Volume-12, Issue-1, January 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the economic profitability of honey production in the Ramban, Kathua, and Jammu districts of Jammu Division, J&K, highlighting its potential as a sustainable livelihood. Using a stratified sampling approach, 200 beekeepers across high-, medium-, and low-density districts were surveyed to collect data on production costs, returns, socio-economic variables, and constraints. The analysis revealed significant inter-district variation in performance. Ramban district emerged as the most productive, yielding 7,196 quintals of honey and 486.6 quintals of beeswax, and the most profitable, with gross returns of ₹17,864.52 per quintal and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 10.05. Kathua and Jammu districts also showed positive, though lower, profitability. The study concludes that apiculture is a highly profitable venture in the region, with an aggregate BCR of 7.95. Strategic interventions—including improved market access, value addition, cooperative models, and policies to reduce cost-price spreads—are recommended to enhance profitability and sustainability across all districts.

Keywords: Apiculture, Beekeeping, Economic Profitability, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Marketing Channels, Jammu & Kashmir

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Abstract

Contamination of water resources with heavy metals poses serious environmental and public health problems due to their toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative nature. Common heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) are abundant in industrial and municipal wastewater. Effective removal of these metals is essential to ensure water quality, protect aquatic ecosystems, and maintain ecological balance. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of three main categories of heavy metal removal methods: physical, chemical, and biological techniques. Physical methods such as membrane filtration, coagulation-flocculation, and adsorption are widely used for their operational simplicity and efficiency. Chemical methods including precipitation, electrochemical treatment, and solvent extraction are effective but may generate secondary contaminants. Biological approaches such as bioremediation and phytoremediation offer environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives. Additionally, emerging technologies like nanotechnology-based materials and hybrid processing systems are discussed for their potential to improve removal efficiency and sustainability. The comparative evaluation highlights the advantages and limitations of each method in terms of removal efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and scalability. The analysis concludes that hybrid or integrated treatment systems combining multiple methods provide higher efficiency and represent a promising approach for treating complex wastewaters contaminated with heavy metals.

Keywords: heavy metal removal, physical methods, chemical methods, biological methods, wastewater treatment, hybrid systems

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Abstract

The present study examines the socio-economic profile of wheat growers in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Using a multistage random sampling design, 80 wheat growers were selected from ten villages across two randomly selected blocks. Results revealed that most farmers (53.75%) were smallholders with less than one hectare of land, indicating limited potential for large-scale mechanization and a focus on subsistence agriculture. Literacy rates among farm heads exceeded 90%, with large farmers showing slightly higher literacy (94.59%) than small farmers (93.02%), suggesting receptiveness to improved technologies. Agriculture remained the primary occupation (69.75% of household workers). Land use analysis showed cultivated land accounted for 81.43% of operational holdings, with 65.05% under irrigation. Wheat dominated the rabi season, occupying 39.04% of gross cropped area, while maize (25.27%) and paddy (12.83%) were major kharif crops. Cropping intensity averaged 190.32%, reflecting multiple cropping practices. The average family size was 5.78 members, with 58.75% nuclear families. Farm investment in machinery and implements showed a positive correlation with farm size, averaging ₹2,76,998 for small farms and ₹3,65,758 for large farms. Livestock inventory averaged 1.83 animals per farm, dominated by cows (39.36%) and buffaloes (33.29%). The study highlights the predominance of smallholders, high literacy, and diversified livelihood strategies in the region.

