjee*, Deep Narayan Mukherjee, Riya Senapati
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute,
Agriculture Rural and Tribal Development, Morabadi, Ranchi
*Corresponding author’s email: arindambanerjee.ard@gmail.com
People’s ability to overcome poverty depends on their access to diverse liveli-
hood assets, which are comprised of the capacities, assets (stores, resources, claims,
and access), and activities required for a means of subsistence. Despite having abundant
mineral and forest resources, Jharkhand, known as the “Land of Forest,” is one of India’s
poorest states, with 42.16% of its population living in poverty (NITI Aayog, 2021). The
main objective of this study was to identify the livelihood asset profile of the rural poor
of Jharkhand. For that purpose, two villages viz Hutar from Albert Ekka block and Bartoli
from Dumri block was selected in Gumla district by using simple random sampling and
survey was conducted through a well-structured questionnaire developed in ODK plat-
form. The study principally discovered that subsistence farming was the primary occu-
pation of villagers due to availability of abundant natural resources like land and water
resources at the village premises. In both villages women were attached to different
social institutions especially Self-Help Groups and availed loan for different economic
activities to support their livelihoods. There were lots of hindrances in the availability
of formal credit facilities at village level like less capacity to repay the loan, unavail-
ability of collateral security etc. The study also revealed that the distance of the school
from the village was the primary reason for a lower level of education of the people
which was identified as a major obstacle in the way of livelihood diversification. Lack
of skill development training and unavailability of improvised machineries was one of
the hindrances in the livelihood strategy formation at the village level. While rearing of
livestock especially Goatery had been developed as one of the major sources of income
for people due to high accessibility of market functionaries. Drawing the attention of
the policymakers to the livelihood asset profile of the rural area, the study suggests
policy interventions that will help the rural poor to secure their livelihood through the
formation of different livelihood assets like skill development training, access to mar-
ket facilities, access to credit, access to education, etc.
Keywords: Livelihood assets, Livelihood strategy, Rural households, and Jharkhand.
T1-06 71
Role of Growth Drivers in Agri Tech Start-ups
Ecosystem : Experiences and Learnings
from Indian Cases
Prabhavathi, Y* and Krishna Kishore, N.T
Institute of Agribusiness Management, ANGRAU, Tirupati
*
Corresponding author’s email: y.prabhavathi@angrau.ac.in
Increased start-up activity is beneficial to the agricultural sector in addressing the
bottlenecks in agriculture and as well empowering the stakeholders of Agri value chain. In
India, start-ups working in the agricultural sector are confronted with two scenarios. On
one side, they account for only 6.62 % of total start-ups and on the other side, only around
10.25 % were able to progress up tothe scaling stage in their life cycle while more than 50
% are in the early stages of their life cycle. Thus, the present study aims to understand the
key drivers essential for Agri startups to progress quickly through business life cycle
stages through a multi-case study approach. Among the agri-tech start-ups exploiting the
business opportunities in various segments of the value chain, B2B is emerging as key
revenue-generating segment. Hence, three Agri startups namely 63 Idea Infolabs private
limited (Ninjacart), Crofarm Agri products private limited and Way cool foods and prod-
ucts private limited, operating in this segment, with a similar line of business and with
common competition i.e traditional agricultural markets were considered for the study. The
findings indicated that higher education levels, the expertise of the managerial team and
technological innovation are growth drivers through the ideation, validation, and early
traction stage. Strategic drivers namely vision, market-oriented opportunity switch, net-
working and market expansion are playing a key role in the growth of identified start-ups.
The short-term and long-term strategic decisions pertaining to these strategic drivers
derived out of day-to-day experiences and learnings are major growth drivers in pushing
the start-ups towards the growth stage. While business strategies for achieving scalability,
and gaining investor confidence are vital growth drivers to attain the scale-up stage. The
improvement in operational efficiency derived from growth factors has been reflected in
the financial progress of agri-tech start-ups.
Keywords: Agri start-ups, Strategic drivers, Scalability, Innovation, and Funding.
T1-07
An Economic Analysis of Scope and Prospect of

Vegetable Retail Chain in and around Bhubaneswar
City of Odisha
Surajit Haldar*
Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Germany
*
Corresponding author’s email: suraji.haldar@agrar.uni-giessen.de
Vegetables are the cheapest-sources of natural foods and can admirably supple-
ment the staples. However, its perishable nature demand comprehensive planning for
movement, storage, processing, and distribution. The growth of vegetable industry as a
commercial proposition largely depends on allied enterprises, such as storage, pro-
cessing, marketing, maintenance, and service enterprises. These characteristics evident
a need for a marketing system that may directly link the farmers with the consumers. In
this background, a study was conducted on vegetable retailing among farmer producer
organization (FPO) farmers in three adjacent districts of, viz. Khurda, Cuttack and Puri.
72 Trend in production of vegetable specifically in these districts is comparatively higher
in Odisha. We chose a total 70 farmers through stratified random sampling method at
the block level comprising of 40 FPO and 30 non-FPO farmers Odisha in this study. The
production and productivity of vegetables was found to be increasing in the three sample
districts though there is a gradual decline of area under cultivation. We found that lit-
eracy status of FPO farmers were relatively higher than non FPO farmers. With the aid
of FPO, member farmers grew a wide range of vegetables throughout the year and veg-
etable yields were comparatively higher than non FPO farmers. FPO members adopted
suitable farm machineries and harnessed comparatively higher income than non-mem-
bers.
The overall farm economic performance indicates that, on an average non-FPO
farmers spent INR 1191/acre higher than FPO farmer with average spending of INR 37332/
acre. When observed by material input application, we found that, non-FPO farmers spent
INR 352 higher than FPO farmers (5790 rupees) in purchasing chemical fertilizers. The
marketing costs was also found to be higher in case of non-FPO farmers (INR 4274 rupees)
as compared to FPO farmers (INR 3863). To investigated the resource use efficiency in
vegetable production we regressed expenses in human and machine power, material in-
puts, and credit amount on the total annual farm income among the FPO and non-FPO
farmers. We found that the input variables such as hired human labour, machine labour (in
hours) and MOP chemical fertilizer use significantly influenced net return for FPO farmers,
whereas expenses on human labour, FYM, and Grommer significantly contributed to net
farm income of non-FPO farmers.
We further investigated the feasibility of extending established vegetable retail
chain among the FPO’s through logistic regression analysis. Results indicate that years of
formal education of a farmer, land area in acre, and access to irrigation positively influ-
enced the scope and willingness to adopt improved vegetable chain among FPO members.
Farmers reported that during peak harvesting season of vegetables, surplus production
reduced their marketing margin at the Bhubaneswar market. We found that access to cold
storage at the block level may increase the scope to gain remunerative margin from veg-
etable marketing. Non availability of labourers, and quality seeds during peak sowing time
constrained overall vegetable production for both FPO and non-FPO farmers.
Keywords: Vegetable farmers, Retail chain, FPO, Natural foods and Odisha.
T1-08
Cross Sectional Analysis of Agri-enterprises in Bihar :

An Empirical Study
Nupur Biswas, Chandan Kumar Panda*, Aditya, Mainak Ghosh, Rajesh Kumar,
Fozia Homa , Meera Kumari and R P Sharma
*Corresponding author’s email: dr.ckpanda@gmail.com
Agripreneurship creates value in the production and consumption activities of ag-
riculture. There are so many areas and sub-areas in agriculture. Within each area, enor-
mous numbers of commodities are available. The study, is conducted in four districts of
Bihar, namely Patna, Purnea, Nalanda and Bhagalpur. Twenty respondents were selected
by snowball sampling method from each district. Hence the sample size is eighty. The
data was collected by survey method and then recorded and compiled. From the study it
can be concluded that most of the respondents belonged to young category and they had
completed intermediate education level. Although (46.25%) of the respondents belonged
to backward caste category as backward caste is more prevalent in Bihar. Majority (40%) 73
of the respondent’s family income belonged to (1-50 lakhs in Rs.) and in case of annual
enterprise income (56.25%) it was (1-10 lakhs in Rs.). Most of the respondents, chosen
their products for maintaining their economic condition whereas (23.12%) of the respon-
dents were chosen for their marketability criteria Most (73.75%) of the respondents have
brand name of their product whereas (26.25%) of the respondents don’t have brand name.
Although, (48.75%) of the respondents do not having quality certificate for their products
because most of them are in progressive stage of their enterprise. The major source of
finance to do business was friends and family whereas only (3.48%) of the respondents
got the finance from money lenders. Findings shows that (26.58%) of the respondents
have five and more loan instalments received whereas (13.92%) of respondents received
only two instalments. It is noted that 91.25% of the respondents don’t require any collat-
eral offered to get loan. About, 58.67% of the respondents repay their loan up-to one year.
Majority (25.14%) of agripreneurs adopted self-mode of channels of distribution of their
products and participated in exhibition for promotion of their product sale.
Keywords: Bihar, Perception, Agripreneurs, Product, Finance, Market and Agri loans.
T1-09
Capacity Building: Philosophy, Concept and Approaches
to Enhance Entrepreneurial Attitude of Farmers in
Bihar
N. K. Sharma1*, Arindam Nag2, Sanjeet Kumar3, Pankaj Kumar4, S. Nath1
1
Bhola Paswan Shashtri Agricultural College, Purnea, 2Dr. Kalam Agricultural College,
Kishanganj 3Subject Matter Specialist, Plant Pathology, KVK, Araria 4Subject Matter
Specialist, Extension Education, KVK, Katihar
*Corresponding author’s email: naremdrashrma358@gmail.com
Training and human resource developments are fundamental to an effective agri-
cultural research, technology transfer and developing entrepreneurial behavior among
farmers. The present research article delineates philosophies, concepts and different
approaches on training which are the essential for bringing transformation in a food
production system in the agrarian state of Bihar. After seventy-five years of indepen-
dence, farmers in Bihar are still dependent, expects donors and government mercenar-
ies to support them continually. The grim reality is that most of the support system
whether government or non-government has little to do with the building of capacities

of poverty ridden small and marginal farmers. The aim of the research is to assess the
entrepreneurial traits among the farmers vis a vis their socioeconomic, agro economic
conditions, to identify their stumbling block problems responsible for their low pro-
duction, poor access to the market and low income and to develop an appropriate and
effective training module. There is an urgent need to strengthen capacities of the farm-
ers for encouraging not only their participation with determined goals but also to bring
changes in their knowledge, skill, and attitude to break inertia of non-performance. Phi-
losophies of the training is applicable to diverse range of educational, technical, re-
search institutes as well as farmers both individually and in groups. Approaches of the
training addresses the challenging task of delivering quality training at marketing orien-
tation, socioeconomic, agricultural production system.
Keywords: Human resources, Entrepreneurship and Marketing system.
74 T1-10
Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth Analysis of
Indian Tea in Global Market
Ramnath K. Ray1*, Sandeep Kumar1, Meera Kumari1, Puja Sinha2 and
Nitu Kumari1, Yogita Sharma1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, 2Jeevika, Government of Bihar
*Corresponding author’s email: ramnathkumarray1@gmail.com
India produces about 20.15% of the world tea and is the second largest tea pro-
ducer after China. Currently, India ranks fourth in world tea exports, with China, Kenya
and Sri Lanka as the main competitors. About 80% of tea production in India comes
from the states of Assam and West Bengal. The tea industry plays a very important role
in producing quality tea in the countries as it provides great income to the nation. In
India, tea is one of the oldest industries and today enjoys the status of one of the most
organized industries in the country. The average annual growth rate of Indian tea acreage
was 0.94%, while production was 2.50% and yield was 1.62% between 2001 and 2021-
22. The CAGR of export including instant tea was 1.0% over time while sales in Indian
auctions were 1.47% each. There are frequent fluctuations in the export volume of tea
in comparison from 2000 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic hit comes just at a time
when Indian tea unit prices rose due to its better quality, but lockdowns severely im-
pacted the Indian auction price through the 22nd week of 2020.The export of tea in-
creased from 206.82 M. Kg to 252.15 M. Kg in 2019, while the export dropped drasti-
cally to 209.72 M. Kg. in 2020 and 196.54 M. Kg. in 2021. In recent years, however,
competitiveness has continued to improve. The export price and the international price
have been the main determining factors for tea export. The policy implications that
emerged from the study are: increase tea production, more emphasis should be placed
on research into low-risk varieties. Although India faces fierce competition in export-
ing tea from different countries due to the price. To be competitive in the international
market, the Indian export price must be competitive while meeting the quality standards.
Keywords: Tea, Export of tea, Auction price, Tea market and Growth analysis.
T1-11
Analysing the Severity and Criticalness of Identified
Business Opportunities for Selected Farmer Producer
Organization (FPOs) in Guntur District of Andhra

Pradesh
I.Monika1*, N.T. Krishna Kishore 2, Dr. P. V. Satya Gopal3 and Dr. B. Ramana
Murthy 4
1
Institute of Agri Business Management, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati-
517502, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: monikaiabm20@gmail.com
The study was undertaken to investigate the severity and criticality of identi-
fied business operations by selected FPOs, the operations offered by FPOs have been
categorized into pre harvest (production centric services), post-harvest, marketing op-
erations. New business opportunities for the selected FPOs were identified by under-
standing the perception of member farmers by analysing the major problems currently
faced by the member farmers (Technical and Operational constraints) their severity and
criticalities. Andhra Pradesh state of Southern India was purposively selected for the
study as the researcher hails from the same state. Guntur, being agriculturally vibrant 75
was an important district of Andhra Pradesh, due to diversified farming well established
FPOs were operating in this area. Five FPOs were identified randomly from 5 mandals
of Guntur district. According to the analysed data, the FPOs were facing certain issues
in pre-production, post-harvest and marketing activities which were severe and critical,
Focus has to be given on these activities for better performance of FPOs. India was at
the forefront of agricultural growth worldwide, it was the backbone of the economy,
where it contribution was about 18% to GDP and nearly 58% of Indian population de-
pends on agriculture in which 70% of rural population was directly dependent on agri-
culture as a primary source of income. It was dominated by small and marginal farmers
by over 86 percent. To provide strength and efficiency to the marketing system, alterna-
tives were necessary for enhancing their income levels. One of the potential alterna-
tives was grouping the farmers for collective action. To facilitate this process initially,
there were three implementing agencies whose function was formation and promotion
of FPOs, namely Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SFAC), National Coopera-
tive Development Corporation (NCDC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural De-
velopment (NABARD). The State and Central governments along with other agencies
works on formation and promotion of active FPOs with the help of financial institutes
and resources from various state sponsored and central funded schemes. The NABARD,
SFAC, other Government agencies provides financial support to Producer Organization
Promoting Institution (POPI) to enhance the performance of FPO.
Keywords: Farmer producer organization, SFAC, POPI,NCDC andAndhra Pradesh.
T1-12
Jeevika SHGs: From Farmer to Entrepreneur in Bihar
Ranvir Kumar*, Suman Kalyani, Meera Kumari, S. L. Bairwa, S. M. Rahman
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur Bihar-813210
*
Corresponding author’s email: talkranvir@gmail.com
Rural poverty alleviation and livelihood security remain prime importance of state
as well as central government since independence. To achieve this goal government
focused on capacity building of rural mass in the form of knowledge and skill develop-
ment, finance enrichment and by making them independent in dealing with external af-
fairs etc. Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development has launched National
Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) across the country. Bihar Government has estab-
lished Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS) at state level and District
Project Unit (DPU) in each district for its implementation in the state with the help of
World Bank which is popularly known as Jeevika with the objective of social & eco-
nomic empowerment of the rural poor and started in the year 2007. Now this livelihood
project has taken a big shape in the state. Self Help Groups (SHG) is at grass root and
DPU at district level. The uniqueness in this project is that all members of SHG are
women only and activities and administration is done by women called Jeevikadidi. All
these Jeevikadidi are not only helping in own family household livelihood but playing a
major role in development of economy in rural area. One thousand to five lakh is being
granted as loan @ 1% to these women for farming and allied activities and as such they
can generate employment and now becoming good entrepreneurs also. As per the report
during last fifteen years of its journey a tune of Rs. 23 thousand 175 crore has been
granted by bank as loan to these women and these women were able to save a sum of Rs.
1605 crore by timely return. The major portions of these loans (35%) were advanced
76 for agriculture purpose. Members of SHG take loan as per need both for agriculture and
consumption purpose and able to cultivate the field with the help of Village Resource
Person (VRP) with new agricultural technology. Better farming results in better returns
and thus able to repay the advanced amount timely. Now they are free from money lend-
ers who charged exorbitant rate of interest earlier. They are engaged in farming, poultry,
goatry, fishing enterprises etc. Now, Government of Bihar has given other social re-
sponsibilities like operating canteen in hospital and other monitoring activities also.
Keywords : SHGs, Village resource person, Livelihood, Entrepreneurship and Jeevika.
77
THEME 2: AGRIPRENEURS, START-UPS AND

PUBLIC SECTOR IN FOSTERING REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT (T2)
78
T2-01 79
Agro-tourism as an Emerging Way for Boosting Rural
Economy and Sustainable Community Development in
Kalimpong District of West Bengal: Scope and
Challenges
Deparna Pradhan*
Research Scholar, Uttar Banga Krishi viswa Vidyalaya, West Bengal
*
Corresponding author’s email: deparnapradhan@gmail.com
Agro-tourism is a nature-based economic activity involving social, economic, and
environmental issues that also provides livelihoods to local people. It is simultaneously
expected to maintain ecological aspects sustainably. The tourism industry offers excep-
tional natural experiences to visitors from across the world and contributes to the country’s
GDP (at 178 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2021). Agro-tourism has grown quickly over the
past few decades in the Himalayan tract of West Bengal as a result of the increasing
interest of tourists in learning about rural life and the need for farmers to supplement their
income through diverse economic activities. The hilly district of Kalimpong has the high-
est number of registered home stays in the region. Agro-tourism is ascertained to be an
effective mode of promoting local products, bringing cultural transformation between
urban and rural people, creating added value through direct marketing, boosting rural
economies as a result of employment generation, women participation and empowerment,
encouraging organic farming and supporting farmer’s organization and promoting nature
conservation and sustainable development. The present article brings to the light agro
tourism’s economic benefits and their potential to the farmers, farm females, local commu-
nity, home stay owners, agriculture and tourism sector etc. The tourism in the hills is at
capacity in the recent years putting undue strain on local and natural resources as a result
of overpopulation and resource exploitation. However, due to the rapid onset of the global
pandemic, this industry unexpectedly came to a standstill, severely affecting the local
community’s income., Being a major source of income, its economic potential cannot be
discounted. Thus, the article focuses on the scope and challenges of Agro-tourism in the
region. Hence, there is a need to recognize the current status of agro-tourism, and explore
preferable and advanced agro-tourism opportunities.
Keywords: Economics, Livelihood, Cultural transformation, and Rural economy.
T2-02
Start-up India: A Landmark for Aspiring Youths
Adline Shanta Tigga* and R. P. Sharma
* Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar-813210
*
Corresponding author’s email: drtiggabau@gmail.com
In contemporary times words like start-up, Entrepreneurship, Seeding have be-
come a popular topic of discussion among youths. The credit for this has to be attributed
to start-ups India. start-up India has been fundamental for this positive spur of change.
This landmark initiative has enabled the youth to nurture their innovation and fulfil their
dreams of building a start-up. India’s population is among the youngest in an ageing
world. India’s working-age population has numerically outstripped its non-working age
population. This working-age population consists of highly motivated youths with di-
verse aspirations. With diverse aspirations of a large section of youths there is a need to
impart quality education and train them for future opportunities. For youth also the dream
80 of being an entrepreneur comes with aspirations of doing quality courses par with uni-
versal excellence. The Government of India exactly provides that, as the Start-up India
platform provides for seventy-nine courses ranging from financial analyst, digital trans-
formation, data analyst, understanding design thinking etc. These courses provide free
universal access to millions of aspiring youths to access quality resources to enhance
their thinking paradigm. This is an excellent and exemplary global model of imparting
education and shaping entrepreneurs of the future. Further with initiatives like ‘Make in
India’ a new sense of confidence is instilled among the youth to pursue their dream of
entrepreneurship. Start-ups India provides with varied support ranging from financial
support, income tax support, registration support, tender support, and networking sup-
port. These benefits help in the most crucial stage of a start-ups that is the execution of
an idea and making it marketable. The action plan of start-ups India is first, simplifica-
tion and hand holding, second, funding support and third, incentives. Due to these fruit-
ful steps, schemes, and initiatives of start-ups India, it has been able to create and nur-
ture an ecosystem which is conducive for entrepreneurship. It has enabled thousands of
youths to be employed under various entrepreneurs through new channels of job em-
ployment. Thus, start-ups Indian has contributed in the creation of assets for the nation’s
development as well as reiterating Government of India’s commitment to make India the
hub of innovation, design, and Start-ups. The Government of India also provides recog-
nition and appreciation to these Start-ups through National start-ups Awards. These awards
reward start-ups that are dynamic, innovative, and positively disrupt the market. The
measure of these awards is not only financial gains of the company, but also social good
that the Start-ups contributed for the holistic betterment of a particular sector or soci-
ety as a whole. Today India is not just an oriental country of the past as the West saw it,
today due to the initiatives and robustness of the current government, India has a total 81
Unicorn as of now, with a total valuation of $274 billion. Also 90 founders among 500
U.S Unicorns were Indian born. The world is transforming with ideas and innovation of
entrepreneurship. It will not be wrong to say that Indians are and will play a pivotal role
in the global landscape of Start-ups.
Keywords: Start-ups, Entrepreneurship, Youths, Design thinking and Make in India.
T2-03
Agri Start-ups in Bihar: Opportunities and Performance
in Indian Context
Nirala Kumar*, S. M. Rahman, Pankaj Kumar Mandal and Nitu Kumari

*
Corresponding author’s email: niralarau@gmail.com
India is the Second largest agricultural landholders with around 50% of Indians
making their livelihood from agriculture. Mainly the state of Bihar, the sources of liveli-
hood is agriculture and farmers need a state where majority of population relies on agricul-
ture for their mainstay, so, the role of agri. start-up is so crucial in creating opportunities for
people. Public institutes around the state are consistently trying to make farmers lives
progressive by their policies. Because it matters how the state economy care about 80% of
people’s hope with agriculture. Overall, 22.80% of farmers used modern seeds, however, it
was high at 46.67% for medium farmers. About 50% large farmers adopted scientific meth-
ods of production of their horticultural crops for enhancing their crop production (Singh,
K. M. et.al., 2014) but irregular rainfall, low quality of agri-inputs and lack of expert person-
nel in the fields are some of the hurdles in the path of sustainability and profitability of
farmers. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us to organize that sustainability 81
starts from agriculture. Start-ups needs to be facilitated and capable to have alternative
income sources.
Keywords: Agri Start-ups, Policies, Sustainability, Profitability and Technology.
T2-04
Assessment of Training Needs of Farmers through
Farmers’ Helpline Queries for Promoting Agribusiness
Shivam Kumar*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar
*
Corresponding author’s email: shivamextn@gmail.com
Farmers’ helpline is the cheapest and easily accessible source of information to
the farmers. The queries received at the Farmers’ Helpline is a knowledge base which
can help to gain deeper insights into farmers’ information and training needs. Training
refers to teaching, or developing skills and knowledge or fitness that relate to specific
competencies. Proper training is important for initiation of a new agribusiness venture.
Training need assessment is the first and foremost step in initiation of any training
programme. The current study was conducted to identify the training needs of the farm-
ers through analysis of farmers’ training related queries received at the farmers’ helpline
of BAU Sabour. Thematic analysis approach was used with employment of ex-post facto
research design. Thematic analysis was conducted with the help of NVIVO software by
performing word query count on helpline dataset. A total of 374 queries related to train-
ing were enquired about in last six years. Training related to Goat rearing (28.61%) was
the major training needs of the farmers followed by Mushroom cultivation (18.72%),
Poultry (7.75%), Apiculture (3.21%), Dairy (2.94%) and Gardener trainings (2.91%).
11.23 per cent of farmers also enquired about the DAESI training which is provided by
the line departments of agriculture. It was observed that training needs of the farmers
have been diversified over the years and it has increased significantly.
Keywords: Farmer’s needs, Training assessment, Helpline queries and Agribusiness.
T2-05
Impact Assessment of Socio-Economic Factors on the
Progress of Agriclinics and Agribusiness Centres
(ACABC’s) Scheme in Rajasthan

*
Shoji Lal Bairwa1, S. Kushwaha2, C. Sen2 , R. Singh2, Meera Kumari3, S. M.
Rahaman4, Ashwani Chaudhari4, Ranvir Kumar3 and Sandeep Kumar4
1,3&4
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour Bhagalpur 2 Institute of Agricultural Sciences,
BHU, Varanasi – 221005
*
Corresponding author’s email: smabm.bhu@gmail.com
A subsidy-based credit linked training programme “Agriclinics and Agribusiness
Centres Scheme” was launched by government of India on 9th April, 2002 to strengthen
the transfer of technology, extension services and provide self-employment opportunities
to technically trained agricultural graduates. The specific objectives of study are to study
the relationship between socio-economic factors and progress and to assess the impact of
socio-economic factors on progress of scheme in the state. In analysis of relationship,
it was found that except sex and family size, all the socio-economic variables were
82 significant at 5 per cent level. The logistic regression analysis found that the age coeffi-
cient was positive and significant at the 1 per cent level and the Exp (â) value associated
with age was 1.519. This implies that there is positive relation between age and progress
of agripreneurs. Similarly, the family size and income coefficient were also found sig-
nificant at the 1 per cent level and Exp (â) value associated with family size and income
were .085and 2.607. Social group (1) was found significant at 5 per cent level (Exp (â)
value was .004 but social group (2) and social group (3) were did not significantly con-
tribute to the progress of agripreneurs. Similarly, means of livelihood (1) and means of
livelihood (2) were found non-significant, while means of livelihood (3) was found sta-
tistically significant at 5 per cent level along with .002 Exp (â) value. Land holding
variable was also found positive significant at 5 per cent level along with 2.735 Exp (â)
value.
Keywords: Impact assessment, Chi square, Logistics regression and ACABCs scheme.
83
THEME 3: SPIN OFF PROCESSES, KNOWLEDGE

TRANSFER
AND COMMERCIALIZATION (T3)
84
T3-01 85
Beeswax Candles, an Offseason Avenue in Beekeeping:
A Case Study with Experiential Learning Programme
on Commercial Beekeeping
Shubham Kumar, Saurav Raj, Brijesh Chaudhary, Manish Kumar, Ajay Kumar,
Arvind Kumar Sah, Kunal Kumar, Anu Pratap,Vivek Kumar, Rajeev Ranjan,
Isha Kumari, Shashibhushan Kumar, Anjali Verma, Shalini Kumari, Aditya Raj,
Shubham Kumar, Anoop Chaudhary, Rahul Kumar, Shubham Kumar, Twinkle
Kumari, Saurabh Kumar, Md. Reyaz Ahmad and Chandra Shekhar Prabhakar*
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, Dumraon, Bihar-802136
*Corresponding author’s email: csprabhakar.ento@gmail.com
Candles have been used since ages as a source of light and are today commonly
used for artistic and religious purposes in various enclosed environment. Candles are in
high demands during Indian light festival Diwali. Global candles market size was worth US
$ 7.16 billion in 2020 and expected to grow with 5.26% CAGR (compound annual growth
rate) till 2028would haveUS $ 10.656 billion market size (VMR Report, 2022).Wax is the
integral part of candles. Traditionally candles are made by beeswax. However, now a day’s
most of the candles are made by petroleum byproducts i.e. paraffin wax. It is produced
following petroleum refining by dewaxing light lubricating oil stocks and contain carcino-
gens since they are processed using toxic material (Hossain et al., 2008). Whereas, bees-
wax is natural, produced by honeybees after collecting wax from plants. Present days, very
few candles are available in the market with natural wax like beeswax, soy wax, rapeseed
wax, palm wax and other natural materials. Candles made by beeswax are natural and free
from the harmful chemicals that make them eco-friendly, natural, and suitable for indoor
environment. We standardized the making of different beeswax candles i.e. tealight candles,
glass candles, terracotta candles and pillar candles at Commercial Beekeeping Unit, De-
partment of Entomology, Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, Dumraon, Bihar and
market them during the experiential learning programme on commercial beekeeping during
2021 and 2022. Standardization process of beeswax candles involved wick size, wick mate-
rials, burning quality, burning duration, quantity of wax, wax holding materials, packaging,
and pricing. In this pilot scale production, beeswax procured from the professional bee-
keepers. We prepared different types of beeswax candles presented in table 1.
Table 1. Different types of candles produced by beeswax
Type of candles Wax quantity Production cost Selling price

Tea light 10gm Rs. 4-5/- Rs 8-10/-
Glass cup candles 50 -100gm Rs. 35-50/- Rs. 50-70/-
Pillar candles 100 -1.25 kg Rs. 60- 400/- Rs. 100-550/-
Terracotta candles 10-40 gm Rs. 4- 25/- Rs. 10-40/-
In 2021, 1200 tea light candles and 207glass candles were prepared and sold to
the local market. Whereas, in 2022, about 13500 tealight, 750 glass cup, 102 terracotta and4
pillar (with 250 gm wax to 1250 gm wax) candles were prepared during offseason for
beekeeping activities.B2B and B2C market strategies were adopted to sell candles in the
local market of Dumraon, Buxar, Bihar. Some candles were also sold to other location
outside state by B2C channel. B2C market strategies in local market comprised of door-to-
door campaign and stall marketing at different public places of Dumraon, Buxar, Bihar.
Total cost in this pilot scale production was Rs. 26550/- and Rs.94082/- during 2021 and
86 2022 respectively. Whereas, the total return was Rs. 39285/- and Rs. 149555/- with net
profit of Rs. 12735/- and Rs. 55473/- during year 2021 and year 2022, respectively (Table 2).
The return to cost ratio was 1.47 and 1.59 during the year 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Further, the return to cost ratio could be increased up to 2 with large scale production
planning and improvement in marketing strategies. Also, the candles making is a small
investment venture and suitable for start-up. The present study suggests the beeswax
candles making could help the beekeepers as off-season activities when the honey dearth
season present in most of the Indian subcontinent regions from the month June to Novem-
ber. The big light festival of India “Diwali” also falls within the off-season period for
beekeepers. Diwali is another opportunity to make a big business with the beeswax candles,
an eco-friendly and natural alternative of paraffin wax candles. Inclusion of aromatic
(scented) candles in this venture could provide round the year demand of beeswax candles.
Table 2. Economics of beeswax candles production
Year Total Production Total Return Net Profit Return to
Cost (in Rs.) (in Rs.) (in Rs.) cost ratio
2021 26550/- 39285/- 12735/- 1.47
2022 94082/- 149555/- 55473/- 1.59
Keywords: Beeswax candles, Offseason avenue, Beekeeping, ELP & Beekeeping.
T3-02
Dissemination of Agricultural Information with respect
to Tribal Community
Sayan Sagnika Mohapatra1, Bishnupriya Mishra1, Manoher Saryam2
and Pooja Jena3*
1
Odisha University of Agriculture & technology, Bhubaneswar
2
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
3
Depatment of Agricultural Extension, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour
*Corresponding author’s email: jenaext@gmail.com
This study was conducted in Keonjhar district of Odisha state. Agriculture infor-
mation management behavior is to be focused on the flow of information regarding
seeking information on various practice of crops and seeking information on various
agri-allied activities. The flow of information is based on the various aspect in which
tribal people are most probably involved in transferring information through various
methods. The result showed that observed that some respondents were receiving infor-
mation about cultivation practices 33.33% followed by green gram cultivation prac-
tices 29.16% and black gram cultivation practices 25%. And 98.32% are receiving
information from AAO followed by VLW (95.83%) and from training programme
(54.15%) according to personal sources. According to impersonal sources majority of
the respondents 64.33% are receiving information from radio followed by television
(61.66%) and newspaper (59.16%). Agricultural information interacts with and influ-
ences agricultural productivity in a variety of ways. It can help inform decision regard-
ing land, labour, livestock, capital and management. Agricultural productivity can argu-
ably be improved by relevant, reliable, and useful information and knowledge. Hence the
creation of agricultural information by extension services, research, education
programmes and others are managed by agricultural organizations that create informa-
tion systems to disseminate information to farmers so that farmers can make better
decisions in order to take advantage of market opportunities and manage continuous
changes in their production systems. All these information seeking behaviours with re- 87
spect to ICT, the farmers help them to manage in agricultural and other allied activities.
Keywords: ICT, Agricultural information, Livelihood, Decision making and Tribals.
T3-03
Techno-economic Empowerment through Digital
Extension among Farmers
Pooja Jena1, Uma Chatterjee Saha2, Manoher Saryam3*, Kinjulck C. Singh4
and A. S. Chauhan4
1
Department of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar)
2
Xavier Institute of Development Action and Studies, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
*3
4
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
*Corresponding author’s email: manohar.saryam@gmail.com
The present study was conducted in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Study
revealed that out of the total 120 respondents, 25 per cent were belong to young age
group, Majority of respondents had small landholding (45.83 percent), family had Rs.
30,000-50,000/- per month, 76.66 percent respondent had medium achievement
motivation this leads to understanding that they had motivated about their work and use
of technology in future. 74.17 percent respondent had medium communication behav-
ior, while 09.16 percent had high communication behaviour this leads to understanding
that they use gadgets or technology to connect with others they were active in using
applications and social networking sites but 16.67 percent had low communication
behaviour this showed that they were lest active in social site and using technology.
80.84 percent respondents were medium in techno-economic empowerment followed
by 10.00 percent high in techno-economic empowerment while 09.16 percent had low
level of techno-economic empowerment. Factors affecting techno-economic empow-
erment of farmers the major personal factors family work (25.8%) and Lack of
confidence (51.7%). In case of social factors, No proper encouragement (4.16%), Heavy
expenditure on family (14.16%) and less involvement in community work (80.84%). In
economic factors Problems of repayment of loan (12.5%), Unawareness about the rules
of bank (16.67%), Lack of savings (25 %) and Lack of involvement in marketing
(33.33%). Constraints faced by the farmers using digital tools on the basis of Problem
Faced Index (PFI) it was observed that Inadequate government digital service centers &
facilities ranked first followed by Quality of Information, Lack of awareness towards

benefits of ICT in Agriculture, Lack of knowledge on e-Agriculture, Lack of Training,
Expensive to use, Inadequate ICT Experts, Lower Internet Speed and Apathy towards
new.
Keywords : Digital extension, Agricultural services, Social media and Empowerment.
88
89
THEME 4: THE IGNITED AGRIBUSINESS MINDS,

