The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
A journal devoted to experimental agriculture and abstracted by all the major abstracting services. It includes articles on cytology, genetics, breeding, agronomy, soil science, horticulture, water use, microbiology, plant diseases and pest, agricultural engineering, economics and statistics with emphasis on original articles, from India and countries having similar agricultural conditions. NAAS Rating (2025): 6.3 Indexed in Elsevier Scopus, Clarivate Analytics ESCI, SJIF, DOAJ, Google Scholar and Crossref EDITORIAL BOARD Subscription Information for Print Version
The copyright of the articles published in The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences is vested with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which reserves the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad, for reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information. The Council has no objection to using the material, provided the information is not being utilized for commercial purposes and wherever the information is being used, proper credit is given to ICAR.
Respondents' challenges in implementing the Farmer FIRST Programme in Haryana
ICAR has launched the Farmer FIRST Programme to identify research issues, prioritise them, conduct tests, and manage them in farmer-friendly settings, focusing on Farmers' Farms, Innovations, Resources, Science, and Technology. The present study aimed to evaluate and delve into the multifaceted challenges respondents face participating in the FFP, focusing on the constraints individuals perceive within FFP-adopted villages. The study, conducted during 2019–2020 in Hisar and Karnal districts, is based on a sample of 120 farmers, 60 farmers from each district, beneficiary categories of the FFP. The constraints encountered by respondents in the successful execution of the FFP were categorised into four overarching domains: general constraints, economic constraints, organisational constraints, and communication constraints. Our analysis revealed that respondents reported varying degrees of difficulty in these domains, with mean scores of 1.79, 1.62, 1.48, and 1.55, respectively, indicating the level of constraint severity. This research provides a comprehensive insight into the challenges faced by participants in the FFP in Haryana, shedding light on specific areas where interventions and improvements are needed. The findings of this study have practical implications for policymakers, program implementers, and stakeholders, guiding them toward more effective strategies for addressing the identified constraints and optimising the impact of the FFP.
Copyright (c) 2026 The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Soil physical properties and crop productivity as affected by long-term conservation agriculture under maize (Zea mays) – wheat (Triticum aestivum)system in Indo Gangetic Plains
Conservation agriculture (CA) incorporates crop management practices that can enhance productivity while conserving natural resources and improving soil physical properties. To assess this, an experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate soil physical properties and their impact on crop productivity in a long-term CA-based maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system, initiated in 2010. The CA-based treatments were zero tillage with and without residue (ZT and ZT + R); permanent broad bed with and without residue (PBB and PBB + R); permanent narrow bed with and without residue (PNB and PNB + R) and conventional tillage (CT). The treatments were laid out under a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Over the top 15 cm of soil, there was a 7.8% reduction in bulk density (BD) across the residue plots over non-residue plots. Although the highest porosity was observed in PNB + R (36.7%), all CA-based treatments were statistically comparable. Residue application had improved mean weight diameter (MWD) by 34.3% over CT, whereas a 22.6% increase in Ksat was reported in the study due to CA. At the plough layer, the highest soil organic carbon (SOC) was recorded under PBB + R (9.98 g/kg). A decreasing trend in soil properties (i.e. SOC, MWD and Ksat) was observed with increasing depth. Moreover, retaining residue in treatments PBB + R, ZT + R, and PNB + R caused a 13% rise in grain yield compared to treatments where residue was removed (PBB, ZT, PNB, CT). So, the outcomes of the experiment conclude that CA-based farming of maize– wheat cropping system could be practiced as a sustainable option to conserve soil and improve crop productivity in the long run.