Keywords: Wheat growers, family size, age, education, literacy rate, occupation, cropping pattern, farm investment, landholding, livestock

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Abstract

Water scarcity has severely impacted the global economy, livelihoods, and environmental quality, driving the use of municipal and industrial wastewater as an alternative irrigation source in urban and peri-urban agriculture. This practice addresses water deficits but raises concerns about risks to human and environmental health from contaminants. This study evaluated the effect of diluted domestic sewage wastewater (used in semi-urban Palakkad) versus well water (used in rural areas) on pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of irrigation water, soil, and various plant parts (seeds, leaves, stems, pods) for physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, full mineral profile, heavy metals, and in vitro antioxidant activity. Results indicated that most physicochemical parameters of the irrigation water were within FAO permissible limits, though the semi-urban source showed elevated iron, phosphate, and alkalinity. Critically, concentrations of toxic heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu) in soils and, most importantly, in the edible seeds remained well below WHO/FAO safety thresholds. Proximate analysis confirmed good nutritional quality in seeds from both sources (e.g., protein: 15.5-17.6 g/100g). Plants irrigated with both water types exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity across five complementary assays (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, Metal Chelating, NO Scavenging), which was strongly correlated with phenolic content. A notable finding was the elevated iron content in seeds, suggesting a natural bioaccumulation propensity in C. cajan. The study concludes that, under the observed conditions, the use of diluted domestic sewage wastewater did not induce harmful heavy metal accumulation in C. cajan, maintained its nutritional value, and preserved its bioactive potential. This supports its role as a viable and sustainable irrigation alternative, contributing to water security and nutrient recycling. Non-seed tissues (leaves, pods) showed high phenolic content, indicating value for nutraceutical use or animal feed.

Keywords: Cajanus cajan, sewage wastewater irrigation, heavy metals, food safety, proximate composition, antioxidant activity, sustainable agriculture

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Abstract

Rainfed and upland agriculture in India faces mounting challenges due to continuous cereal monoculture, leading to soil degradation and vulnerability to climate variability. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.), a climate-resilient and nutrient-rich small millet, offers a sustainable alternative for diversification. This review synthesizes evidence on the role of finger millet residue management in enhancing the productivity, nutrient uptake, soil properties, and economics of succeeding crops. With significant residue biomass (approximately 5 tonnes ha⁻¹) often underutilized, in-situ incorporation or mulching of these residues consistently improves dry matter accumulation, growth, and yield of subsequent legumes and cereals. These practices enhance nutrient cycling, increasing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake by 10-30% in crops like greengram, groundnut, and maize. Long-term residue retention boosts soil organic carbon by 15-30%, reduces bulk density, and improves overall soil fertility compared to removal or burning. Economically, residue-based systems, particularly when integrated with legumes, yield higher gross and net returns with favorable benefit-cost ratios, despite marginally higher initial costs. Finger millet residue management is thus a viable strategy for ecological intensification. Adopting finger millet– legume systems with efficient residue recycling can significantly contribute to soil health, climate resilience, and livelihood security in India'srainfed regions.

Keywords: Crop residue recycling; ecological intensification; Eleusine coracana; nutrient cycling; rainfed agriculture; soil organic carbon; sustainable cropping systems

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Abstract

A study was conducted to identify high-yielding single-cross maize hybrids. A total of 26 single-cross maize hybrids along with four checks were evaluated at the research field of the National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, from November 2023 to May 2024. The experiment was laid out in an alpha-lattice design with two replications and six blocks per replication. Data for 14 agro-morphological and yield-related traits were recorded. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in all traits, with heritability ranging from moderate (0.43-0.57) to high (0.64-0.87). ZH22668 (11.33 t ha⁻¹) was the highest-yielding hybrid, while ZH22741 (9.94 t ha⁻¹), ZH22712 (9.61 t ha⁻¹), ZH2182 (9.45 t ha⁻¹), ZH20379 (9.38 t ha⁻¹), and ZH22691 (9.37 t ha⁻¹) produced yields comparable to the commercial checks CP 808 (9.36 t ha⁻¹) and Sultan (9.33 t ha⁻¹). ZH22668, ZH22741, and ZH22712 showed a yield advantage of 2.62-21.04% over CP 808 and 26.38-49.11% over internal check CAH153. Therefore, ZH22668, ZH22741, and ZH22712 are promising hybrids for further evaluation in the inner-terai region of Nepal.