FIELD PRACTITIONER, SOCIAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, GREEN AGRIPRENEURSHIP
AND ETHNIC MINORITIES (T4)
90
T4-01 91
Challenges Faced by the Small and Marginal Businesses
after the Onset of COVID-19.
Pooja Jena1*, M.A.A. Baig2, A. S. Tigga1, Manoher Saryam3 and Rajeeb Bahera2
1*
Department of Extension Education, BAU, Sabour (Bihar)
2
Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
3
Faculty of Agriculture, Rabindranath Tagore University, Raisen, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
The Indian economy faced severe decline after the onset of COVID-19. With
better knowledgeand understanding, we can take decisions to balance public health and
economic concerns, or Jaan vs. Jahaan (decision between life and economic
concerns). During the COVID-19 pandemic, many state governments started spreading
out financial and other forms of support to micro, small, and medium business, and their
human resources because smaller firms are more vulnerable to negative shocks to their
supply chain, labour supply, and final demand for goods and services than larger busi-
ness institutions. The Government of India has announced a variety of measures to tackle
the situation, from food security and extra funds for public healthcare to sector-related
incentives and tax-paying deadline extensions. With the delayed country-wide lockdown,
worldwide financial slump and related interruption of supply chains, the global economy
is probably going to confront an extended time of slowdown. A comprehensive strategy
and planning to address the effect of the present situation may put the Indian economy
back on a sustained growth path and strengthen Indian trade.
Keywords: COVID-19, Indian economy, Business strategies and Trade.
T4-02
Social Entrepreneurship : A Brand of Entrepreneurship
Adline Shanta Tigga*
Deptt. of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar).
*
Social entrepreneurship is the process by which individuals, start-ups and entre-
preneurs develop and fund solutions that directly address social issues. A social entre-
preneur, therefore, is a person who explores business opportunities that have a positive
impact on their community, in society or the world. Entrepreneurs used to be enterpris-
ing, savvy founders who started businesses for one reason: to make money. But times
have changed and with the emergence of something known as social entrepreneurship,
several founders’ motivations have shifted from profit margins to social responsibility.
The phrase ‘social entrepreneurship’ refers to a brand of entrepreneurship rooted in
funding or implementing solutions to cultural, social, or environmental problems. The
term is something of a catch-all that covers virtually any type of private organization
that uses business as a means to socially conscious ends. Social entrepreneurship is a
relatively fluid concept that covers a broad variety of organizations. There’s no defini-
tive mold that says, “A socially entrepreneurial business generates X amount of revenue
within the confines of a Y organizational structure for a Z type of cause.” For instance,
both a mutual aid fund dedicated to assisting small businesses in marginalized commu-
nities and a corporation that uses its proceeds to support education for women in third-
world countries could both be considered socially entrepreneurial outlets. Some social
enterprises might not follow any sort of typical organizational structure they can be run
92 entirely by volunteers who do not receive a pay check or individual contributors that
participate of their own accord. A socialpreneur is a person that sets out on an entrepre-
neurial venture with the intention of addressing social issues and contributing to the
social good. These businesses can have a for-profit, non-profit, or hybrid model, but
funds are typically used to support operational costs and develop programs to support
target markets. While socialpreneurs still abide by most core tenets as conventional
entrepreneurs, there are key differences between the two groups. The most significant
difference between a socialpreneur and an entrepreneur is the end goal. The former is
less interested in defining their successes through high profit margins. Instead, they’re
guided by how their operations benefit their causes and communities of interest. While
social entrepreneurs typically engage in standalone ventures, entrepreneurs can start
for-profit businesses that fund programs to support social issues.The nascent field
of social entrepreneurship is growing rapidly and attracting increased attention from
many sectors. The reasons behind the popularity of social entrepreneurship are many.
On the most basic level, there’s something inherently interesting and appealing about
entrepreneurs and the stories of why and how they do what they do. People are attracted
to social entrepreneurs like last year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus
for many of the same reasons that they find business entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs so
compelling – these extraordinary people come up with brilliant ideas and against all the
odds succeed at creating new products and services that dramatically improve people’s
lives.
Keywords : Start-ups, Socialpreneurs, Social entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship.
T4-03
Vermicomposting of Agro-Industrial Processing Waste to
help Rural Women become Self-Reliant
Niru Kumari, Amit Kumar Pandey, Ashutosh Singh*, Mukul Kumar and
Manoj Kumar
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharasa (BAU, Sabour)
*
Corresponding author’s email: niru.bau@gmail.com
Chemical fertilizers are used for a long period for nutrient supply in soil but inad-
equate amount and prolonged used of these chemicals proved to be detrimental for the
environment and whole of ecosystem. Beneficial soil microorganisms as well as other
biota have been disturbed due to continuous applications of chemical fertilizers. There-
fore, the needs of environment friendly and ecologically sustainable alternative have been
realized. Organic fertilizers are always considered more sustainable practice of agriculture
rather than chemical fertilizers. The sustainable development to secure future generation
is based on the concept of organic farming. Organic farming has various potential includ-
ing soil fertility re-storage, sustainable agricultural produce, biodiversity maintenance,
food security and economic benefit to the marginal farmers. Vermicomposting is a technol-
ogy to produce organic manure with the help of earthworms. Organic matters are degraded
biologically resulting into a more stable compound called vermicompost rich in nutrients.
Vermicompost is termed as black gold. Application of vermicompost has various benefits
including promoting soil health and plant growth. In recent times, however, there has been
a visible shift among women workers from working merely as laborers. In Kosiregion of
Bihar, for example, women are increasingly turning into agripreneurs - agriculture-based
entrepreneurs to supplement family or personal income, thanks to vermicompost. Al-
though vermicompost is not a new or novel concept, it has gained popularity among
farmers as an organic, sustainable, and pocket-friendly substitute to more expensive and 93
conventional fertilizers. The use of vermicompost is known to improve the quality of
produce, thereby allowing farmers to increase their annual or seasonal income. And this
presents a wonderful opportunity to rural women, who have taken up this idea both as
individuals and collectively in self-help groups. Vermicompost is a profit-making busi-
ness. In just one-year, rural women can earn around Rs 50,000. With this initiative, she no
longer has to depend on others; rather, she is earning a living, the young entrepreneur
farmers are availing this.
Keywords : Vermi-compost business, Beneficial soil microorganisms and Ecology.
T4-04
Social Entrepreneurship towards Changing the Climate
for Business in India
Ashwini Choudhary1*, Shoji Lal Bairwa2, S. M. Rahman3, Meera Kumari3,
Shyam Babu Sah1
1
2
Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kishanganj (BAU, Sabour)
3
Department of Agricultural Economics, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur
*Corresponding author’s email: ashwini_doll85@yahoo.co.in
Social entrepreneurship has received a greater recognition now days. It has
become need of the hour for sustainable growth of the Indian Economy. This study iden-
tifies the opportunities and role of social entrepreneurship in reducing economic
imbalances and achieving sustainable economic growth in India. Climate change and its
consequences threaten the economic growth especially the agricultural sector. Unlike
traditional corporate businesses, social entrepreneurship focuses on maximizing gains
in social satisfaction, rather than maximizing profit gains. These enterprises are struc-
tured as both for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Social entrepreneurs have been
calling for a better ecosystem in which their social ventures exist and operate. This will
help them formulate better strategies and achieve their dual objectives. Besides, Ethical
element is important because leaders who are about to change the world must be
trustworthy. Around 600 impact enterprises in India affect 500 million lives, attracting
over USD 9 billion in capital. India is the youngest start-up nation in the world with 72
per cent of the entrepreneurs less than 35 years old. Around 70% of the social
enterprises work with individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged
communities, 82% work with women, 31% work with people with disabilities, and 46%
work with children. The study analysed various agricultural social enterprises in India,
working to improve the productivity, market linkages, and farmer incomes. Majority of
the enterprises are clustered around Maharashtra and Karnataka, followed by Telangana,
Delhi and Tamil Nadu. More than 50% of the social enterprises are focused on provid-
ing access to products and services.
Keywords : Productivity, Market linkages, Farmers’ income and Entrepreneurship.
94 T4-05
Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Growth in India
Yogita Sharma1, Nitu Kumari1, Shubham Priyadarshi1*, Jeevitha G. N.2,
Puja Jena1, R. K. Ray1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabouralpur, Bihar-813210
2
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
*Corresponding author’s email: chhotashubham@gmail.com
Social entrepreneurship has become an essential economic phenomenon world-
wide. Social entrepreneurship is a process of economic development, social change, and
sustainable livelihood security. In social entrepreneurship, profits are not the result but a
means to achieve the ultimate objective of social and economic empowerment. Social
entrepreneurship is an innovative strategy for addressing difficult social issues, where
social entrepreneurs play a keyrole. Social entrepreneurs can be individuals, groups or
community or association. In India, the development of social entrepreneurship in the
agricultural sector has an important role. When taking into account various activities
and dimensions, agriculture sector has remarkable potential and opportunities for so-
cial entrepreneurship development. Some of the prospects for development of social
entrepreneurship in Indian agriculture are organic farming, agri-decision support sys-
tem, value chain management, input, and product management. The availability of re-
sources, ease of access and policy are some of the economic variables that enhance the
social entrepreneurship. Md. Yunus of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Bill Drayton of
the Ashoka Foundation in the United States, Ella Bhat of the Self-Employed Women’s
Association (SEWA) in India and Ms. Maathai of Green Belt in Kenya are some of the
social entrepreneurs who created and changed the entrepreneurship scenario globally.
The biggest obstacles to the development of social entrepreneurship in agriculture in-
clude cultural complexity, lack of knowledge of the social enterprise, low priority com-
pared to urban-based enterprises etc. Agriculture offers a huge potential for develop-
ment of social entrepreneurship in terms of creation of jobs and opportunities, expan-
sion, and commercialization, all of which might help to achieve sustainable growth and
double farm income.
Keywords: Social entrepreneurship, Agricultural growth and Modern technology.
T4-06
Agribusiness Option for a Better Livelihood
Vinod Kumar, Satish Kumar*, Sardar Sunil Singh, Alok Kumar,

Shashikant Vijay Kumar, Manikant Prabhakar
Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda
*Corresponding author’s email: satishgsm19@gmail.com
Agricultural business, also known as agribusiness, is the farming, management,
production, and marketing of agricultural commodities, such as livestock and crops. The
agricultural business field includes resource management, farming, conservation, ranch-
ing, and sales. As technology has progressed and markets have become increasingly
global, agricultural business has developed to meet and solve high-tech farming needs
and problems. Food is one of the basic necessities of human beings for survival. So, the
agricultural sector is considered to be the prime sector for any nation. More so in a
country like India which is known as an agricultural country because farming is the back-
bone of the Indian economy. More than 60% to 70% of the Indian population is depen-
dent on agriculture and its allied activities for their livelihood. The agricultural sector
provides employment to more than 52% of total labour of the country. Contribution of 95
agriculture in India’s total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is 14% to 15%. There are a
number of Agricultural Farm Business like protected cultivation, organic production,
flower business, mushroom farming, honey production business, fruit and vegetable
export, fish farming, processed product business, nursery raising business, dairy farm-
ing. Agribusiness is a difficult task, and it requires a lot of hard work. Before starting any
business, you must do complete research on the specific market. This step helps to
understand the market and business, which one is planning to enter.
Keywords : Agribusiness survival, GDP, Agro-tourism and Employment generation.
T4-07
Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Socio-economic Analysis
of Mushroom Growers in Nalanda District
Shashikant*, Vinod Kumar, Seema, Kumari Shashi Bala, Sanjay Kumar Singh,
Mahesh Kumar, Manikant Prabhakar, Satish Kumar
Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda, BAU, Sabour
*
Corresponding author’s email: shashikant3187@rediffmail.com
Mushroom demand is showing tremendous growth worldwide due to its nutri-
tional and medicinal qualities. Despite huge potential and need to meet protein demand
of large vegetarian population; India’s progress in mushroom entrepreneurship is not
that impressive. Entrepreneurial behaviour along with other personal and socio-psycho-
logical traits of entrepreneurs plays a prominent role in achieving success in any enter-
prise. In the present study conducted among the mushroom growing entrepreneurs across
Nalanda District, an effort was made to understand influence of identified variables on
farmers’ entrepreneurial behaviour. Five attributes of farmers and their units, six at-
tributes of socio-psychological traits and four extension variables were studied for in-
vestigating their effect on entrepreneurial behaviour of the respondents. Statistical analy-
sis showed that, academic qualification, cosmopolitanism, self-reliance, mass media
participation, extension participation and training were significantly contributing to the
entrepreneurial behaviour of the respondents.
Keywords: Mushroom, Entrepreneurship behavior, Mushroom growers and Nalanda.
T4-08
Horticulture Intervention for Entrepreneurship

Development
M. Feza Ahmad*
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: feza@rediffmail.com
The GDP of Bihar has increased considerably from the last many years with 10
per cent per annual growth. The state is economically most backward ones with one of the
lowest per capita income and highest poverty incidence rate in the country. Agriculture
contributes about 19 per cent to State Net Domestic Product and provides employment
to 67 per cent of rural work force. Hence, majority of population in Bihar is dependent
on agriculture for its livelihood. Horticultural crops like fruits and vegetables are culti-
vated on 10 per cent of area while their contribution to state agriculture GDP is about 45
per cent. However, non-availability of improved varieties technologies, genuine plant-
ing materials, high amount of post-harvest losses, lack of organized markets and market
96 infrastructure, the farmers are unable to reap the full benefits of cultivating high value
horticultural crops. The major fruit crops grown in Bihar are mango, guava, litchi, ba-
nana, etc. apart from these major crops and minor crops like makhana, pineapple, betel
vine are also cultivated in Bihar. Despite large number of improved technologies devel-
oped by Agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and CGIAR centre, the State produc-
tivity remains low because of the slow adoption of modern technologies by the farmers.
The intervention of horticultural technologies like improved variety, high density or-
chard, canopy management, efficient water and nutrient management off season cultiva-
tion of high value of fruits and vegetable crops as well as Biotechnological intervention
will helps in developing entrepreneurship. In order to safeguard the interest of the farmers
by reducing the wastage from a whopping 30% to less than 5% and increasing the pro-
cessing infrastructures will further boost the income of farmers that create opportuni-
ties for development of entrepreneurship.
Keywords: Fruits, Horticultural technology, Vegetable and Post-harvest technology.
T4-09
Strawberry Cultivation: A Profitable Venture in
Agro Climate of Bihar
Ruby Rani*, Kumari Karuna, Pawan Kumar, H. Mir, Kanchan Bhamini
and Jyoti Kumari
Department of Horticulture (Fruit & Fruit Tech.), BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar
*Corresponding author’s email: rruby92@yahoo.co.in
Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) of family Rosaceae is a high value crop
known for its attractive colour, tantalizing aroma and high nutritive value. Strawberries are
a rich source of vitamin C along with potassium, magnesium and iron and have high
content of fiber, secondary metabolites, and sugars. It is amongst the few fruit-crops,
which give quicker and very high return per unit area as is the crop ready for harvesting
within six months of planting. It grows well under temperate climate but now due to
technological advancement, like introduction of day-neutral cultivars and protected culti-
vation, strawberries are grown successfully in sub-tropical climate also. Thus, experi-
ments were conducted for five years to assess the suitability of varieties and cost econom-
ics of strawberry cultivation in Bihar. Variety Winter Dawn, Cama Rosa, Nabila, Winter
Dawn and Sweet Sensation were found suitable for cultivation in Bihar with average
productivity of 175-285 g per plant in different years. As per cost of cultivation is con-
cerned, the initial cost for strawberry cultivation is quite high due to one-time investment
on installation of drip fertigation system and fabrication of poly tunnel. Cost of planting
material every year is about more than 50 per cent of total cost and for cultural expenses
major share goes for land preparation and picking. After five years of experiment cost
economics was calculated and average net return after five years was 4.08 lakh per hect-
ares. Thus, strawberry cultivation can be taken as a profitable venture in the state. Farm-
ers in the state are coming up for taking this crop and number of growers of strawberry
is increasing in the state.
Keywords: Strawberry cultivation, Variety, Profitable venture and Net return.
T4-10 97
Green Entrepreneurship: A Path towards
Sustainable Development
Amit Kumar Pandey, *Ashutosh Singh, Manoj Kumar and Niru Kumari
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa
*Corresponding author’s email: dr.ashusingh1984@gmail.com
Increasing environmental awareness day by day increases the needs of societies
for ecology friendly entrepreneurs. The limited natural resources, the increase in the
world population and the decrease in biodiversity play an important role in the forma-
tion of concerns about ecology. Natural environmental concerns are gradually becom-
ing a fundamental part of the business in every passing day. So, the business units are
adopting different business strategies due to this environmental consciousness. The in-
clination of the customers’ buying behavior towards eco-friendly product or services
creates a space for the green entrepreneur. The main purpose of all this is to ensure
sustainable growth. Green entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs who have such a perspective.
The main difference that distinguishes green entrepreneurs from traditional entrepre-
neurs is that green entrepreneurs want to create a business model that is economically
profitable, environmentally conscious and creates social value. An entrepreneur is one
who reforms and transforms the pattern of production by developing innovation or tech-
nological process of producing a new commodity. The term “Green entrepreneur” is the
combination of entrepreneurship and the environment. The green entrepreneur is the
one, who cultivates green business with the help of green practices. This is the reason
behind the concept of green marketing, which is taking place slowly but steadily in the
market. There are various different terms used currently in the literature to refer to a
similar field of study as ‘green entrepreneurship’, such as ‘ecopreneurship’, ‘eco-
entrepreneurship’, ‘environmental entrepreneurship’, and the terms can even be used
in the same contexts. The concept of green entrepreneur rises from environmental con-
cerns such as global warming, pollutions, scarcity of natural resources, ozone layer
depletion, climate change and other disaster caused by the disruption in the ecosystem.
The green market is an emerging market, which fetches ample chances in every field
such as, green supply chain, green production, and many more. Green entrepreneurs are
important for economic development. Green entrepreneurs can make a significant con-
tribution to eliminating unemployment, poverty, and environmental problems. Green
entrepreneurs have a greater role in environmentally friendly practices and environmen-
tal tasks than other entrepreneurs. They can provide environmentally friendly products
and services or clean technology assistance etc and they contribute to the green economy.
Keywords : Green entrepreneurship, Eco-preneurship, Entrepreneur & Sustainablity.
98
99
THEME 5: STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGICAL

INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE & ALLIED
SECTOR (T5)
100
T5-01 101
Opportunity to Doubling the Income of Indian Farmers
through the Cooperative Integrated Farming Structure
Sandeep Kumar*, Nitu Kumari, S. M. Rahman, Meera Kumari, C. K. Panda,
Amarendra Kumar, Abhijeet Ghatak, Anshuman Kohali, N Chattopadhyaya,
Hari Om, Suborna Roy Choudhury, Saurabh Kumar Chaudhary,
Sunil Kumar, Kumari Rashmi and Tara Shankar
*Corresponding author’s email: skbausabour@gmail.com
Indian agriculture farms have the small and marginal size of categories dominant
household and un-organized problem faced by growers for the surplus income. The opera-
tional lands are fragmented and scattered and continuously decrease in size over the
tenure period by growers. An integrated farming structure (IFS) would be an opportunity
to set up cooperative farming joint together the formation of consolidating pieces of land
and operate at a point decision making creates the reduction the costs of production and
increases the income through the backward and forward linkage of marketing. Integrated
farming system (IFS) of their various enterprises raised like aquaculture, dairy, poultry,
field crops, beekeeping, mushroom, fruits, and vegetables of their specialization has con-
stituted the above fifty per cent revenue otherwise diversification. The specialization and
diversification farming strategy has subjected to an agro-climatic condition set up by the
forecast facilitator of economic activities to proceed to automatic cost-reducing factors.
The various enterprises have been responsive to complementary, competitive, and supple-
mentary relationships between factor and product for the surplus income by control and
management. The structural design of the integrated farming system has a farm layout
mainly circle and an ellipse model. Integrated farm layout model of the major component
would constitute as outer- fencing, outer circular road, canal bank-cum-ranching, water-
way of aquaculture, flyover bridge of entry, plaza, water weir, water purification, aquacul-
ture hatchery, bovine shed, pasteurization milk shed, circular bio-gas tunnel of fuel pro-
duction, vermicompost shed, dung shed, poultry shed, beekeeping, mushroom shed, and
storage house. This model investment cost would be initiated by technical support and
financial record. The banking loan would be worked out by amortized decreasing or amor-
tized even repayment plan records encouraging by soft loan. The balance sheet strategy
of the under assets and liabilities affects net worth by interest. The backward and forward
markets linkage would be the opportunity for co-operative marketing allocation of con-
sumer and producer surplus.

Keywords: Co-operative, Integrated farming, Farmer’s income and Diversification.
T5-02
Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture through
Babycorn Production
Kumari Rashmi*, Sanjay Sahay, S. S. Mandal, B. Singh, Sweta Sinha,
Sima Sinha and Satyendra
Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar-813210
*Corresponding author’s email: versatilerash@rediffmail.com
Baby corn is a unique vegetable with high nutritional value and export potential.
Cultivation of baby corn generates employment for the rural poor since, 3-4 crops can be
raised in a year. It occupies an important place in the food processing industry of India.
The economic potential and marketing aspects of canning baby corn as a small-scale
102 food processing venture can be explored. Canning and pickling industries of baby corn
offer huge export potential. Baby corn cultivation would result in generating employ-
ment for both skilled and unskilled workers. Harvesting and post-harvest handling of
baby corn produce requires lot of labour. It has great potential as canned product and
industries for packing, canning, processing, transportation, and storage would also de-
velop. Another important benefit of baby corn cultivation is that it would help promote
dairy farming. After picking baby corn ears, farmer would get good quality of fresh,
green, and nutritious fodder for dairy cattle. The supply of fresh green fodder could be
maintained for longer periods. Staggered sowing has to be done for regular supply to the
market. Baby corn is similar to other vegetables and is comparable with cauliflower,
cabbage, tomato, and cucumber from nutritional point of view. Baby corn ears have been
found to contain 1.5 per cent protein, 8.2 per cent carbohydrate and 89 per cent water. It
also contains considerable amount of vitamin A and C. Most important factor about baby
corn as vegetable is that it is free from any kind of insecticide and environment pollu-
tion. The crop is harvested in 60 to 65 days. This makes it possible to take a greater
number of crops from the same piece of land. Baby corn cultivation is an alternative for
the crop diversification, value addition of maize as well as the growth of food process-
ing industry. Demand for baby corn as a health food is increasing in class hotels and
middle-class consumers. The economic return every year per unit will increase due to
high economic value of the crop product and increased cropping intensity.
Keywords: Export potential, canning, processing, transportation and nutritional value.
T5-03
Allelopathic Influence of Ocimum Tenuiflorum (L.)
Merr. on Germination and Seedling Growth of
Wheat Genotypes
Muneshwar Prasad Mandal*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
*Corresponding author’semail: mpmbotany64@gmail.com
The aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimumtenuiflorum (L.) Merr. showed inhibitory
effects on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat was investigated. The result
showed that the extracts brought about considerable inhibition in the germination of
wheat seeds and in the growth of its root and shoot. The inhibitory effect of different leaf
extracts was maximum in susceptible genotypes (K-1317 and GW322) followed by tolerant
genotypes (HD 2967 & HD 2733) based on value of per cent reduction in germination
relative index, seed germination as well as in vigour index. The root and shoot length and
root and shoot dry weight declined with increase in the concentration of leaf extracts of
Ocimumtenuiflorum (Krishna Tusli). The results indicated that the allelopathic effect of
aqueous leaf extracts of Ocimumtenuiflorumwas maximum in terms of all physiological
parameters.
Keywords: Allelopathic Influence, Wheat genotypes, Germination and Seedling.
T5-04 103
E-Business: Issues & Challenges in Indian Perspective
Uma Kant Singh, Amit Kumar Pandey, Ashwini Choudhary, Manoj Kumar
and Ashutosh Singh*
*
Corresponding author’s email: dr.ashusingh1984@gmail.com
E-commerce is anything that involves an online transaction. This can range from
ordering online, through online delivery of paid content, to financial transactions. The e-
business is one of the biggest things that have taken the Indian business by storm. It is
creating an entire new economy, which has a huge potential and is fundamentally chang-
ing the way businesses are done. It has advantages for both buyers as well as sellers.
Rising incomes and a greater variety of goods and services that can be bought over the
internet is making buying online more attractive and convenient for consumers all over the
country. Last few years have witnessed a technological revolution accompanied by the
wide spread use of the Internet, web technologies and their applications. Electronic busi-
ness (e-commerce) as part of the information technology revolution became widely used
in the world trade in general and Indian economy. As a symbol of globalization, e-business
represents the cutting edge of success in this digital age and it has changed the way
business is conducted around the world. The commercialization of the Internet has driven
electronic commerce to become one of the most capable channels for inter-organizational
business processes. There is a rising awareness among the businesses in India about the
opportunities offered by e-commerce. E-commerce provides a new place for connecting
with consumers and conducting transactions. Virtual stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. E-business has proved to be highly cost effective for business concerns as it cuts
down the cost of marketing, processing, inventory management, customer care etc. It also
reduces the load of infrastructure required for conducting business. Customers can do
transactions for the product or enquiry about any product/services provided by a com-
pany anytime, anywhere from any location. We have achieved greater economic efficiency
(lower cost) and more rapid exchange (high speed, accelerated, or real-time interaction)
with the help of electronic business.
Keywords : E-commerce, E-business, Inventory management and Indian perspective.
T5-05
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development for Spice-Based

Value-Added Products for Livelihood Security in Koshi
Region of Bihar
Manoj Kumar*, Uma Kant Singh, Amit Kumar Pandey, Ashutosh Singh
and Niru Kumari
Corresponding author’s email: manoj.mbac@gmail.com
Recently the demand of spices has increased for medicinal values of spices and
their derived products for a variety of functions, such as medicine, food flavorings, and
cosmetics. Spices are abundant source of bioactive components such as polyphones,
quinines, flavones/flavonoids, alkaloids, polypeptides, or their oxygen-substituted
derivatives etc. The spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, chilies, and cumin in the diet
have been recognized to protect against many deadly diseases like cancer. Many spices
contain chemical components that have therapeutic values such as antioxidant and anti-
104 septic activities, singlet oxygen scavenging property, enzyme inducers, arrest the pro-
liferation of cancer cell development etc.In Koshi region of Bihar spices have wider
adaptability and provide alternative to farmers, for growing wide range of crops in dif-
ferent environments, soil and climate conditions. Spice crops can be grown even in
marginal and degraded soils, barren lands, homestead gardens or even any unused land in
a family of small and marginal farmer. Spice crops also have advantage of growing as
intercrop with the major crops. They can be introduced as component crops for multi-
tier cropping system. Participation of woman farmers can be encouraged for spice crop
cultivation and processing; eventually enhancing the total family income.
Farmers and rural youths will prosper when they are empowered with required
knowledge, skill and entrepreneurship and are linked to value addition of economic activi-
ties in the agri-business domain. Spices based entrepreneurship development with ad-
equate training programmes related to development of knowledge and skill, product cre-
ation, new technological application along with monitoring and guidance, backward and
forward linkage with market, motivation for risk-taking, management and enterprise in
agriculture is of great importance.
Keywords : Skills, Spices Based Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship and Koshi Region.
T5-06
Feed Block: An Innovation to Improve Milk Production
and Milk Composition
Amit Kumar*, Rajesh Kumar and S. K. Gupta
Corresponding author’s email: amitmvc@gmail.com
Present study was conducted at Dairy farm, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour,
Bhagalpur during 2019 to 2022 with an objective to determine the effect of feeding different
types of feed block on milk production and milk composition. Feed blocks were prepared
from locally available cereal by-products like wheat /paddy straw and oil extracted cake of
mustard (Brassicajuncea L.), linseed (Linumusitatissimum), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea
L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Feed blocks were prepared by adding molasses,
corn mash, mineral mixture and salt. Amount and chemical composition of milk such as Fat,
Protein, Lactose, SNF (Solid not fat) and SCC (Somatic cell count) were determined using
Milk analyzer and Microscope. According to standard analytical procedures the amount
of milk produced from each group did not have a significant effect on different types of
feed blocks. The Chemical composition of milk was more or less similar in all the groups
and SCC did not vary much for any compositional changes in the feed block. Among the
four feed blocks, highest milk yield was recorded for linseed (Linumusitatissimum) (9.1kg)
followed by mustard (8.3 kg), groundnut (7.9 kg) and sunflower (7.4 kg). Chemical compo-
sition of milk such as Fat, Protein, Lactose, SNF and SCC were observed in linseed cake
(4.86, 3.27, 4.82, 8.31 %) and 1.95 lakh cells/ml, mustard cake (4.12, 3.47, 4.12, 8.21 %) and 2.1
lakh cells/ml, groundnut cake (3.9, 3.17, 4.32, 8.11 %) and 1.8 lakh cells/ml and sunflower
cake (3.8, 3.57, 4.62, 8.81 %) and 2.3 cells/ml respectively. All the dairy cows offered feed
blocks accepted them readily. All the blocks were offered to different cows for feeding and
their acceptance and the intake was 100 percent. Hence, the feed blocks prepared from oil
extracted cake of mustard (Brassica juncea L.), linseed (Linumusitatissimum), groundnut
(Arachis hypogaea L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were selected as the best
sources of protein of plant origin for feed blocks as feed for dairy cows. 105
Keywords: Feed blocks, Oil extracted cake, Milk composition and Dairy cow.
T5-07
Quality and economic analysis of dry flower products
under different covering materials
Deepti Singh*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (813210), India
*
Corresponding author’s email: singh.deepti2008@gmail.com
Fresh flowers have an important role in our daily life, but despite of using several
preservatives, its vase life is limited to few days only. For enjoying the enhanced beauty of
flowers, dry flowers and its products are only the substitute. Indian dry flower industry is
endued with huge untapped potential in terms of diverse climate, availability of innumer-
ous wild genotypes, creative minds, and low-cost labour. Eco- friendly dry flower prod-
ucts made for temperate countries of high snowfall, would give new arena to dry flower
business. Flowers with high shelf life when dried with correct drying method would help in
less natural colour deterioration, thus fetching higher prices in national and international
dry flower markets. Dry flower product has more benefit cost ratio and its economics
varies depending on input cost, selling price, finishing, covering material and shelf life of
product. Planting material with high shelf life of more than five years (paper flower, statice,
Gomphrena, rose, Aparajita, larkspur, sun flower, verbena, mussaenda, Ixora, helichrysum
and zinnia) when utilized for making dry flower products yielded quality produce with best
presentability. When dry flower products were laminated or covered with polyethylene,
transparency sheet, cello tape, glass, and plastic frames, then the products with lamination
and cello tape covering showed no insect-pest and fungal infestation with best physical
integrity and natural colour retention. For most of the 2-D products like coasters, greeting
card, bookmark, and photo frames, covering through lamination was found best followed
by cello tape covering, whereas in case of sceneries laminated glass frames gave the best
result. For 3-D products like pen stand, cello-tape covering followed by plastic sheet cover
was found best in terms of shelf life and quality. Over the existing unpacked or low-quality
packaging material, there was the difference of Rs. 2.00 only for book mark and pen stand,
whereas a maximum difference of Rs. 10.00 was calculated for products like sceneries,
coaster set and greeting cards. For simple and finely designed sceneries the production
cost per piece ranged from Rs. 92.50 to 368 and Rs. 555 to 847, respectively. With improved
packaging technology, the dry flower products were qualitative superior with at least five
times higher shelf life and comparatively more natural flower colour retention than the
existing products in the market. Thus, qualitative superior diverse dry flower products can
be produced which has more chances to enter export markets with higher returns. The
technology is novel with reasonable cost and with lesser time consumption than the
existing ones.
Keywords: Dry flower products, Eco- friendly products, Quality and Shelf life.
106 T5-08
Opportunities in Banana and its Potential Products for
Start-ups in India
Nitu Kumari1*, Sandeep Kumar, Meera Kumari, Mimansha Raj2, Yogita Sharma1,
Ramnath Kumar Ray1, Praveen Kumar Mandal1, Nirala Kumar1, Pooja Jena1
and Shubham Priyadarshi1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar- 813210
2
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj- 211007\
*Corresponding author’s email: nituaec.bhu@gmail.com
With an output of 32 MT from an area of 9.00 lakh hectares and a productivity of
36.6 MT/ha, India is the world’s largest banana producer contributing 22.5 % of global
banana production. India exported 2,000,000 MT of banana worth $1 billion to other
nations. More than any other fruit or vegetable, bananas and plantains are a staple food
for millions of people around the world and help maintain a balanced diet. From unripe
and ripe bananas as well as biomass waste such pseudo-stem sheath, central core stem,
flower, bracts, etc., more than 30 processed products can be developed. The banana
production system supports the labour market, alternative food system, export eco-
system, and nutritional security. To maintain banana production and encourage value
addition, branding and fostering entrepreneurship through incubation platforms, mar-
keting intelligence, and handholding for technical backup are prerequisites. It is a good
source of potassium, vitamins, and minerals in addition to carbohydrates with calorific
value of 90 kcal per 100 gm. In addition to its nutritional value, banana biomass can be
used as a source of natural fibre. Natural fibres have additional benefits over synthetic
fibres, such as rigidity, availability, affordability, and renewable qualities. After harvest-
ing the bunches, India discards 1.6 MT of waste fibre worth 3000 crores, which may be
retrieved using the extractable pseudo-stem fibre that could yield 400 kg fibres per
hectare. Currently, less than 2% of waste produced is used to produce fibre and food for
humans; the remaining is burned and squandered. Apart from fibre, the projected annual
revenue of the leaf sector is at Rs. 130 million, or around one-seventh the annual turn-
over of banana industry. The current anticipated annual turnover is $250 million. Banana
leaves have cultural and ecological value when used as compostable dinnerware. Many
marginal and small farming communities now rely on the banana leaf industry for their
survival. Techniques for drying and preserving green leaves also need to be developed.
Selling leaves might bring in a net income of Rs. 1.00 to 1.25 lakh/acre for farmers. The
growing momentum in India’s rural areas will be promoted and sustained in part by the
development of entrepreneurship in agricultural sector. In the last five years, technol-
ogy has had a significant impact on banana production, increasing national acreage by
7.5%, production by 6.8%, and productivity by 17.2%. These improvements have pro-
pelled our country to new heights, accounting for 21% of all produced bananas and
generating an annual economic output of Rs. 10 lakh crores. Recently, banana business
has grown and now contributing more to the economy in terms of jobs and food secu-
rity.
Keywords : Banana, By-products, Banana fibre, Banana leaf and Agri-Start-ups.
T5-09 107
Entrepreneurship Development through Low-Cost Plant
Tissue Culture Laboratories
Awadhesh Kumar Pal*, Ujjwal Kumar, Sareeta Nahakpam
and Rakesh Deo Ranjan
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (813210), India
*Corresponding author’s email: awapal@gmail.com
Micro propagation is a technique of producing large number of disease-free plant-
ing materials aseptically on artificial media within short span of time and space. This
technique of tissue culture has gained tremendous popularity today for the commercial
production of vegetatively growing plants whose seeds are either not viable or shows
difficulties in germination like banana, bamboo, pointed guard, seed potato, strawberry,
pineapple etc. The utility of this technique has attracted business man, commercial plant
growers and entrepreneurs. After undergoing some basic training, entrepreneurs can main-
tain their own livelihood or if financially strong they may set up laboratories of their own,
wherein they can produce large number of plants for commercial purpose. For establish-
ment of a tissue culture laboratory the inputs cost involves equipments, manpower, elec-
tricity head apart from the construction of building and land. The total cost on the inputs
may range from 25-30 lakhs to 7-8 crores, depending on the number of plants produced
annually and the same may be minimized at various level of the operation. The training is
usually gained for the works being performed at different stages of this operation viz. the
sub-culturing work in laminar hood, nutrient media preparation, hardening of plants at
polyhouses and net houses. Trained manpower is the primary requisite, so there is a great
scope for the entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs may primarily be involved in marketing of
tissue cultured raised plants, thereafter may go ahead of opening a tissue culture labora-
tory of their own. Government at the central and state level have been continuously
supporting the entrepreneurs by training or by providing subsidies on tissue culture
raised plants or for setting up of new laboratories or polyhouses or net houses. Conclu-
sively, tissue culture operation has tremendous scope and opportunity for the youth and
entrepreneurs.
Keywords : Entrepreneurship, Micro propagation, Tissue culture, Training and Nethouses.
T5-10
Sweet Revolution for Promoting Apiculture and

Entrepreneurship Development
Ashwini Choudhary1*, Shoji Lal Bairwa2, Shyam Babu Sah1, Uma Kant Singh1
and Binod Kumar1
1
Mandan Bharti Agricultural College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (BAU, Sabour)
2
Dr. Kalam Agricultrural College, Kishanganj (BAU, Sabour)
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: ashwini_doll85@yahoo.co.in
Apiculture is an economically viable low investment venture which generates
income and employment opportunities. It can be taken-up even in the homestead areas.
Honey has a great significance in healthcare and nutrition. The demand for good quality
honey has shown an increasing trend as it is a naturally nutritious product. Other apicul-
ture products such as royal jelly, propolis, beeswax, pollens, etc., are also used extensively
in different sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, beverage, beauty products, etc. These
by-products from the honey comb also gives additional income. India is the second
108 largest producer of Honey with 133,200 metric tonnes (2021-22) with China leading.
India is one of the top honey exporters globally. It exported 74,413 MT of honey in
2021–2022 worth Rs. 1221.17 crore. India is exporting honey to 83 nations including
the USA, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Canada. If we investi-
gate the Indian scenario, Punjab is the highest honey-producing state in the country. It
has about 35,000 beekeepers producing about 15,000 metric tonnes of honey which
accounts for 39% of the total honey production of India. The National Beekeeping &
Honey Mission (NBHM) encourages small and marginal beekeeping farmers for remu-
nerative income generation. National Bee Board (NBB) also encourages bee keeping. In
India the apiculture market reached a value of Rs. 20,480 million in the year 2021.
International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group has expected the market
to expand and reach up to Rs. 40,161 million by 2027 with CAGR of 11.73% during
2022- 2027. Around 8-10 kg honey is produced from a single bee hive in a year. Euro-
pean bee (Apis mellifera) produces 35 kg honey/comb/year. Annual income from 20
bee boxes was calculated as Rs. 130500.00 while the total input cost was Rs. 125650.00.
Beekeeping has been useful in pollination of crops, thereby, increasing income of the
farmers/beekeepers by increasing crop yield and providing honey and other high value
beehive products, viz.; bees wax, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly etc. Under the Prime
Minister Employment Scheme Rs. 10 lakh is provided to start beekeeping as a full-time
business venture. The government provides a 35 percent subsidy and the reserved cat-
egory applicants will be required to invest 5 percent their own capital. As a part of
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan 11 projects of Rs. 2560 lakhs have been sanctioned under
NBHM. Rs. 500 crore has been allocated for three years (2020-2023) for the develop-
ment of scientific Bee Keeping in the country. The Government of India has started “Sweet
Revolution” to promote apiculture for accelerating the production of quality honey and its
other related products. Scaling up beekeeping will double farmers’ income, generate em-
ployment, ensure food security, bee conservation, and increase crop productivity and
pollination. Diversified agro climatic conditions of India provide great potential and op-
portunities for beekeeping/ honey production and export of Honey. This will ultimately
raise the socio-economic status.
Keywords: Apiculture, Market analysis, Remunerative income, By-products and NBHM.
T5-11
Hydroponics: An Emerging Technology for Turning
Potential into Profit