National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF): Fostering advancement in basic and strategic research in agriculture
The National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has played a crucial role in strengthening basic, strategic and translational research in agriculture and allied sectors in India. The scheme supported 282 research projects involving 282 lead centers and 531 cooperating centers across the country with a cumulative funding of ₹688.01 crores. The performance and impact of NASF, analysed using quantitative data on project submissions, approvals, institutional participation, regional distribution, gender representation and research outputs, revealed that NASF-funded projects have generated around 950 publications in peer-reviewed high-impact journals along with several patents and the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies such as diagnostics, vaccines, nano and biotechnological solutions and climate-resilient agricultural interventions. NASF has contributed significantly to advancing scientific excellence, technology development and translational research to strengthen the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). The scheme has fostered multi-institutional and interdisciplinary collaborations to address national priorities and emerging challenges in agriculture. It has substantially enhanced research infrastructure, human resource capacity and scientific collaboration across institutions, to address immediate and long-term agricultural challenges related to productivity, sustainability and climate resilience. NASF fosters high-quality, collaborative agricultural research with significant implications for food security, farmer welfare and science-based policy formulation in India.
Agricultural research, ICAR, Innovative technologies, Multi-institutional, National Agricultural Research System
Assessment of combining ability, heterosis and heterotic status of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids
The study was carried out during rainy (kharif) season of 2023 and 2024 at AICRP on Sorghum, Agriculture Research Station, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka to study the magnitude of combining ability and quantify the extent of heterosis among 40 hybrids, which were evaluated in comparison with two checks (CSH-30 and CSH-14) in randomised complete block design (RCBD). The parental materials consisted of four male sterile lines, viz. 279 A, 463 A, 456 A and 415 A and 10 restorer lines namely SOR 3350, SOR 3289, SOR 11938, SOR 11942, SOR 11943, SOR 3182, SOR 6852, SOR 5002, SOR 3570 and SOR 4346. Parents 456 A and SOR 3570 (with GCA status ‘H’) were ascertained as the best general combiners for most of the yield and its component traits. The elite crosses, namely, 456 A × SOR 3570, 463 A × SOR 3570 and 463 A × SOR 4346 were identified with high per se performance, highly significant SCA effects coupled with highly significant standard heterotic effects for grain yield/plant over both the checks and overall heterotic status of these hybrids were of either H × H or H × L/L × H cross combinations.
Evaluation of Triticale (×Triticosecale) genotypes for determination of selection parameters, trait associations and genetic diversity usinggrain yield and quality traits
The study was carried out for two consecutive winter (rabi) seasons i.e. 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to explore trait relationship and genetic divergence for yield and grain quality traits among 20 triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) genotypes. The experimental trials were laid out in a randomised complete block (RCBD) design with three replications. The traits assessed were Grain yield/plot (kg), Test weight (kg/hL) (TW), 1000-grains weight (g) (TGW), Grain appearance score (GAS), Phenol reaction score (PRS) and Sedimentation value (SDS-SV) and Grain protein content (GPC in %). The results indicated significant differences among the genotypes for various traits studied. Grain yield, grain protein content, phenol reaction and sedimentation value showed high heritability and genetic advance values. Grain yield had highly significant and positive association with GPC, sedimentation and TGW. Path analysis revealed GPC, test weight and TGW as major components for grain yield. Relative genetic distances grouped genotypes into five clusters of which cluster II was largest with nine genotypes. The inter-cluster distance was found maximum between cluster I and IV whereas maximum intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster V. Test weight, TGW and GAS contributed more than 70% of the total divergence. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated capturing of major variability by two components PC1 and PC2. Genotypes T3940, T3949, T3973, T3974, T3975, T3979 were the promising genotypes for future triticale improvement programme.
Comparative analysis of entrepreneurial traits of maize growers in Purnea region of Bihar
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop, ranking 3rd after rice and wheat for socio-economic development of the Indian farmers. The cultivation of winter (rabi) maize has increased significantly over the last decade in Bihar; consequently entrepreneurial opportunities in this sector are also expanding. Against this backdrop, the present study was carried out during 2022 and 2023 to compare entrepreneurial traits of the maize growers across all the four districts of Purnea region: Purnea, Araria, Katihar and Kishanganj. Data were collected by conducting face to face interview with randomly selected 120 farmers with the help of pre constructed semi-structured interview schedule. The results revealed that 34.16% of maize growers in Purnea region possessed medium high level of entrepreneurial traits, while 30.00% and 5.38% of the maize growers displayed high and very high level of entrepreneurial traits, respectively. ANOVA results indicated significant differences among the districts. Katihar ranked first in terms of adoption leadership and independency whereas Araria was ranked first based on risk bearing capacity, achievement motivation, self-control and competitiveness. Maize growers in the Purnea district showed significantly higher score based on innovativeness. The study suggests that education combined with larger landholdings under maize cultivation and an improved irrigation index, will enhance the entrepreneurial behaviour of the maize growers in Purnea region.