Keywords: Maize hybrids, Grain yield, Agro-morphological traits, Yield advantage, Winter season

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Abstract

The Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital component of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, remains under-explored regarding its insect diversity. This study presents the first comprehensive checklist of terrestrial Hemiptera from this sanctuary. Faunistic surveys conducted from 2019 to 2021 recorded 55 species belonging to 47 genera under 16 families. The families Pentatomidae (9 species), Rhyparochromidae (6 species), and Coreidae (5 species) exhibited the highest species richness. Specimens were collected from two primary locations, Heddanmane Halkal Junction and Aanejcom Buttely Camp, using standard entomological methods. Detailed collection data and global distribution notes for all species are provided. This baseline inventory fills a significant knowledge gap and underscores the sanctuary’simportance for hemipteran diversity and conservation in the region.

Keywords: Hemiptera, Biodiversity, Checklist, Western Ghats, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, Faunal Survey

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Abstract

The study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-cost cold storage condition (CoolBot) in extending the shelf life of Green Chilli under different storage treatments. Six parameters viz., color retention, texture, bruising, rotting, weight loss and total remaining weight were studied across storage condition up to 27 days. Results revealed that the control treatment (T0) at room temperature exhibited rapid deterioration with complete loss of marketable quality within 9 DAS (days after storage). In contrast, all CoolBot treatments significantly delayed quality loss. Among them, Green Chilli stored under polythene covering (T4) showed superior color and texture retention up to 18 DAS (scores >4.0). It showed lowest bruising (1.33%) at 12 DAS and 20.67% at 21 DAS. Less rotting percentage (15%) at 18 DAS and (43.67%) at 21 DAS was also noticed in the same treatment. Weight loss was lowest under polythene coverings (T4) (6.37 kg loss at 27 DAS). The highest remaining Green Chilli weight at 21 DAS was observed in polythene covering (8.25 kg) and the second highest remaining weight was in newspaper coverings (7.73 kg). The findings demonstrate that CoolBot storage substantially prolongs Green Chilli shelf life compared to room temperature storage, with polythene covering (T4) providing the best short-term quality retention, maximum remaining weight and minimum loss during the study period. This suggests that CoolBot cold storage combined with appropriate packaging can serve as a cost-effective solution for reducing postharvest losses and improving Green Chilli marketability under Bangladesh condition.

Keywords: CoolBot Technology, Green Chilli, Shelf life, Weight loss

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Abstract

A study was conducted to characterize the groundwater quality in the Dadri-IIblock of Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana. A total of 122 groundwater samples were collected from Dadri-IIand analyzed for key parameters. Based on Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), the water samples were classified: 18.85% as good, 28.68% as marginally saline, 50.81% as high SAR-saline, and 1.6% as highly alkali. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.26 to 13.95 dS m⁻¹, SAR from 1.42 to 36.39 (mmol L⁻¹)¹/², and RSC from nil to 5.40 me L⁻¹. Sodium was the dominant cation (1.10 to 98.70 me L⁻¹), and chloride was the dominant anion (1.20 to 101.20 me L⁻¹), followed by sulfate, bicarbonate, and carbonate. The spatial variability of these parameters was mapped, confirming that high SAR-saline water is the most widespread quality issue in the block, which has significant implications for irrigation management.

Keywords: Electrical conductivity, Residual Sodium Carbonate, SAR, Salinity, Sodicity, Groundwater, Spatial mapping

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Abstract

The Temperature Induction Response (TIR) technique was standardized and employed to identify thermotolerant finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes at the seedling stage. The technique involves exposing seedlings to a gradual sub-lethal temperature induction followed by a lethal temperature treatment, and subsequently assessing seedling recovery. Optimization of induction and lethal temperature regimes was based on percent seedling survival and percent reduction in root and shoot growth after a 72-hrecovery period. An induction treatment ranging from 37°C to 52°C over five hours, followed by exposure to a lethal temperature of 58°C for two hours, was identified as optimal for screening. Fifteen finger millet genotypes were evaluated under induced and non-induced conditions. Genotypes were classified based on seedling survival percentage and growth reduction parameters. Cultivar Tirumala and genotype VR-1099 exhibited the least reduction in root and shoot growth along with higher survival rates, indicating superior thermotolerance. The study demonstrates that the TIR technique is an effective and rapid phenotyping tool for identifying thermotolerant finger millet genotypes at the seedling stage, facilitating the efficient selection of parental lines for breeding heat-resilient varieties.