Kumari Shashi Bala*, Seema, Manish Kumar, Shashikant, Alok Kumar Singh,
Sanjay Kumar Singh and Beer Bahadur Singh
Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda (BAU, Sabour)
*Corresponding author’s email: shashib808@gmail.com
Natural catastrophes, climate change, and the uncontrolled use of chemicals in
agriculture reduce soil fertility and quality, which also reduce the proportion of cultivated
and arable land. Each hectare of arable land provided enough food for about two people
in1960. By2050, however, it is anticipated that each hectare of land will be able to provide
food for 6.25 people. As a result of these two considerations, it is projected that the same
plot of land will be able to feed more and more people as the population grows. The
necessity for food security has paved the way for landless agriculture, such as hydro-
ponics, an emerging technology for soilless cultivation that is getting more popular.
Hydroponics is a cultivation method that uses water supplemented with nutrients rather
than soil to grow plants. Either root is supported by growing media like pebbles, clay, or 109
rocks or they are suspended in water. Adoption of Hydroponics is promoted as a strat-
egy to combat climate change, to lessen the environmental damage and species extinc-
tion due to over exploitation and intensive farming. The benefit of soilless cultures is
the reservation of arable land for main crops, the saving of at least 90% of irrigation
water, the use of a nearly constant amount of recycled water, the success of almost all
vegetable crops, and having the highest productivity in comparison to conventional agri-
culture. Hydroponics can make a great contribution to the poor and landless because it
can be grown on very low land with little effort and in a short time without using soil. It
can also improve people’s life style and boost the country’s economic growth.
Keywords : Climate change, Hydroponics, Nutrient media and Soil-less culture.
T5-12
Overview of Bioactivity of Onion
Sanjay Kumar Singh*, Shashikant, Vinod Kumar, Seema and Kumari Shahsi Bala
Nalanda College of Horticulture Noorsarai, Nalanda (BAU, Sabour)
*Corresponding author’s email: sanjay_singh2005@yahoo.com
Onion (Allium cepa L) is an importantsing per capita income. Severe scarcity of
onion bulbs was seen from October to February in the vegetable markets which are ful-
filled by import mainly from neighbor countries. As we have seen onion prices suddenly
increased in India as well as in Bihar. However, the price started to decline in India after
new crop hit the market in February and the price felt drastically every year. This situation
opens our eyes towards the fact that how much we are lagging as a country in term of
onion production. To match this overwhelming supply and demand gap and to mitigate
annual import cost integrating summer onion production among farmers can become a
major landmark in overall onion production and supply chain. Summer onion cultivation
can be a new way to increase the onion production in India as well as in Bihar and make it
available throughout the year consequently demand and price of onion will be met up and
employment opportunity will be created.
Keywords : Onion, Summer onion, Bioactivity and Employment opportunity.
T5-13
Ensuring Food Safety Using IOT-based Food Traceability
Services
Shivam Kumar* and Shridhar Patil
Department of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur
*
Corresponding author’s email: shivamextn@gmail.com
Food is important for human survival. Sustainability and availability of quality food
is crucial for human life. India has come a long way in terms of food grain production, from
being an importer in 1960s to being second-largest food producing country in 2020s in
entire world. Thus, India gained self-sufficiency in food grain production and became an
exporter. With the advent of globalization, world has shrunk. Food habits are changing
with new products reaching every corner. The awareness among the consumers has also
increased lately regarding importance of food safety and quality. It is becoming hard for
the regulators to keep a check on adulteration, food fraud, etc. Food fraud refers to a set
of deceptive actions done by fraudsters for economic gain. It includes product adultera-
tion, substitution, dilution, tampering (including date-code tampering), stolen goods,
110 diverting product sales toward gray markets or outside its intended supply chain, smug-
gling, unauthorized product or unauthorized refilling, misrepresentation or mislabeling
of product attributes, and intellectual property rights counterfeiting. The food chain
needs to become more sustainable in order to improve consumers’ trust and purchase
willingness. Tracking and authenticating the information throughout the whole food sup-
ply chain is critical for identifying and addressing sources of contamination, which con-
tributes to sustainability management in agri-food chains. Internet of Things (IoT) trace-
ability systems can monitor and store the specific information in all stages of produc-
tion, processing, distribution, and consumption by using Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID), Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), Near Field Communication (NFC) technol-
ogy, etc. It can provide valuable information for the food quality monitoring and trace-
ability. Demands for traceability information by firms, governments and consumers has
increased significantly due to the food safety and quality issues. Traceability informa-
tion can be traced, coordinated, and collected from business transactions and IoT-en-
abled devices such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wireless Sensor Network
(WSN), QR code, NFC, etc. This information can be used throughout the supply chain
and by the consumers to gain confidence of their purchase. Food traceability can be
applied in different agricultural enterprises at different stages in supply chain like geo-
graphical origin traceability for organic production, distinguishing GM crops from non-
GM crops, authenticity of high value crops, etc.
Keywords : Internet of things, WSN, Food Safety and Food Traceability Services.
111
THEME 6: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING, VALUE

CHAIN, DIGITAL ECONOMY AND VIRTUAL
BUSINESSES (T6)
112
T6-01 113
An Empirical Analysis of Marketing and Value Chain of
Mustard in Jhansi District of Uttar Pradesh
Amareesh Kumar Yadav, David Chella Baskar*, Rakesh Choudhary
and Bhaskar Choudhary
Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University
*Corresponding author’s email: davidbaskar@gmail.com
Mustard oil is consumed in India at one of the highest rates of any country in the
world. Additionally, the growing agricultural sector contributes to the growing availability
of high yielding mustard seeds, which in turn catalyzes the production of mustard oil. This
is because agriculture is expanding. This is a significant component of the economy of the
entire world. In addition, the government of India has initiated several projects to raise the
number of oilseeds that are produced within the country. The study was purposively
confined to Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. In the first stage, Jhansi district was selected
purposively for study because of having higher production and area under mustard crop.
There are eight blocks namely Babina, Badagaon, Bamaur, Bangra, Chirgaon, Gursrai,
Mauranipur and Moth block was selected purposively based on higher production of
mustard crop. A sample size of 120 was taken. Total variable cost was found maximum in
large farms i.e. Rs.33080.66 and least in marginal farms (Rs.26580), on all farms basis it was
found Rs.30731. Variable cost was found to be a major contributor in total cost and it has
been recorded increasing with increase in size of farms, the findings are also supported by
the findings of Mathur 2011. Rental value of the owned land and rent paid for the land are
found equal for all categories of farms i.e. Rs. 10000 and Rs. 34 respectively. Cost of
depreciation was calculated maximum in large farms (Rs.485) and least was found in mar-
ginal farms (Rs.360). Interest on the fixed capital excluding land was calculated maximum in
large farms (Rs.52.5) and least was found in marginal farms (Rs.48.5). In the same way total
fixed cost was found maximum in large farms (Rs.10621.5) and least was found in marginal
farms (Rs.10510.4), on all farms basis it was calculated Rs.10573. Total cost incurred per
hectare i.e. cost of cultivation or Cost C3 was found maximum in large farms (Rs. 39562) and
lowest in marginal farms (Rs. 36850), on all farms basis it was calculated Rs. 38646. In the
case of Bundelkhand, the area under mustard has demonstrated a significant shift, in-
creasing from 68575 hectares in 1997–1998 to 113392 hectares in 2019–20. Mustard pro-
duction went from 25481 tonnes in 1997-1998 to 115892 tonnes in 2019-20, according to the
observations that were made. The rising trend has a significant impact on the total amount
of mustard that is produced in the Jhansi district. It has been observed that the maximum
arrival of agricultural commodities in this mandi is dominated by the arrival of groundnut,
followed by urd, and then wheat. As far as mustard is concerned, there are a total of 28 new
arrivals between the months of March and June, and the typical filling pack size is 80
kilograms. During the time period in question, it was discovered that only ten separate
journeys were undertaken. During the months of March through June, it was discovered
that the supply of mustard reached its maximum number of trips of 500, and the standard
filling pack size was 40 kg. In addition to this, it was discovered that the Jhansi mandi
possesses effective management of its supply chain in terms of mustard.
Keywords : Mustard marketing, Value chain, Supply chain and Madya Pradesh.
114 T6-02
Consumers Perceptions and their Attitudes towards
Quality Attributes of Potato Varieties
Saptaparna Karmakar1* and Debabrata Basu2
1
Ph.D. student and 2 Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, BCKV
*Corresponding author email: saptaparna121997@gmail.com
Market-led approach is considered as one of the sensible approaches in commer-
cial crop production almost everywhere in the world. In this approach consumers are the
most important stakeholders in the value chain. Therefore, an in depth understanding of
consumer preferences is precursor for the development of agro-food industries across
the globe. Potato is an important vegetable in terms of domestic consumption and pro-
duction in India. It is also a popular crop in West Bengal due to its high production and
productivity. Before a potato variety is introduced in an area, a study regarding consum-
ers’ perception toward the variety is recommendable as it influences consumers’ pur-
chasing preference. Past studies have shown that consumers’ perception towards he-
donic variables are important for identifying their varietal preference in fresh market
and those findings help breeders and marketers to make a precision decision while se-
lecting appropriate varieties. Hence, the present study is conducted to assess the per-
ception of consumers through an analysis of the direction and intensity of their attitudes
towards the potato varieties in respect to fifteen different quality attributes. Three po-
tato varieties prevalent in the locality i.e., Chandramukhi, Jyoti and Super-6 were se-
lected for the study, also fifteen quality attributes naming shape, boiling quality, keeping
quality, uniformity in size, absence of blemishes, absence of bruises, cleanliness, tex-
ture, smoothness of skin, skin colour, flesh colour, price, taste, ease of peeling and
number of eyes were selected for perception study after focussed group discussion
with stakeholders. Data is collected by administering questionnaires to randomly se-
lected hundred families in Tarakeswar municipality. At first consumer perception on
importance of those attributes were measured by using a four-point scale of agreement.
Then a semantic differential scale was developed using standardized protocol to graphi-
cally compare consumer attitude towards the three varieties. The findings showed that
consumers mainly associate higher price with Chandramukhi variety and lower price
with Super-6. Their perception on boiling quality significantly differ variety wise.
Chandramukhi is generally associated with good boiling quality while Super-6 is associ-
ated with poorest boiling quality. Skin colour, uniformity in shape and size- for these
three attributes consumer perception is more or less same for three varieties. Whitish
flesh colour is mainly associated with Chandramukhi and Super-6 whereas Jyoti is asso-
ciated with yellowish flesh colour. According to consumers, Chandramukhi has excel-
lent taste and Super-6 is associated with poor taste. Consumers perceive that Jyoti vari-
ety has best keeping quality among the three varieties followed by Super-6 and
Chandramukhi. Consumer perception on number of eyes, cleanliness, absence of bruises/
cuts and blemishes, smoothness of skin do not significantly differ for the varieties.
Their perception on texture significantly varies for the varieties. This study provides
feedback to the production sector who must consider the preference pattern of their
downstream buyers to increase their profits.
Keywords : Potato, Quality attributes, Consumers Perceptions and Chandramukhi.
T6-03 115
Agribusiness Ecosystem Change through Maize
Processing Industry in Bihar
Bal Krishna1, Shyam Sundar Mandal2*, Meera Kumari3, Swapnil1
and Digvijay Singh1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur,
*
Corresponding author’s email: maizebreederbau@gmail.com
Maize is globally the highest produced cereal which is used for human consump-
tion, livestock feed, and fuel. Different food technologies are currently used in various
parts of India to obtain precooked refined maize flour, fermented maize flour, corn flakes
and other maize products for the processing of industrially produced maize flours and corn
meals. These products contain different intrinsic vitamins and minerals and are processed
in different ways, from raw grain to the final product of the consumer. In this study the
methods used for processing of maize are, namely wet milling and dry milling. Grits, corn
flour and a minimum amount of corn meal are manufactured by dry milling. However, it is
generally processed through wet milling methods around the world to produce maize
starch. The significant value-added products are the by-products of starch production,
such as corn oil, steep corn liquor, gluten, etc. One of the major value-added products
produced from yellow and white maize is corn flakes. It is usually eaten as a cereal for
breakfast, but the demand for this product is restricted to hotels and large cities. It is a dry
milling product that, after germ extraction, is manufactured by flaking the main grain.
Keywords- Maize, Agribusiness, Food industry, Agribusiness ecosystem and Bihar.
T6-04
An Economic Analysis of Marketing of Litchi in
Samastipur District of Bihar
Swati Kumari*, K. M. Singh, A. Roy, D. K. Sinha and N. Ahmad
Department of Agricultural Economics, RPCAU, Pusa
*Corresponding author’s email: swati94.bau@gmail.com
The present study was conducted in Samastipur district of Bihar and it was se-
lected purposively as it is one of the leading litchi-producing districts in the state. In the
district, 150 samples consisting of 90 litchi growers and 60 market intermediaries were
undertaken for the study. The area, production, and productivity of litchi crop in
Samastipur district were estimated to be 1.53 thousand hectares, 10.59 thousand tonnes
and 6.91 tonnes/ha respectively, during TE-2020-21. The study found that the district’s
area and production trends have increased with compound annual growth rates of 1.03%
and 0.54%, while productivity registered a negative compound annual growth rate of
0.50% during 2009-10 to 2020-21. The decline in productivity may be due to erratic
climate conditions and diseases and pest infestation during the period under investiga-
tion. The study found that the marketing of litchi was conducted through four major
channels, which is a very complex procedure in the sampled area where four major types
of marketing channels are identified. Channel I: Producer - Pre-harvest contractor -
Commission agent cum Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer. Channel II: Producer- Vil-
lage Trader- Wholesaler (local) – Commission agent (distant) – Wholesaler (distant) –
Retailer –Consumer. Channel III: Producer - Retailer – Consumer. Channel IV: pro-
ducer-consumer.
The fourth channel, Producer ’! Consumer (local market), was found to be very
116 efficient for the producers compared to the other three identified marketing channels.
The price spread was found to be minimum for channel IV i.e., Rs. 494 per quintal due to
the absence of market intermediaries. The marketing efficiency was found to be highest
in channel IV (2.01) and lowest in channel II (0.15). The highest marketing efficiency in
channel IV was due to direct sale of produce to consumers or the absence of intermedi-
aries in the channel. The most important marketing constraint of litchi marketing was
the perishability of fruits, with 97.02 mean scores (1st Rank), followed by other various
constraints such as labour shortage during the peak harvest period, lack of market infor-
mation, lack of proper marketing infrastructure, high transportation charges for distant
markets, inadequate credit facility, unorganized production marketing, and price fluc-
tuations.
Keywords: Litchi, Marketing channel, Price spread and Marketing constraints.
T6-05
Value Addition by SHGs in Jute Diversified Products
(JDPs) in N. 24 Parganas district of West Bengal
Ipsita Sen*, D. K. Sinha, A. Roy, T. Kumari, J. Kumari and N. Ahmad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur
*Corresponding author’s email: ipsitasen638@gmail.com
Jute Diversified Products (JDPs) can be termed as all the jute products excluding
sacking of any weave & geometry and excluding yarn for sale. The proportion of JDPs in
total jute product exports has steadily increased over the last decade, rising from 17.12
percent in 2010-11 to 43.37 percent in 2019-20. With the increasing share of profit in terms
of exports, JDPs can act as the silver lining in otherwise declining jute industry. Other than
that, environmentally friendly goods and services are now highly sought after on a global
scale. Manufacturing JDPs can thus provide employment opportunity to rural communi-
ties especially women and various artisans causing least possible impact on environment
too. This paper investigates the value addition done on selected JDPs (Jute jewellery,
Handbags, Handicrafts/ Gift items/ Showpieces, Decorative fabrics, Conference/ Seminar
files) by SHGs in N.24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It was based on primary data
collected from 9 SHGs and 120 SHG member respondents. The value addition by SHGs can
be understood based on the channel through which the product is marketed. Two specific
marketing channels were identified in the study area, i.e., Channel I: Input supplier >ØjÜ
SHG Retailer >ØjÜ Buyer and Channel II: Input supplier >ØjÜ SHG >ØjÜ Buyer. In
channel I, the value addition made by SHGs in case of Jute jewellery (33 nos.) was 69.26%
(¹ 4564.99), for Handbags (3 nos.) was 74.72% (¹ 539.69) and for Handicrafts/ Gift items/
Showpieces (50 nos.) was 60.77% (¹ 16918.56). Meanwhile it was 67.72% (¹ 841.49) for
Decorative fabrics (1 no.) and 65.05% (¹ 599.84) for Conference/ Seminar files (4 nos.) and
in channel II, the value addition done by SHGs in case of Jute jewellery (33 nos.) was
96.52% (¹ 5351.05), for Handbags (3 nos.) was 90.57% (¹ 614.12) and for Handicrafts/ Gift
items/ Showpieces (50 nos.) was 96.17% (¹ 18142.56). Meanwhile it was 94.95% (¹ 1052.12)
for Decorative fabrics (1 no.) and 91.99% (¹ 762.48) for Conference/ Seminar files (4 nos.) in
the channel. The results showed that the most of the value addition activities were done
by SHGs. Hence, in these channels, SHGs were responsible for adding maximum value by
transforming the raw materials into a product. Irregular orders of JDPs and unavailability
of coloured yarn and lack of exposure to international markets were the major problems
faced by SHGs. There is a need to popularize and showcase the JDPs made by SHGs
from India to tap into international markets through fairs or different government
programmes to earn more foreign exchange. Production of coloured yarn should be 117
encouraged.
Keywords : Value addition, Jute diversified products, Marketing and West Bengal.
T6-06
Marketing System Analysis of Aromatic (Katarni)
Rice in Bihar
Ramnath K. Ray1* and Mukesh K. Wadhwani1 and Dhiraj Kumar Singh2
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur
2
ICAR-Research complex for Eastern Region, Patna
Bihar is an important rice growing state of the country. Rice is grown on 3.15
million ha in the state, with a production of 6.15 million tonnes in 2020-21 (Economic
Survey, Bihar, 2020-21). The state is also a traditional fine aromatic rice grower.
Aromatic rice has potential for income generation and foreign exchange earnings due to
its unique taste, flavor, and better cooking quality. “Katarni Rice” is the most prevalent,
ceremonial, and finest quality scented rice of Bihar. It is famous for its aroma, palatabil-
ity and chura (beaten rice) making qualities. The geographical production area of katarni
rice lies in South Bihar Alluvial Gangetic Plane covering parts of South Bhagalpur, Banka,
Munger and Jamui Districts. Due to its pleasant aroma and other favourable characteris-
tics, it has a great demand in the state and throughout the country. Except for the grading
in terms of size of grain, it has a comparable export potential to the Indian Basmati and
can fetch a better price in the foreign market. Bhagalpur is a major katarni rice growing
district. The katarnirice variety has been awarded G.I. tag due to specific quality, aroma
and taste. Due to urbanization, fragmentation of land, declining irrigation sources, non-
availability of quality seed and other factor, its productivity is declining. In view of this,
the study was undertaken in Bhagalpur district of Bihar (Crop Year 2018-19) to estimate
the marketable surplus, marketing channels, marketing margins and price spread in mar-
keting of katarni rice. The study is based on primary data collected from a sample of 90
katarni rice and 05 of each trader viz. village trader, wholesaler, processor/miller and
retailer selected from six villages of Jagadishpur block of Bhagalpur district using Multi-
Stage Random Sampling Technique. The average marketable surplus was estimated as
22.05 q (93.80% of production), which ranged from 37.17 q (95.50%) to 7.43 q
(90.30%) among three categories of farms. The most prominent marketing channel was
found to be Channel I (Producer - Village Traders/Miller - Retailer - Consumer) through
which 56.67% of sample farmers sold their produce. The maximum producer’s share in
consumer’s rupee was estimated as 68.33 % under Channel-I while under Channel II and
Channel III it was 71.79 %. The major problem of katarni rice growers was availability
of quality seed and selling the produce to Village Traders at lower price due to less
quantity of marketable surplus as well as lack of transportation facilities available with
them. The study suggested that alternate marketing system may be formulation of Farmer/
Producer Company of katarni rice growers as well as availability of quality seed to
enhance its profitability and productivity.
Keywords : Marketing channels, Market margins, Price spread and Katarni rice.
118 T6-07
Economic Viability of Using Water Soluble Fertilizer in
Identified Crops in East Godavari District of Andhra
Pradesh
M. V. N. Jyothi1*, N. T. Krishna Kishore 2, P. V. Satya Gopal 3
and B. Ramana Murthy4
1
Institute of Agri Business Management, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati
Corresponding author’s email: jyothimedisettiabm@gmail.com
The study was undertaken in one district i.e., East Godavari district of Andhra
Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh state was chosen as the locale of the study, as the state ranks
second in consumption of water-soluble fertilizers in India. The study was conducted on
the crops which were using water soluble fertilizers to know the usage pattern and its
scope for marketing of water-soluble fertilizers. The selected crops were Paddy, a field
crop; Banana and Mango plantation crops; and Chilli a commercial crop, as they have the
largest area under cultivation in East Godavari districts. 4 mandals were selected and 2
villages from each mandal were selected where farmers are using water soluble fertilizer.
The study is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data needed for the
study has been collected from 120 sample population. Selection procedure was purposive
cum simple random sampling technique from selected district. The sample was categorized
into 80 farmers (10 farmers from each of 8 villages), 40 dealers (10 dealers each of 4 mandals).
The secondary data pertaining to area of above-mentioned crops was obtained from the
agriculture department of erstwhile East Godavari district. B/C ratio, AMRR and MRR were
calculated for each crop individually. The B/C ratio was high for Mango (1.46) followed by
chilly crop (1.27) and lowest in banana (1.02) and paddy (1.01). The B/C ratio indicated that
the water-soluble fertilizers were beneficial for mango farmers and chilly farmers. Accepted
minimum rate of returns and marginal rate of returns were calculated for individual crop. In
paddy and banana crops AMRR is greater than MRR which indicates that there was no
economic viability of using water soluble fertilizers. In chilly and mango crops AMRR is
lower than MRR which indicates that there was economic viability of replacing traditional
fertilizers with water soluble fertilizers in chilly and mango crops.
Keywords : Water soluble fertilizer, Paddy, AMRR, MRR and Andhra Pradesh.
T6-08
Cryptocurrency and the Regulatory Regime :

An Introduction
Jeevitha G N1*, K M Singh2, Ritambhara Singh3, Yogita Sharma4,
Chavan S.D.5 and Shubham Priyadarshi6
1,2&3
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, 4&6Bihar Agricultural
University, Sabour, 5G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
*Corresponding author’s email: jeevithasrushti@gmail.com
Since time immemorial, currency has been an important part of human life.
The modern currency is controlled by a centralized authority like government or federal
banks. Whereas, Cryptocurrency is a virtual or digital currency that works on block
chain technology, designed to act as medium of exchange online to buy goods and ser-
vices and make payments without going through financial intermediary. It operates
through a network of computers without having to rely on any kind of central authority
like a bank or a government to regulate making it completely decentralized payment
system. This paper tries to give precise yet unimpaired understanding of the
cryptocurrency. The ‘Crypto’ has been the controversial term in India ever since its 119
origin. The regulatory journey of Cryptocurrency in India has been chaotic in a way. The
paper attempts to have a look at it in its detail. The investment in Cryptocurrency has
enhanced several folds in India since last year. Even though the legal status is still un-
clear, it appears that the investors are not bothered by it.It is essential that it comes
under the ambit of a regulatory framework. Although majority of countries, especially
the advanced economies, are favoring this innovation and the crypto industry is expand-
ing, even in India, the tailing uncertainties cannot be denied.
Keywords : Cryptocurrency, Digital currency, RBI roles and Regulatory regime.
T6-09
Assessment of Productivity Potential and Establishment
of Maize Processing Industries in Maize Growing Areas
in Kosi Region Using the Network Analysis Model
Y. K. Singh*, Rajani Prabha Rani, Rajkishore Kumar, B. K. Vimal,
Ragini Kumari, Rajeev Padhbhushan and Anshuman Kohli
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: yanendrakumar@yahoo.com
Remote sensing has become a special technique for geographic information sys-
tems (GIS), and the range of applications for managing natural resources has increased as
well. With its capacity to obtain systematic, synoptic, quick, and repeating coverage,
remote sensing has recently come to be recognized as a potent tool for natural resource
management. Keeping the above facts in mind study on “Assessment of productivity
potential and establishment of maize processing industries in maize growing areas in Kosi
region using network analysis model” was aimed. The flexibility of object orientation is
utilized by the ArcGIS Transportation Data Model to define entities and the relationships
between those entities. The goal of the current effort was to determine the shortest path
primarily as a solution to the set-covering problem, of which the travelling salesman’s
problem might be an illustration. The challenge here is to find the best route through the
network after visiting all or a predetermined number of links. In this instance, a matrix of
resistance for each pair of network links is used to select the best way. This layer includes
the characteristics, resultant route or routes, and input network locations (stops and
barriers).The study area’s road network is extremely ill-designed; most of the roads are
ideal for the establishment of a maize processing plant, but some are quite narrow to allow
large vehicles at the neighboring popcorn industry to move around erratically.
Keywords : GIS, Data model, Synoptic, Systematic and Processing industries.
T6-10
Challenges and Opportunities of Digitally Driven
Agricultural Marketing in India
Satish Kumar*, Sardar Sunil Singh, Alok Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Shashikant,
Vinay Kumar and Manikant Prabhakar
Agriculture is a backbone of Indian Economy. Indian agriculture contributes 15.4%
of entire GDP. Improved agricultural production is the major weapon in the fight against
world hunger, improving rural livelihood and increasing economic growth. Agriculture
120 is one of the most important sectors of nation, and could benefit tremendously with the
applications of ICTs especially in bringing changes to socio-economic conditions of
poor in backward areas. Agriculture constitutes a major livelihood sector and most of
the rural poor depend on rain-fed agriculture and fragile forests for their livelihood.
Farmers in rural areas have to deal with failed crops and animal illness frequently and
due to limited communication facilities, solutions to their problems remain out of reach.
However, connectivity technologies have been the greatest achievement in ICT and have
unleashed new functionalities for the business community. There are many kinds of
agricultural products produced in India and the marketing of these farm products gener-
ally tends to be a complex process. Agricultural marketing involves many operations
and processes through which the food and raw materials move from the cultivated farm
to the final consumers. The conventional approach of extension services has not been
able to resolve the challenges posed by various factors in Indian agricultural marketing.
Digital agriculture can bring economic benefits through agricultural productivity, eco-
nomic efficiency and market opportunities, social and cultural benefits, as well as im-
proving food security, profitability, and sustainability. Digital marketing helps consumer
to connect. The development of digital economies in both developed and developing
countries will help stabilize the national economy based on their development priori-
ties. Government reforms also focus on minimizing the impact of the human factor
through the gradual transformation of production and service systems in all sectors to
the digital economy. Digital Agriculture is a new transformation that will help meet the
needs of the world population in the future, changing every part of the agrarian sector.
The value chains will be most closely monitored and coordinated. Digital agriculture
creates highly productive, anticipated, and adaptable systems that can be adapted to cli-
mate change.
There are several challenges involved in marketing of agricultural produce. There
is limited access to the market information, literacy level among the farmers is low,
multiple channels of distribution that eats away the pockets of both farmers and con-
sumers. The government funding of farmers is still at nascent stage and most of the
small farmers still depend on the local moneylenders who are leeches and charge high
rate of interest. There are too many vultures that eat away the benefits that the farmers
are supposed to get. Although we say that technology have improved but it has not gone
to the rural levels as it is confined to urban areas alone. There are several loopholes in
the present legislation and there is no organized and regulated marketing system for
marketing the agricultural produce. Numerous factors could influence ICT in Agricul-
ture Marketing organizations and can be grouped into following categories: Adoption,
access to IT, demographic, IT training/education, perception, trust, and time.
Keywords : Digital agriculture, National economy, ICT and Agricultural marketing.
T6-11 121
Analysis of Market Integration for Small Vegetable
Growers in Bhagalpur District of Bihar
Meera Kumari*1, Aabha1, Sandeep Kumar1, Anita Kumari 2, Shoji Lal Bairwa1,
S. M. Rahman1, A. S. Tigga3, C.K. Panda 3, Rajesh Kumar4, Yogita Sharma1,
Ramnath Kr Ray1, Nitu Kumari1 and Pooja Jena3
1,3&4
2
KVK, Sabour, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210
*Corresponding author’s email: meera.bausabour@gmail.com
Market integration explains the relationship between two markets that are spa-
tially (over the space) or temporally (at two point of time) separated. The study has been
carried out with main objectives to develop small vegetable growers as entrepreneurs
through identification of marketing channels and pattern of disposal with due impor-
tance of deviation in prices of vegetables in different markets of Bhagalpur Districts.
Primary data were collected from two villages namely Babupur and Ragandipur con-
sisted of 30 vegetables growers from each village covering two markets where farmers
made their major transactions i.e. Sabour and Bhagalpur. 20 wholesalers 20 retailers and
20 consumers from two markets corresponding to the selected villages were selected
randomly. The degree of disparity in prices of vegetables at different market was studied
with the help of standard deviation and co-efficient of variation of price in selected
market under study. To study the level of price integration, indices of integration was
constructed for each market of selected district under study.
Results revealed that three among three, most preferred channels were direct
channel i.e. producer to ultimate consumers through which 60 percent of farmers were
sold their vegetables in the selected market. Price analysis of the different vegetable
indicated that producers share in consumer rupees for Bhagalpur markets was from 79
to 88 percent while from 89.17 to 94.30 percent was for the Sabour markets. Marketing
efficiency for Sabour market wereranged from 33.85 to 62.86 percent while marketing
efficiency for Bhagalpur market was from 8.25 to 25 percent which indicated that Sabour
market is more efficient next to the Bhagalpur market and it was may be due to a smaller
number of the middleman were involved in the Sabour market. The results revealed that
the integration was not up to the expected level. However, factors associated with inte-
gration indicated that transportation was the major problems followed by extension staff
and lack of marketing facilities etc. One of the interesting findings was observed that
distance to the markets does not have significant effects on the retail price of the veg-
etables in Bhagalpur and Sabour markets. It is evident from the study that not a single
market with relation to wholesale price was found integrated, as they were not influ-
enced by the adjacent markets. But it is very much necessary that the markets need to be
integrated to transfer the price signals from one market to another that helps in stabili-
zation of prices of the commodity. Hence, accelerated efforts are needed at integrating
different markets, which would go a long way to protect the interest of producers-sell-
ers. It has been observed that market facilities and the distance of the market are the
major factors which influence farmer’s decision to sell at the markets. Therefore, fu-
ture strategy for development would require a remarkable change in post-harvest han-
dling of highly perishable vegetables to increase the supply and create infrastructure for
the trade of major vegetables from Bihar.
Keywords: Market integration, Price spread, Efficiency and Small vegetable growers.
122 T6-12
Value Chain Analysis of Major Pulses in Bihar:
A Situation Analysis
Meera Kumari1*, S. M. Rahaman 1& S. L. Bairwa2
1
2
Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kisanganj, Bihar, India
The Study has been attempted to examine the scope of enhancement of farm in-
come through the integrated approach of market network. The market map frame work
was used to identify and analyse the value chain that enables suitable policy formulation
on product specific market. The analysis of value chain revealed that 90% of farmers
sold their produced just after harvest to the village trader/in local market to meet the
operational expenditure. Producer’s share in consumer rupees was 60% through which
most of the major pulses were marketed by the famers in study area. Value addition
network indicated that producer’s fetched a reduced price due to their lack of bargaining
power and the profit realized by the market intermediaries is as high as Rs. 51/kg. Ap-
propriate backward and forward linkages of pulse growers will enhance returns from
pulses. The non availability of dal mills /processing plants in specific location followed
by lack of suitable pulse variety, storage problem, lack of market information for for-
ward linkage with other markets were major constraints faced by the farmers in the
study area. Further it was also noted that 30 per cent of the produce was wasted and lost
every year before it reached to the market. The study concludes with some policy sug-
gestions like the farmer should adopt seed replacement technology in every year to
ensure higher productivity, to realize remunerative prices for their produce, the farmer
should link with efficient system of marketing as well take some value addition at house-
hold level. To increase the area under pulses, diversification of chickpea is one of the
reliable options with new technology interventions (improved seed, package and prac-
tice). The co-ordination of research extension and farmers to encourage farmer’s par-
ticipatory research along with enabling environment to get remunerative prices is need
of the hour for doubling of farmer’s income.
Keywords: Backward linkage, Cost of cultivation, Forward linkage and Value chain.
T6-13
Existing Marketing Mechanism for Marketing of Major
Horticultural Crops in Bihar