Independency, Innovativeness, Maize based enterprise
Effect of nutrient management practices and cropping systems on organic production of crops
A study was carried out during 2022, 2023 and 2024 under All India Coordinated Research Project on Integrated Farming System at Instructional cum Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyala, Raipur, Chattisgarh in strip plot design (SPD) with three replications. The treatment combinations included nutrient management practices, viz. 100%, 50% and 25% nutrients through inorganic and organic sources with combination of beejamrit, ghanjeevamrit, jeevamrit; and four cropping systems, viz. soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], sweet corn [Zea mays (L.) Saccharata], French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Soybean–tomato recorded the highest total productivity (570.2 q/ha) with NM6. Application of 100% N through inorganic sources + 5 t FYM resulted greater uptake of available N (26.51 kg/ha) and available P (23.44 kg/ha) along with higher organic carbon (0.79%), whereas available K was higher (415.8 kg/ha) with 25% organic + 25% inorganic sources + Natural farming. Soybean–tomato was more economically feasible system under NM1 in gross (₹4,32,201/ ha) and net (₹3,38,259/ha) returns.
Exploring the compatibility of interspecific grafting and budding methods in propagation of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2023–24 at College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Kerala to identify suitable vegetative propagation methods and compatible rootstocks for breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg.]. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design (F-RCBD) with two factors, namely methods of propagation and types of rootstocks. Patch budding and softwood grafting were tried using one-year-old rootstocks of three different species, such as A. heterophyllus (Jackfruit), A. camansi (Breadnut) and A. hirsutus (Wild jack/Anjili). Success percentage, growth parameters and histological characteristics of budded and grafted plants were evaluated. Results revealed that patch budding was the most suitable propagation method with a success rate of 33.3% in rainy season compared to softwood grafting (3.33%) and A. camansi is more compatible with A. altilis (success rate 38.33%) compared to other two species. Patch budding on A. camansi in rainy season was identified as the superior with a success rate of 66.67% followed by patch budding on A. hirsutus (33.33%) and softwood grafting on A. camansi (10%). In contrast, A. heterophyllus exhibited poor compatibility with A. altilis and failed to produce viable grafted or budded plants, suggesting its incompatibility with breadfruit.
Assessment of the influence of different doses of liquid organic formulations on growth, flowering and yield attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Camarosa under black polyethylene mulch
The experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons from 2022–2023 at College of Horticulture, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Uttarakhand in a naturally ventilated polyhouse by using five different liquid organic formulations (Jeevamrut, Amritpani, Seaweed extract, Vermiwash, Humic acid ) with three different doses, taking strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Camarosa as the test crop. The experiment was laid out on a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in triplicate. Certain plant growth parameters, yield and economic parameters were taken into consideration for drawing conclusions in the study. In the majority of the traits, humic acid (HA) @3% outperformed and proved significantly higher yield over the rest of the treatments, 256.67% higher yield over the control. Even though the profitability of a production system largely depends on yield, there is a necessity for considering the input cost incurred in the production as well. HA @1%, even though it produced a lesser yield as compared to HA @3%, proved the most profitable input (C:B, 1:4.38) due to the lesser input cost, though there shall be a 9% compromise in yield as compared to HA @3%. Yet, HA @1% scored 198.4% higher yield over the control. Thereby, farmers can derive a promising return of 4.38 fold profit from their investments.