Keywords: Finger millet, Temperature induction response, Thermotolerance, Heat stress, Seedling screening

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Abstract

Sericulture is an agrarian small-scale industry suited to marginal and small land holders, providing high returns and creating employment for family members. Studies indicate that the personal and socio-economic status of farmers significantly influences the adoption of improved sericulture practices. This study aimed to profile these characteristics among sericulture farmers in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka, India. Data were collected from 50 farmers across seven villages using a structured interview schedule. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were of middle age (60%), possessed primary or high school education (32%), had small family sizes (66%), and cultivated mulberry on less than one acre of land (60%). A significant proportion showed low involvement in social organizations, though limited participation was noted in milk cooperatives and mahila mandals. Conversely, a majority participated in at least one extension activity such as meetings, field visits, and training programs. The findings provide a baseline for understanding the farmer community and tailoring inclusive extension strategies to enhance technology adoption and socio-economic resilience in sericulture.

Keywords: Socio-economic profile, sericulture farmers, land holding, extension participation, Karnataka

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Abstract

Climate change and land-use alterations are intensifying vulnerabilities in critical river basins, particularly within semi-arid agro-ecologies. This study assesses agro-ecology-specific climate risks, environmental degradation, and adaptation practices in the farming households of two contrasting watershed systems in Tamil Nadu: the Upper Vaigai (rainfed, drought-prone) and the Lower Palar (coastal, flood-prone). Primary data were collected from 200 farm households using a structured survey. The study found that the Upper Vaigai watershed is severely impacted by drought, leading to groundwater depletion, soil moisture deficits, and ecosystem degradation. In contrast, the Lower Palar watershed experiences intensive rainfall, cyclones, and floods, resulting in socioeconomic stresses such as migration and drinking water scarcity. While institutional mechanisms like MGNREGA, crop insurance, and extension services provided some adaptive support, implementation gaps persist. The findings underscore the need for location-specific strategies: enhancing soil and water conservation in Upper Vaigai and strengthening flood resilience and traditional water system management in Lower Palar. Integrating participatory GIS and ICT tools is recommended for building adaptive capacity across these climate-sensitive agro-ecologies.

Keywords: Climate vulnerability; watershed management; agro-ecology; adaptation strategies; Tamil Nadu

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Abstract

Arunachal Pradesh, endowed with diverse agro-climatic conditions and rich biodiversity, possesses considerable potential for the cultivation of a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruits, spices, vegetables, ornamental and aromatic plants, medicinal plants, and plantation crops. Among these, three crops—orange, large cardamom, and apple—are extensively cultivated and together account for nearly 59 percent of the total area under horticultural crops in the state. Despite this significance, the production of these crops has shown a consistent decline over the past decade due to various constraining factors, including climate change.

The present study examines the status of orange, large cardamom, and apple in Arunachal Pradesh and compares the state’sperformance with other major producing states in India in terms of growth, productivity, and share in total national production. In addition, district-wise growth trends in area and production within Arunachal Pradesh are analyzed to capture intra-state variations. The study is based on secondary data collected from sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the Directorate of Horticulture, and published research articles. The analysis covers the period from 2013–14 to 2023–24, while district-level analysis is limited to 2018–19 to 2023–24, subject to data availability. The results reveal that the share of Arunachal Pradesh in the total area and production of all three crops declined considerably during the study period. The state recorded the highest negative growth in both area and production of these crops compared to other major producing states in the country. Moreover, the productivity of orange, large cardamom, and apple in Arunachal Pradesh was found to be among the lowest at the national level. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, crop-specific, and region-specific policy interventions to revitalize the horticultural sector in the state.

Keywords: Horticultural crops; Productivity; Growth; Agro-climatic conditions; Arunachal Pradesh

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