Meera Kumar*1, Shoji Lal Bairwa1, Sandeep Kumar1, S. M. Rahman1, Anita
Kumari 2, A.S Tigga3, C. K. Panda 3, Rajesh Kumar4 , Yogita Sharma1,
Ramnath Kr. Ray1, Nitu Kumari1 and Pooja Jena3
1,3&4
2
SMS , KVK, Sabour, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-8132101
The combined annual production of fruits and vegetables in India is likely to cross
377million tonnes (MT) mark by 2021 from the current level of over 227 MT. However, the
projected production of fruits and vegetables would only cater to domestic demand leav-
ing no scope for growth on export front because the huge wastage would continue to
risesimultaneously in absence of on-farm processing facilities. There are several mar-
keting agencies for the marketing of different fruits, ranging from pre-harvest contrac-
tors to wholesalers, and commission agents are present for marketing of fruits and veg-
etables in Bihar. Result indicated that marketable surplus of potato ranges from86 to 92 123
per cent, tomato between 96 to 99 per cent, brinjal between 97 to 98 per cent, cabbage
between 90 to 98 percent, cauliflower between 97 to 98 per cent and okra between 96 to
99 per cent respectively. Except for potato, the marketed surplus is 100 per cent, which
is reflective of short shelf life and low availability of processing and warehousing. In
case of fruits, marketable surplus of litchi is estimated around 82 per cent, mango around
88 per cent, makhana around 88 per cent and banana around 86per cent. Even in case of
fruits, marketable surplus and marketed surplus do not vary much. The most common
channel were consists of producer-pre-harvest contractor-wholesaler/commission
agents-retailer-consumer.
Poor financialnancial condition of farmers , higher marketing cost & lack of pack-
aging facility followed by shortage of labour of both nature i.e. skill and unskilled dur-
ing the peak marketing season are most common problems for marketing of all most all
the produce in Bihar. To minimise post-harvest losses appropriate cold storage and knowl-
edge of proper marketing system is not available. The producers‘ share in wholesale
price continues to be small (about 35 percent)with the major share going to market
intermediaries as marketing cost, because of inefficient supply chains. Therefore, sup-
ply chain management may be a powerful tool in linking farmers to the markets for
sustainable income generation. Accesses to markets and marketing information by small
holder farmers depending on agriculture in Bihar have always been challenging.
Keywords: Horticultural crops, marketing cost and Marketing channels.
T6-14
Assessment of Production Potential, Profitability and
Sustainability of Makhana Growers in Kosi Region
Using Machine Learning
Rajkishore Kumar1, B. K. Vimal1, Ragini Kumari, Y. K. Singh1*, Parasnath2,
Pankaj Kumar Yadav2 and Anil Kumar2
1
2
Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea
Corresponding author’s email : yanendrakumar@yahoo.com
Machine learning is a new area of study that can be used to examine crop price
forecasts and precisely offer solutions for them. We may utilize this method as a backup
while deciding what a farmer should plant while considering details like annual rainfall,
WPI and other information that is provided from the dataset, and we can arrive at a
reasonable conclusion about which items would offer a more trustworthy result. When
decision tree regressor performance is compared to that of Random Forest ensemble
learning, it can be seen that the accuracy of the Random Forest Ensemble learning method
is higher. In order to guarantee benefits to underprivileged farmers, machine learning
techniques like Decision Tree Regressor and Model Boosting with Random Forest En-
semble Learning aim to solve crop value prediction problems effectively. In India, where
52% of the population is employed in agriculture, 82% of farmers are small and marginal, it
is our entire responsibility to establish a centralized system to address the issue of incon-
sistent crop value predictions and give our farmers equal opportunity. The accuracy ob-
tained by the Random Forest Ensemble Method, which was more than the Decision Tree
Model’s, was about 98.51%.The top crop gainers predicted for makhana crops is +0.92%
increase and decrease -0.56% of wasteland. Hence the comparison clearly shows that
ensemble methods are always better to improve performance and efficiency by giving
high accuracy.
124 Keywords : Price forecasts, Model boosting, Predicted, and Makhana growers.
T6-15
Response of Different Cropping Sequences on the
Development of Maize: Implications for Economic
Agriculture
Vinay Kumar, Satish Kumar*, Manikant Prabhakar, Vinod Kumar and Shashikant
A cropping system refers to the type and sequence of crops grown and practices
used for growing them. It encompasses all cropping sequences practiced over space and
time, based on the available technologies of crop production. Cropping systems have
been traditionally structured to maximize crop yields. Now, there is a strong need to design
cropping systems which take into consideration the emerging social, economic, ecologi-
cal, or environmental concerns. Conventional monoculture agricultural systems can re-
duce the soil organic matter content and structures. The accumulation of crop residues
with frequent inclusion of pulse crops in a rotation is vital to improve the biochemical and
physical properties of the soil via increasing the labile of organic matter. Crop rotation
combined with different management practices are essential to improve the physical, chemi-
cal, biological properties of the soil and thereby control erosion and maximize crop yield by
maintaining soil moisture and control diseases and pests’ infestation. Benefits of rotating
cereals with legumes in crop rotations are fixation of nitrogen by the legume, interruption
of weeds, diseases and insect cycles by dicotyledonous crops, crop diversification, and
improvement in soil status and a reduction in rainfall and erosion. Proper sequencing of
crops, which can accentuate positive synergistic interactions among crops, increased
precipitation use efficiency and reduced potential pest problems is an important compo-
nent of sustainable cropping system. Hence The Cropping sequence of Chillies- Moong-
Maize and Tobacco-Maize indicated the minimum disease severity and the maximum grain
yield, which were found to be statistically at par to each other. However, the maximum
disease severity and minimum grain yield were recorded with cropping sequence of Rabi
maize-Kharif maize but statistically at par with summer rice- Maize-Coriander. The statisti-
cal analysis of grain yield data indicated that all the treatments except cropping sequences,
summer rice- Maize- Coriander and Rabi maize-Kharif maize indicated the similar yield
pattern, showing a negative correlation with disease severity. The possible reason for
variation in disease severity may be probably due to reduction of inoculums potential of
the pathogen in the soil through tobacco debris and improvement of nutritional status of
soil by the nitrogen fixing bacteria through the roots of moong. Crop rotation is practiced
in the entire world since it can serve as an important management practice particularly for
developing countries where monoculture becomes hazardous for the environmental con-
ditions. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of a country. To have a good
economy selection of cropping patterns is important, and the cultivation is affected by
various factors. Thus, we can conclude that economic factors play a major role in the
determination of the cropping pattern in Indian agriculture. Even though the Indian farm-
ers are poverty-stricken, the cropping system can be changed by their motivation. Crop-
ping systems that are socially acceptable, economically profitable, ecologically, environ-
mentally compatible, and politically permissible, must be designed for each ecosystem.
The goal of a cropping system must be to conserve soil and water and sustain crop
production.
Keywords : Cropping sequences, Weed, Disease, Insect and Economic agriculture.
125
THEME 7: ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION PROCESS,

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND CLIMATE
RESILIENCE (T7)
126
T7-01 127
Economics of Button Mushroom Production in
Bhagalpur District of Bihar
Sandeep Kumar*, Nitu Kumari, Abhishek Anand, Sachin Rathour, Chandan
Kumar Panda, Anil Paswan, Meera Kumari, S. M. Rahaman, S. L. Bairwa,
Mukul Kumar1 and Ramnath Kumar Ray
1
MBAC, Agwanpur, Saharsa
*Corresponding author’s email: skbausabour@gmail.com
Button mushroom had more nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and thera-
peutic value than other foods, hence they are more popular among India’s majority of
vegetarians. The Indian populace is largely vegetarian and enjoys mushrooms. The but-
ton mushrooms have a distinctive perfume and flavor and are very delicious. They also
include large amounts of proteins, vitamins, fiber, and therapeutic value. The Bhagalpur
district in the study area was purposefully chosen using the random sampling (Taro
Yamane) technique, and 71 mushroom farmers estimated the 60 samples by snowball
rolling to be used as the referral to the following respondents’ equal probability of being
selected, representative. Through the system of production and marketing, the impact of
profit maximization by the producer manifests as realized price-taker behavior. However,
farmers do not organize mushroom per unit sales in Bhagalpur and the surrounding Bihar
markets, nor do they do so in other Indian states. The primary variable cost of button
mushrooms was labor, which resulted in higher costs followed by chopped dry straw,
miscellaneous, costs of plant protection, fuel, and polythene bags were next in line. As a
consequence of benefit cost ratio (BCR) of the overall farm was estimated to be 1.34, which
was distributed as 1.43 higher for large farms followed by 1.31 for medium farms and 1.22
for large farms. In the case of the cost of production of button mushrooms overall farm was
estimated to in 88.52 per kilogram, which is distributed to in 100.45 per kilogram higher
costs for small followed by 88.71 per kilogram for medium farms and in ¹ 81.14 per
kilogram for a large farm. This trend indicates that the increase in the size of button
mushroom growers decreases the cost of production and the benefit-cost ratio at the
same time scale of economics was increased otherwise decrease and vice-versa of the
outputs respond with the size of growers.
Keywords: Button mushroom, Mushroom production, Costs & Returns maximization.
T7-02
Crop Residue Biochars: A Critical Appraisal of
Opportunity Costs, Production Processes and Benefits of
Commercializing a Sustainable Technology
Anshuman Kohli*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour – 813210
*Corresponding author’s email: anshuman_kohli@hotmail.com
Biochar is a highly carbonaceous material produced from the pyrolysis of biom-
ass. Organic wastes offer an opportunity for being transformed into biochars but often
have contrasting uses that limit their availability for this purpose. Nevertheless, the or-
ganic wastes that face the problem of safe disposal or are often incinerated for getting
rid of their biomass, offer an opportunity for being pyrolyzed to biochars.
128 Opportunity costs
Prominent amongst these wastes are crop residues which have traditionally been
used as animal fodder, bedding material for milch and drought animals and as fuel. When
crop residues are available in excess of the requirement for these uses or are somehow
not plausible to be used for these purposes, they are often either left in the fields for
gradual decomposition or are even incinerated in situ. Under such a scenario, opinion
emerges in favour of producing crop residue biochars with resource conservation and
environmental sustainability as pressing concerns.
Pyrolytic transformation of crop residues into biochar
Crop residues can be practically pyrolysed to produce varying qualities of biochars
through various set ups. The oldest records for biochars produced are from the Amazo-
nian farmlands where crop residues were incinerated and while they were still burning
the inhabitants covered them with the earth leading to pyrolysis of the residues. As this
was a usual practice, over the years sufficient biochar accumulated in the soil to the
extent that even now the black earth at these sites contains biochar and has vastly en-
hanced fertility as compared to neighboring soils where no biochars were ever added. In
modern times, if it is possible to collect the residues, they have been pyrolyzed in indig-
enously made kilns or in single / double barrel retorts standardized for the purpose.
However, any of these options is too costly to be economical considering the costs
involved in collection of residues and in the actual pyrolysis. Besides, these are far
from eco-friendly and have been criticized for causing carbon emissions. The next gen-
eration option for an ecofriendly pyrolysis is through industrial kilns and through en-
ergy co-generation plants which can capture the heat liberated for beneficial purposes
and simultaneously produce biochars. A small-scale biochar stove also serves the pur-
pose where crop residues with high calorific value can be used for cooking and upon
extinguishing the fire, the remaining biomass gets transformed into biochar. Making
such models accessibleand popular requires acumen for commercializing this opportu-
nity.
Benefits likely from a sustainable commercial biochar initiative
An entrepreneurial foray into commercial biochar production using a clean tech-
nology can obviously create opportunity for a novice crop residue management. Energy
co-generation and soil application of biochar can improve soil health and crop produc-
tivity. Sustainable commercialization of this process can create and ecosystem with
opportunities for employment and income generation with sustainable practices.
Keywords: Crop residue, Biochar, Opportunity cost, Biomass and Technology.
T7-03
A Potential Production of Wheat in Eastern India :
Cost Effective Trends
Md. Saheen Akhtar*
Research Scholar, Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
Corresponding author’s email: saheenakhtar650@gmail.com
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) also known as bread wheat is the most widely grown
crop world wide after Corn. India is the second largest producer of wheat in the world
after China. Cultivation of wheat in India is mostly concentrated in the Northern states
of India such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan. Whereas, in eastern India
wheat is majorly cultivated in Bihar and pocket areas of West Bengal in the Districts of
Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur majorly. It was 129
found that West Bengal is just behind the major wheat growing states in terms of pro-
ductivity. Malda district of West Bengal was selected purposively as because the pro-
ductivity and area of wheat cultivation is higher than any other agricultural district of
West Bengal. Besides this, its soil fertility, agro-climatic conditions particularly for
harvesting season leads the district as one of the promising regions in wheat cultivation.
A three-stage sampling random sampling with probability proportional to area has been
adopted for the study first Block, second Gram Panchayat and operational holding being
the third and ultimate stage of sampling unit without replacement techniques. Land uti-
lization pattern of selected area was studied based on gross cropped area, net sown area
and cropping intensity. Cost of cultivation of wheat was worked out along with its com-
peting crop to examine the relative profitability among them. Primarily CACP cost con-
cept had been used for the study. Return-Cost-Ratio was calculated to compare the rela-
tive profitability among wheat and its competing crop. The land utilization pattern of the
selected area in pre-kharif season Jute occupy the highest area due to its commercial
value and lack of suitable alternative, in Kharif season Paddy occupy the highest area
due to rain water availability. Whereas, in Rabi season wheat occupies the highest area
due its climatic and soil suitability of the region. Grossed Cropped Area (31.06), Net
Sown Area and Cropping intensity increases with increase in operational holding. Total
cost of cultivation for wheat decreases with increase in operational holding. The highest
Gross return (Rs 69000/ha) for wheat is realized by small farmers due to good storing
facility and Speculation (Speculation proper) followed by semi-medium farmers (Rs
68625) and marginal farmers (Rs 68250) being the least. The relative profitability be-
tween wheat and its competing crop mustard will enable us to know whether cultivation
of wheat is economical or not. Depending on the R-C ratios over different costs of
Wheat and Mustard, Wheat cultivation is profitable for the farmers in the selected re-
gion.
Keywords: Potential production, Gross return, Marginal farmer & Cropping intensity.
T7-04
Transient and Persistent Technical Efficiency at Farm
Level: Empirical Evidence from Indian States
Vishesh Mishra* and Shreedhar Satyakam
Department of Economics, Mahatma Gandhi Central University
*Corresponding author’s email: visheshmishra2@gmail.com

India has a vast agricultural diversity for producing crops. To maintain high agrar-
ian production, technical efficiency is the right tool for measuring the health of farm-
ing. A sound measurement of technical efficiency is being examined through stochastic
frontier analysis (SFA) introduced by Aigner et al. (1977) and Meeusen and van den
Broeck (1977). The present study is undertaken from the advanced version of stochastic
frontier analysis developed by Colombiet al. (2014), Kumbhakar, Lien, and Hardaker
(2014), and Tsionas and Kumbhakar (2014) which incorporates four error components
and multistage estimation process. There are four major crops selected for study pur-
pose such as paddy, wheat, sugarcane, and maize. The data is taken for 2004-2019 from
the Comprehensive Cost of Cultivation Scheme published by the Ministry of Agricul-
ture and Farmers’ welfare. The estimation process of input coefficient used in farming
gives total factor productivity growth. Consistent estimation of input coefficient exhib-
its production function for crop production. The finding of the study is transient and
130 persistent technical efficiency varies at the state level and for each crop due to short-
run and long-run mistakes at decision-making units (DMU).
Keywords : Estimation, Production function, Cost and Technical efficiency.
T7-05
An Economic Evaluation of Soybean Production, Input
Use Efficiency and Constraints Analysis in Vidisha
District of Madhya Pradesh
*
Shiva Pujan Singh1, Satyam Nema2, Meera Kumari3, Md. Minnatullah1
and Aniruddha Roy2
1&2
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
3
Department of Agricultural Economics, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur
*Corresponding author’s email: shivapujansingh@gmail.com
This paper has assessed the economic evaluation of soybean production as a po-
tential option to improve farmers’ income and ensure their sustainable livelihood in Vidisha
district of Madhya Pradesh. The study was conducted as a part of survey using primary
data collected from 60 number of farmers of two blocks viz. Basoda and Nateram tehsils of
Vidisha district. The findings revealed that per hectare total cost of cultivation of soybean
was Rs. 35716.23. The study also revealed that soybean growers spent 13.19 per cent of
the total cost on seeds, followed by 12.37 per cent on hired labour, 7.40 per cent on
chemical fertilizers, 5.85 per cent on machine power and 5.01 per cent on plant protection
materials. The highest B:C ratio (1.71) was estimated for medium farm situation. From the
mean technical efficiency of soybean crop most of the farmers are having 30-49 per cent
efficiency interval. Whereas mean allocative efficiency having 70-89 per cent and average
cost efficiency was 0.270 in the study area, under this only one per cent soybean farmers
have highly efficient (>90 %) in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. However, the avail-
ability of labour during peak season was inadequate and mechanization would be helpful
in soybean cultivation. The study suggested that the department of Agriculture and Zonal
Research Station may take concerted initiatives in terms of transfer of improved technol-
ogy awareness and training programme and short-term loan to the farmers. The state
government should prepare policy to provide minimum support price, which will encour-
age, the farmers for extension cultivation is these districts.
Keywords : Soybean, Costs, Returns, Input use efficiency and Constraints analysis.
T7-06
Biomass Carbon Investigation of Agroforestry Practices
in Western Uttar Pradesh
Pravin Kumar1*, Om Prakash Madguni2 and Rajendra Bairwa
1
Ph.D., FRI University Dehradun 248195, Uttarakhand, India
2
Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal 462003, Madhya Pradesh,
*Corresponding author’s email: p.kumariifm@gmail.com
India is a large developing country with more than seventy per cent population
earning their livelihood from diverse land use activities India is an enormous developing
country with more than seventy per cent population earning their livelihood from different
land use activities. Understanding the beneûts of climate insolent agriculture in the chang-
ing development, farmers are adapting slowly to it but appropriate details of climate
vulnerability and package of climate insolent agriculture including tree-crop interaction
are very limited for adoption. It is important to assess the strengths and weaknesses of 131
carbon sequestration. Agroforestry is a dynamic and sustainable land management sys-
tem of deliberately growing woody perennials along with agricultural crops on farm-
lands to secure both tangible and intangible benefits to the farmers. The present study
was carried out in western Uttar Pradesh of Muzaffarnagar district in villages has been
selected out of various villages of Muzaffarnagar district. To document agroforestry
system practiced by farmers and to know the biomass production faces by the farmers in
practicing agro-forestry. The farmers (Households) were interviewed using structured
questionnaire. The result revealed that availability of resources and support programs.
On such basis it is found that agroforestry practices not effectively used across the
different villages of Muzaffarnagar district. The major purpose of the practicing agro-
forestry by the farmer for getting additional income with optimum utilization of re-
sources. In traditional agroforestry system-based AF shisham based has been consid-
ered at this point as an example to understand the process of biomass carbon analysis
and its applied applicability for environmental costs.
Keywords : Agroforestry, Biomass carbon analysis, Muzaffarnagar and Uttar Pradesh.
T7-07
India’s Potential of Blooming in Mushroom Production
Mimansha Raj1*, Nitu Kumari2, Supriya Anand1 and Rahul Disaniya1
1
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj- 211007
2
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur- 813210
Corresponding author’s email: mimansharaj1@gmail.com
The fruiting body of the lower class of plants known as “fungi” is the mushroom.
Mushroom fruiting bodies are spore-bearing structures made of flesh. They typically
occur in a variety of sizes, forms, and colors after rain. According to legend, tropical and
subtropical mushrooms were first artificially cultivated by the Chinese thousands of years
ago. However, commercial production of mushrooms began in Europe with button mush-
rooms in caves during the 16th and 17th century. After that, the cultivation of mushrooms
spread to the US. 14.35 million tonnes were sold on the world mushroom market in
2020. China took first place among these nations, generating up to 2020 an estimated
40 million metric tonnes of mushrooms. About 22% of the world’s supply of cultivated,
edible mushrooms is produced in China. With an annual production volume of 7,797,929
tonnes. India is ranked at 18 with a total of 29,992. By generating more than 28,000
tonnes of mushrooms in the years 2021–2022, Bihar has overtaken other states as the
nation’s top producer of mushrooms in India. Towards the National Horticulture Board.
India consumes only approximately 90 grammes of mushrooms per person, which is a
little amount compared to other nations like the United States and China, which each
consume 1.49 kg and 1.16 kg, respectively. The button mushroom, the straw mushroom,
and the oyster mushroom are the three types of mushrooms that are grown in India.
Paddy straw mushrooms may grow in environments with temperatures between 350 and
400C. Winter is the time when button mushrooms begin to develop. The northern plains
are where oyster mushrooms are raised. India exports 105.4 tonnes of frozen and canned
white button mushrooms each year. The cultivation of button mushrooms in India ac-
counts for 15% of all mushroom production worldwide. Between 2010 and 2017, India’s
mushroom farms generated a total of about 0.13 million tonnes of mushrooms. Even
though this quantity appears large, it appears small when compared to other countries
that produce mushrooms. Given that mushroom cultivation is becoming increasingly
132 expensive in the west, now is the ideal time for Indian farmers and businesspeople to
begin seriously considering mushroom growing in India. The Calocybeindiaca is the
first native mushroom to be commercialized in India (milky mushroom). Around 73%
of button mushrooms are grown in India, where high-tech production methods are used
alongside seasonal farming. 10,000 tonnes of oyster mushrooms are produced each
year in India, making up 16% of all mushroom production. Oyster mushrooms are ex-
tensively cultivated in Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
West Bengal, as well as Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam. The greatest
strategy to increase the value of mushrooms is to produce more mushrooms, which has
a high potential for high returns. There is a great demand and possibility for speedy
processing of the mushrooms if they are not sold immediately for consumption be-
cause mushrooms are one of the very perishable goods.
Keywords: Mushroom, Value addition, Agri export and Mushroom production.
T7-08
Economic Analysis of Katarni Rice Production in
Banka District in Bihar
Mimansha Raj1*, Mukesh Maurya1 and Rahul Disaniya1
1
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.)
Corresponding author’s email: mimansharaj1@gmail.com
An investigation was done to work out on economic analysis of Katarni rice pro-
duction in Banka district of Bihar. Among different size of farms total cost incurred by
the large farmers was high (Rs.101550 ha-1) as compared to medium, small, and mar-
ginal size farms (Rs. 98500 ha-1, Rs. 95550 ha-1and Rs. 92450 ha-1), respectively. The
sample average for gross returns and net returns obtained per hectare in different farms
size groups were Rs. 186000 ha-1and Rs. 88987.5 ha-1respectively.The sample average
for cost of production per quintal in different size of farms group were Rs. 5415.1 ha-
1
respectively. Input-Output ratio in marginal, small, medium, and large size of farms
group were 1:1.79, 1:1.84, 1:1.98 and 1:2.02, respectively. Total value per hectare input
cost in different size farm groups for marginal, small, medium, and large size farms
were Rs. 54500 ha-1, Rs. 57665 ha-1, Rs. 60700 ha-1 and Rs. 63950 ha-1 respectively.
Average total marketable surplus was 2274.20 q (65.20%) followed by home consump-
tion 1213.83 q (34.80%) respectively. Average total marketed surplus was 3279.4 q
(94.02%) followed by retained for further sale was 208.5 q (5.98%) respectively. Most
of the surveyed medium and large farmers were prosperous, service holders and fond of
quality eating. So, they preferred to retain a good quantum for their own consumption
and maintain reputation in society, rather than to sell larger quantities of their produce.
It may be ultimately concluded that Katarni rice is grown mainly with the objective of
trade/sale.
Keywords: Katarni Rice, Cost of cultivation, Benefit cost ratio and Input-output ratio.
T7-09 133
Assessment of Vulnerability of Farmers to Climate
Change in Zone II of Bihar, India
Meera Kumari1, Birendra Kumar1 , Rajesh Kumar1 , S. M. Rahaman1,
Shoji Lal Bairwa1, Sandeep Kumar1, Anita Kumari2 , C.K Panda1, A S Tigga1,
Yogita Sharma1, Nitu Kumari1, Ramnath Kr Ray1 & Puja Jena1
1
2
KVK, Sabour, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur
Climate unpredictability and weather extremes are additional challenges for farmers
currently engaged in the low-technology based food production systems in Bihar. This
study assessed the vulnerability of major crops growing farmers to climate change in zone
II of Bihar. Primary data, collected from 240 respondents using simple random sampling
procedure and data were analysed employing descriptive statistic to describe the coping
strategies adopted and Human Development Index (HDI) was also created to assess
vulnerability of farmers to climate change. Statistical analyses indicated a vulnerability
assessment index of 0.41, pointing to a fact that the kosi region is prone to the adverse
effects of climatic variability. For this reason, the study empirically underscores the need
for farmers to adopt the planting of early maturing varieties of major crops in the region.
Importantly, the capacity of the local communities needs to be strengthened vis-à-vis the
relationship between climate change and crop production. Capacity building at the farm
level is crucial for improving crop, soil and water management, enhancing the demand for
and use of better and more efficient production inputs. The farm-level capacity building is
the need to refocus public agricultural-based institutions towards exposing the growers to
effective mitigation strategies in the wake of climate change, provision of agricultural
inputs, expansion of irrigation, efficient and effective extension service delivery, market
development and other forms of necessary support.
Keywords: Climate change, Sensitivity, Adaptive capacity and Vulnerability.
T7-10
Analysis of Production of Capsicum under Protected
Condition for Boosting Economic Returns
Rachna Kumari ¹, Ajay Bhardwaj*¹, Paramveer Singh¹,
Srinivasaraghavan A2 and R. B. Verma¹

Corresponding author’s e-mail: bhardwaj.ajay.phd@gmail.com
Capsicum also known as sweet pepper or bell pepper is an important vegetable
crop of solanaceous family, it is high value crop through which farmers can fetch premium
prices by growing this in protected condition. It can be grown round the year in the
polyhouse by manipulation of temperature and relative humidity, and high prices can be
earned by selling this in off-season. For this, evaluation of various genotypes from the
different sources are important for deciding that which genotypes are most suitable for
production in the Bihar condition. In the current scenario of climate crisis, protected
cultivation of high value crop can prove to be a check for nutritional security along with
income to the growers. For this, one research was conducted in the BAC, Sabour at
Polyhouse complex, Department of Horticulture (Veg & Flori), for assessment of cap-
sicum genotypes, as it is one of the most important step towards the production and
134 breeding programme, it was observed that the duration of the crop was prolonged in
controlled condition as compare to field, generally traditionally grown crop may sur-
vive upto 4-5 months but in polyhouse it was productive up to 7-8 month by which high
yield can be obtained from it as compare to field, on an average it was found that if
capsicum is grown under field conditions then yield would be 15-25 t/ha but in pro-
tected conditions it may go upto as high as 35-60 t/ha. In trial, Buffalo genotype was
found best with respect to yield (2.74 Kg/plant), average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit
breadth, pericarp thickness and shelf life, this variety can be recommended for produc-
tion to the farmers at commercial level. If any farmer grows this variety, then they can
obtain yield approximately 40 t/ha. Generally, the fruits are sold at double the usual
price in off season than main season as reflected from the given data, the price of capsi-
cum is Rs. 60-70/Kg during the main season but expansion in price can be seen during
off season to Rs. 120-150/Kg. So, production of capsicum under protected cultivation
can be a better option for growers.
Keywords: Capsicum, Protected cultivation, Climate crisis and Economic returns.
T7-11
Analysis of Production of Cucumber for Boosting
Economic Opportunity under Polyhouse
MD. Zaffrul Islam1, Kamal Kant1, Ajay Bhardwaj*¹, Paramveer Singh
and R. B. Verma1
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: bhardwaj.ajay.phd@gmail.com
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an edible cucurbit popular throughout the
world for its crisp texture and taste. Cucumber is a truly versatile vegetable because of
wide range of uses from salads to pickles and digestive aids to beauty products. The
cucumber demand is increasing round the year which could not be met through open field
cultivation. However, there is great potential of cucumber and possibility of growing three
crops per year which in turn, can in increase the production and productivity many folds
to meet the domestic demand and export. It can be grown round the year in the polyhouse
by manipulation of temperature and relative humidity, and high prices can be earned by
selling this in off-season. For this, evaluation of various genotypes from the different
sources are important for deciding that which genotypes are most suitable for production
in the Bihar condition. In the current scenario of climate crisis, protected cultivation of
high value crop can prove to be a check for nutritional security along with income to the
growers. For this, one research was conducted in the BAC, Sabour at Polyhouse complex,
Department of Horticulture (Veg & Flori), for assessment of cucumber genotypes, as it is
one of the most important step towards the production and breeding programme, it was
observed that the duration of the crop was prolonged in controlled condition as compare
to field, generally traditionally grown crop may survive up to 2-3 months but in polyhouse
it was productive up to 3-4 month by which high yield can be obtained from it as compare
to field, on an average it was found that if cucumber is grownunder field conditions then
yield would be 8-10 t/ha but in protected conditions it may grow upto as high as 70-80 t/
ha. In trial, BRPCU-5 × BRPCU-8 genotype was found best with respect to yield (3.10
Kg/plant), average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit breadth, pericarp thickness and shelf
life, this variety can be recommended for production to the farmers at commercial level.
If any farmer grows this variety, then they can obtain yield approximately 80 t/ha. Gen-
erally, the fruits are sold at more price in off season than main season as reflected from
the given data, the price of cucumber is Rs.15-20/Kg during the main season but expan- 135
sion in price can be seen during off season to Rs. 40-45/Kg. So, production of cucum-
ber under protected cultivation can be a better option for growers.
Keywords : Cucumber, Protected cultivation, Climate crisis and Parthenocarpy.
T7-12
Comparative Analysis of Production of Chilli under Net
House and Open Field for Getting Economic Gains
Jaya Kiran1, A.B Singh1, Ajay Bhardwaj1* and R. B. Verma1
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: bhardwaj.ajay.phd@gmail.com
Chilli is vegetable cum spices without which every Indian cuisine is incom-
plete, it adds taste, flavour, colour and heat to the products. Its botanical name is Capsi-
cum annuum L. var. annuum has chromosome number 2n=24 and is a member of the
Solanaceae family. Fruit type is multi seeded berry with short peduncle. Comparative
study of chilli production under net house and open field condition was done and the
results revealed that under net house condition better results were obtained as
compared to open field condition. In protected environment (net house) the natural
environment is modified for suitable conditions suitable for optimum plant growth, which
ultimately provided quality vegetables. It is one of the most important vegetables and
can be grown profitably under protected environment. The different growth and quality
characters, like plant height, number of primary branches, number of fruits per plant,
length of fruits, fruit width and ascorbic acid also exhibited better performance under
net house condition which increased the value of crop at commercial level. Under pro-
tected environment the yield was comparatively higher as compared to open field con-
dition. The genotypes which performed better for yield were SVHA-1452, CHILCVERS-
2 and CHILCVERS-9 etc. For SVHA-1452,high yield per plant (312.20 g, 216.95 g),
number of fruits per plant (115.37, 112.70) and ascorbic acid (191.47 mg/100 g, 180.66
mg/100 g) was obtained under net house and field condition respectively. This showed
significant difference between yield and other attributing traits for both conditions and
showing inclination towards protected cultivation to fetch high prices with consumer
preference to the crop. As chilli is a warm season vegetable but under net house it was
being harvested up-to month of March. Protected cultivation opens door to surplus in-
come as ensuring round the year production and to overcome fear of climate change.
Keywords : Chilli, Protected cultivation, Cultivation, Ascorbic acid and Net House.
136 T7-13
Cost Benefits of Fodder and Grain Yield of Dual Wheat
(Triticum aestivum L.)Genotypes under Various Seed
Rates and Nitrogen Levels
Rakesh Deo Ranjan1*, Sudhir kumar1, C. S. Azad1, Chandan Roy2, Anand Kumar1,
Awadhesh Kumar Pal1Shivnath Das1 and Shashikant1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bhagalpur) 813 210, Bihar
2
Agriculture University Jodhpur, Rajasthan -342304
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: rakeshdeoranjan@rediff.com
Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is the most important crop of the world that can be
grown for dual purpose. It provides greater benefit both from seeds/grains as well as
fodder sown on same land, Shujaet al. (2010). At present, India faces a net deficit of 35.6%
green fodder, 10.9% dry crop residues and 44% feed (IGFRI, 2013).The latest livestock
census has placed the total live-stock population at 529.7 million. Livestock sector
contributes approximately 4% to GDP and 27% to agriculture. The fodder scarcity es-
pecially in winter is critical factor for raising and production of livestock in country
like India, thus there is utmost requirement for cultivation of fodder crops The present
investigations were conducted during Rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-2016 at the
Research Farm, Adhartal area, Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P). The
experiment was laid out in a double split plot design replicated thrice and treatments
comprised of genotypes as main treatments, seed rates as sub treatments and nitrogen
levels as sub treatments which were assessed for various morpho-physiological traits
and productivity. The investigations revealed non-significant differences among main
treatments and significant differences for sub and sub treatments during the investiga-
tion period. However, other treatments and interactions did not vary significantly during
calculations for B:C ratio. The study revealed that between seed rates the S2 registered
the higher value (2.33) for B:C ratio as compared to S1 (2.24). Among nitrogen levels N2
(2.90) had significant higher B:C ratio and was at par with N1(2.83). N0 recorded the
minimum (1.15) and was found inferior to rest of other sub treatments for this trait.
Among interactions V2S2 (2.36) in genotypes and seed rates, V 2N2 (2.96) in genotypes
and nitrogen interactions and N1S2 (2.93) in nitrogen and seed rates interactions re-
corded maximum values for B:C ratio, whereas V1S1 (2.20), V1 N0 (1.11) and N0 S1
(1.10) were found to be associated with the lowest values, respectively. Thus, the results
revealed that between genotypes V2 was found to be associated with the maximum BCR
(benefit cost ratio) (2.34) as compared to V1 (2.24). On the other hand, between seed
rates S2 had higher BCR (benefit cost ratio) (2.33) as compared to S1 (2.24). Among
Nitrogen levels N2 possessed maximum BCR (benefit cost ratio) (2.90) but was at par
with N1(2.83). In the interactions of genotypes and seed rates V2S2 (2.36), genotypes
and nitrogen levels V2N2 (2.96) and nitrogen and seed rates N2S2 (2.93) recorded maxi-
mum BCR (benefit cost ratio). However, V1S1 (2.20), V1N0 (1.11) and N0S1 (1.10) pos-
sessed the minimum BCR (benefit cost ratio).
Keywords : Wheat, Dual purpose, Seed rate, Nitrogen level and B:C Ratio.
T7-14 137
Practicability of Application of Variable Nitrogen and
Potassium Doses in New Brinjal Varieties from
Economic View Point
Shirin Akhtar*, Neelu Kumari, Surabhi Sangam and R. B. Verma
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: shirin.0410@gmail.com
Nitrogenous and potassic fertilizers have immense role in enhancing the yield
and attributing traits in eggplant. But the availability of fertilizers is limited in India since
the country imports fertilizers worth INR 520.45 billion. Apart from that non-judicious
fertilizer application in crop not only increases the production cost, but also causes severe
environmental hazards. Excessive N fertilizer application often causes vigorous vegeta-
tive growth, and the reproductive phase is thereby suppressed leading to reduced fruit set
and hence diminished yield, that ultimately causes economic losses to the crop growers.
Sabour Sadabahar and Sabour Krishnakali are two new varieties developed at Bihar Agri-
cultural University, Sabour which belong to the striped green oblong and blackish purple
oblong segments respectively. Brinjal is a long duration crop and highly responsive to
fertilizer use. An experiment was set up to study the effect of varied doses of N and K on
the yield and attributing traits of the two varieties and estimate the economic feasibility of
the various treatments. There were 32 treatments which were the combinations of three
factors variety (V), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) and there were two varieties (V1:
Sabour Sadabahar, V2: Sabour Krishnakali), four nitrogen doses (N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 100 kg/ha,
N2: 120 kg/ha, N3: 140 kg/ha) and four potassium doses (K0: 0 kg/ha, K1: 60 kg/ha, K2: 80 kg/
ha, ,K3: 100 kg/ha, respectively), laid out in factorial RBD with three replications. A fixed
dose of 80 kg/ha P was applied to all the plots as basal dose in form of single super
phosphate (SSP). The plot yield was recorded as per treatment and converted to kilograms
per hectare. The production cost, gross income, net income, and benefit: cost (B:C) ratio
were estimated. The cost of cultivation per hectare for the different treatments ranged from
INR 123848 to INR 129012, gross income ranged from INR 139020 to INR 432972 per
hectare, net income ranged from INR 15172 to INR 304904 per hectare and benefit-cost
(B:C) ratio ranged from 1.12:1 to 3.38:1. Net income was maximum in the treatment V1N2K2
(Sabour Sadabahar applied with 120 kg/ha N, 80 kg/ha K) followed by V2N3K2 (Sabour
Krishnakali applied with 140 kg/ha N, 80 kg/ha K),V2N2K2 (Sabour Krishnakali applied with
120 kg/ha N, 80 kg/ha K),V1N3K2 (Sabour Sadabahar applied with 140 kg/ha N, 80 kg/ha
K),V1N3K1(Sabour Sadabahar applied with 140 kg/ha N, 60 kg/ha K) and V1N2K3 (Sabour
Sadabahar applied with 120 kg/ha N, 100 kg/ha K). On the other hand, net income was
minimum in the treatmentV1N0K0 (Sabour Sadabahar without application of N and K)
followed by treatmentV2N0K0 (Sabour Krishnakali without application of N and K). The
gross income, net income, and B:C ratio were highest in V1N2K2 (Sabour Sadabahar applied
with 120 kg/ha N,80 kg/ha K) and this fertilizer combination was also best for the other
variety Sabour Krishnakali. Thus, 120 kg N + 80 kg K along with P dose of 80 kg per hectare
could be used for economic benefits to brinjal growers.
Keywords : Brinjal, B:C ratio, Eggplant, Nitrogenous fertilizer, and Potassic fertilizer.
138 T7-15
Role of Digital marketing to Improve Farmers’
Income and their Livelihood
Tahsin Fatma1 and Fozia Homa1*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur, India
*Corresponding author’s email: fozia.homa.bhu@gmail.com
Agriculture is an integral and important part of human life. India has a good agri-
culture base but has been lagging far behind than that of other developed countries. One
of the main reasons for this is the lack of new technologies, their adoption and market-
ing. Our agriculture sector is still confined to rural areas, where they are far behind in
education, technology, and ICT. Farmers have good productivity and production but the
main thing they are not getting is market, for which they sell their produce to middleman
and get low prices for their produce and remain unaware of real price and demand for the
product. Digital marketing and agriculture sector are positively linked and this should
be promoted among the farmers. Now, people are educated and have knowledge about
operating smart phone so problem of marketing can be solved by digital marketing,
which is one click away and will be very helpful for farmers. As farmers can directly link
to consumers and supply them the produce they want and satisfy them. Farmers under-
stand the requirements of consumers, their taste and price prevailing in market or of-
fered by another seller. Using digital platform one can sell their products outside city
and can have better price in comparison to middleman. Therefore, motivation and popu-
larization of digital platforms among farmers could boost confidence for competitive
price, better market, consumer satisfaction and livelihood security.
Keywords : Digital marketing, Farmers income, Livelihood sources, and Con-
sumer.
T7-16
Forecasting of Pulses Production in India using ARIMA
and LSTM model – A Comparative Analysis
Shubham Thakur, Tahsin Fatima and Fozia Homa*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, India
Corresponding author’s email: fozia.homa.bhu@gmail.com
Pulses are staple protein rich diet for Indian vegetarians and India is one of the
largest producers in the world. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the
trend in the area, production, and productivity of different pulses in India using ARIMA
and new evolving LSTM method and compared. For stochastic trend, yearly data were
used from 1950 to 2019. On the basis of different goodness of fit model criteria, the most
suitable ARIMA and LSTM model is chosen to forecast the pulse production. In this
study the power of both these models are tested and compared and in case of area of
pulses in India the ARIMA model has performed better than the LSTM model but in case
of production ad yield of pulses the LSTM model has performed better and produced more
accurate results than the ARIMA model. This study will be helpful in determining the gap
between supply and demand for pulses in future.
Keywords: ARIMA, LSTM, Forecasting, Pulses production and Comparative analysis.
T7-17 139
Forecasting of Rice Production in India: An Analysis of
Growth and Instability
Nishu Kumari1, Tahsin Fatima, F. Homa1*, M. W. Siddiqui2
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India
Agricultural crops are highly vulnerable to varying climate, soil, and topography,
which affect the agricultural production. Therefore, the sustainable agricultural supervi-
sion of all these factors needs to be analyzed on spatio-temporal basis. To assess the
performance of rice production ARIMA model was used. In the present work, secondary
data of area, production, and productivity of rice in India were accumulated from 1950 to
2020. Statistical tools were applied to check the outlier, randomness behavior and instabil-
ity of the data. Model was fitted using Box Jenkins method (ARIMA) and the yield of rice
was predicted up to year 2030. The yield of rice in 2030 was predicted and opined to be
2515.32 Kg/hectare. This model could be used for the prediction of rice yield in India and
this could be a valuable tool for policy makers to frame better strategies.
Keywords: ARIMA, Forecasting, Instability, Rice production and Growth analysis.
T7-18
Growth and Yield Response of Different Parthenocarpic
Cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.) Varieties Under
NaturallyVentilated Polyhouse
Paramveer Singh, Narendra Nigwal, Ajay Bhardwaj,
Amresh Bahadur Singh and Anuradha Sinha
*Corresponding author’s email: shekhawatdeep@rediffmail.com
The present investigation entitled “Growth and yield response of different par-
thenocarpic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties under naturally ventilated
polyhouse” was carried out at polyhouse complex, Department of Horticulture (Veg-
etable and Floriculture), Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour,
Bhagalpur during 2016-17. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block
Design with three replications, five parthenocarpic cucumber hybrids with four dates of
planting under naturally ventilated polyhouse to find out the best planting dates with
suitable variety for this location (Bhagalpur). The cost economics were also worked out
to recognize the best planting dates and varieties in terms of high net returns. The inter-
action of planting dates and varieties in the treatment P4V3 (RS 03602833 variety planted
in January month) performed best in respect to growth, yield and yield attributing char-
acters under naturally ventilated polyhouse. It is also manifested from the study that the
RS 03602833 variety planted in January month was highly remunerative, as they have
given more net returns with high Benefit-Cost ratio. The treatment combination, P4V2
(Mini Angel variety planted in January month) showed an indication of earliness in flow-
ering and with respect to quality parameters like high value of TSS. While, the treatment
combination P4V1 (Multistar variety planted in January month) was the earliest for days
taken to first fruit harvest. The treatment combination P4V3 (RS 03602833 variety planted
in January month) also recorded maximum yield which is one of the most important
characters from the point of vegetable forcing and hence from the present study it can
be concluded that for getting maximum profit under naturally ventilated polyhouse, the
140 variety RS 03602833 when planted January month can be one of the best options in
terms of yield and more returns to the growers. The present study suggests that cucum-
ber can be grown successfully during winter months under polyhouse in Bihar, India
conditions for fetching premium off-season price.
Keywords : Cucumber, Varieties, Planting date, Remunerative, Protected and Economy.
T7-19
Advances in Bio-fertilizers Usage in Vegetable Crops
Paramveer Singh, Ajay Bhardwaj, R. K. Sharma, R. B. Verma and Kajal Kumari
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur, Bihar
*Corresponding author’s email: shekhawatdeep@rediffmail.com
India is the second largest producer of vegetables comprise of large number of
plants, consumed as leaf, stem, flowers, fruits, roots etc. and contributed 14% of world
production. Vegetables crops an important in human diet, it is low energy food relatively
rich in vitamin, minerals, and fiber etc. 300g/capita/day is needed (ICMR). The cultivation
of vegetable with use of chemical fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide etc. their residues are found
in vegetable and it enters into human body and disrupt human metabolism system, skin
disease, heart problems and as well as enhance environment pollution etc. So that use of
biofertilizers, it is the products containing living cells of different types of microorganisms.
Which is applied to seed, plant surface or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of
the plant. And encourage growth of the plants by converting unavailable form of plant
nutrients to available form through biological activity such as nitrogen fixation and phos-
phorus solubilization as well as mobilization. Phosphatesolubilizing bacteria (PSB) play an
important role in supplementing phosphorus to the plants, allowing a sustainable use of
fertilizer. Beneficial microorganisms present in biofertilizers accelerate and improve plant
growth and protect plants from pests and diseases, that are commonly used in biofertilizers
are nitrogen fixers e.g. Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, etc. and phosphorus
solubilizers e.g. PSB, or fungi e.g. Mycorrhiza, Aspergillus. These potential biological
fertilizers would play key role in productivity and sustainability of soil and protect the
environment as eco-friendly and cost-effective inputs for the farmers. If use of biofertilizers
with organic and inorganic fertilizer boost the quality of vegetable production. There are
stunning such examples of biofertilizers which have contributed not only to yield en-
hancement but quality improvement, disease control as well as improvement of rhizo-
sphere. Saeed et. al.,(2015) studied that inoculation of seed with Azotobacter chroococcum
had beneficiary response on growth and yield of cucumber by 5-30%, that combination of
bio-fertilizer and ½ chemical fertilizer treatments maximum fruit yield was recorded. Ramya
et. al., (2015) founded that 1.5% application of sea weed (Stoechospermum marginatum)
had better influence on growth and productivity of brinjal plants. To sustain high produc-
tivity of vegetables, judicious nutrient management is indispensable. Das et. al., (2016)con-
cluded that inoculation of tomato plants with Azospirillum at 100 kg N/ha had the highest
beneficial effect on yield.
Keywords: Bio-fertilizers, Vegetables, Azotobacter, Chemical and Inorganic.
141
T7-20
Farm Size and Productivity Relationship :
Revisiting the Old Debate
Subrata Gorain, Arti and Bitan Mondal*
Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal-
731236
*Corresponding author email: bitan.mondal@visva-bharati.ac.in
Numerous studies have been conducted in developing countries to establish the
farm size and productivity relationship. Most of the research found the inverse relation-
ship. Different explanations cited to establish the relationship, includes labour, land capi-
tal market imperfections, differences in land fertility, management problem etc. Different
country shows different farm size-productivity relationship with explanations and rela-
tionship also changes over time. On this background, we have studied and try to assess
the relationship of these variables in West Bengal and Punjab. Linear and log-linear mod-
els were used to study the size-productivity relationship in all the West Bengal and Punjab
zones. Plot level summary data has been retrieved under the Cost of Cultivation Scheme
(2016-17) from Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare. Results reveal that significant inverse farm-size-productivity relation-
ship in Paddy in all Zones of West Bengal.Contrary, only Zone I show the significant
positive relationship in Wheat in Punjab. West Bengal confirms the inverse relationship
between farm size and farm productivity, while positive relationship in only Zone I in
Punjab. Over the years the inverse farm size productivity relationship is diminishing.
Keywords: Farm size, Productivity relationship, Linear model and Log-linear model.
142
143
THEME 8 : FOOD, NUTRITIONAL & LIVELIHOOD