Ameliorative effects of press mud and gypsum on soil quality, growth and physiology of guava (Psidium guajava) cultivar Hisar Safeda under RSC water irrigation
Presence of Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) in irrigation water is a critical threat to agricultural sustainability as it deteriorates soil structure and fertility due to high sodium concentration. This experiment was conducted during 2021 to 2023 at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana to evaluate the effects of sodic water irrigation with or without amendments (press mud and gypsum) on soil quality, growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivar Hisar Safeda. Ten different treatments including best available water (non-sodic water as control) and 3 RSC levels (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 meq/L) with or without amendments were arranged in RBD with five replications. The results demonstrated that increasing RSC levels raised soil pH but reduced nitrogen and phosphorus availability, significantly impacting growth and physiological parameters. Growth and physiological traits declined with higher RSC, with the lowest values at 7.5 meq/L without amendments. Conversely, proline content and antioxidant enzyme activities increased under elevated sodicity, reflecting stress responses. Amendments improved growth, physiological and biochemical traits at all RSC levels, with gypsum outperforming press mud, likely by supplying essential nutrients and improving soil ionic balance. Results indicated that Hisar Safeda could be irrigated with sodic water up to RSC ~2.5 meq/L with amendments without any noticeable reduction in growth and physiological parameters, suggesting it as a viable sustainable practice for guava cultivation under sodic conditions. The present study also offers valuable insights for sustainable management of sodic water and soils using amendments like gypsum and press mud to maintain productivity and soil health.
Ergonomic risks and physiological stress in mat-type paddy (Oryza sativa) seedling preparation
This study was carried out during 2023–24 at Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim to validate the physical characteristics, postural risks and physiological workload of farm workers engaged in manual mat-type paddy (Oryza sativa L.) seedling preparation. A total of 10 male workers (mean age: 34.1 ± 6.17 years, BMI: 22.72 ± 3.42 kg/m²) were analysed for their ergonomic risks and metabolic demands. Postural assessment using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The results indicated that key activities such as soil placement, frame placement and broadcasting seeds posed "Very High Risk" (REBA score: 11.6–13.2) and required immediate corrective action. The physiological workload assessment revealed significant variations in oxygen consumption (VO₂: 9.70 ± 4.92 ml/min/kg), heart rate (HR: 102.20 ± 17.09 bpm) and energy expenditure (EE: 3.04 ± 1.54 kcal/min) across different phases of the task. ANOVA results confirmed that both worker differences and task phases significantly influenced workload, with heart rate responses increasing due to task repetition. The findings infer the need for ergonomic interventions, task re-design and improved workload management strategies to enhance worker safety and productivity.
Musculoskeletal disorders, Paddy seedling preparation, Physiological demands, Postural stress, Sustainable farming
Strategies for enhancing maize (Zea mays) productivity and profitability through integrated nutrient management in rainfed agro-ecosystems
A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on productivity and profitability of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) under maize–mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cropping system. The study comprised of ten INM treatments, including absolute control, sole recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) and combinations of inorganic fertilisers with farmyard manure (FYM), leaf compost (LC) and crop residues (CR) replicated thrice in randomised complete block design. The combination of 50% RDN + FYM (2.0 t/ha) + LC (2.0 t/ha) recorded the highest cob length (15.2–16.1 cm), cob girth (8.54–8.66 cm), 1000-grain weight (255.1–258.2 g), grain yield (5.53–5.62 t/ha), stover yield (9.21–9.35 t/ha) and biological yield (14.74–14.98 t/ha). This treatment produced 35% and more than 110% higher grain yield compared to 100% RDN and absolute control, respectively. It also exhibited maximum gross returns (+131.4%), net returns (+231.3%) and net benefit-cost ratio (+185.8%) based on the two-year mean. The treatment T6 consistently recorded the highest N uptake (1.73–152.2%), P uptake (0.55– 185.5%) and K uptake (5.5–136%) by grain and stover, respectively over other treatments. Various yield attributing characters, 1000-seed weight, cob length and cob girth demonstrated significantly higher positive correlation with grain yield. The study concluded that integrated nutrient management with 50% RDN + FYM + LC is a highly productive, economically viable and sustainable strategy for rainfed maize cultivation in the Indo-Gangetic Plain region (IGPR), reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and enhancing long-term soil fertility and sustainability.
