Organic Farming

Department of Horticulture Dr.V.K.Tripathi C. S. Azad University of Agriculture &

M.Sc. Horticulture, Ph. D. Technology, Kanpur-208 002, U.P. (India)

Professor Mobile : 9450331991, 8299373118 E-mail : [email protected] Date : 01.01.2021

Message

Congratulations to the team Agri Meet for coming up with the fabulous idea and publishing popular and technical articles, success stories, and short communications which aims to increase the writing capacity of researcher as well as available research. These initiatives would be very useful for those who are engaged in agricultural activities as well as for the welfare and upliftment of farmer via use of scientific techniques in Agriculture. The word “AGRI MEET” also signifies the meeting of agriculture with other stakeholders, given the importance of field of agriculture in today’s era. I am highly confident that this organization will certainly increase awareness among agriculturist and provide a magnificent effort to join and share the ideas of various researchers from both - National and International level. I applaud the efforts of all the Editors and team members of Agri Meet e-Magazine for launching this very useful magazine. Wish all of you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2021.

(V. K. Tripathi)

ORGANIC FARMING:- An Overview ARTICLE ID:- 001 JANANI T School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu - 624302 Email: [email protected]

Abstract Agriculture is highly expensive and low profitable because of the high usage of harmful chemicals and powerful manures. In recent times, food quality and safety are the two important factors that have gained ever increasing attention in general consumers. To protect our eco-system from the harmful pesticides and manure we should follow the organic farming which use the natural ways of cropping. Moreover, the inorganic foods have very poor energy level and are far less healthy to our body. The demand for organic foods was highly increased due to the health consciousness of our people. The non uses of chemical pesticides and fertilizers or genetically modified organisms, growth hormones, and antibiotics are the key features of organic farming. This will maintain the soil fertility and keeps the soil healthy. Also, use of chemical fertilizers kill the useful soil organisms, whereas organic farming can support and proliferate the organic nature of soil and this way of agriculture is more sustainable.

Introduction

Food quality and safety are two vital factors that have attained constant attention in the common people. Organic Agriculture promotes agro eco-system health, including biological cycles, bio diversity and soil biological activity. Intensive mechanized farming can add contamination to the food chain. Organic farming gives safer and better foods to consumers. To satisfy the 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

consumer preference for healthy foods, the only solution is the organically grown foods.

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manner. The reason for the decreasing soil fertility is due to the extravagant use of harmful chemicals and these types of chemicals are dangerous to the ecosystem. Many countries import and export different food products like fruits, crops, seeds etc, and we can see that many of these food products are banned to import into certain countries, especially the vegetables produced from India which is due to the high chemical content that persist on the economic produce even after the harvest. The best options for the consumers and farmers are the food produced by organic farming which would definitely fetch attractive dividends to farmers in a longer run.

In India, organic farming system is not new and is being followed from ancient days. Bio fertilizers are prepared with beneficial microbes which release nutrients to soil and support the crop growth and produce yield without any of the environmental pollution. The population of world is increasing time to time and there would be immense pressure on the food production mechanism to meet the requirement of the enormous population in a sustainable manner. The reason for the decreasing soil fertility is due to the extravagant use of harmful chemicals and these types of chemicals are dangerous to the ecosystem. Many countries import and export different food products like fruits, crops, seeds etc, and we can see that many of these food products are banned to import into certain countries, especially the vegetables produced from India which is due to the high chemical content that persist on the economic produce even after the harvest. The best options for the consumers and farmers are the food produced by organic farming which would definitely fetch attractive dividends to farmers in a longer run.

Objectives of organic farming

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● To produce rich nutritional food. ● To keep the genetic diversity of the plants and animal habitats. ● To avoid all kinds of pollution by using organic farming process. ● To increase the fertility of the soil for a long term by using naturally available manures.

Principles of organic farming

Principles of CARE: Organic farming should be managed with precaution and in a responsible manner so as to protect the environment. ⮚ Principles of HEALTH: Organic farming should increase the soil fertility, plant and animal health. ⮚ Principles of ECOLOGY: Organic farming should be based on living systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. ⮚ Principles of FAIRNESS: Organic farming should be built on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment, ecological, social justice and fair trade. Methods in organic farming Organic farming involves various techniques which are eco-friendly and by practicing it the fertility of soil is conserved for long time. To fulfill the nitrogen content of the soil, legumes are used to maintain the level of nitrogen content. Employment to agriculture labors

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In present day, machinery are replacing man power and making them unemployed but with organic farming it provides employment because many techniques that are employed involve manual work. Crop rotation It is a technique of growing different crops in same area according to the seasons and it is practiced to avoid agriculture pests, and to maintain soil fertility. Green manures Green manures are the plant leaves and waste material of plant which covers the soil and stuffed in to soil which become as nutrient and increase the soil fertility. Vermicomposting It is a process of composting using different worms like white worms, earth worms and red wrigglers for preparation of compost with mix of kitchen waste and other vegetable waste. These types of compost have rich nutrient content. Biological pest control Living organisms are used to protect plants from pests without synthetic chemicals. Benefits of organic farming The growing demand for organically farmed fresh products has created an interest in both consumer and producer regarding the nutritional value of organically and conventionally grown foods. Accord to a study conducted by AFFSA(2003), organically grown foods, especially leafy vegetables and tubers, have higher dry matter as compared to the conventionally grown foods. Although organic cereals and their products contain lesser protein than conventional cereals, they have higher quality proteins with better amino acid

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scores. Lysine content in organic wheat has been reported to be 25%-30 more than conventional wheat. Compared to conventional agriculture, organic farming leads to reduction in soil erosion, decreases nitrate removal from water sources and then the need of pesticides are very less, and thereby it reduces the greenhouse effect and global farming.