SECURITY, SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
144
T8-01 145
Genetic Diversity in Garlic for Nutritional Security
Sangeeta Shree1*, Anisha Kumari1, Ruby Saha2 and Vijay Kumar Singh1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour - 813210, Bhagalpur
2
Department of SSAC, BPSAC, Purnea
1
*Corresponding author’s email: sangeetashreee@gmail.com
Malnutrition, comprising under nutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and over nu-
trition, is more prevalent than hunger per se and affects most nations around the globe.
The diversity and the quality of food produced and consumed are decisive factors when
addressing the problem of malnutrition. Fruit and vegetables are increasingly moving into
the focus of the nutrition community. Agricultural policies and investments in agriculture
are predominantly focused on staple food production, neglecting the economic and nutri-
tional potential of fruits and vegetables. The knowledge about genetic diversity of a crop
species therefore is very important and prerequisite for its exploitation. In this context, an
effort was made to study the genetic diversity in garlic for yield and quality characters.
Garlic (Allium sativumL.) is considered as one of the most important species in onion
family, Amaryllidaceae. Garlic is a source of various biologically active phytomolecules,
including organ Sulphur compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamins and nutrients.
The intelligent exploitation of garlic accessions for genetic analyses requires a detailed
knowledge of genetic diversity and historical relationships among the accessions.
The experiment was conducted at BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur. The experimental mate-
rial consisted of 25 garlic genotypes from different locations in India and the trial was laid
out in a RBD with three replications. Standard package of practices to raise a successful
crop was followed. Observations were recorded on three randomly selected competitive
plants per replication for important yield and yield attributing traits. The statistical analy-
sis of the data noted in all observations was carried out by the method of analysis of
variance as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1984).Comparison of the genotypes was
made with the help of critical differences (C.D.). The D2 statistics for a measure of
group distance was worked out as has been given by P. C. Mahalanobis in 1928. Cluster
analysis of genotypes was performed based on all of traits using Ward’s minimum vari-
ance method (1963) and then groups were compared. The results indicated that all the
genotypes differed significantly with respect to different characters and showed marked
divergence. These differences could be attributed to the genetic makeup of the geno-
types. Diverse genotypes might contain diverse nutrients which is important in respect
of nutritional security. Genotype 650 produced significantly the highest yield per plant
followed by BRG-10 and IC-375107 while the lowest yield per plant was obtained in
genotype IC 373010. On the basis of the cluster analysis based on all the traits studied,
the genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. Among the different clusters, cluster I con-
sisted maximum number of genotypes and cluster VI contained minimum number of
genotypes. The clustering pattern clearly reflected the presence of considerable extent
of genetic diversity in the material under study. Cluster II showed highest mean value for
the important economic character i.e., yields per plant. However, number of cloves per
bulb followed by average weight of cloves had major percentage towards divergence as
far as morphological traits are concerned.
Keywords : Genetic diversity, Malnutrition, Garlic, and Nutritional Security.
146 T8-02
Assessment of Economic Impact through Transfer of
Weather Forecast and Agro-advisory for Farmers in
South Alluvial Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar
Sunil Kumar*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur 813210, Bihar
*
Corresponding author’s email: sunilkumaragromet@gmail.com
The economic impact assessment is the key to know the benefit from any technol-
ogy for farmers. Present study was conducted during Summer and Kharif in 2014 and 2015
at villages of districts which comes under the South Alluvial Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar
to know the effectiveness and usefulness of Agro Advisory Services (AAS) and to quan-
tify the economic benefits through adopting the agromet advisory in their regular agricul-
tural operations. For this purpose, two groups of farmers were selected namely, a group
adopting the agromet advisories regularly in their operation (AAS farmers) and other
group of farmers not aware of agromet advisories (Non-AAS farmers). The crop growth
and yield were observed to be good and high in case of farmers who have adopted the
AAS information regularly compared to the farmers who have not adopted the AAS
information. In kharif rice, maize and brinjal monetary value of saving was estimated as Rs.
1190, Rs. 1600 and Rs. 2, 60, 000 per hectare. Similarly, in case of summer season Moong,
Okra, Mango, and Litchi are cultivated and the benefit to the Growers was estimated as Rs.
2100/-, 3, 20,000/-, 4, 00,000/- and 8, 40,000/- per hectare to adoptive farmers of the locality.
The estimated loss to the non-adoptive farmers who did not care the Advice rendered by
Agromet advisories Served by this centre was estimated at 140, 160 and 02 MT per hectare
in rice, maize and brinjal respectively under this region. So, all over views it was indicated
that the adoptive farmers who adopted agro advisory services got benefit of Rs. 1190 to
5760 for cereals crop and from Rs. 1.2 lakh to 3.2 lakh and Rs. 4.0 to 8.40 lakh in vegetables
and fruits crop respectively. This profit was due to the crop management done by the
farmers according to agromet advisory bulletins. Thus, the application of agromet advi-
sory bulletin, based on current and forecast weather is a useful tool for enhancing the
production and income.
Keywords : Weather forecast, Agromet advisory, Maize, Vegetables and Economics.
T8-03
A Perspective of Food Security and Natural Resource

Management
Manoher Saryam1,Shailabala Dei2, Pooja Jena3* and Ravi Gupta4
1
Research Scholar, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B.H.U., Varanasi (U.P.)
2&3
Bihar agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar)
4
Research Scholar, Visva-Bharti, Santiniketan, (W. B.)
Corresponding author’s email: jenaext@gmail.com
Natural resource management is a complex interrelationship among soil, plant,
animal, human and environment. It refers to sustainable utilization of major natural re-
sources, such as land, water, air, minerals, forests, fisheries, and wild flora and fauna.
Together, these resources provide ecosystem services for better quality to human life.
Natural resources provide fundamental life support, in the form of both consumptive
and public-good services. We use varied natural resources in different ways to satisfy
our needs. However, these resources are not infinitely available for human use. Not only
non-renewable but also renewable resources are limited. Many regions of the world are 147
facing this problem, aggravated due to unplanned and unscientific exploitation of natural
resources leading to serious environment and land degradation processes. The health of
ecosystems on which human and other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly
than ever. We are eroding the very foundation of our economies, livelihoods, food secu-
rity, health, and quality of life worldwide. Optimum utilization of land resources as per
land capability classification along with new farming systems and cropping patterns,
according to the local agro-climatic conditions, would ensure higher productivity and
resources sustainability. Large scale of afforestation programme either of timber, hor-
ticultural plants, and plantation trees of agroforestry importance should be encouraged
largely. Sustainable options for decreasing food demand and for increasing production
include reduction of food losses on both the producer and consumer ends, elimination
of unsustainable practices such as prolonged groundwater overdraft, closing of yield
gaps with controlled expansions of fertilizer application, increases in crop yield and
pest resistance through advances in biotechnology, and moderate expansion of rain fed
and irrigated cropland. Calculations based on reasonable assumptions suggest that such
measures could meet the food needs of an increasing global population while protecting
the environment.
Keywords : Natural resource, Food security, Sustainable agriculture and Renewable
resources.
T8-04
Nutrition Smart Agriculture: Contribution to Income
and Nutrition through Agriculture
Swagata Ghoshal*
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal
*
Corresponding author’s email: swagataghoshal47@gmail.com
Approximately one in four children under five years of age is stunted (low height-
for-age). Under-nutrition kills more than 3 million children every year. Over 2 billion people
are deficient in key vitamins and minerals because of low dietary diversity. Though preva-
lence of wasting (low weight-for-height) has declined, yet 19 million babies are born each
year with a low birth weight. Globally, 570.8 million (29.9%) girls and women of 15–49 years
of age are anemic. Over half of Indian women in the age group of 15-49 years are anemic.
There has been a rise in anemic Indian women since 2016 from 52.6% to 53% in 2020.Over
17% of Indian children under 5 years of age are wasted (low weight-for-height). India is
also among 23 countries that have made no progress or are worsening on reducing ‘child-
hood wasting’. Over 34% of children under 5 years of age are still stunted (low height-for-
age). Agriculture matters for nutrition as agriculture is the main occupation of about 80%
people living in rural areas of developing countries. Women account for more than 40% of
agricultural labor and dominate the small-scale food-processing sector. Agricultural growth
is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty as GDP growth originating outside the
sector. To bridge the disconnection between nutrition and agriculture, intensive work is
needed across sectors to create a global food system that is sensitive to nutritional out-
comes. Malnutrition should be made the outcome indicator for all poverty alleviation
schemes. Rather than individually, prevention of malnutrition requires a whole family
approach, where every member needs to be aware of proper dietary intake to meet out the
body requirement. More efforts of the grassroots-level workers are needed to create aware-
ness, disseminate the information about nutrition and its importance. Extension and
148 advisory service providers need to convince people to grow a nutrition garden in every
household, school premises and community owned places, so that the eating habits in-
cluding appropriate diet can be inculcated among the folks.
Keywords : Nutrition Smart Agriculture, Nutritional security, and Income generation.
T8-05
Press Mud: A Sustainable Option to Improve
Soil quality
Mamta1* and Rajendra Bairwa2
1
ICAR- Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi (India)
2
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar (India)
Corresponding author’s email: mamtasaharan55@gmail.com
Sugarcane press mud is an unavoidable waste produced after filtration of sugar-
cane juice and about 3 % produced from total quantity of cane crushed. The clarification
process separates the juice into a clear juice that rises to the top and goes for manufac-
ture, and a mud that collects at the bottom. The soil application of press mud as organic
fertilizers widely practiced in India. It is a solid waste by-product of sugar mill and rich in
many plant nutrients like phosphorous, organic carbon, NPK and other micronutrients
and it also has properties to ameliorate degraded soils. Thus, press mud can serve as an
excellent source of organic fertilizer and an alternate source of crop nutrients and soil
ameliorates. Therefore, it influences physical, chemical, and biological properties. On the
other hand, press mud has lots of applications like fertilizers, for extraction of chemicals, as
bio sorbent, animal feed and in manufacture of cement. Many research works indicate that
application of press mud improves soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and yield of crops.
Sulphitation press mud can be used to amend the alkali soil whereas carbonation press
mud is useful to reclaim acidic soils. In addition to this accumulation of press mud to lime
increased the strength of lime-stabilized soil and reduced its plasticity characteristics.
Keywords : Press mud, Soil quality, Organic fertilizer and Amendment.
T8-06
Agronomic Package and Practices :
A Root of Food Security
Pradeep Kumar1*, Gharsiram2 and Rajendra Bairwa3

1
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat (India)
2
Junagarh Agricultural University, Junagarh, Gujarat (India)
3
*
Corresponding author’s email: pradeepsevta11@gmail.com
Climate change has negative effects on food security, livelihood security, water
security, and energy security due to change in extreme events such as floods, droughts,
and heat waves, and sustains agricultural productivity. Global demand for food is pro-
jected to double by 2050. The rapidly growing population and the increase in demand for
food, feed, and fuel will require sustainable agronomic practices to increase crop produc-
tivity. To meet the challenge, many advanced agronomic practices have been developed.
Agronomic practices like selection of suitable crops and their varieties that are resistant to
biotic stresses, selection of suitable crops and their varieties that are resistant to abiotic
stresses and selection of suitable cropping system, sustainable intensification. Sustain-
able agronomic practices are important to improve food security in changing climates.
Agronomy science becomes imperative in Agriculture in the following areas. Identifi- 149
cation of proper season for cultivation of wide range of crops, proper sowing methods,
weeds control through different techniques, use of chemical fertilizers and organic ma-
nures like poultry manure, farmyard manure, green manuring, brown manuring, compost
formation, use of bioherbicides, different cropping techniques like intercropping,
monocropping, extensive cropping, intensive cropping, storage techniques for different
agricultural produces, water management, management of crop under changing climate
and other farm management services broaden the scope of agronomy etc. The effect of
climate change on productivity of crop shows the major role of agronomists to develop
such varieties and cropping system that are more resilient to the climate change with high
production. Modification in the crop due to change in climate was not significant, its might
be due to gradually increase in carbon dioxide and temperature rate that modified the time
of sowing, reliability and crop production management practices will allow some adapta-
tion in the crop production system. These include various adaptations like the selection of
crops that have strong mechanisms and high resistance against disease, are more resilient
to the abiotic stresses like heat and temperature, and have stronger genetic enhancement
to compete with changing environment and the selection of cropping system according to
the current climatic condition.
Keywords : Agronomic method, Climate change, Food security and Sustainable agri-
culture.
T8-07
Honey Bee Pollination: An Importance in Crop
Production
Kanhaiya Lal Bairwa1* and Debanand Biswas2
1
2
*Corresponding author’s email: kanhaiyabarva1@gmail.com
The agricultural industry is very important, and pollination is a fundamental
building block for crop production. Plants rely on vectors, such as water, wind. Animal
pollinators such as bats, moths, hoverflies, birds, bees, butterflies, wasps, and beetles to
transport pollen. Animals typically pollinate cultivated plants. 30% of the world’s food is
produced through animal-based pollination and around one-third of it comes from crops
that are pollinated by bees. Bees are regarded as important pollinators because of their
efficiency and accessibility. The quality and quantity of crops benefit greatly from bee
pollination, which also enhances dietary and economic consequences globally. The most
frequent pollinator of crops globally is the western honey bee (Apis mellifera), yet little is
known about its function outside of regulated ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the signifi-
cance of A. mellifera in natural environments using a global dataset comprising 80 re-
ported plant-pollinator interaction networks and pollinator efficiency indicators from 34
plant species. Most floral visitors in natural settings around the world are Apis mellifera,
accounting for an average of 13% of floral visits across all networks (range 0-85%) while
only visiting 5% of plant species. Although there was no difference between Apis mellifera
native and introduced ranges, visitation was higher in conditions that were warmer and
less changeable as well as on mainland locations as opposed to islands. While generally
less effective than the most effective non-A. mellifera floral visitor, A. mellifera did not
differ from the typical non-A. mellifera floral visitor in terms of single-visit pollination
efficacy. Our findings support the need for a fuller comprehension of how A. mellifera
150 shapes the ecology, evolution, and conservation of plants, pollinators, and their interac-
tions in natural settings, as well as potential future changes to its distribution and abun-
dance.
Keywords: Honey Bee, Pollinators insects, Crop production and Profitability.
T8-08
Study of Phenotypic Characters of a Set of Mango
Genotypes of Bihar
Ankur Kumar Rai1*, Samik Sengupta1, Ravindra Kumar1, Ankit Kumar Pandey1,
Gautam Pratap Singh2, Suman Kumari1 and Roopendra Kumar1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, 813210
*
Corresponding author’s email: ankurhorti@gmail.com
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the
Sapindales order, which has 73 genera and roughly 830 species. Because performance
changes with climate, it is extremely heterozygous, resulting in a high level of genetic
variety. The intended improvement in ideal plant type needs greater attention for making
its cultivation more profitable by increasing production with low inputs. Utilization of
conserved germplasm in breeding programmes necessitates precise information on ge-
netic relationships among cultivars, as well as information on genetic distance between
cultivars, which will aid in avoiding duplicates, clearing nomenclature ambiguity, broad-
ening the genetic base of the core collections, and ultimately preserving the valuable
diversity. Twenty-five genotypes were selected for this study. Fruit samples were col-
lected from four directions from each single plant for their analysis. The observations
were recorded during investigation as per DUS guidelines by IPGRI (2006) descriptors
as follows : Leaf apex shape and Leaf base shape of mango genotypes were observed
acuminate and obtuse respectively in G-01, G-30, G-31, and G-51. Young leaf colour
was found green in G-01 and deep coppery tan colour in G-02, G-03. Leaf blade shape
of mango genotypes was observed ovate in G-01, G-30 and ovate in G-02, G-03. Inflo-
rescence shape of mango was found conical in G-01, G-02 and pyramidal in G-03, G-
05. Inflorescence colour was found light green in G-01, G-16 yellowish green in G-02,
G-03 and green with red patches in G-05, G-11.Maximum canopy volume was found in
G-28 (397.42 m3 ) followed by G-21(380.50 m3 ). Maximum plant spread in north-
south direction was found in G-16 (7.00 m) while maximum plant spread in east-west
direction (7.35 m) was found in G-28. A perusal of the data indicates that there was a
significant difference in case of sex ratio of different mango genotypes. Highest sex
ratio (31.83) was found in G-22 followed by G-11 (22.08) while lowest sex ratio (4.76)
was recorded in G-03 followed by G-06 (4.79). The maximum flowering intensity per
cent (80.50%) was recorded in G-22 and minimum (29.00%) was found in G-31, The
maximum fruit retention per panicle (4.00) was observed in G-18 followed by G-12.
Maximum peel weight (60.33 g) was noticed in G-44. Genotype G-44 produced highest
stone weight (54.00 g) and the genotype G-02 produced lowest stone weight (21.33 g).
Maximum pulp weight (252.83 g) in G-44 and minimum pulp weight (43.17 g) was
recorded in G-22. High estimates of the most of the characters under study indicated
substantial variability in the existing germplasm to develop possible future pre-breeding
lines of mango. In this study, the various characters under study were recorded which
will aid in selection of germplasm for breeding purpose and release of new cultivars.
Keywords : Heterozygous, Precise, Intensity, Sex ratio, Significant and Broadening.
T8-09 151
Dynamics of Foodgrains Production and Decomposition
of Output Components of Foodgrains in Bihar
Jyoti Kumari*, Aniruddha Roy, Nidhi, Ipsita Sen D. K. Sinha and Nasim Ahmad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur- 848125
*Corresponding author’s email: jk7842398@gmail.com
Bihar stands at seventh position in foodgrains production in the country. It had
produced 15.38 million tonnes in the year 2020-21 from an area of 6.36 million hectare.
Production of cereals was 15 million tonnes from which rice accounts for 6.74 million
tonnes and maize accounts for 2.08 million tonnes of production but pulses contribute
only 0.38 million tonnes. This paper calculated the growth rate, instability index, and
decomposition analysis of area, production, and yield of foodgrains in Bihar. The study
period was from 1991-92 to 2020-21. It was divided in three decades. Area under foodgrains
was showing negative growth rate in every decade. Production was showing increasing
growth rate in first and third decade but in second decade it was showing negative growth
rate. Yield of foodgrains was showing positive growth rate in every decade which was the
main source of growth in production. Cereals were following the similar trend as of
foodgrains. For pulses scenario was somewhat different. Pulse area as well as production
was showing negative growth rate in every decade but its yield was showing positive
growth rate in first two decade and negative growth rate in last decade. In cereals, area of
rice was showing negative growth rate in all the decade but production and yield was
showing positive growth rate in first and third decade and negative growth rate in second
decade. Area under maize was showing negative growth rate in every decade except in
second decade where it was found positive growth rate. Production of maize was showing
positive growth rate in all the decades though its yield was also showing positive growth
rate in first and third decade and negative growth rate in second decade. Highest instabil-
ity in area of foodgrains was observed in first decade but production and yield of foodgrains
was showing highest instability in second decade. Yield effects of crops were contributing
more than area effect in increasing foodgrains production. Net cropped area and gross
cropped area in Bihar had decreased. Due to more intensive cultivation, the cropping
intensity in Bihar has increased from 138% in 2001-02 to 143% in 2018-19. More effective
production methods be used, fallow land be used to produce pulses, short-duration vari-
eties may be encouraged, and focused efforts from various line departments be made in
order to ensure that Bihar is both food and nutritionally secure.
Keywords: Foodgrains, Growth rate, Instability index and Cropping intensity.

152 T8-10
Combined Stress of Drought and Heat on Rice
Production at Higher Risk of Food Security and
Nutrition Impacting Livelihood of Agricultural
Dependent
Sareeta Nahakpam1* Sweta Sinha2, Awadhesh K Pal1 and S P Singh3
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, India
Corresponding author’s email: nichsareeta@gmail.com
Climate change has notably raised severity of abiotic stress with consequence to
rice production and food security. Drought and heat are the most challenging abiotic
stresses confronting agricultural sustainability and smack a significant crop output defi-
ciency. Combined stress has drastically affected several vital rice morphological, physi-
ological and biochemical activities that directly contributing to rice grain yield. Decreased
in the photosynthetic capacity of rice genotypes Sabour Surbhit upto 25% has been
noted. Reduction in Relative water content (<65%), Chlorophyll stability (<75%) and Ap-
parent contribution rate of accumulated NSC in grains (ACA) % are highly affected by
combined stress of drought and heat. Results showed that rice genotypes exposed to
these stresses at the reproductive stage are more prone to yield lost by 20-35% as com-
pared the genotypes grown in normal situation. These reductions are generally due to
alteration in rice physiological and biochemical traits that affected dissipation of photo-
synthates to the targeted sink revealing poor translocation ability of the genotypes which
further significantly impacted on plant nutrient cycle also. Decreased in the important
micronutrients such as iron (<12%) and zinc (<14%) have been recorded in the rice geno-
types grown under drought and heat stress. Moreover, total carbohydrate content, grain
protein content also reduced upto 22% and 17% respectively. Results clearly revealed the
challenge confronting sustainable agriculture limiting subsequent rice production and
productivity. Even though with introduction of several climates resilient high yielding rice
varieties, the world is still in the race of food security and secure livelihood. At present
scenario, under limited land resources potential enhancement in nutritional qualities be-
sides high yielders is also a prime target and so over biofortification in rice. Current
methodology and techniques used to compensate the effects of drought and heat stresses
are however, money and labor-intensive, which offer limited overall crop improvement.
Thus, farmers or producers especially small-scale producers suffer tremendously when
field input are concerned with least outcome. Therefore, climate change has directly im-
pacted on higher risk of food security and nutrition to the populations that are dependent
on agriculture and natural resources because their livelihoods are highly exposed to the
same at higher rate with very limited capacity to respond. Measuring all the above it is
understood to not only broaden the adaptational strategies of crop and improved tech-
nologies but also to strengthen policies that reduce financial risk of populations that are
dependent on agriculture as well as food nutritional value.
Keywords : Drought stress, Heat stress, Nutrient content, and Food security.
T8-11 153
A Perspective of Food Security and Natural Resource
Management
Manoher Saryam1,Shailabala Dei2, Pooja Jena3* and Ravi Gupta4
1
2&*3
Bihar agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar), 4Visva-Bharti, Santiniketan, (West Bengal)
Natural Resource Management is a complex interrelationship among soil, plant,
animal, human and environment. It refers to sustainable utilization of major natural re-
sources, such as land, water, air, minerals, forests, fisheries, and wild flora and fauna.
Together, these resources provide ecosystem services for better quality to human life.
Natural resources provide fundamental life support, in the form of both consumptive and
public-good services. We use varied natural resources in different ways to satisfy our
needs. However, these resources are not infinitely available for human use. Not only
nonrenewable but also renewable resources are limited. Many regions of the world are
facing this problem, aggravated due to unplanned and unscientific exploitation of natural
resources leading to serious environment and land degradation processes. The health of
ecosystems on which human and other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than
ever. We are eroding the very foundation of our economies, livelihoods, food security,
health and quality of life worldwide. Optimum utilization of land resources as per land
capability classification along with new farming systems and cropping patterns, accord-
ing to the local agro-climatic conditions, would ensure higher productivity and resources
sustainability. Large scale of afforestation programme either of timber, horticultural plants,
and plantation trees of agroforestry importance should be encouraged largely. Sustain-
able options for decreasing food demand and for increasing production include reduction
of food losses on both the producer and consumer ends, elimination of unsustainable
practices such as prolonged groundwater overdraft, closing of yield gaps with controlled
expansions of fertilizer application, increases in crop yield and pest resistance through
advances in biotechnology, and moderate expansion of rain fed and irrigated cropland.
Calculations based on reasonable assumptions suggest that such measures could meet
the food needs of an increasing global population while protecting the environment.
Keywords : Natural resource, Food security, Sustainable agriculture & Environment.
T8-12
The Production Scenario of Cereals in Major Producing
States of India
Jeevitha G. N.1* and Singh2 J. M.
1
2
Agro Economic Research Center Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
*Corresponding author’s email: jeevithasrushti@gmail.com
India is an agrarian country and food grains are the predominant crops occupying
major portion of cropped area. Cereals are the staple food for most of the people in India
and across the world. India ranks third in production of total cereals. The present study
investigates the production scenario of major cereals (Rice, Wheat, Maize and Jowar) in
major producing states of India. The required time series data on area, production, and
productivity of selected crops for selected states has been collected from various pub-
lished and unpublished reliable sources like Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Wel-
154 fare, Govt. of India. The results of the study revealed that, for the study period 1960-61
to 2017-18, at national level, area, production and productivity of Rice, wheat and Maize
exhibited a positive and significant growth. But in case of jowar, both area and produc-
tion, at national level, exhibited significantly negative growth, while the growth in pro-
ductivity was positive and significant. Among the major producing states in India, the
highest growth in both area and production of Rice, Wheat and Maize was shown by
Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu respectively. Whereas, the highest growth in produc-
tivity of Rice, Wheat and Maize was exhibited by Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and
Andhra Pradesh respectively. In case of Jowar, the highest positive growth in productiv-
ity was shown by Gujarat while Andhra Pradesh showed a highest negative growth in both
area and production elucidating the poor status of Jowar cultivation in India. The study
calls for the increased efforts from the Government and extension services to create
awareness about the nutritional value of Jowar, the called Nutria-Cereal, and to provide
necessary incentives to augment its production which would aid in achieving the nutri-
tional security in the country.
Keywords: Production scenario, Cereals, Area, Maize and Rice.
T8-13
Contribution of Fruits and Vegetables to Improving
Food and Nutritional Security in Rural Bihar (India) :
An Overview
Ramnath K Ray1*, Mukesh K Wadhwani2, Sandeep Kumar1, Meera Kumari1,
Puja Sinha3 and Nitu Kumari1
1
2
Collage of Agri-Business and management, Patna, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur
3
Jeevika Government of Bihar
Bihar is the third most populous state in India and one of the fastest growing low-
income states in the country. But despite impressive gains in gross domestic product
(GDP) per capita over the past decade, poverty is widespread in Bihar, more so in the
northern districts than in the south. This is reflected in poor nutrition and nutritional
outcomes for women and children. Bihar is one of the largest producers of vegetables and
fruit in India, accounting for 9.8 and 6.7 per cent of the national production respectively.
The production of horticultural crops plays an important role in feeding and nourishing
the rural population. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of micronutrients i.e.
Vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates, etc. which are essential for human nutri-
tion. Therefore, these are referred to as protective foods and are of great importance for
people’s food security. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet is
essential for food security. Increased fruit and vegetable consumption can help alleviate
malnutrition by demonstrating a balanced diet. These native fruits and vegetables are
amaranth, Asian eggplant, drumstick, jackfruit, jujube, bael, jamun, carambola, karonda,
and phalsa. A lack of adequate intake of these components in the human body leads to
specific nutritional deficiencies, e.g. zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, anemia, vitamin A
deficiency, calcium deficiency, etc. These are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals
that support the proper functioning of the human body. A dietary approach, rather than
the medical approach (pill supplementation), is the most economical and sustainable way
to correct micronutrient deficiencies. So that the contribution of fruit and vegetables can
be maximized. Entrepreneurship with these processed products can improve the nutri-
tional and socioeconomic status of the country’s vulnerable communities. Incorporat- 155
ing local fruits and vegetables into your daily diet can help keep food and nutrition safe.
Keyword: Fruits, Vegetable, Micronutrients, Nutritional security, and Rural Bihar.
T8-14
Sustainable Pest Management for Increasing
Profitability of Farmers
Shyam Babu Sah*1, R. N. Gupta2, Ashwini Choudhary3, Mithlesh Kumar4 and
Binod Kumar5
1,3&5
MBAC, Agwanpur, Saharsa (BAU, Sabour),
2
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour,Bhagalpur
4
Department of Plant Pathology,B.P.S.A.C.,Purnea
*Corresponding author’s email: shyamento@gmail.com
Sustainable pest management is an important component of Integrated Pest Man-
agement. Integrated pest management (IPM) has been the dominant paradigm for crop
protection since the 1960s. In theory, farmers practicing IPM make decisions about pest
management interventions that are economically justified, knowledge-based and minimize
risks to the environment and human health (Parsaet al., 2014). A key feature of sustainable
pest management is an active monitoring of the crop for pest populations or damage that
is weighed against some pre-established damage threshold, above which farm profits
would be negatively affected. Farmers are expected to balance the costs of intervention
against the potential economic losses if no action were taken (Matteson, 2000). An experi-
ment was conducted at MBAC, Agwanpur, Saharsa to observe the infestation trends and
their sustainable pest management on banana rhizome weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus).
For sustainable management of banana rhizome weevil, regular monitoring of weevil activ-
ity in a garden was done by keeping longitudinally split banana pseudostem traps @ 10-
15/acre. Once weevil is attracted to the laid traps, the longitudinal split banana traps was
kept @100/ha with biocontrol agents like, Beauveria bassiana (10g per trap). The biocontrol
agent can be smeared on the stem traps and the cut surfaces were kept facing the ground.
Installing of Pheromone traps, Cosmolure @ 5 traps/ha was done. The trapped weevils
died. The position of traps was changed once in a month. In this method of pest manage-
ment natural enemies are not damaged by chemical insecticides. It is safer for environment
and farmers fetch better returns by selling their pesticide free banana in market. This
information can be helpful as a key component for implementation of sustainable pest
management of banana rhizome weevil.