Seed yield and quality of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) under year-round transplanting conditions in northern plains of India
African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Punjab Gainda No. 1 is the most popular cultivar with bright orange marketable double flower. Being the farmers’ cultivar of choice for year-round cultivation, the problem of seed setting in summers and lack of availability of quality seed for plantations directly leads to huge economic losses. This study was carried out during 2021–2023 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to check the seed yield and quality of Punjab Gainda No. 1 under year-round transplanting conditions in the northern plains of India. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 12 transplant dates on the 15th of each month year-round for assessing the optimum planting window for maximising seed yield and quality. Mid- July to Mid-September transplanted crops exhibited better seed yield and quality due to favourable environmental conditions supporting vegetative growth and seed filling. Mid-August transplanting yielded the highest seed yield and quality including germination rate and seedling vigour indices. Seeds from this period exhibited higher accumulation of seed reserves and higher activities of enzymes – dehydrogenase and α-amylase which play crucial roles in seed viability and germination, respectively. Conversely, winter and summer transplanting yielded poorer seed quality due to adverse climatic conditions affecting seed development. Overall, mid-August transplanting is the best time period to ensure maximum seed yield and quality in African marigold for achieving successful seed production in the northern plains of India.
Stability and seasonal adaptability of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)clones across crop cycles revealed by AMMI analysis
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) productivity in Andhra Pradesh has declined due to seasonality and the scarcity of stable high-performing sugarcane clones. Thus, the identification of sugarcane genotypes that perform consistently in the fields across several cropping seasons and exhibit good quality parameters is of primary interest for sustainable development of sugarcane varieties. The field experiment was conducted for three years from 2022 to 2024 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to assess 20 sugarcane genotypes, 14 test clones and six standard checks across three crops cycles, viz. first crop, second crop and ratoon using a randomised block design (RBD) plot arrangement with three replications. The joint analysis of seasonal variance and AMMI (Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction) analysis indicated significant individual effects attributable to genotype (G), environment (E) and their interaction (GEI) for all traits examined in this investigation. Genotypic effects were predominant in variation for cane yield and sugar yield traits: cane yield (34.34%), CCS (Commercial cane sugar) yield (36.38%) and CCS% (33.72%) than environmental effects (20.58% cane yield, 10.37% CCS yield and 9.17% CCS % variation), highlighting the predominance of genetic control. Based on their mean performance, three entries 2018A 6, 2018A 157 and 2018A 88 were identified as superior clones for cane yield and sucrose accumulation. The AMMI model identified clones 2018A 157 and 2018A 88 as potential stable clones for cane yield. Additionally, clones 2018A 157 and 2018A 6 were found to be promising for CCS yield, while clone 2018A 6 was identified as the ideal clone for sucrose % and CCS % . Overall, clones 2018A 157 and 2018A 6 emerged as the most ideal genotypes, combining high performance and stability across all traits. Furthermore, the AMMI stability value indicated that clones 2018A 107 and 2018A 130 were stable across crop cycles for all evaluated traits.
Cultivating equality in next-gen agriculture through gender-inclusive extension: A bibliometric analysis
The advancement of next-gen agriculture hinges on integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. However, achieving true progress requires dismantling traditional gender barriers and ensuring women's active participation in agricultural decision-making, training, and resource access. The present study was carried out for a period of 1988–2023 to provide a bibliometric analysis of research on gender-inclusive extension in next-gen agriculture. The study highlighted the significant contributions of women in farming and the persistent gender disparities that impede agricultural productivity and sustainability. The findings indicated a significant emphasis on Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Gender Equality (SDG 5), underscoring the global priority to tackle food security and gender inequality. The quantum of publications on gender-inclusive development has increased notably since 2009, peaking in 2023. Co-word analysis uncovered interconnected themes like climate change adaptation, extension services, and the integration of smallholder farmers, highlighting the multifaceted nature of gender dynamics in agriculture. Co-authorship analysis revealed substantial international collaboration, with the USA being the primary contributor. The study also provided a framework for gender-inclusive extension in next-gen agriculture based on CIPP model. By promoting gender-responsive policies, capacity building, inclusive programme design, and financial inclusion, the study advocated for a holistic approach to cultivating equality in agriculture. The findings emphasised the critical role of gender dynamics in shaping agricultural advancements and the necessity of fostering an inclusive agricultural ecosystem to address global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.