Keywords : Sustainable, Pest management, Profitability, Minimize risk, and Costs.
156 T8-15
Contribution of Dairy Enterprise in Income and
Livelihood of Farmers in Tal Area of Patna District of
Bihar
Ajay Kumar1*, M. K. Wadhwani2, Nitu Kumari3, and Ramnath K. Ray4
1
M.Sc. Ag. Student, 2Univ. Professor, 3,4 Ph.D. Student
*
Corresponding author’s email: ajaykumarsaksena4@gmail.com
India’s livestock sector plays a vital role in livelihood security and socio-eco-
nomic development of rural households. It is the second most important contributor to the
agricultural economy making a significant contribution to GDP (4.11%, 2020-21) and pro-
viding livelihood to about 30.5 million people (GoI, 2019). The milk production in India was
198.4 million tons (GOI, 2019-20). In Bihar, the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors
in the economy was 20% (2019-20, Economic Survey, Bihar). There were about 15.397
millions of cattle and 77.197 millions of buffaloes (2019) in the state. The Patna is the most
important district of the state in terms of livestock population 1.001 million with milk
production of 10.4 million tons (GOI, 2019-20). The talarea land is heavily fertile having
high yield potential but due to water stagnation during kharif season. The land is mainly
characterized with mono cropping during rabi season. The ‘tal’ agro-ecosystem covers
about 38,465 ha (37.62%) in the Patna district. The dairying is the most important enter-
prise of tal area of the district contributing significantly in income and employment of the
farmer. The study was based on primary data collected from a sample of 90 farmers selected
using Simple Random Sampling without Replacement technique from 6 villages of Mokama
and Ghoswari blocks. The data were collected through Survey Method (2021-22). It was
found that the average land holding of sample farmer was 1.304 ha and the numbers of
cattle were 3.65 (2.14 cross breed cow, 1.04 desi cow and 0.47 buffalo). The adoption level
of dairy enterprise was 88.89% by the farmers due to waterlogged condition in the area.
The contribution of dairy enterprise in employment generation was 82.22%, income 85.52%
in the total income of farmer and food security was 71.11% in the study area. The severity
of constraints faced by farmers was in management of dairy business was measured using
Garrett Ranking Technique using Garrett Scores. Among the constraints, high costs of
green fodder, dry fodder and concentrated fodder ranked first with garret score of 64.29
and inadequate knowledge about de-worming and dehorning of animals among health
constraints was ranked first with garret score of 62.91. The study concluded that the dairy
enterprise contributes significantly to the income of farmers and plays significant role in
livelihood security in Tal area. The study suggests for training of the farmers on scientific
dairy management including post production management of milk.
Keywords : Dairy enterprise, Dairy farming, Income and Livelihood security.
T8-16 157
Sesame Production for Nutritional and Livelihood
Security
1*
Sima Sinha, 2Vivek Kumar, 1Kumari Rashmi, 1S. S. Mandal
1
Bihar Agricultural University,Sabour,813210
2
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004
*
Corresponding author’s email: simasinha11@gmail.com
Sesame is one of the important oilseed crops with additional nutritional as well
as medicinal value. It is also known as til, gigelly, benne seed etc. It is one of the oldest
crops which are known by human being. It is known as Queen of oilseeds due to its high
quality of oil having polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This crop is used as raw, oil
purpose or its different culinary product as chickki, tilkut, enarsa and many more. It has
high oil quality having oleic (42.8) and high lenoleic (41.7) which is known as omega-6.
It is very useful in regulating cholesterol, reducing triglyceride as well as beneficial for
blood pressure patient. It is used in dermatological issues since long period. It is very
beneficial for improving neurological disorder like Alzheimer disease. Sesame con-
tains sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol which has antioxidant property. So, we may add in
daily diet for nutritional security. This may include in different Government Programme
like anganbari meal, mid-day meal in school. Sesame is only 85-90 days crop and grown
in different agro-climatic zone. Its production cost is very low, but minimum support
price (MSP) is in increasing trend. So, it will be very beneficial for those who grow
Sesame. Its product prepared in small scale even it can be prepared by family members
in free time and earn with very less investment and infrastructure. So, it can be prepared
in a room for making tilchickki, tilbadamchickki, tilkut, enarsa with jiggery or sugar.
After value addition in sesame, it will fetch good price and it will help in livelihood
security.
Keywords : Sesame Production, PUFA, MSP, Nutritional Security and Livelihood.
T8-17
Sustainable and Economic Alleviation of Malnutrition
through Biofortified Varieties
Radhey Shyam Singh*, Sanjay Kumar, and Birendra Prasad
MBAC Agwanpur, Saharsa-852202
*RRS Agwanpur, Saharsa-852202

*
Corresponding author’s email: singhrscoh@gmail.com
Nutritional diet plays important role for proper growth and development of the
people. Plant products provide energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and
minerals to fulfil our daily energy requirements. Most of the biochemical substances
cannot be synthesized in our body. Hence worldwide people are dependent on the differ-
ent plants. Global Food policy report says that about 21.9 per cent people of India are
living in serious poverty and 15.2 per cent people are malnourished which affect by so
many ways (stunting, wasting, underweight, obesity etc.). 58.4 per cent children, 53 per
cent adult women and 22.7 adult men are affected by anemia. As per an estimate 70 per cent
children are affected by Iron deficiency and 38 per cent are deficient of Zinc. India loses
more than 12 billion US$ in GDP per year to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Worldwide
scientists have developed so many improved varieties in different crops having rich
nutrients, minerals, Vitamins, quality and reduced harmful substances through conven-
158 tional/genetic engineering methods. These are called as Biofortified varieties which
may be an alternative option to overcome these global nutritional imbalances. By im-
mense efforts of the scientific community so many high yielding biofortified varieties
of different crops have been released for commercial cultivation. Rice: CR Dhan 310
(10.3 % protein), DRR Dhan 45 (22.6 ppm Zinc), DRR Dhan 48 (24.0 ppm Zinc), DRR
Dhan 49 (25.2 ppm Zinc), Zinco Rice MS (27.4ppm Zinc), CR Dhan 311 (10.1 % pro-
tein and 20.1 ppm Zinc), CR Dhan 315 (24.9 ppm Zinc), Golden rice. Wheat: WB 02
(40 ppm Iron and 42 ppm Zinc), HPBW 01 (40 ppm Iron & 40.6 ppm Zinc), PusaTejas
[HI 8759]Durum ((12.0 % Protein, Iron 41.1 ppm and zinc 42.8 ppm), PusaUjala [HI
1605] (Protein 13 % and Zinc 43 ppm), HD 2171 (47.1 ppm Zinc), HI 8777 [Durum]
(Iron 48.7 ppm and zinc 43.6 ppm),MACS 4028 (Protein 14.7 %, Iron 46.1 ppm and
zinc 40.3 ppm), PBW 752 (Protein 12.4%), PBW 757 (42.3 ppm), Karan Vandana [DBW
187](Iron 43.1 ppm), DBW 173 (Protein 12.5 % and Iron 40.7 ppm), UAS 375 (Protein
13.8 %), DDW 47 (Protein 12.7 % and Iron 40.1 ppm), PBW 771 (Zinc 41.4 ppm), HI 8802
(Protein 13.0 %), HI 8805 (Protein 12.8 % and Iron 40.4 ppm), HD 3249 (Iron 42.5 ppm),
MACS 4058 (Protein 14.7 %, Iron 39.5 ppm and Zinc 37.8 ppm), HD 3298 (Protein 12.1 %
and Iron 43.1 ppm), HI 1633 (Protein 12.4 %, Iron 41.6 ppm and Zinc 41.1 ppm), DBW 303
(Protein 12.1 %), HUW 838 (High Zinc, Iron and Climate resilient). Maize: Vivek QPM 9
(Lysine 4.19 % and Tryptophan 0.83 %), Pusa HM 4 Improved (Lysine 3.62 % and Tryp-
tophan 0.91 %), Pusa HM 8 Improved (Lysine 4.18 % and Tryptophan 1.06 %), Pusa HM 9
Improved (Lysine 2.97 % and Tryptophan 0.68 %), Pusa Vivek QPM 9 Improved (Provita-
min-A 8.15 ppm, Lysine 2.67 % and Tryptophan 0.74 %), Pusa VH 27 Improved (Provitamin-
A 5.49 ppm), Pusa HQPM 5 Improved (Provitamin-A 6.77 ppm, Lysine 4.25 % and Tryp-
tophan 0.94 %), Pusa HQPM 7 Improved (Provitamin-A 7.10 ppm, Lysine 4.19 % and
Tryptophan 0.93 %), IQMH 201 (Lysine (3.03 % and Tryptophan 0.73 %), IQMH 203
(Lysine 3.48 % and Tryptophan 0.77 %). Pearl Millet: HHB 299 (Iron 73.0 ppm and Zinc 41.0
ppm), AHB 1200Fe (Iron 73.0 ppm), AHB 1269Fe (Iron 91.0 ppm and Zinc 43.0 ppm), ABV 04
(Iron 70.0 ppm and Zinc 63.0 ppm), Phule Mahashakti (Iron 87.0 ppm and Zinc 41.0 ppm),
RHB 233 (Iron 83.0 ppm and Zinc 46.0 ppm), RHB 234 (Iron 84.0 ppm and Zinc 46.0 ppm),
HHB 311 (Iron 83.0 ppm). Finger Millet: VR 929 [Vegavathi] (Iron 131.8 ppm), CFMV1
[Indravati] (Calcium 428 mg/100g, Iron 58.0 ppm and Zinc 44.0 ppm), CFMV 2 (Calcium 454
mg/100g, Iron 39.0 ppm and Zinc 25.0 ppm). Little Millet: CLMV1 (Rich in Iron 59.0 ppm and
Zinc 35.0 ppm in comparison to 25 ppm iron and 20 ppm zinc in popular varieties). Lentil:
Pusa Ageti Masoor (Iron 65.0 ppm), IPL 220 (Iron 73.0 ppm and Zinc 51.0 ppm). Groundnut:
Girnar 4 (Rich in oleic acid 78.5 % in oil in comparison to 45-52% in popular varieties),
Girnar 5 (Oleic acid 78.4 % in oil). Linseed: TL 99 (High in Linoleic acid 58.9 % compared to
20-25 % in traditional varieties and Low in Linolenic acid 4.1 % in oil in comparison to >40.0
% in popular varieties). Mustard: Pusa Mustard 30 (Low in Erucic acid 1.20 % in oil in
comparison to >40.0 % in popular varieties), Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31 (First Canola
Indian Mustard variety with low Erucic acid 0.76 % and Glucosinolates 29.41 ppm in seed
meal), Pusa Mustard 32 (Erucic acid 1.32 % ). Soybean: NRC 127 (Country’s first Kunitz
Trypsin Inhibitor (KTI) free variety and Free from KTI in comparison to 30-45 mg/g of seed
meal in popular varieties). NRC 132 (Free from Lipoxygenase-2 and Less beany flavour,
suitable for making soybean milk and other products), NRC 147 (Rich in Oleic acid 42.0 %).
Cauliflower: Pusa Beta Kesari 1 (Country’s first Provitamin-A rich cauliflower and Rich in
Provitamin-A 8.0-10.0 ppm). Potato: KufriManik (Rich in anthocyanin 0.68 ppm), Kufri
Neelkanth (Anthocyanin 1.0 ppm). Sweet Potato: Bhu Sona (Rich in Provitamin-A 14.0 mg/
100g in comparison to 2.0-3.0 mg/100g in popular varieties), Bhu Krishna (Anthocyanin
90.0 mg/100g). Pomegranate: Solapur Lal (Rich in iron (5.6-6.1 mg/100g), zinc (0.64-
0.69 mg/100g) and vitamin-C (19.4-19.8 mg/100 g) in fresh arils in comparison to 2.7- 159
3.2 mg/ 100g iron, 0.50-0.54 mg/100g zinc and 14.2-14.6 mg/100g vitamin-C in popu-
lar variety ‘Ganesh’).
Keywords : Malnutrition, Economic alleviation, Biofortified and Nutritional security.
T8-18
Screening of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)for Yield
and Associated Traits under Waterlogging Conditions in
Maize
Birender Singh*, Amita Kumari, S.S. Mandal, Kumari Rashmi, Sardar Sunil
Singh2 and Vinod Kumar2
2
Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: bsinghphd@gmail.com
As we know that the water logging is one of the most important constraints for
maize production and productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. In South-East
Asia, 15 per cent of maize growing areas are affected by waterlogging, causing losses in
maize production of 25– 30 per cent almost every year (Qiuet al., 2007). In Bihar, more
than 39 per cent of the total maize acreage is being grown during kharif season and
waterlogging is the major stress (Zaidi et al., 2012). Hence, for identification of prom-
ising single cross hybrid for waterlogged prone areas, present investigation was under-
taken to derive 28 F1 hybrid using 8 inbreds following half diallel fashion (Griffing’s
numerical approach, 1956) and its evaluation under normal and waterlogging (2– 3 cm
of water above the soil surface at knee-high stage of the crop growth for six days) con-
ditions along with three checks (DHM 117, BIO9637 and NMH 777) to estimate com-
bining ability and heterosis for studied 25 characters in RBD design with three replica-
tions at the Research farm area of the Department of Plant breeding and Genetics, Bihar
Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur during Kharif,
2014. The analysis of variance for gca and sca effects showed highly significant differ-
ences for all the studied traits except number of nodes bearing brace roots (parents and
crosses) and anthesis silking interval (parent) in both and waterlogged condition respec-
tively. On the basis of gca effects, good general combiner parents were: P1 (VQL-1), P7
(DTPYC-9) and P3 (G18) in normal condition and P5 (SML-1), P1 (VQL-1), P7 (DTPYC-
9) and P2 (LM-13) in water logged condition. On the basis of mean performances, sca
effects and standard heterosis better performing crosses for higher grain yield in kharif
season under waterlogging conditions were P1 × P7 (VQL-1 × DTPYC-9), P2 × P7 (LM-
13 × DTPYC-9) and P1 × P5 (VQL-1 ×SML-1).
Keywords: Maize, Stress, Variance, Heterosis and Waterlogging conditions.
160 T8-19
Bio Colorants: A Path to Health Security and
Quality Life
Seema*, Kumari Shashi Bala, Manish Kumar, Shashikant and
Sanjay Kumar Singh
*Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai
*Corresponding author’s email: drseema3012@gmail.com
One of the most significant qualities of food is its colour because it can influence
consumers’ first impression on the item. Unfortunately, most food processing proce-
dures, particularly those that include the use of heat, result in change, degradation or
even loss of food colour. To enhance food’s natural colour, a broad variety of food
colourants are being added. Additionally, colourants can be added to food to achieve the
best food appearance, assure colour uniformity, or even to give colour to acolorless
food. Most of the food colourings used today come from minerals or man-made pro-
cesses. Although synthetic colourants have more stability, a wider range of hues and
brighter colour, ingestion of them has been linked to several negative health impacts,
including aggressiveness, hyperactivity, irritability, and trouble paying attention. Be-
cause modern customers are more concerned about their health, natural colourants are
an appealing alternative that are becoming more and more popular. Plants, animals, and
microorganisms are the sources of natural bio colorants, but few of them are available
in sufficient quantities for commercial use as food colorants. For biotechnological pro-
duction of such colorants, plants and microorganisms are more suitable due to their
understanding of proper cultural techniques and processing. Four significant families of
naturally occurring pigments-chlorophyll, carotenoids, betalains, and anthocyaninsare
found in nature and contain extracts that have been approved for use as food additives.
Most research has been focused on carotenoids and anthocyanins but betalains have
recently gained interest in food science. Compared to anthocyanins, betalains are ideal
for colouring low-acid foodstuff as they maintain their colour over a wide array of pH,
from 3 to 7.Natural colourants still have issues with poorer stability and restricted colour-
shade variation. Therefore, part of plant pigment research is seeking new sources of
pigments. This will not only direct in finding natural alternatives for synthetic dyes, but
also discover new procedures for the pigment production. The diversity of tropical and
subtropical vegetation offers a promising range of unknown plant compounds that might
prove applicable for the need of human. Because of the deficiencies of existing natural
food colorants, the demand for natural pigments is repeatedly raised by the food indus-
try. This demand can be fuelled by research to offer a more naturally healthy way of
coloring foods and provide a clean label declaration.
Keywords : Food colorants, Natural colorants, Pigments and Quality life.
T8-20 161
Mushroom Cultivation for Food, Nutritional and
Livelihood Security of Scheduled Tribe Family in
Bhagalpur, Bihar
Anita Kumari1*, S. K. Pathak2 , R. K. Sohane3 , M. Kumari4 and A. B. Patel5
1*
Corresponding author’s email: anitakvk@gmail.com
India along with Africa, has the largest tribal population in the world. Statistics
shows that tribal population constitutes about 10 and 0.9 percent of the total population of
India and Bihar respectively. The state has a total of twenty-nine (29) scheduled Tribes of
which 94.6 percent of them resides in rural parts. In Bhagalpur district the ST population is
about 2.3 percent of the total population and ST households constitute 2.5 percent of the
total households in the district. The lives of tribes are closely tied to nature, they are
primarily rural and subsistence farming is their way of life. These tribes are very poor,
backward, generally uneducated and lead a hard and miserable life. Due to poverty, the
intake of various essential constituents of food is inadequate among tribes and wide
spread malnutrition and associated diseases are common among them. The nutritional
profile of tribes is low as compared to national average. This compels us to search for
cheap alternative quality nutritional sources for them. In this regard inclusion of mush-
room in their daily diet can help in overcoming the problem of malnutrition and ensure
household nutritional security because of exceptional nutritional and medicinal proper-
ties. It is considered to be a complete, health food suitable for all age groups, child to aged
people. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be taken up by tribals
at home as the technology is very simple require less investment, less space and could
easily be adopted by them with little bit of training and technical guidance. BAU sabour,
implemented the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP)project entitled “Cross Sectional Liveli-
hood Improvement and Income Enhancement through Agro-Enterprise Diversification” in
the Birnaudha and Barhari villages of Goradih Block and a tribal village Shitalpur of Pirpainti
block in Bhagalpur district. As a part of this project, numbers of interventions were carried
out on the different aspects among those interventions mushroom cultivation is one for
additional income generation of poor and vulnerable section of the selected villages in-
cluding the landless labourers and rural women. In the project area women are engaged in
mushroom farming and it becomes one of the off- farm activity of farm women. Presently,
they are growing mushroom at their door steps. As it is homestead business generally
women are engaged in it & they take decisions independently regarding cropping, har-
vesting & marketing. This helps to earns them directly & hereby empowering them. Thus,
besides income generation mushroom cultivation also leads to empowerment of rural
women and ensure their health, nutritional and livelihood security. The paper illustrates
the said interventions and their immediate as well as expected impact. The results of study
revealed that there was significant gain in knowledge, change in attitude and enhance-
ment in skill of beneficiaries after exposure to training and scientific information on mush-
room cultivation among tribals.
Keywords: Mushroom, Food security, Livelihood security, and Scheduled tribe.
162 T8-21
Sustainable Nutrient Management for Food and
Environmental Safety under Rice Based Cropping
System of Bihar
Suborna Roy Choudhury1*, Anupam Das2, Seema1, Sushant Saxena1,
S. K. Gupta1, C.K.Panda3
*Corresponding author’s email: subornabau@gmail.com
Natural resources provide us energy, prosperity, and security. They protect us,
make us healthier and make our lives better. A sustainable approach to crop nutrition is
intended to optimize crop production and maximize net profit while reducing the risk of
environmental contamination. Nutrients and water are the major natural resources re-
quired for agricultural production, where nutrient management is relatively easier. In order
to trace out a sustainable nutrient management option in rice-based cropping system, a
field experiment was carried out during 2016-2019 at research farm, Bihar Agricultural
University. The treatments consisted of two tillage practices viz. zero (M1) and conven-
tional tillage (M2) as main plot, two cropping system viz. rice-wheat (S1) and rice-
maize system (S2) as sub plot and four nitrogen management viz.100% inorganic fer-
tilization (N1), SPAD based nitrogen management (N2), 25% of N supplement with
vermicompost (N3) and split application nitrogen at 20,40, 60 DAS in rice and wheat
and 35, 70, 105 DAS in maize (N4) as sub-sub plot. The results revealed that the Global
warming Potentiality (GWP) was significantly lower under zero tillage 8033 kg CO2eq
ha-1 over conventional tillage. Between cropping system, rice-wheat cropping system
has lowest GWP (7200 kg CO2eq ha-1) than rice-maize cropping system. Three top
dressings of nitrogenous fertilizer (N4) could lower down the Global Warming Poten-
tiality by 7297 kg CO2eq ha-1. The minimum greenhouse gas Intensity (GHGI) of the
system was recorded 0.83 kg CO2eq kg-1grain yield under zero tillage practice (M1),
while, lowest of 0.77 kg CO2eq kg-1 grain yield was estimated from rice-wheat system
and it was least at 0.70 kg CO2eq kg-1 grain yield in split application of nitrogen man-
agement practices (N4) as compared to other management practices. Therefore, numer-
ous new agro-techniques should be endorsed to reduce the emission of mainly methane,
nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide from agricultural system. So, rice-maize cropping
system under zero tilled condition with three split applications of nitrogenous fertilizer
would be the climate resilient system under lower emission scenarios. Above study
concluded that adaptation of conservation agriculture especially zero tillage in rice-

based cropping system can curtail down global warming potential (GWP) as that of
conventional tillage system without any significant loss in system yield.
Keywords: Global warming, Greenhouse gas, Nitrogen management, and Sustainability.
T8-22 163
Evaluation of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) under
Drought Stress Condition
Suriya Harshni J, Birender Singh*, S.S. Mandal, Kumari Rashmi
and Sardar Sunil Singh2
2
Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai
*
Corresponding author’s email: bsinghphd@gmail.com
Maize is known as “Queen of Cereals” as it has a high genetic yield potential
among cereals. Wateractsasacoolingagenttocrops.Maizeneedsmorethan50 percent of its
water requirement in its critical stage (knee heigh, tasseling and silking). When rainfall
is less or water availability through irrigation is below the required level, it creates
drought stress. Drought stress can cause a huge loss in yield even upto 30-40%. Drought
disturbs normal functioning of plant cells by affecting its turgidity. The present study
was undertaken to study the Evaluation of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) under normal and
drought conditions using Line x Tester mating design. The experimental material con-
sists of nine early generation inbred lines of maize obtained from indigenous and exotic
maize germplasm maintained at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar.
In Rabi 2021-22, 27 crosses that were obtained from the previous season (Kharif 2021)
along with the 9 lines and 3testers were sown. Evaluation was made with 2 checks in
both normal and drought condition. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block
Design with three replications at the Research Farm area of Bihar Agricultural Univer-
sity, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar. All the recommended agro-
nomic and plant protection measures were taken at the right time. Analysis of variance
showed significant differences among all the maize genotypes in both normal and drought
which indicated the presence of variability among them. 41 genotypes were grouped
into 7 clusters using Tocher’s method of D2 statistics. Out of the 7 clusters maximum
number of genotypes were found in cluster 4 and 5 (10) in normal; maximum number of
genotypes were found in cluster 1 and 2 (9) in drought. GCA analysis showed that lines
L4, L5, L8, L9 were significant for yield and its attributing characters in normal condition
and lines L2 and L8 were significant for yield and its attributing characters in drought.
SCA analysis showed that L2 x T1, L3 x T2, L5 x T1, L8 x T2 were significant in normal
condition and L5 x T1, L8 x T1 were significant in drought. High heritability combined
with high genetic advance was found for cob length and grain yield in normal; plant
height, cob length and grain yield in drought indicating that those traits are mainly gov-
erned by additive gene action. Hence selection on basis of such traits will be effective.
Grain yield showed positive heterosis in many crosses among which L1 x T2, L1 x T3, L2
x T1, L8 x T1, L8 x T2, L8 x T3, L9 x T1, L9 x T3 were notable. Correlation for grain yield
showed a significant and positive association for days to 50 % silking, anthesis silking
interval, canopy temperature, leaf senescence in normal and for anthesis silking inter-
val, days to 75 % brown husk, chlorophyll content, pollen viability cob weight, cob girth,
grains per row and protein content in drought. Positive direct effect for yield was ob-
served for days to 50 % silking, days to 75 % brown husk, canopy temperature, chloro-
phyll content, leaf rolling, cob weight and grains per row in normal and drought condi-
tion. The findings of the study shown that days to 50 % tasseling, days to 50% silking,
anthesis silking interval, leaf rolling, leaf senescence, leaf firing, canopy temperature
all increased in drought compared to normal condition. Plant height, ear height, chloro-
phyll content, pollen viability, yield and related parameters all decreased in drought
when compared to normal condition. In nutshell, L4, L6, L8,L9were found to be best lines,
164 L2 x T1, L3 x T2, L5 x T1, L8 x T2 were found to be best crosses in normal condition and the
lines L2, L6, L8, L9 crosses L5 x T1, L8 x T1, L8 x T2, L9 x T1 were found to be best in
drought condition. Since lines L6, L8 and crosses L5 x T1, L8 x T2are found be significant
in both normal and drought condition they can be used in further breeding programmes.
Keywords: Heritability, Viability, Yield, Silking, Genotypes and SCA analysis.
T8-23
Livestock Based Economy as A Better Way of
Self-reliance
Ranvir Kumar*, Suman Kalyani, Meera Kumari, S. L. Bairwa, S. M. Rahman
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar)
*
Corresponding author’s email: talkranvir@gmail.com
Agriculture and animal husbandry retain the prime position in rural economy. In-
dia has vast livestock resources. About 20.5 million people depend upon livestock for
their livelihood. Livestock sector contributes 4.11 % GDP and 25.6% of total agricul-
ture GDP. Bovine comprises a diverse group of animals which includes cattle etc. India
ranks first in milk production in world. Now, it is being realized that cow holds an im-
portant place in our Indian rural economy. Five products of cow like milk, curd, ghee,
cow dung and urine which is commonly known as panchgavya remain inseparable in rural
economy. Panchgavya is being utilized since ancient in the form of food, medicine and
helping in agriculture. Cow dung gas is being prepared by dung which is being utilized as
alternative source of LPG for cooking purpose. At present, cow dung gas is being con-
verted into Bio-CNG and as such being utilized as fuel for vehicle. Nearly twenty-five
types of medicines are prepared by panchgavya. Upla is being prepared by cow dung.
Upla, biogas, dung powder, dung wash are major sources for earning money for farmers.
With the help of 15 cow’s farmer can have 45q/month cow dung @ 10-12 kg/day/cow
which can be utilized for gas, upla and wash (cow dung liquid collected from extraction
from cow dung, utilized in biogas through extraction in cow dung dewatering machine).
Earning from sale of milk depends upon the breeds of cows. An entrepreneur can focus
on their activities in this area and can earn more and as such they may be able to generate
employment for others also with spiritual peace. Government should take more initia-
tive in mission mode for development of dairy sector for development of rural economy
and prosperity of rural people.
Keywords : Livestock economy, Livelihood source and Entrepreneurship development.

165
THEME 9: POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT,

SMART AND IOT-BASED TECHNOLOGIES,
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, RISK
MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE (T9)
166
T9-01 167
Post Harvest Technologies of Fruits and Vegetables
Sanjay Sahay1, Kumari Rashmi2*, M. Feza Ahmad1, H. Mir1, S. Sengupta1,
Ravindra Kumar1, M. Kundu1, Pawan Kumar1, Ruby Rani1 and Kumari Karuna1
*Corresponding author’s email: versatilerash@rediffmail.com
Fruits and vegetables, fresh or processed, form an important component of our
diet and there is an ever-increasing demand for these. India being the top producer of
both fruits and vegetables in the world, more emphasis is needed to minimize post-
harvest losses. Lack of post-harvest management skills and technologies such as tem-
perature control to maintain a cold chain, price increases and packaging have caused
several problems including high levels of poverty, hidden hunger, and malnutrition. At
present about 70-80% of our production goes waste mainly during transportation and
storage. A clear understanding of biochemical and physiological changes in fruits and
vegetables during post-harvest operations will enable persons involved in handling, trans-
portation, and storage operation to regulate certain critical parameters. The stage at
which the fruits and vegetables should be harvested is very important in determining the
market life, storage, transport, eating and processing quality. Harvesting indices are de-
fined in terms of either their physiological maturity or their commercial maturity. The
former refers to a particular stage in the life of a plant organ and the latter is concerned
with the time of harvest as related to a particular end-use that can be translated into
market requirements. Physiological maturity refers to a stage in the development of the
fruit or vegetable when maximum growth and maturation has occurred. It is usually as-
sociated with full-ripening in a fruit. It is followed by senescence. Clear distinction
between the three stages of development of a plant organ is not always easy, since the
transition between the stages is often quite slow and indistinct. Commercial maturity is
the stage of a plant organ required by market. Globally, the use of post-harvest technol-
ogy for example, the use of ethylene, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and temperature
control have proven to reduce the loss of post-harvest fruits and vegetables. Also, chemi-
cal and non-chemical methods are useful in controlling rot and pathogenic bacteria,
especially for food and vegetable products. Post-harvest technologies such as controlled
ripening, dietary coverage, temperature control and chemical treatments are powerful
tools to reduce post-harvest fruit and vegetable losses, increase food security and nutri-
tion and alleviate poverty. At the same time, the inefficiency of cleaning chemicals and
pesticides should be avoided to ensure the final safety of consumers.

Keywords : Fruits, Temperature control, and Chemical treatments.
T9-02
Smart Crop Management by Using IOT
Sumit Sow* and Shivani Ranjan
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar-848125
*Corresponding author’s email: sumitsow19@gmail.com
The growth of an agricultural nation depends primarily on agriculture. In India, a
third of the country’s GDP and nearly 70% of the people are dependent on agriculture.
Agriculture related issues have historically impeded the nation’s progress. Improved pro-
duction is necessary to meet the growing demand for food across many industries, but
notably in agriculture. However, there will be times when supply and demand are out of
168 balance. Improving agricultural productivity still faces a difficult task in managing and
maintaining capital and people. A superior choice for increasing food production, resource
management, and labour is called smart agriculture. Modernizing the present conventional
ways of agriculture is the only way to solve this issue. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors is
a new idea which may provide information about agricultural areas and then act on it
depending on user input. Additionally, irrigation, plant diseases, crop stages, and drone
activation via IoT are encountered in a green field. Incorporating scalable software, hard-
ware, cost-effective processes, self-sustaining systems, and intelligent decisions is made
possible by IoT. Scheduling for the entire smart agriculture sector, including irrigation,
plant development, disease detection by a plant’s leaf, and production management,
IoTplays a little role in cropping system selection and resource management (machinery,
pesticides, water, etc.). IoT technology may thus be coupled with traditional farming to
gradually reach the aim, which may make it easier for more farmers to access the solutions
that are already accessible and to share their knowledge on cropping systems.
Keywords: IoT, Resource management, Smart agriculture, Self-sustaining systems.
T9-03
Management of Risk in Agriculture
Shivani Ranjan*, and Sumit Sow
*Corresponding author’s email: ranjanshivani52@gmail.com
Managing risks in agriculture is crucial for several reasons, including the fact that,
even when it doesn’t always increase farmers’ welfare, failing to do so may have a negative
impact on their wages, the stability of the market, and even their access to food. It is
anticipated that the two primary hazards faced by the farmers would increase yield
unpredictability and price volatility. On one hand, extreme weather events will occur more
frequently due to climate change, which will reduce crop production. On the other hand,
long-term supply and demand imbalances are expected worldwide, due to structural fac-
tors such as increased demand driven by population and income growth combined with
scarcity of water, arable land, and energy. At the same time, the common agricultural policy
of the European Union has been undergoing reforms which have significantly reduced the
extent of market interventions. Risk may be defined as the potential deviation between
expected and real outcomes. Though this divergence might have a favorable or negative
impact, decision-makers typically concentrate on the latter because it is more significant

practically. Many of the dangers that farmers confront are related. Generally, five types of
risk are considered in agriculture, according to their sources. These are production risks,
price and market risks, price and market risks, technological risks, financial risks, and
human resource risks. Farmers can try to reduce the likelihood of an adverse event occur-
ring through technology for instance. Alternatively, they can mitigate it by reducing the
potential impact of an adverse event by reducing the farm’s exposure beforehand. Strate-
gies to mitigate risk in agriculture include risk transfer (e.g. to derivatives market), risk
pooling (e.g. in insurance), diversification in production (different activities or different
crops). Crop yields and livestock production are sensitive to weather conditions and other
hazards, therefore agricultural insurance and market-based risk management tools like
forward contracts, futures contracts can reduce the incidence of risk. Supporting market
risk management tools offers the benefit of enticing farmers to invest money in their risk
management, potentially lowering the unpredictability of their revenue.
Keywords: Agricultural insurance, Climate change and Risk management.
T9-04 169
Impact of Post-Harvest Management on the Quality and
Constituents of the Kalmegh
Muneshwar Prasad Mandal*
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
*Corresponding author’s email: mpmbotany64@gmail.com
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is one of the popular medicinal plants used
in Ayurvedic medicine due to its various medicinal uses. The quality and the active ingre-
dients of any herb also depend on the post-harvest management of the medicinal plants.
The drying technique is one of the useful post-harvest techniques for improving and
maintaining the quality of the phytochemical constituents of Kalmegh. Improper drying
techniques of herbs not only degrade the quality and constituents of Kalmegh but also
make it unsafe for consumption as a medicine. Different types of problems, such as depen-
dence on the environment, cost of the drying process, time of drying, etc., may be ob-
served using different drying techniques, which affect the quality of the herbs. Based on
this fact, different types of synthetic drying techniques such as oven drying and hot air
drying and natural drying techniques such as sun drying and shade drying have been
analysed to study the content of andrographolide in the Swarna Swara and Swarna Geetha
varieties of Kalmegh. Significant variation in the contents of andrographolide was ob-
served with different natural and synthetic drying techniques. Finally, based on the experi-
mental results of different drying techniques, the best drying technique has been recom-
mended for both the Swarna Swara and Swarna Geetha varieties of Kalmegh.
Keywords : Kalmegh, Post-harvest, Phytochemical, Synthetic Drying and Rographolide.
T9-05
Scope of Entrepreneurship in Post-harvest
Management, Preservation and Value Addition of
Horticultural Crops
Md. Shamsher Ahmad*, M. P. Devi1, M. Feza Ahmad, M. A. Aftab and M.W.
Siddiqui
Bihar Agriculture University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210
1
UBKV, Pundibari, Cooch Behar (WB)-736165
*Corresponding author’s email: shamsher73@gmail.com
The strength of Indian Horticulture is based on a wide range of agro climatic zones
and abundant natural resources like fertile soil, source of irrigation and suitable climatic
conditions for growing a wide range of fruits and vegetables. As a result, the country
occupies the2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. India, though being
a leading producer, remains an insignificant player in areas like postharvest management,
preservation, and value addition of horticultural produce. The ultimate result of this high
production and lack of proper post-harvest management, about 20-30% of the produc-
tion of fruits and vegetables is lost every year costing approximately 40811/-Crores.
This huge wastage is due to lack of knowledge about postharvest management, preserva-
tion and value addition of horticultural crops which is a key factor in entrepreneurship
development in the field of postharvest management of fruits and vegetables. At present
only 2-3% of fresh produce is processed against the possibility of 70-80%. This huge
gape gives immense opportunity for entrepreneurs and this could be fulfilled by entre-
preneurship development in postharvest management of horticultural produce through
170 postharvest management, preservation, and value addition of horticultural crops.
Keywords: Produce, Postharvest management, Preservation and Value addition.
T9-06
Need and Ways for Risk Mitigation in Agriculture
in India
Aditya Sinha1*, Anil Paswan1, Abhijeet Ghatak2 and R.P Sharma1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bhagalpur), Bihar- 813210
*Corresponding author’s email: inc.aditya@gmail.com
The inherent property affecting agriculture is a risk. The variations and uncertain-
ties associated with production, weather, government policies, global scenario, subsidy,
and prices are a few of the many factors that come into play in farming. Risk management
is choosing among a basket of alternatives for the mitigation of financial and monetary
hazards that could have resulted therein. The risks faced by the Indian farmers are in
relation to production, marketing, finance, institutional or personal risks. First, the produc-
tion risk is associated with different factors such as weather, pests, and diseases, leading
to differences in the quality and quantity of the commodities under production. Secondly,
marketing and price risks involve insufficient prices at the harvest time resulting from a
glut in production. Due to several factors, financial risks arise because of the inability to
pay for the credit facility availed for crop production. Institutional risk evolves from changes
in governmental policies, rules, and regulations, leading to changes in the functioning of
the business. Lastly, human, or personal factors such as health issues or personal factors
such as death, accident, etc., which are beyond the farmer’s control, could also lead to a
setback in farming. The prevailing risks could be mitigated using various risk mitigation
tools such as agricultural insurance and information and communication technologies-
based management solutions. With advances in big data, the internet of things (IoT), and
geographical information systems (GPS), early warning systems are now more prepared
with better effectiveness. Together with it, instruments for pooling, sharing, and transfer-
ring data are more prepared for mitigation measures for risk management. This paper
discusses various possibilities in risk mitigation in the twenty-first century, which could
lead to better solutions for farmers in the long run.
Keywords: Risk mitigation, Agriculture, Crop insurance, ICTs, GPS, and Big data.
T9-07
Important Insects Pollinators Visiting Flowers of
Fabaceae Crops
Debanand Biswas1*, Neeraj Kumar1, Sonali Nakambam2, Kanhaiya Lal Bairwa3
1&2
3
*Corresponding author’s email: debu732@gmail.com
Fabaceae, a sub family of Leguminosae includes agriculturally important crops
broadly the legumes, peas, and bean crops. Although self-pollination and cross pollina-
tion occurs simultaneously in these crops, but insect pollinators also have crucial role
in fruit set as well as seed set. Phaseolus vulgaris (Common bean) were visited by 20
species of bees where the most common bees were Apis mellifera (82.6%),
Xylocopacalens (57.6%) and Xylocopaincostans (43.3%). Cowpea flowers were vis-
ited maximum by bees (58.5%) followed by non-bees (41.5%). Bees consisted of 12
species of 3 families i.e. Apidae, Megachilidae and Halictidae whereas, the non-bee 171
diversity mostly included wasps, flies, beetles, ants, bugs and butterflies. Pigeon pea
(Cajanuscajan) crop were visited by 16 different insect species with 2 families
(Megachilidae and Apidae) of bees as the main (64.91%) insect visitors. Non-bees in-
cluded butterflies (34.00%) and other dipteran flies (1.09%). Faba bean (Viciafaba L.)
flowers were visited by a total of 2,106 forager bees comprising of 6 different orders.
Apis mellifera with 56.1% abundance were the most frequent visitors. Nine insect spe-
cies visited to broad bean flowers which constituted of 3 different insect orders namely
Hymenoptera (62.27%), Lepidoptera (25.16%) and Diptera (12.57%). In Hymenoptera
Apisflorea (31.14%) were the most prominent pollinators with 47 insects/m2/5min fol-
lowed by Apisdorsata (15.23%) with 23 insects/m2/5min, Apiscerana (10.60%) with
16 insects/m2/5min and Megachilae sp. (5.30%) with 8 insects/m2/5min. Soybean crops
are reported with 50 insect species visiting flowers that include bee species (32), syr-
phid flies (8) and other pollinators (10) accounting for 52% of bees and 48%
flies.Hymenoptera (Apidae, Vespidae, Chalcididae, Sphecidae, Halictidae), Lepidoptera
(Lycaeridae, Nymhalidae, Sesiidae) and Coleoptera (Coccinellidae) are the most fre-
quent insect orders visited Soyabean flowers. Most dominant insect visitor in Soybean
is from Apidae family (Apis mellifera).
Keywords : Fabaceae, Flowers, Insect pollinators, Bees, Megachilidae & Apis xylocopa.
T9-08
A Low-Cost Intervention to Improve Returns on
Investment in Guava Production for Rainy Season
Crop of Bihar
Chanda Kushwaha1*, Sanjay Sahay, Ravinder Kumar and Samik Sengupta
*Corresponding author’s email: Chanda.kushwaha@gmail.com
Guava is an important fruit crop of Bihar with nearly 27.6 thousand hectares area
under guava cultivation with 4.28 lakh MT production in Year 2017-18 (NHM, Bihar 2017-
18). Guava is nutritionally rich and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, other essential
nutrients and have high economic returns when processed to various value-added prod-
ucts. India leads in guava production with 45% of the total world production followed by
China and Thailand. In India it occupies fifth place in area and fourth in fruit production.
India export guava of value 0.62 million USD. In Bihar area under guava production is
nearly 27.6 thousand hectares with a production of 4.28 lakh MT Production. Guava
suffers due to various biotic and abiotic stress and suffers losses due to inappropriate
handling, transportation, processing, 20-25% of guava fruit is totally spoiled before reach-
ing the consumer. Among the various diseases of guava fruits Anthracnose caused by
fungi Colletotrichumpsydiicauses significant post-harvest deterioration to the quality of
fruits especially in the rainy season. The affected fruits show dark brown to orange col-
ored speck which are often depressed on the surface. Since, in Bihar most of the guava is
produced in rainy season when compared to winter fruiting. Thereby, fruits produced
during rainy season fetches lower market value of and subsequently reducing the net
returns to investment for the rainy season crop of guava. The results of the experiment
conducted over a period of three years from 2016-2018 were consistent where five
different fungicides were evaluated against anthracnose of guava. Analysis of data col-
lected over 3 years indicated significant effect of mancozeb + carbendazim at the rate
172 of 2 grams per liter water at an interval of 15 days starting from bud emergence stage on
reducing (10 %) anthracnose in guava when compared to control (85 %) during rainy
season fruiting. By reduction of disease the major impact was improvement in quality of
fruit produced. The returns to investment were 5.54 in the best treatment whereas in
control receiving no chemical spray was 1.65. The returns to investment in the standard
check (Mancozeb 75 W.P @ of 2 grams per liter water) was 3.92. Apart from improved
returns to investment, since application of fungicides starts at very early stages in fruit
development therefore, residual concerns for the fungicide application do not exist
making this intervention to be of low cost and ecologically safe for guava produced
during rainy season.
Keywords : Guava production, Returns on investment, Low-cost intervention and Bihar.
T9-09
Artificial Intelligence in Indian Agriculture
Shubham Priyadarshi1, Yogita Sharma1*, Jeevitha G. N.2, Nitu Kumari1, Puja
Jena1, Priya Kumari1, Meera Kumari1 and Sandeep Kumar1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour
2
*Corresponding author’s email: sharmayogita35@gmail.com
India’s economy is based on agriculture, which faces challenging obstacles from
sowing to harvest. Therefore, agriculture needs to be modernised in order to meet these
issues. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring about a technological revolu-
tion and a boom in agriculture, helping to feed the world’s growing population. AI can be
applied broadly to a variety of problems, particularly those that humans find difficult to
handle effectively, it is gaining relevance quickly. Different agricultural sectors are using
AI technology to increase productivity and efficiency. Direct implementation of AI or
machine intelligence in the agricultural sector could mark a change in how farming is
currently carried out. The AI can assist farmers in increasing production capacity while
lowering production costs and labor-intensive tasks. The adoption of AI across all appli-
cation areas of agriculture will also result in a desirable shift in how agricultural research
and development is now conducted. AI can be effective in agriculture sector as it maxi-
mizes resource utilization and efficiency. AI provides accurate and timely information to
the farmers about their crops, weather, land, insect-pest problems, and other things. This
increases crop productivity while lowering risk, which boosts farmers’ income. It largely
resolves the issue of labour and resource shortage. Predictive analytics, markets, agricul-
tural monitoring, weather forecasting, and supply chain efficiency benefit by AI-driven
technologies are gaining popularity across the globe. Artificial intelligence robots in agri-
culture can advise farmers on matters such as soil condition, the optimum time to sow
seeds, the best location to apply herbicide and how to deal with pests. AI is shifting the
manner of food production where the emissions of agricultural sector have dropped by 20
per cent. Although AI offers tremendous potential in agriculture applications, there is still
a lack of understanding of advanced high-tech machine learning solutions in farms all over
the world. Farmer decision-making will be challenged and complemented by artificial
intelligence. Agricultural AI could help change the way farming is done in India with its
suggestions on optimal practices.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Resource utilization and Crop productivity.
T9-10 173
Assessment of Age of Banana Fruit and Packaging
Material on Development of Fruit Rot against
Anthracnose Disease Caused by Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides
C.S. Azad1*, R. N. Gupta1, Sanjeev Kumar1, Uday Kumar1, R. D . Ranjan2,
Birendra Kumar3
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: azadbau81@gmail.com
Banana (Musa species) the “queen of tropical fruit” is considered to be one of
the oldest fruits known to mankind. The banana which cultivated, are namely Musa
acuminata, Musa balbisiana. The genus Musa is in the family Musaceae. It also serves as
a boost to farm income for millions of people in the tropical region. It is an important
source of high-calorie energy and contributes about a quarter of the energy requirement
of almost 70 million people in the West and Central African sub- region. In Bihar, the
production areas are broadly grouped in two zones. They are Vaishali and Koshi. About
40% areas lies in Vaishali belt (Zone I) and the rest 60 per cent area is in Koshi belt
(Zone II), Production has been seriously decreased and threatened by diseases. Banana
also suffers from many fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases which are considered eco-
nomically important. Amongst the diseases, fruit rot of banana is the most serious one
causing heavy damage to the crop. Several organisms are responsible for the fruit rot of
banana viz., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum musae Pyriculariamusae,
Fusarium spp., Verticillium theobromae, Ceratocystis paradoxa,
Botryodiplodiatheobromae etc. It infects mature as well as green fruits. Several
postharvest diseases of banana had been reported worldwide but fruit rot /anthracnose
diseases had been reported as being the most prominent. Laboratory experiments were
conducted at BAU, Sabour, Bihar during the year 2021. Banana fruits of susceptible
cultivars (Chenia) were harvested at ripening stage and were brought to the laboratory
for screening of susceptible stage and packaging material against anthracnose disease.
Banana, fruit rot is incited by Colletotrichum gleosporioides which has been the most
serious post-harvest disease of immature and mature fruit. The usual control by fungi-
cides prohibited in many countries reduces their commercial value. A study was carried
out at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur
to determine Effect of age of banana fruit on development of fruit rot and packaging
materials on post-harvest control plantain (Musa paradisiaca) fruit rot. Each cultivar
was inoculated with a spore suspension of C. gloeosporioides(106 spores/ml) and in-
cubated for disease development under room temperature (28 ± 1°C) for one week.
From the result obtained out of four different age of banana 30, 45, 75 and 90 days)
maximum incubation period (9) was found in 75 days old banana fruit after harvest whereas
minimum incubation period was in 30 days old banana fruits. The mean maximum num-
ber of days (17.3) was required for complete rotting (100%) found on 75 days old age
banana fruit which was followed by 45 days old banana fruits (12.6 days) whereas mean
minimum days (8.6 days) required to complete rotting was found on 90 days old banana
fruits. Among four packaging material viz., Glazed paper, Newspaper, Butter paper and
polyethene, Butter paper was found to be best for different level of fruit rotting as it
required 20 days for 100 per cent of rotting followed by Glazed paper whereas polyethene
materials was found to be least effective as it required 11.3 days for 100 per cent of
rotting followed by Newspaper i.e. 165 days.
174 Keywords : Anthracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Packaging material.
T9-11
Economic Strategies for Post-harvest Management of
Fruits and Vegetables
R. N. Gupta1*, C. Azad1, S.B. Sah2, S. Kumar1, Priyanka Kumari1 and
Srinivasaraghavan A1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210
2
MBAC, Saharsa - 854302
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: rameshnathgupta@gmail.com
Present scenario, global challenges are ensuring food security for a world grow-
ing population whilst ensuring long-termsustainable development. According to the FAO,
food production will need to grow by 70% to feed world population which will reach 9
billion by 2050. Increasing urban population, shift of lifestyle and diet patterns of the
rising middle class in emerging economies along with environmental pollution and climate
change require appropriate strategies for quality products. Consequently, there is a need
for an integrated and innovative approach to the global effort of ensuring sustainable
food production and consumption (1 & 2). Fruits and vegetables are fastest growing
sectors within horticulture. India produces around 111.77 million MTs of vegetables and
57.73 million MTs of fruits, which respectively accounts for nearly 11.90% and 10.90% of
country’s share in the world production of vegetables and fruits. India ranks second in
world in both categories. Since, fruits and vegetables are highly perishable, efficient post-
harvest management has become an absolute necessity. In India, post-harvest losses of
fruits and vegetables every year equivalent to the annual consumption of the United
Kingdom. So, there is need to have a strong post-harvest infrastructure for post-harvest
management of these perishables. Horticultural products are mainly purchased for their
safety and absence of synthetic pesticide residues and others harmful chemicals. So, it’s
must be more important to management of produces after harvesting in such a way, that
must be free from human hazards. Economical or low cost strategies of post-harvest
management of fruits and vegetables to prevent senescence, microbial infection in fruits
and vegetables after harvest as well as increasing the shelf life and maintaining the quality
of horticultural produces for better health.
Keywords : Post harvest management, Economic Strategies, Fruits, and vegetables..
T9-12
Advances in Post-harvest Heat Treatment in
Fruits and Vegetables
Anam1 and Md. Wasim Siddiqui1*
*Corresponding author’s email: wasimserene@yahoo.com
Fruit and vegetable production has been increasing many folds for a few decades.
However, they are vulnerable to several biotic and abiotic stresses and face huge
postharvest losses. Chemical approaches are highly effective to reduce postharvest losses
in fruit and vegetables by increasing their shelf life and protecting from microorgan-
isms and insects. However, use of chemicals in postharvest handling of fresh produce is
prohibited due to harmful effects on human health and environment. Recent develop-
ments have been made to avoid the use of chemicals by alternative physical approaches.
Out of different physical methods, the heat treatment is very effective to enhance the 175
shelf life of fruits and vegetables by controlling pests and diseases. Moreover, the heat
treatment is an eco-friendly method and does not leave any harmful residues. They are
effective in regulating the physiology of fresh commodities as well. Different types of
heat treatments such as hot water treatment (HWT), vapor heat treatment (VHT), hot air
dry, microwave heat treatment etc. have been reported for better postharvest manage-
ment. The hot water treatment controls the fruit rot caused by Alternaria porri and Alter-
naria mali in apples. Recently, HWT and VHT have been reported to maintain the
postharvest quality of mango. Similarly, different reports have been published on the
effect of various heat treatment techniques to increase the shelf life of fruit and veg-
etables. The use of heat treatment is very effective and it plays an important role to
promote the export of fruits.
Keywords : Heat treatment, Fruits, Vegetables, Shelf-life, and Postharvest treatment.
T9-13
ICT and Artificial Intelligence in Indian Agriculture
Deepak Kumar Skand*
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar- 736165
*
Corresponding author’s email: dskand83@gmail.com
India is being one of the largest economies in the world. The entire system needs
to adapt to a holistic approach which can be built upon indigenous and traditional farm-
ing knowledge integrated with transformative smart farming practices, including adop-
tion of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and techniques. Adoption of AI technologies
will pave the way for higher production with the optimum utilization of available re-
sources and facilitate predictive analysis, crop health management, enhance quality, trace-
ability etc. ICT and AI can be applied in resource management, modernization of agri-
supply chains, climate risk mitigation strategy, digitizing farm collectives as farmer
producer organizations (FPOs), emergence of a start-up ecosystem. Government initia-
tives in digital farming are some of steps being taken to encourage smart farming prac-
tices. Global market point of view, smart agricultural systems, and technologies, in-
cluding AI and machine learning (ML), are showing remarkable growth with the invest-
ment and expenditure trends expected to triple by 2025 to USD 15.3 billion, out of
which AI technologies alone are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 25.5%. Within AI interventions, internet of things (IoT) enabled agricultural

(IoTAg) monitoring is considered to be the fastest-growing technology segment, pro-
jected to be worth USD 4.5 billion by 2025. Technology advancements in recent years
are reengineering both the upstream and downstream segments of the agri value chain.
Cutting-edge technologies in AI such as IoT, ML, cloud computing, statistical comput-
ing, deep learning, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are enabling the sec-
tor to overcome the challenges of productivity, quality, traceability, and carbon emis-
sion with enhanced profitability. Smart agriculture moves the industry from statistical
to quantitative approaches. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the process where humans pro-
duce artificial machines similar to the human brain. AI can deal with larger amounts of
data than the human brain. Various technical devices and instruments have been devel-
oped based on AI that have been tested on agricultural fields and optimized i.e., soil
testing, weeding, pesticide control, the treating of diseased crops, lack of proper irriga-
tion to match the needs of crops, post-harvest activities such as storage management,
optimizing storage parameters, etc. Farmers have attained al high output as well as en-
176 hanced quality of output.
Keywords : Farmer producer organizations, ICT, USD, AI, VR, and ML.
T9-14
Risk Management in Agriculture Strategies Towards
Mitigation
Pooja Jena1, A. S. Tigga2, R. P. Sharma3, Manoher Saryam4*, Nitu Kumari5
and Neha Kumari6
1,2,3,5&6
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar)-813210
*4
* Corresponding author’s email: manohar.saryam@gmail.com
Agriculture has always been exposed to a wide spectrum of risks. But it is largely
undisputed that farmers have faced growing risks in recent years. More volatile agricul-
tural and input prices, climate change, ongoing discussions about the future of the Com-
mon Agricultural Policy, increasing difficulty in finding qualified farm workers, and grow-
ing criticism of modern intensive agriculture from the wider public and the mass media are
just a few of the risks farmers have to cope with. Therefore, risk management has become
highly relevant in agriculture. It is time that Indian Agriculture has to move from the
current focus on technology dissemination to adoption of best practices. Efficient risk-
reduction and loss management strategies such as crop insurance would enable the farm-
ers to take substantial risks without being exposed to hardship. Access to formal risk
diffusing mechanisms will induce farmers to maximize returns in the long run promoting the
sustainability of agriculture.
Keywords : Agriculture, Risks, Risk management, Strategies and Maximize returns.
177
THEME 10: INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS AND

POLICY PLANNING AND EXTENSION FOR
INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SECTOR (T10)
178
T10-01 179
Social Challenges and Opportunities after COVID-19
Manoher Saryam1, Pooja Jena2*, A.K. Sarawgi3, Ankur Gupta4 and Nitu Kumari5
1
Rabindranath Tagore University, Raisen, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
2*&5
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar)
3
College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
4
Visva-Bharti, Santiniketan, (West Bengal)
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syn-
drome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was first identified in Wuhan, China. The COVID-
19 world health emergency and its economic and social impacts have disrupted nearly all
aspects of social life for all groups in society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, food secu-
rity, public health, and employment and labour issues, in particular workers’ health and
safety, converge were severely affected. Adhering to workplace safety and health prac-
tices and ensuring access to decent work and the protection of labour rights in all indus-
tries will be crucial in addressing the human dimension of the pandemic. Migration in India
2020-21" the survey gives an account of the state of migration and migrants during the
period of July 2020 to July 2021. The report, which surveyed a total of 1,13,998 migrants,
shows that 51.6% of rural migrants migrated from urban areas in the aftermath of the
pandemic. We need to develop long-term sustainable strategies to address the challenges
facing the health and agri-food sectors. Priority should be given to addressing underlying
food security and malnutrition challenges of children and women, tackling rural poverty,
through more and better jobs in the agriculture and rural economy, extending social pro-
tection to all, facilitating economic ways and promoting the formalization of the informal
economy. If not properly communicated and transferred through policy, the social crisis
created by the COVID-19 pandemic may also increase inequality, exclusion, discrimina-
tion, and global unemployment in the medium and long term.
Keywords : COVID-19, Health, Employment, Food security and Sustainable.
T10-02
Digitisation in agricultural extension for a
self-reliant India
Adline Shanta Tigga*, Meera Kumari** and Pooja Jena***

*
In order to move forward in times of crisis by not just combating but to prevail, it
is essential to have a self-reliant India with digitization and innovation proving to be the
differentiator in creating a technology-driven Atmanirbhar Bharat. Digitisation in agricul-
tural extension is very crucial for a self-reliant India. ICT-based farm advisory services
enhance access to farmers through management of information systems, GPS, or satellite
image of the survey area, as well as the reach of E-SAP (Electronic Solutions against
Agricultural Pests) advisory. These digital extension services lead to incremental income.
Crop-specific, context-specific customized advisory services can be provided through
farmer-centric e-modules, such as Dalhan Sandesh (Pulses message) implemented by the
ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research. With farmers showing a positive attitude to-
wards ICT, the government should provide training, demonstration, and need-based infor-
mation through ICT. WhatsApp is found to be much easier to understand among the
various mobile apps. For the transfer of agricultural technologies, QR codes have been
180 prepared for QR code-based digital agricultural information boards. Informative and
interactive participative digital videos can play a crucial role in the teaching-learning
process as it can contextualize a scenario based on practical learning. Localization and
personalization of content is very important for advisories. Digitisation enables real-
time multimedia-based agriculture content to individual field workers; and returns the
flow of data to policymakers (e.g., E-SAP, Dalhan Sandesh). YouTube channels of state
agricultural universities are being effectively utilized as tools for extension and advi-
sory services, reaching many unreached farmers through informative videos and con-
tent. ICT-based social networking has resulted in the construction of a knowledge base
and promotion of social as well as technological interventions. As such, the
institutionalization of social media platforms, content creation for social media and its
evaluation needs to be included in extension organizations and operations.
Keywords: Institutionalization, Digitisation, ICT, GPS, and Agricultural extension.
T10-03
Nature and Extent of Crop Diversification in
Rajasthan: District-wise Analysis
L K Meena1*, S N Meena2, GL Meena3, S L Bairwa4, M Kumari4, S M Rahman4&
C Sen5
1
COA, Kota, Agriculture University, Kota
2
COA, Hindauli, Agriculture University, Kota (Raj.)
3
RCA, Udaipur, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan
4
5
Institute of Agricultural Science, Banaras Hindu University- Varanasi-221055(India)
*Corresponding author’s email: lokeshmn04@gmail.com
The present study was conducted to measure the nature and extent of crop diversi-
fication in different districts of Rajasthan and based on 39 years’ time series data and
collected from various published sources, whole set of data were divided in two periods
(Pre-WTO 1980-1995 and post WTO 1996-2014) and separate analysis was done to com-
pare the extent of crop diversification in both the periods. Herfindahl index was used to
measure diversification. Results found that both Jaisalmer and Barmer district moved from
crop specialization to moderate diversification from first to second period. Jodhpur,
Rajsamand, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jalore and Churu districts have obtained the val-
ues between 0.35 and 0.47 for first period which indicated moderate diversification in
cropping pattern during first period whereas Jodhpur, Sikar, Jalore has obtained value of
herfindhal index been range “between” 0.28 to 0.31 which indicated complete diversifica-
tion in second period and Rajsamand, Udaipur and Churu districts indicated moderate
crop diversification in the first and second period of the study. Herfindhal index value for
remaining districts of the state werefound between 0.08 to 0.33 which indicated complete
diversification in cropping pattern of the districts in the first and second period of the
study except Dungarpur district and it has been shifted from complete diversification to
moderate diversification from first period to second period. Results also indicated that
newly added district Karauli showed complete diversification in second period. During the
first and second period highest value of herfindhal index was found in Jaisalmer (0.89) and
Barmer (0.54) respectively. While lowest value of index was observed in Bundi district
during both periods.
Keywords: Herfindhal index, Diversification, Income and Risk assessment.
T10-04 181
Creating Values and Generating Income Opportunities
through Farmer Producer Organization for Katarni Rice
Aditya Sinha1* and Mankesh Kumar2
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour– 813210, Bhagalpur
*Corresponding author’s email: inc.aditya@gmail.com
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPO) is the buzzword in the current decade of
agricultural production and marketing. The government of India has set an ambitious
target to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs till the financial year 2027-28 with a
budgetary allocation of Rupees 6865 Crores. The FPOs are harnessing the potential of
the “One District One Product” scheme to reap the benefits associated with economies
of scale in terms of acquisition of necessary inputs, availing common processing facili-
ties, and most importantly, marketing of produce. Thus, the newly formed FPOs are also
adopting produce cluster-based approach in terms of product specialization based on
the location. A recent impact study on FPOs conducted by an international consultant in
Maharashtra state reported an increase in price realization by 22 per cent along with a
reduction in marketing costs by 31 per cent compared to other channels. The state of
Bihar is blessed with a unique variety of scented rice popularly known as Katarni rice.
The agricultural product was provided Geographical Indications (GI) in the year 2018
taking into account the unique quality and reputation based on the origin. The short grain
rice is characterized by a unique taste and aroma which is medium to fine-grained. It is
widely grown in Agroclimatic Zone IIIA of Bihar comprising of districts Banka, Munger
and southern part of Bhagalpur. The current paper deals with the various putative aspects
of an FPO in areas of business and performance, branding marketing, and financial per-
formance in the form of farmer’s producer’s organization and how it can be a game-
changer for a crop like Katarni rice after getting the GI tag. Further, the paper also
discusses the quality measures to be adopted by the proposed FPO to meet the demands
along with the strictest measures of quality control such as traceability of produce and
packaging innovations. The promotion of this valued product could be enhanced by the
operation of an FPO for reaping all the benefits associated with the geographical won-
der of Bihar.
Keywords: FPO, Income, Business, GI, Performance, Traceability and Katarani Rice.
T10-05
Effect of COVID19 on Farmers, their Livelihood
and Income
Tahsin Fatma1 and Fozia Homa1*
COVID-19 has been detrimental throughout the world and resulted in several nega-
tive effects on almost all the sectors of human beings including agriculture sector cover-
ing agricultural production, farmers livelihood, their dietary plan, wages etc. Recently
conducted, post-COVID surveys demonstrated fall in production of crops as many farm-
ers did not harvest crop on time. Moreover, due to continuous lock down, most of the
farmers were not able to perform cultural management such as applying insecticide,
fungicide, and nutrients. Similarly, the horticultural perishable crops were drastically
affected, even though there was no restriction on sale. Many farmers stored crop due to
182 lock down related issues. Many farmers witnessed a decline in their wages either from
agriculture or from livestock, which in turn resulted in great impact on farmers dietary
plan as landless farmers were more likely to skip meals. Many farmers consumed staple
grains daily and witnessed declined consumption of vegetables, pulses, fruits, etc. on
daily basis as compared to consumption before COVID19. In this work, we tried to
underpin the effect of COVID19 on farmers, their livelihood and income options during
post-COVID era.
Keywords: COVID-19, Farmers, People’s livelihood and Income fluctuation.
T10-06
Policy Need for Millets: The Nutri- Cereals in Present
Climate Change
Suman Kalyani*, Ranvir Kumar, Meera Kumari, S. L. Bairwa, S.M. Rahman
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar)
*
Corresponding author’s email: kalyanipbg@gmail.com
India is the largest producer of Millets in the world. As per the evidence, it has
been cultivated since Indus Valley Civilization and cultivated by our ancestors. It is also
called as a Heritage crop. It is believed that the millet was developed by lord Bishnuto
feed the people when famine occurred on the earth due to less rainfall. It has been de-
scribed in religious yajurveda. It is heat tolerant, short duration, insect-pest and disease
resistant crop, requires least fertilizer and can produce better even on barren land in
least irrigation or in rainfed situation. United Nations has declared 2023 as Interna-
tional Year of Millet 2023 on the proposal of Government of India supported by 72
countries. Millets are collective group of small seeded, 10-11 different crops like Jowar,
Bajra, Ragi, Sawan, Kodo, Kutki etc. It is highly nutritious, contains magnesium, potas-
sium, calcium, vitamin-B, phosphorous etc. It is termed as Insurance crop as when no
other crop survives due to least rainfall, it can be produced without yield reduction and
at least fodder can be obtained. Earlier, Green revolution remains associated with wheat,
paddy which becomes part of food system. Food policy also remained around irrigated
crops and thus is placed on margin. It is cultivated in specific region in 23 states of
India. The area under millet cultivation is about 15 million ha and produces 17 million
tons (80% of Asia’s and 20% of global production). Now, it has been recognized as
nutria-cereals for nutrition, food, and livestock security. Government is working in mis-
sion mode (Millet Mission) and is supported with Rs.1500 crore. The average produc-
tivity of millet has been targeted to increase from 1.0 to 2 or 2.5t/ha in dryland and 6-7
ton/ha in irrigated area like states of Bihar, UP and area expansion up to 25 million ha till
2023. Lifestyle of human changed and suffering from diseases like Blood Presser, Heart
diseases, Diabetes etc. At present 70 percent rural and urban population are malnour-
ished. Millets are only capable to solve this issue. There is high demand of gluten free
food abroad and millet being gluten free, can be exported to earn foreign exchange.
Government should initiate policies like strengthening value chain of quality seed, de-
mand creation through awareness, increase consumption, FLD, crop diversification in
favour of millets etc.
Keywords : Policy, Millet, Promotion, Nutri cereals, Climate change and FLD.
183
THEME 11 : RELEVANT TOPIC OF ECONOMIC