Effect of weather variability on foliar blight severity in wheat (Triticum aestivum) across different agroclimatic locations of Punjab
Foliar blight severity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is highly dependent on prevailing weather conditions, sowing time and crop microclimate that together influence disease dynamics. In line with this, present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab and Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur Punjab to investigate the effect of weather variability on severity of foliar blight with three wheat varieties, viz. PBW 725, HD 2967 and HD 3086 sown on different dates (14th–15th October, 8th–9th November and 3rd–4th December) under two microclimate modification levels i.e. M1 (recommended irrigation) and M2 (additional water sprays). The experiment was laid out in split plot design (SPD) with four replications. It was observed that early date of sowing (14–15th October) recorded higher foliar blight severity at Ludhiana (28.52%, 29.35%) and Gurdaspur (21.69%, 30.65%) in variety HD 3086 in M2 than other treatments, respectively. The highest mean Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) (71.4, 79.1), relative AUDPC (11.1, 12.7) and total AUDPC (571.5, 711.7) in Ludhiana, as well as mean AUDPC (56.5, 83.3), relative AUDPC (9.2, 13.4) and total AUDPC (451.6, 750.1) in Gurdaspur were consistently higher in early sowing under M2 treatment in variety HD 3086 during both years of the study. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to quantify the relationships between key weather parameters and foliar blight severity, identified minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and rainfall as key parameters in development of this disease. Warm and humid weather, especially after continuous rains, favours rapid foliar blight development. The suitability of regression models can be assessed for real time data in Punjab.
Synergistic effects of deficit irrigation and jeevamrutha on soil microbial health and marigold (Tagetes erecta) sustainability
Sustainable floriculture production under water-limited conditions necessitates integration of resource efficient irrigation strategies with biologically active nutrient management systems. The present study was carried out during winter (rabi) season from 2023–2025 at Water Technology Centre, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate the interactive effects of regulated deficit irrigation and jeevamrutha based nutrition on rhizosphere microbial dynamics, agronomic performance, and economic viability of marigold (Tagetes erecta L. cv Pusa Narangi Gainda). The experimental design comprised of three irrigation regimes (I1, 1.0 ETc; I2, 0.8 ETc; I3, 0.6 ETc) and four nutrient treatments (N1, 100% recommended dose fertiliser; N2, 100% nitrogen from jeevamrutha plus phosphorus-potassium from chemical fertiliser; N3, 75% jeevamrutha nitrogen plus phosphorus-potassium; N4, 50% jeevamrutha nitrogen plus phosphorus-potassium). Moderate deficit irrigation (I3) significantly enhanced rhizosphere microbial populations, achieving bacterial counts of 6.67 × 10⁷ cfu/g, fungi 8.165 × 10⁵ cfu/g, and actinomycetes 2.915 × 10⁶ cfu/g, surpassing full irrigation and mild deficit treatments. Jeevamrutha-based nutrition (N2) complemented these effects, increasing microbial abundance by 27–29% over conventional fertilisation. Enhanced microbial activity translated into superior plant performance, with I3 treatment producing tallest plants (67.72 cm), extended flower longevity (22.17 days), and maximum yield (14.76 t/ha). The N2 module achieved optimal canopy development (47.74 cm) and yield (14.98 t/ha). The I3N2 combination consistently demonstrated superior performance, yielding 16,909 kg/ha with gross returns of ₹3.38 lakh/ha, net profits exceeding ₹2.15 lakh/ha, and benefit-cost ratio of 2.755. Results established that regulated deficit irrigation integrated with jeevamrutha-based nutrition enhances soil biological functioning, optimises resource partitioning toward reproductive development, and maximises economic returns, providing a scalable framework for water-efficient, biologically intensive ornamental production systems.
SpeedySeed viability kit: A rapid colourimetric assay for seed viability testing
Seed viability and vigour are vital seed quality parameters determining the crop establishment. The traditional seed quality testing methods are time-consuming and require skilled personnel. Standard germination tests can take two to three weeks, and the tetrazolium test, though faster, demands technical expertise. The SpeedySeed Viability Kit™ offers a rapid, low-cost, on-farm alternative. The study was carried out during 2024–25 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to estimate the viability of seed lots of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) and lentil [Lens culinaris (L.) Medik.] by using SpeedySeed Viability kit. It works on the principle that viable, vigorous seeds release more CO2 during respiration. This CO2 is absorbed by a bromothymol blue indicator solution in a sealed tube, producing a colour change during the incubation—green/yellow for viable seeds and blue for non-viable seeds. The viability can be assessed in 6 h in paddy and 3 h in lentil, making it the fastest seed viability assessment method. The viability estimated closely matched the total viability by the standard germination test with a prediction accuracy ranging from 89–93% in paddy and 96–99% in lentil. The viability estimated by the kit was also validated by measuring the optical density value at 450 nm, where the lot with higher viability recorded the highest OD values. The linear regression with OD and their corresponding germination had a strong correlation with an R2 value of 0.87 in paddy and 0.76 in lentil seed lots.
Deagriculturalisation and India’s trajectory toward net-zero: Analysing emission impacts using bayesian vector autoregression
This study examined how deagriculturalisation has impacted CO₂ emissions in India from 1990–2023. Although structural economic change is often seen as a sign of progress, little is known about how it affects the environment, especially in large emerging economies experiencing rapid urban and industrial growth. Using a Bayesian Vector Autoregression model with Minnesota priors, we estimated both short-term and long-term emission responses to the contraction of the agricultural sector in 2025. Our findings showed that a 1% decrease in agriculture’s GDP share led to an immediate 0.22% increase in CO2 emissions, which accumulated to 1.5% over ten years. This ongoing rise resulted from land-use changes, coal-intensive industrialisation, and urban sprawl that displaced carbon-absorbing croplands. Impulse response functions showed asymmetric dynamics: declines in agriculture drive emissions more strongly than growth reduces them. Energy consumption and industrialisation were the primary drivers of emissions, while high-tech exports offered only minor decarbonisation benefits. These results challenged the idea that sectoral diversification automatically supports climate goals. To reach India’s Net Zero 2070 target, policies need to decouple industrial growth from fossil fuels, such as transforming coal corridors into green hydrogen hubs, and include agroecological zoning to protect carbon-rich agricultural lands. This research provided empirical evidence to fill a key policy gap of how to manage structural change without locking in high emissions.
Optimising nitrogen management through conjoint application of conventional and nano-urea in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
The study was carried out during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan evaluate the effect of nitrogen management through combined application of nano-urea and different levels of conventional urea on growth indices, productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (var. Raj 4238). The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with 10 treatments [T1, Control (100% recommended doses of PKSZn + 0% RDN ); T2, T1 + 120 kg N/ha (100% RDN); T3, T1 + one nano-urea spray; T4, T1 + two nano-urea sprays; T5, T1 + 50% RDN (60 kg N/ha) + one nano-urea spray; T6, T1 + 50% RDN (60 kg N/ha) + two nano-urea sprays; T7, T1 + 75% RDN (90 kg N/ha) + one spray of nano-urea; T8, T1 + 75% RDN (90 kg N/ha) + two sprays with nano-urea; T9, T1 + 100% RDN (120 kg N/ha) + one spray with nano-urea; T10, T1 + 100% RDN (120 kg N/ha) + two sprays with nano-urea] replicated three times. Over three years of experiment, it was observed that 100% RDN (120 kg N/ha) and 75% RDN (90 kg N/ha) alongwith one or two sprays of nano-urea @2.5 mL/L water significantly improved growth parameters, yield attributes and grain yield than100% RDN alone. The application of 50% RDN alongwith two sprays of nano-urea performed at par with 100% RDN alone. However, the combination of 75% RDN with two sprays of nano-urea recorded the highest benefit-cost ratio and net returns. Hence, applying 75% RDN along with two foliar sprays of nano-urea may be considered an efficient strategy to enhance wheat productivity while economising urea consumption.