IMPORTANCE (T11)
184
T11-01 185
Evaluation of Marigold Genotypes for Higher Yield and
Profitability in Bihar
Priyanka Gupta1*, Deepti Singh 1 and Mahesh Kumar Singh2
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, 813210,
*Corresponding author’semail: priyanka.gupta3077@gmail.com
Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is one of the most important flower crops grown com-
mercially in different parts of India especially in the plains. It is a short duration, free
flowering, hairy, hardy, evergreen crop which has gained popularity because of adapt-
ability to various soil and climatic conditions and longer blooming period. It is associ-
ated with festive occasions, marriages, religious ceremonies, and social functions due
to good keeping quality. Besides its pristine uses, now marigolds are economically used
as cut flower for interior decoration, in hanging baskets, rock gardens, for landscaping
purposes and for the beautification of mandaps and decoration of cars in marriages.
Leaf extract is a good remedy for earache, whereas flower extract is a good blood puri-
fier, a cure for blood piles, ulcers, and eye diseases. Essential oil of marigold has a great
use in perfumery industries due to bronchodilatory, tranquilizing, anti-inflammatory and
insect repellenteffect. Marigold is a flower with diverse applications, thus making its
cultivation as a profitable enterprise to the farmers both in terms of flowers as well as
seed production. Since Bihar soil and climate is congenial for this crop, but due to lack
of research and extension activities regarding its cultivation of good performing variet-
ies, the information regarding agro-techniques and economics is lacking. For fill up this
gap, a study was conducted in Bihar Agricultural University to evaluate different geno-
types of marigold under Bihar conditions for higher yield and relative profitability. The
experiment comprised of twelve genotypes viz., PusaBasantiGainda, Hisar Beauty, Hisar
Jafari-2, Sutton Orange, Brocade Mix, Sutton Yellow, Crackerjack, Bonita Bolero,
PusaNarangiGainda, Orange Bunch, Inca Yellow, and Inca Orange under Randomised
Block Design with three replications in open field. The study revealed that significantly
highest flower yield was recorded with variety Hisar Jafari-2 (270.75 q/ha) which is at
par to the yield obtained from genotype Inca Orange was (258.85 q/ha). Highest cost of
cultivation was found in Hisar Jafari-2 (Rs. 112536 per hectare) which is at par with the
cost of cultivation of genotype Inca Orange (Rs.110706 per hectare) due to higher flow-
ering duration, more number of plucking and higher labour engagement. Significant gross
return and net return was also highest in genotype Hisar Jafari-2 cultivation (Rs.812244
and Rs. 699708 per hectare, respectively) which was at par with that of genotype Inca
Orange (Rs.776552 and Rs. 665846 per hectare, respectively). Highest B: C. ratio was
also found with the cultivation of genotype Hisar Jafari-2 (6.22) followed by genotype
Inca Orange (6.01). The study indicated that commercial cultivation of high flower yield-
ing genotype of marigold viz, Hisar Jafari-2 and Inca Orange is highly profitable in
Bihar and provide more profitable business in comparison to other crops.
Keywords : Marigold, Marigold genotypes,Net profit, Higher yieldand Profitability.
186 T11-02
Economic Analysis on Willingness to Pay for Jhansi
Fort: An Evidence from Uttar Pradesh
V.David Chella Baskar1*, Kavitha2 Sooraj1 Sana1 Sundar Pal1 Kumaravelu3
1
Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
2
Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
3
PAJANCOA & RI, Puducherry
*
Corresponding author’s email: davidbaskar@gmail.com
The study has examined the willingness to pay for Jhansi fort in Uttar Pradesh.
The study has utilized primary data collected from different commuters’ using random
survey method. In order to analyze the willingness to pay for the park, binary logistic
regression was used. The results of the study have indicated that the willingness to pay
for the park was influenced positively and also significantly by monthly income and
negatively by cost spent inside the park and occupation status of the visitors. Garrett
ranking on suggestions for the betterment of park indicates that the visitors have given
rank one for maintenance of the park, rank two for enhancing the facilities and rank three
for safe drinking water.
Keywords: Willingness to pay, Binary logistic regression, WTP, and Garrett ranking.
T11-03
CASI Adoption in Bihar for Small Holder Farmers “An
Option or Future”
Barre Bhavana, SM Rahman*, Nitu Kumari, Meera Kumari, SL Bairwa,
Yogita Sharma and Neha Kumari
*Corresponding author’s email: rehmanbau@gmail.com
The adoption of CA is still in its early stages in India. About 1.5 million hectares
have adopted zero tillage and CA during the past few years. Conservation agricultural
methods have been adopted and promoted in India for over ten years, but it has only been
the last eight to ten years that the technologies have truly taken off rapid acceptance and
adopted by farmers. The most common CA-based technology used in the Indo-Gangetic
plains (IGP) is zero-till (ZT) wheat in the rice-wheat (RW) system. The study was con-
ducted in four villages namely Diwaanganj, Srinagar, Basantpur and Dogachii in Purnea
district of Bihar on 120 sampled farmers using Simple Random Sampling without Re-
placement technique. The major aim was to study the extent of adoption of CASI tech-
nology, comparing the profitability of Conservation Agriculture over Conventional Ag-
ricultural and to find the constraints faced by farmers in adoption of CASI technology.
The result finds that 40.83% of the farmers adopted CASI technology and level of adop-
tion was least among marginal and small farmers (18.87%), followed by semi medium
farmers (44.90%) and highest among medium farmers (94.44%). CASI adopters on an
average earned 53 paisa, 55 paise and 1.34 rupee more than the net return obtained by
conventional farmers over each rupee invested paddy, wheat and maize respectively and
this was due to the reduction in the explicit cultivation costs (hired labor, irrigation,
seeds etc.,), with reduction in average total costs by Rs. 6769.57 (21.23%) in paddy, in
wheat Rs. 4474.00 per acre (17.54 %) and in maize Rs. 3865.38 per acre (17.37%)
respectively in CASI technology as compared to conventional method of cultivation.There
was decrease in many of the variable costs like seed costs reduced by 14.99% in case of
paddy, 2.20% in wheat and 10.02% in maize while the fertilizers cost reduced by 6.42% 187
in case of paddy, 8.95% in wheat and 4.65% in maize. There was reduction in irrigation
cost by 25.06% in paddy, 21.67% in wheat and 22.47% in maize whereas hired labour
cost reduced by 37.82% in paddy, 42.12% in wheat and 35.05% in maize. The machine
labour charges reduced by 22.00% in paddy, 19.78% in wheat and 22.59% in maize. The
herbicide application was 144.62 % more in case of rice, 138.58 % more in wheat and
133.18 % more in maize as compared to conventional farming. There was also increase
in the productivity with the adoption of CA which raised the gross income by almost
14.48% in rice, 18.75% in wheat and 19.70% in maize. There was high increase in net
income than gross income which was mainly due to the reduction in the explicit cultiva-
tion costs in CASI technology as compared to conventional method of
cultivation.Adoption of conservation agriculture technology can surely reduce the
farmer’s costs of cultivation and increase the farmer’s net income and thereby results in
the betterment of standards of living.
Keywords: Rice-wheat, Paddy,CA-based technology,and CASI.
T11-04
Trade Directions of Indian Basmati Rice Exports-
Markov Chain Approach
Chavan S. D.1*, Surabhi Basal2 and Shruti Mohapatra3
1
G.B. P.U.A. & T., Pantnagar, Uttarakhand 263145
2
Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab-143002
3
Faculty of Agriculture, Sri Sri University, BidyadharpurArilo, Cuttack, Odisha-754 006
*Corresponding author’s email: sanket.chavan203@gmail.com
The present study attempts to quantify the changing trade direction of the export
of Indian Basmati Rice from the period 2001-02 to 2021-22 using first-degree Markov
Chain Approach. The research was conducted based on secondary data collected from
APEDA. The overall growth of Indian Basmati Rice export in terms of quantity was
found to be increased over the study period. This was mainly due to the high export of
basmati rice because of strong demand in the international market, comfortable domes-
tic production, and favorable government policies. The study revealed that Iran and Iraq
have shown the highest growth rate in terms of quantity as well as value. However, UAE
registered the highest instability in both terms. The result evident that UAE and Saudi
Arabia were the most well-grounded and constant market proved for Indian Basmati
Rice with probability retention of 76.17 percent and 55.64 percent respectively. UK
was an unstable market as it had shown zero probability of retention. The projected
share of different importing countries up to 2027-28 revealed that Iraq and Iran are
likely to lose their share in the coming year, whereas UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are
likely to increase their share in the future. Moreover, the export of basmati rice in-
creased over the study period and is anexport-competitive product. In order to have a
comparative advantage in the export of basmati rice, the government should focus on the
improvement of processing facilities, transportation facilities, handling and loading fa-
cilities at ports as well as quality maintenance to facilitate the export of Indian Basmati
Rice.
Keywords : Basmati rice, Markov chain, Future prediction and Instability index.
188 T11-05
Development of Fusarium Wilt Linked SSR Markers in
Lentil (Lens Culinaris Medikus) by using RNA-Seq
Analysis
Anil Kumar1*, Ravi Ranjan Kumar2, Pankaj Kumar1 and Haroon Rashid1
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210
*Corresponding author’s email: dranilbau@gmail.com
Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) is a cool-season legume with high production
potential for multiple uses. However, limited molecular research has been conducted in
this species owing to its large genome, which impedes the generation of genome se-
quences and the development of molecular markers. In this study, 44533602 and
36750502 Trimmed Reads were collected by RNA-Seq of one fusarium resistant and
susceptible lentil accessions and 267998 transcripts and 65297 genes were de
novo assembled, yielding 303742963 bases. The mean transcript length was 1180 bp
and the N50 and N90 lengths were respectively 2075 and 479 bp. The mean length of
the unigenes was 850 bp and their N10 and N50 values were respectively 3448 and 1751
bp. The unigenes were annotated against two databases. On the basis of the RNA-Seq
analysis, 49939 total number of perfect SSRs were designed in silico. Total length of
perfect SSRs 964561 base pair. The percentage of sequence covered by SSRs 0.32.
Percentage of mono and di SSR 59.01 and 10.83 respectively.
Keywords : Lentil, Legume, Genome, SSR, Molecular markers and RNA-Seq Analysis.
T11-06
Study the Plant Geometry and Phosphorus Management
in Legume Based Intercropping under Upland Ecosystem
Deban Kumar Choudhary*
RRS, Agwanpur, Saharsa,BAU, Sabour
*Corresponding author’s email: debanchoudhary@yahoo.in
A field experiment entitled to study the plant geometry and phosphorus manage-
ment in legume-based intercropping under upland ecosystem was conducted under All
India Coordinated Research Project on (Pulse Research) of Birsa Agricultural University,
Ranchi (Jharkhand) during Kharif season of two consecutive years 2016 and 2017 to
study the suitability of Black gram as intercropped with Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and
Maize under varied source of Phosphorus. The experiment was laid out in Split-plot De-
sign with seven crop geometry in main plot and four P management techniques under sub
plot and replicated thrice.Maximum grain yield of pigeon pea and black gram were re-
corded with 50% RDP+ Nano-P 40 ppm followed by 100% RDP and Nano-P 40 ppm.
Application of Nano-P 40 ppm increased grain yield of pigeon pea, maize and black gram
compared to no phosphorus. Pigeon pea + black gram 1:1 recorded higher straw yield of
pigeon pea than that of pigeon pea + black gram 1:2 system and sole pigeon pea. Likewise,
straw yield of maize under maize + black gram1:1 was found higher than that of sole maize
and maize + black gram 1:2 system. Straw yield of black gram was registered higher in both
plant geometry with pigeon pea (1:1and1:2) than that of similar combinations with maize.
Concerning to phosphorus management maximum straw yield of pigeon pea, black gram
and maize were recorded with 50% RDP+ Nano-P 40 ppm followed by 100% RDP and
Nano-P 40 ppm. Minimum grain and straw yield were registered under no phosphorus
application. System productivity in terms of Black gram equivalent yield (1763 kg ha-1)
was recorded under pigeon pea + black gram 1:1 system which is statistically at par with 189
pigeon pea + black gram 1:2 followed by maize + black gram 1:2 and maize + black
gram 1:1. All the crop combination gave higher black gram equivalent yield and was
found superior over sole crop of black gram, pigeon pea and maize. The lowest black
gram equivalent yield was obtained with sole maize (884 kg ha-1). System productivity
of pigeon pea + black gram 1:1 and pigeon pea + black gram 1:2 increased by 58.8% and
52.8% respectively over sole pigeon pea. Gross return (¹ 98786 ha-1), net return (¹
61209 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.63) of system was recorded maximum by pigeon pea +
black gram 1:1 which was statistically at par with pigeon pea + black gram 1:2 and
remained superior over rest of the plant geometries. Significantly highest net return (¹
61209 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.63) was obtained under pigeon pea + black gram 1:1 sys-
tem. Regarding phosphorus management, application of 50% RDP + Nano-P 40 ppm
was found superior in gross return (¹ 80292 ha-1) net return (¹ 45056 ha-1) and B:C ratio
(1.28) over 100% RDP, Nano-P 40 ppm and no phosphorus.
Keywords : Intercropping, Pigeon pea, Maize, Black gram and Phosphorus.
T11-07
Ground Water Scenario in Bihar: Drivers and Trends
Yogita Sharma1*, Meera Kumari1, S.M. Rahman1, Nitu Kumari1, Jeevita G.N.2,
and Shubham Priydarshi1
1
Bihar Agricultural University, Bhagalpur
2
*Corresponding author’s email: sharmayogita35@gmail.com
Bihar is blessed with abundant surface and groundwater resources having an aver-
age annual rainfall of 1250-1350 mm. However, there is uneven distribution of groundwater
potentials due to variability of rainfall. In the last few decades, the state has experienced a
serious water crisis in several parts of the state due to population increase, unplanned and
irrational use of water and climate change. In Bihar, the annual groundwater extraction is
around 29 billion cubic metres (BCM) whereas, the recharge of about 31.41 BCM. The rate
of groundwater extraction, which is 46%, is lower than the national average in Bihar.
Groundwater is an important source of household, domestic, and agricultural water sup-
plies in Bihar. This emphasizes the requirement for a sufficient and dependable water
supply. The state has abundant surface water and rainfall, but because of unpredictable
rainfall and recurrent droughts, groundwater dependence has increased. The state’s main
source for irrigation support is tube wells. Though the state has witnessed a rise in water
table @ 0.03 metres per year during the last 25 years, some of the districts where the water
level has fallen are Bhagalpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Kishanganj, Purnia, Supaul, Saharsa and
Araria. The groundwater balance has decreased; turning the net groundwater availability
to 18.15 bcm in 2017.The groundwater in Bihar is also affected withseveral water quality
problems, with arsenic, fluoride, and iron being the most prevalent chemical pollutants.
However, excessive contamination of water decreases agricultural productivity, depletes
soil fertility, and enters the food chain causing health complications. Water contamination
is mostly caused by population growth, the industrial revolution, and the green revolu-
tion. Various researches on water quantity and quality showed that Bihar may face serious
water scarcity soon. Water shortages will become chronic in this water surplus condition,
requiring quick corrective measures to preserve and protect this essential water resource.
Keywords: Ground water, Water contamination, Water scarcity,Water scenario and Bihar.
190 T11-08
Production Economics of Biofloc Culture
Mrinalini Kumari1*, Mukul Kumar1, Niru Kumari1, Dinesh Prasad Gond2
1
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa(Bihar)-852201
2
Dept. of Endocrinology, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.)-221005
*
Corresponding author’s email: m.mrinalini35@gmail.com
Aquaculture is contributing significantly to world fish supplies, however, at the
side of this there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of many of
the practices employed in fish farming. Biofloc Technology (BFT) is considered as new
“blue revolution” since nutrients can be continuously recycled and reused in the culture
medium, benefited by the minimum or zero-water exchange. BFT is an environment friendly
aquaculture technique based on in-situ microorganism production. Biofloc is the sus-
pended growth in ponds/tanks which is the aggregates of living and dead particulate
organic matter, phytoplankton, bacteria and grazers of the bacteria. It is the utilization of
microbial processes within the pond/tank itself to provide food resources for cultured
organism while at the same time acts as a water treatment remedy. Thus, this system is also
called as active suspension ponds or heterotrophic ponds or even green soup ponds. The
objective of the study is to review the production economics of biofloc culture. Fishes like
Singhi(Heteropneustesfossilis), Magur(Clariasbatrachus), Pabda (Ompokpabda), Anabas/
Koi (Anabas testudineus), Pangasius (Pangasianodanhypophthalmus), Common Carp
(Cyprinus carpio), Rohu (Labeorohita), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Milkfish
(Chanoschanos) and Shellfishes like Vannamei (Litopenaeusvannamei) and Tiger Shrimp
(Penaeus monodon) may be produced through this technology. The cost estimate of 7
fibre tanks of 1500 litre capacity used in the biofloc unit is presented here. The tanks may
cost for 1.05 lakhs (@ 15000 each). The cost for investment requirements (capital costs)
required for drain pipe fittings, water supply, water pumps, electricity power lines, aera-
tors, feeding storage bins, oxygen meter, water testing equipments, dip nets, baskets,
buckets, etc., must be committed before the first fish is stocked. It costs around 5.25 lakhs.
The total investment cost is approximately around 6.5 lakhs with 7 tanks in one unit. The
cost may vary with the level of production, however, the fixed costs for permits, licenses,
taxes, insurance etc., are incurred regardless the level of production.The production rate is
600kg/tank/crop with 500gm average weight of the species produced. Therefore, the biofloc
technology may give a huge return to fish farmer. The technology should be disseminated
among the fish farmers for generating employment and economic growth.
Keywords : Aquaculture, Biofloc, BFT, Economic growthand Economic analysis.
T11-09
Genetic Divergence Studies in Pointed Gourd
(Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)
RB Verma*, Ravi Kumar and A. B. Singh
Bihar Agricultural University Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar
*Corresponding author’s email: rbv1963@gmail.com
Genetic divergence of 26-pointed gourd genotypes was studied using
Mahalanobis D2. Statistics revealed that considerable genetic diversity is present among
genotypes in pointed gourd. Twenty-six diverse genotypes were grouped into six clusters
with the highest 10 genotypes in the Cluster III. Cluster II and I had 9 and 4 genotypes
respectively. One genotype was included in cluster IV, V and cluster VI each.The inter
cluster distance was higher than the intra cluster distance indicating wide genetic diver- 191
sity among the genotypes of different groups. Maximum inter-cluster distance was found
between cluster III and VI (84.31). The cluster means of 15 characters among six clusters
indicated that cluster I and III genotypes has highest desirable cluster mean for five
characters followed by cluster V for three characters, one characters in each cluster II and
cluster VI. The relative contribution of studied characters indicated that inter nodal length
at first harvest had contributed highest (23.08 %), followed by average fruit weight (18.15
%), fruit breadth (14.46 %), yield of fruit (12,92 %), vine length at first harvest (12.31).
Based on principal component analysis (PCA), seven components explained 95.56 % of
total genetic variation. These characters are highly genetic variable and genotype having
these characters in different cluster could be used in breeding programme to develop high
yielding cultivars.
Keywords : Genetic divergence, Diverse genotypes, Pointed gourd, and Fruit harvest.
T11-10
Livelihood Improvement through Promotion of
Biofortified Crops in Disadvantaged Districts of Bihar :
A Sustainable Way to Achieve Nutritional Security
Anand Kumar1*, Ravi Ranjan Kumar2, Satyendra1, Mankesh Kumar1, S.P. Singh1,
Sanjay Kumar1, Anil Kumar1Rakesh Deo Ranjan3 and P.K. Singh4
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar India-813210
*Corresponding author’s email: dranandpbgbausabour@gmail.com
Sustainable Development Goals laid by the United Nations urge the global com-
munities to ensure food security vis-à-vis nutritional security. While 795 million people
are undernourished; malnutrition affects an estimated two billion people globally. South
Asia is home to more than 35% of the world’s poor. 21.9% of the population of India
lives in poverty. India is home to world’s highest under-nourished people (194.6 mil-
lion), where 38.4% of the children (<5 years) are stunted and 35.7% are underweight.
Annually, India loses over $12 billion in GDP due to vitamin and/or mineral deficien-
cies. Biofortification is a sustainable and cost-effective method of delivering micronu-
trients to the population. Unfortunately, major food crops are poor sources of one or
more micronutrients which are essential for normal growth and development of hu-
mans. Consumption of unbalanced food affects billions of people worldwide, and leads
to poor health and socio-economic conditions. According to the PMO, 35 crop variet-
ies with special traits like climate resilience and higher nutrient-content have been de-
veloped in 2021. These include a drought tolerant variety of chickpea, wilt and sterility
mosaic resistant pigeon pea, early maturing variety of soybean, disease resistant variet-
ies of rice and biofortified varieties of wheat, pearl millet, maize, chickpea, quinoa,
buckwheat, winged bean and faba bean. These special traits crop varieties also include
those that address the anti-nutritional factors found in some crops that adversely affect
human and animal health. So far, the focus has been on the development of high yielding
varieties primarily to feed the ever-increasing population. Implementing food security
programs through promotion of biofortified varieties of different crops will be sensi-
tive to environmental and climatic conditions supports sustainability, whilst ensuring
current and future food security. The biofortified rice variety Sabour Ayush Dhan (BRR
0092) is developed by the scientist of Bihar Agricultural university, Sabour. It has long
slender grain and is recommended for medium and medium upland irrigated ecology.
The zinc content in the grain is found to be 24.80. Concerted efforts in collaboration
192 with other national and international initiatives has led to the development of 71 variet-
ies of rice (7), wheat (22), maize (11), pearl millet (8), finger millet (3), small millet
(1), lentil (2), groundnut (2), linseed (1), mustard (3), soybean (3), cauliflower (1),
potato (2), sweet potato (2), greater yam (2) and pomegranate (1). In addition, a large
number of advance elite materials are in pipelines and will be released in due course of
time. These biofortified varieties assume great significance to achieve nutritional secu-
rity in Bihar and India as well.
Keywords: Biofortification, Cost-effective, Micronutrients and Biofortified crops.
T11-11
Creating Awareness of GI Branded Katarni Rice for
Unlocking its Commercial Potential
Mankesh Kumar*, Neha Kashyap, Rabiya Parween, Satyendra, S P Singh
and Anand Kumar
Bihar Agricultural University Sabour, Bhagalpur
*Corresponding author’s email: drmankeshkumar@gmail.com
Katarni is one of the most coveted aromatic rice of Bihar particularly grown in
few blocks of Banka, Bhagalpur and Munger districts. After getting the geographical
indication tag in 2018, huge scope of harnessing its commercial potential is unraveling.
There is potential to enhance the branding and thereby, the commercial value of Katarni
products which have so far been underutilized. Nor have exports of its products been
adequately incentivized. However, Govt. of Bihar has made every effort to promote the
branding and marketing of Katarni in the state as well as in national markets. One of the
significant milestones has been achieved by declaring Katarni as ODOP for Banka dis-
trict. Stake holder Meets and interaction with experts and producers has been made in
different platforms. During these interactions, the researchers met various Katarni grow-
ers and traders and understood the processes involved in the production and sales of its
products, the inter-linkages between different stakeholders, the issues faced by them
and the marketing initiatives undertaken so far. Subsequently, Katarni growers have par-
ticipated in various trade fairs, kisan mela etc., for promoting and branding of Katarni.
Efforts in Katarni production under organic amendments have also been made which can
further enhance its commercial value in export market. GI for Katarni is a valuable intel-
lectual property which can help in socio-economic development of the area to which it
belongs. It is only the effect of GI tag through which the total acreage of Katarni has
been increased from 500 acres to 1700 acres during the last two years and now fetching
a premium price in the local as well as in outside state markets.
Keywords: Katarni rice,GI, Stakeholders, Inter-linkages, andEconomic development.
T11-12
Evaluation of Medicinal Plants in Koshi Zone of Bihar
Mukul Kumar1*, Tribhuwan Kumar2, Mrinalini Kumari3,Niru Kumari4
MBAC, Agwanpur, Saharsa (BAU,Sabour)
*
Corresponding author’s email: kumarmukul93@gmail.com
Cultivation of medicinal plants generate employment and income. These need en-
couragement at the right place. In case of marketing of the economic products like
medicinal plants, organized marketing facilities are to be provided. The agronomy of
these crops are not well known among the farmers which needs urgent attention. Agro-
processing of medicinal plants like Aloevera is to popularized among the needy. This 193
would help in enhancing employment and income of the rural people. Work on balanced
use of plant nutrients in improving yield and quality of medicinal plants is lacking. There-
fore, this kind of work needs urgent attention. Availability of rural credit at right place
by right method can create miracles. Herbal medicines have been commonly used by
diabetic patients for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. To include findings from differ-
ent studies, publications related to in-vivo and in-vitro antidiabetic activities of medici-
nal plants. Different medicinal plant parts were used experimentally for antidiabetic
effects in India. Among these, leaves (69%) were the most investigated medicinal plant
part followed by roots (14%) and seeds (7%). Most of the investigations were com-
pleted with hydro-methanolic extracts to obtain a higher percentage of yields. Produc-
tion and profit must be encouraged by the cultivation of economically attractive crops
like medicinal plants (aloevera and DS).Marketing of medicinal plants is very impor-
tant. Food crop has universal demand. The same is not true with medicinal plants. There-
fore, directly it may not increase the fertilizer demand, but the higher income generated
may be ploughed back in the cultivation of some other crop like vegetables needing
higher doses of fertilizer and higher credit. Therefore, indirectly this is also likely to
increase fertilizer consumption.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Employment, Antidiabetic, Cultivation, and Fertilizer.
T11-13
Some Aspects of Estimation of Heritability of Mastitis
Disease in Dairy Cattle
Subrat Keshori Behera1*, A. K. Paul2, Upendra K. Pradhan3, Bhola Nath4
1*
2,3
ICAR - Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi.
4
Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: subrat.iasri@gmail.com
Mastitis causes inflammation of the mammary gland and is the most common
disease of dairy cattle causing economic losses due to reduced yield and poor quality of
milk. The present study deals with inheritance of mastitis diseasein Sahiwal breed of cows.
Two different methods based on Karlinet al. (1981) are used in this study. Estimators of
PGP and PPR are used for the estimation of the heritability of mastitis disease from live
data through calculation of intra-class correlation coefficient. Bootstrap technique is
used for estimation of standard error of heritability as direct formula for the same is not
available in literature. The findings are then compared with the results of analysis of
variance (ANOVA) method. The method based on showed better performance as com-
pared to the ANOVA estimator.
Keywords: Heritability, Intra-class correlation, Mastitis disease and Dairy cattle.
194 T11-14
Incidence of Rice Leaf Roller Cnaphalocrocis
medillalis Guenee (Pyralidae:Lepidoptera) in Koshi
Region of Bihar
Shyam Babu Sah1*,Tamoghna Saha2, B.B. Singh3, R. N. Gupta4 and Shivnath Das5
1
Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Agwanpur, Saharsa (BAU, Sabour)
2,4
Department of Entomology, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur
3
N.C.O.H, Noorsarai
5
Betelvine Research Centre, Islampur,Nalanda(B.A.U., Sabour)
*
Corresponding author’s email: shyamento@gmail.com
Rice is one of the chief food grains of India. Moreover, this country has the
largest area under rice cultivation. As it is one of the principal food crops. It is, in fact, the
dominant crop of the country. India is one of the leading producers of this crop. Rice is the
basic food crop and being a tropical plant, it flourishes comfortably in a hot and humid
climate. Rice is mainly grown in rain-fed areas that receive heavy annual rainfall. Therefore,
it is fundamentally a kharif crop in India.
In India, rice is grown in an area of 43.79 million ha with a production of 116.42 million
tonnes and productivity of 2659 kg/ha, stands second next to China (Anonymous, 2019).
The major rice producing states of India are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh,
Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Karnataka and Haryana. In India insect pest
cause 25 percent loss in rice (Mondal et al., 2017). About 300 species of insect pests attack
the rice crop at various stages of crop growth and among them 23 species causes remark-
able damage (Pasalu and Katti, 2006) . Rice leaf roller Cnaphalocrocismedillalis Guenee
(Pyralidae:Lepidoptera) is one of the most serious/important pest of rice.An experiment
was conducted at MBAC,Agwanpur,Saharsa to observe the population trends and the
impact of abiotic factors on C. medinalis infestations in rice crop during Kharif season
(August to October) of 2019.Moths measured about 2 cm, long wings brownish yellow
with black wavy bands. Eggs are laid singly on the lower surface of the leaves. Caterpillar
is dull white light greenish yellow in colour. They fold the leaf margins often longitudinally
by gluing the leaf margin at certain intervals and feed inside the rolled leaves by scraping
the epidermis. The affected leaf looks brownish, which subsequently dries up. Sometimes
2 or 3 leaves are folded together. Pupation takes place inside the leaf fold. During 2019,
average temperature, relative humidity and rainfall contributed 14.69% in rice leaf folder
infestation.This information can be helpful as a key component for implementation of
integrated management of rice leaf folder.

Keywords: Rice crop, Incidence, Rice leaf roller, and Koshi region.
T11-15
Conservation of Economically Important Farmers’
Varieties of Bihar State
Satyendra*, Digvijay Singh, Mankesh Kumar, Anand Kumar, Kumari Rashmi,
Sailabala Deiand P. K. Singh
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210 (Bhagalpur) Bihar
*Corresponding author email: drsatyendratomar@gmail.com
Bihar is one of the richest state having diverse agro-ecological conditions includ-
ing low land, shallow low land, tarai, tal, irrigated and rainfed areas. Many of the wild
varieties, landraces, local genotypes of the economically important crops, medicinal
and aromatic plants, fruits and vegetables, ornamental plant species, etc. are being tradi- 195
tionally grown by the farmers of the state. Many of the farmers are conserving these
genetic treasures of biodiversity knowingly because of their personal interest while
many grow them since generations due to their importance for specific quality aspects.
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour established Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Cell
in the year 2015 for monitoring IPR activities in the university and its constituent’s
institutes. Different kind of germplasm having economic importance spread over 60
crop species covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, flower crops and crop
of medicinal importance have been collected and more than 500 applications have been
submitted to the PPV&FRA, New Delhi for registration under PPPV&FR Act-2001.
The present article has a complete insight of the efforts being made towards the conser-
vation of economically important germplasm of the state.
Key words: Economic, Farmers’ varieties, Germplasm protection, PPV & FRA.
T11-16
Value Creation Beyond Farm Production: Case studies
on emerging Trends of Value Creation using Digital
Technologies among Agri-stratups
Shridhar Patil
Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour
*Corresponding author email: srisr8@gmail.com
Majority of the past value creation strategies largely focused on value addition of
agro-produce. However, with emergence of smart phones and increased connectivity
among rural masses, there is drastic shift in value creation approach. The emerging startups
are adding value to agricultural products and services using variety of strategies includ-
ing Product innovation, process innovation and form innovation. To create value they are
also targeting affordability & accessibility of products and services as strategies. Case
analysis showed that value creation in agri-start ups is taking place through mobilization
of resources to create single window service facilities; bringing together resource owners
and utilizers; harnessing traceability; providing highly customized services. The owner-
ship pattern also show that the popularly notion like agribusiness is suitable for men; one
must be master in business management to run a successful business; one should have
innovative product for successful business venture; Entrepreneurship is for experienced

professionals and Startups & entrepreneurship are for rich are not true in reality.
Keywords : Value Creation, Farm Production, Start-ups and Digital Technologics.
T11-17
Effect of Different Organic Inputs on Yield and
Economics of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)
S. K. Choudhary*, R.B.P. Nirala and Pallavi Shekhar
Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar-813210
*corresponding email: saurabhkkv2885@gmail.com
Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is basically an industrial oilseed crop and its
each and every part is endowed with commercial and medicinal importance (Marchenkov
et al., 2003). India is among top five countries producing Linseed, with U.K and Canada
196 being top two countries, and still India imports Linseed. The present experiment was
planned to evaluate the micronutrients on growth and yield of linseed (Linum
usitatissimum L.). An appraisal of data revealed that the organically grown linseed yield
was 623.34 Kg/ha, generated gross returns of Rs.57003/ha. The net return was Rs.27392/
ha with return to cost ratio of 1.92 indicating that a return of Rs. 1.92 has been obtained
on each rupee invested.
Keywords: Linseed, Yield and Profit.
T11-18
Wicked Constraints Perceived by Different Stakeholders
in the Upstream Value Chain of Commercial Dairy
Farms: A Quantitative Introspection in Trans-Gangetic
Plains of India
Arti1, Anil Kumar Chauhan2, Anil Kumar Dixit3, Bitan Mondal4*, Subrata Gorain5 and
Chandan Kumar Rai6
1,4,5
PalliSiksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal 731236
3
Principal Scientist, DESM, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, 132001
6
Assistant Professor, CCS University Meerut, 250001
*Corresponding Author’s email: bitan.mondal@visva-bharati.ac.in
Despite of having low milk productivity, India holds its first position in the world.
The growth rate of milk production is increasing over the years as India is adopting the
path of commercialization. The share of farms having animals greater than five has reached
to 21 per cent in 2014 from 3 per cent in 1997. The forecasted milk production in 2023-24 is
to be 300 million tonnes. To achieve this escalated milk production, a growth rate of 9.2 per
cent is required. Integrated value chain and interlinkages among different stakeholders in
upstream value chain is utmost important to strengthen whole system. Identification and
mitigation of constraints among stakeholders help to upgrade value chain. A total of Sixty
commercial dairy farmers and 124 input suppliers were selected in the present study.
Among commercial dairy farms, breeding constraints gained topmost position followed
by feeding constraints, marketing constraint and technical constraints. Absence of link-
age between feed producer and farmers hinders the production process to a great extent.
Proper market for selling of animals, poor quality high price of energy sources and semen
storage problem are the most important constraints of animal suppliers, feed suppliers,
breeding facility providers. A holistic approach in maintaining the linkages among differ-
ent stakeholders is prescribed to strengthen the value chain of the commercial dairy farms
in the study area.
Keywords: Upstream value chain, Garret Ranking, Breeding, Technical, Marketing.
National Seminar
on
Converging Agribusiness Acumen for Growth, Protability and
Sustainability through Agripreneurs & Agri start-ups
(CAGSAS-2022)
Date: 25-26 November, 2022
Patron : Dr. Arun Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, BAU, Sabour

President : Dr. P.K. Singh, Director Research, BAU, Sabour
Convenor : Dr. R.P. Sharma, DRI-cum-Dean PGS & PI, SABAGRIs, BAU, Sabour
Organizing Secretary:
Dr. S. M. Rahaman, Asstt. Prof. (Agril. Economics), BAU, Sabour
Co-Organizing Secretary (s):
Dr. Meera Kumari, Asstt. Prof. (Agril. Economics), BAC, Sabour
Dr. Shoji Lal Bairwa, Asstt. Prof. (Agril. Economics), DKAC, Kishanganj
Joint Organizing Secretary (s):
Dr. Ajay Bhardwaj, Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), BAU, Sabour
Dr. Tarak Nath Goswami, Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Entomology, BAC, Sabour
Core Organizing Committee:
Dr. R.K. Sohane, Director Extension Education, BAU, Sabour
Dr. P.K. Singh, Director Seed & Farms, BAU, Sabour
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director Students Welfare, BAU, Sabour
Dr. S.K. Pathak, Registrar, BAU, Sabour
Dr. A.P. Bhagat, Comptroller, BAU, Sabour
Dr. S.N. Singh, Associate Dean-cum-Principal, BAC, Sabour
Dr. N. Chattopadhyay, Chairman, Deptt. of Soil Science, BAC, Sabour
Dr. M. K. Wadhwani, Associate Dean-cum-Principal, CABM, Patna
Dr. M. Feza Ahmad, Associate Director Research, BAU, Sabour
Dr. R.N Singh, Associate Director Extension Education, BAU, Sabour
Dr. Shail Bala Dei, Deputy Director Research, BAU, Sabour
Sl. Name Designation Position
No.
I Invitation Committee
1. Dr. R.B. Verma Chairman, Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Chairman
BAC, Sabour
2. Dr. Kasturikasen Beura Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC., BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Abhijit Ghatak Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Pl. Pathology, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Shashikant Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PPB, BAC, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Mukesh Kumar Academic Cell, BAC, Sabour Member
6. Ms. Sujeeta Kumari Sharma M.Sc. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
ii. Registration Committee
1. Dr. Suborna Roy Choudhary Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Chandan Kumar Panda Asstt. Prof., Extension Education, BAU, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Fozia Homa Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SMCA., BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Chanda Kushwaha Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Pl. Pathology, BAC, Sabour Member
6. Dr. Deepti Singh Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Member
BAU, Sabour
7. Sri Mrityunjay Kumar Sah F.O., Directorate of Research, BAU, Sabour Member
8. Ms. Puja Jena Ph.D. Student, Deptt. of Extn. Edu., BAC. Sabour Member
iii. Dias Arrangement Committee
1. Dr. Ruby Rani Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Fruit & Fruit Tech.), Chairman
BAC, Sabour
2. Dr. Sweta Sambhavi Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Sarita Nahakpam Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PPB, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. A.S. Tigga Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Ext. Edu., BAC, Sabour Member
5. Ms. Shalani Kumari M.Sc. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
iv. Certicate Preparation & Distribution Committee
1. Dr. Meera Kumari Asstt. Prof., Agril. Economics, BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Shirin Akhtar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Member
BAU, Sabour
3. Dr. Tirthartha Chattopadhyay Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Aditya Sinha Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Extension Education, BAC, Sabour Member
5. Mr. Lalit Staff, Directorate of Extension Education, BAU Member
6. Ms. Nitu Kumari Ph.D. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
v. Purchase & Finance Committee
1. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Assoc. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Sunil Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Mr. Subrat Keshori Behera Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SMCA., BAU, Sabour Member
4. Sri Umesh Kumar Assistant Comptroller, BAC, Sabour Member
5. Sri Anu Ritwik Ofce Assistant, SABAGRIs, BAU, Sabour Member
vi. Fund Raising Committee
1. Dr. R.K. Sohane Director Extension Education, BAU, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. P.K. Singh Director Seed & Farms and Director Research, Member
BAU, Sabour
3. Dr. A.P. Bhagat Comptroller, BAU, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Aditya Sinha Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Ext. Edu., BAC, Sabour Member
5. Mr. Ashok Kumar Jaiswal Business Manager, SABAGRIs, BAU, Sabour Member
vii. Publicity/Poster/Banner Committee
1. Dr. Anshuman Kohli Assoc. Professor, SSAC, BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Rajkishore Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC., BAU, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Anil Paswan Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Ext. Edu., BAC, Sabour Member
4. Mr. Brajesh Tiwary Designer, Media Lab, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Mr. Ramnath Kumar Ray Ph.D. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
viii. Accommodation Committee
1. Dr. A.B. Singh Asstt. Prof., AICRP (Vegetables), BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Birendra Singh Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Mankesh Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Ghanshyam Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
5. Mr. Subodh Kumar F.O, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC, Sabour Member
6. Sri Praveen Kumar Mandal M.Sc. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
ix. Food Committee
1. Dr. Rakesh Deo Ranjan Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PPB, BAC, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Y.K. Singh Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. S.K. Gupta Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Anand Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Birendra Singh Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
6. Dr. Awadhesh Kr. Pal Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PPB, BAC, Sabour Member
7. Sri Anil Kumar Clerk, Directorate of Research, BAU, Sabour Member
x. Protocol & Transport Committee
1. Dr. R.P. Sharma DRI-cum-Dean PGS & PI, SABAGRIs, BAU, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Sanoj Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agril. Engg., BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Sunil Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Asstt. Prof., Agril. Economics, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Sourav Kr. Choudhary Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour Member
6. Mr. Prabhakar Singh Clerk, BAU, Sabour Member
xi. Publication Committee
1. Dr. Shoji Lal Bairwa Asstt. Prof., Agril. Economics, DKAC, Kishanganj Chairman
2. Dr. Shridhar Patil Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Ext. Edu., BAU, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Aditya Sinha Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Ext. Edu., BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Srinivasaraghavan A. Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Pl. Pathology, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Tirthartha Chattopadhyay Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
6. Dr. Paramveer Singh Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Member
BAU, Sabour
7. Dr. Ajay Bhardwaj Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Member
BAU, Sabour
8. Dr. Tarak Nath Goswami, Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Entomology, BAC, Sabour Member
9. Dr. Samik Sengupta Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Fruit & Fruit Tech.), Member
BAU, Sabour
10. Ms. Ashwini Choudhary Asstt. Prof., Agril. Economics, MBAC, Saharsa Member
xii. Press & Media Management Committee
1. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Chairman
BAU, Sabour
2. Dr. R.N. Gupta Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Plant Pathology, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Satyendra Tomar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Ramanuj Vishwakarma Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Entomology, BAC, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Ajay Bhardwaj Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Hort. (Veg. & Floriculture), Member
BAU, Sabour
6. Dr. Ravi Shankar Singh Asstt. Professor, Department PBG, BAC, Sabour Member
7. Dr. Ghanshyam Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
xiii. Exhibition Committee
1. Dr. Feza Ahmad Univ. Prof. (Hort. Fruits), DWP & ADR, BAU, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Ramanuj Vishwakarma Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Entomology, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAU, Sabour Member
4. Mr. Ashok Kumar Jaiswal Business Manager, SABAGRIs, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Mr. Ajay Kumar M.Sc. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
6. Mr. Ram Kumar Mandal M.Sc. Student, Deptt. of Agril. Econ., BAC. Sabour Member
xiv. Poster Presentation Committee
1. Dr. Shail Bala Dei Deputy Director Research, BAU, Sabour Chairman
2. Dr. Tamoghna Saha Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Entomology, BAC, Sabour Member
3. Dr. Anupam Das Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Chandan Kr.Panda Asstt. Prof., Extension Education, BAU, Sabour Member
5. Dr. Hari Om Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour Member
6. Dr. Anand Kumar Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PBG, BAU, Sabour Member
7. Dr. Awadhesh Kr. Pal Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of PPB, BAC, Sabour Member
8. Sri Mrityunjay Kumar Sah F.O., Directorate of Research, BAU, Sabour Member
xv. Oral Presentation Committee
1. Dr. Anshuman Kohli Assoc. Prof., Deptt. of SSAC, BAC, Sabour Chairman
3. Dr. Dharmsheela Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of MBGE, BAU, Sabour Member
4. Dr. Tushar Ranjan Asstt. Prof., Deptt. of MBGE, BAC, Sabour Member
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Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book, National Seminar on “Converging

Book · June 2023

s.M. Rahaman Shoji Lal Bairwa

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Meera Kumari Samik Sengupta

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The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Declaration: Opinions in this publication are those of respective authors

photographically, electronically or otherwise, in part or full, without the

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Phone : 0612-2786100-107, Fax : 0612-2786178

Former Agriculture production Commissioner, Government of Bihar.

(Sunil Kumar Singh)

Dated : 18th November 2022

Vijaya Lakshmi Nadendla

Ref. No. : 4361/vc Dated : 22.11.2022

Dated : 18th November 2022

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Acknowledging the incubation support provided under

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for

The financial assistance received from Research and

Country Year Value

Source: World Bank

Figure 2: Value Chain- Cup of Coffee (UK)

Source: Source: PwC 2022 report

Source: Source: PwC analysis of data from NASSCOM (2022)

States focusing on Agritech in India:

Barriers/ Growth Constraints to Agripreneurship and Agribusiness:

aging startups and a sustainable agri-food system to accelerate green innovations

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2021, Ministry of Agriculture and Family

1.3. A Few Characteristics of Farmers

Hardly 8.5% agricultural households reported formal training in their principal

1.4. Aptitude towards Farming

of workforce on agriculture for their livelihoods has continued to be high, incommen-

ture, farm mechanization, conservation of agriculture, natural resource management, bio-

Concept of Digital Economy

iii) Efficient logistics system

Fig 2: Growth Potential of emerging digitalized sector by 2025 (Source: McKinsey

• Primary conditions required to use technology include infrastructure and connec-

• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization: The Department of Agriculture

Fig.1. The Key Dimensions of Food Security

ICT and Food Security

agricultural development and food security. [4]

Fig.2: Components used in ICT programmes in India

Figure 3: Natural Capital in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Green Economic Recovery and Sustainable Food Security

GR Strategies and Description

vol 836. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1343-1_32

What is needed at this juncture is capturing social inclusion by means of investment

Table 2: India’s Major Agritech Startups

Enhancing Horticultural food processing and supply chain

Technology 25 lakh INR to the institution for the establishment

6. Aspire (MSME) Aspire has been launched by the Indian government

An Economic Analysis of Scope and Prospect of

Cross Sectional Analysis of Agri-enterprises in Bihar :

whether government or non-government has little to do with the building of capacities

Organization (FPOs) in Guntur District of Andhra

THEME 2: AGRIPRENEURS, START-UPS AND

Nirala Kumar*, S. M. Rahman, Pankaj Kumar Mandal and Nitu Kumari

(ACABC’s) Scheme in Rajasthan

THEME 3: SPIN OFF PROCESSES, KNOWLEDGE

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