Advantages of organic farming Nutrition Organic farming helps to produce nutrient rich food which is an essential criterion for fighting malnutrition. Free from chemicals Organic farming controls diseases like cancer to some extent as they are free from chemical residues. Hence, organic farming reduces many diseases caused by toxic chemicals.

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Quality food The food produced by organic farming is not only high on nutrient but also gives tastier food than the food produced by the artificial methods. Long time storage Organic food has the capability for a long-time storage due to its metabolic properties and the structural integrity in their cellular structure is more robust than other crops grown using artificial methods. Limitations Apart from the advantages, organic farming has some demerits as follows:

It is a time taking process in terms of the result, which makes the farmers to neglect this kind of farming. ● It requires more labor force and should have regular observation compared to the conventional farming. ● It is a skill-based work and farmers should be trained time to time according to the seasons and the conditions of the crops. Conclusion Many farmers doing conventional method of agriculture for getting high production and early harvesting. If this kind of practice continues the land become useless for agriculture. To reduce the problems to the ecosystem, we can use organic farming to get a high-quality food. However, it has some disadvantages which need to be overlooked and government policies must be framed to support farmers who are doing organic farming. Organic farming yields more nutritious and safe food. It focuses on enriching the soil fertility which in turn reduces runoff problems and soil erosion. The absence of harmful

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pesticides also results in a cleaner atmosphere, so that everyone would feel good about the organic way of farming.

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ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGII: A NOVAL APPROACH IN INSECT CONTROL

ARTICLE ID: - 002

Athya D.P.1 Fatehpuria P.K.2 & Verma B.2

1 Jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur M.P. - 482004

2 Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindhia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior M.P. - 474002

E Mail:[email protected]

INTRODUCTION

An entomo-pathogenic fungus is a fungus that can act as a parasite of insects and kills or seriously disables them. They are effective against eggs, larvae, intermediate stages and adults of a variety of insects including locusts, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, and others. It is a form of microbial control. Here virulence is caused by contact and action is through penetration. Main aim of insect control is to keep the population of insect below economic threshold level (ETL).

EXAMPLES OF SOME IMPORTANT ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI:

1. Beauveria

2. Metarhizium

3. Lecanicillium

4. Paecilomyces

5. Hirsutella

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6. Nomurae

MODE OF ACTION OF FUNGUS:

 Entry of fungi is through the integuments.

 Infective unit spore (conidium).

 Germination of conidia and formation of appresoria.

 Penetration of cuticle by enzymatic as well as mechanical action.

 Complete invasion.

 Production of conidiophores by erumpent of cuticle.

 Death of the host by obliteration of tissues as well through the toxins

produced.

SYMPTOMS SHOWN BY INSECTS ON INFESTATION BY FUNGUS

 Discolored patches on integuments

 Body hardens and the insect is in upright on its leg at the time of death

 Specifically we uses the term “Mycoses” for such changes in insects and

can be seen

 Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera.

 Loss of appetite

 Attempt to climb higher up and

 General/partial paralysis.

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ENZYMES PRODUCED:

 Chitinase  Chitosanase  Chitobiase  Lipases  Phospholipase  Proteases  Peptidases

The successfulness of infection was directly proportional to secretion of exoenzymes (Vanceet al. 2005).

TOXIN PRODUCED

 They are the only mycotoxins detected in the insect body at advance stages of infection in sufficient quantities to cause death.  Toxin produced are the byproducts of metabolism and are not primarily used by the producer for killing the insect.  Entomogenous fungi are known to produce “Destruxins” and “Aflatoxins”

IMPORTANT ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI

1. Beauveria bassiana (Wraight et al. 2000)[2]

 Pest of agricultural and forest including the Colorado potato beetle, the codling moth, and several genera of termites, American bollworm.

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 Can be isolated from insect cadavers or from soil in forested areas by using media as well as by baiting soil with insects.  Discovered in 1835 as cause of the Muscardine Disease of domesticated Silkworms.  Got high host specificity.  White muscardine fungus.

Targeted insects:

 Termite  Thrips  Whiteflies  Aphids  Grasshoppers  Beetles  Caterpillars  Silkworms

2. Metarhizium anisopliae

 Causes green muscardine disease.  Pathogenic to a large number of agricultural and forest insect species.

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 Earlier it was first isolated from infected larvae of the wheat cockchafer Anisopliae austriaca in 1879 and named as Entomphthora anisopliae.  Renamed as M. anisopliae by Sorokin in 1883.

Targeted insects:

 Grubs of Coconut rhinoceros  Grasshopper  Rice BPH beetle  Bollworm  Sugarcane Pyrilla

3. Lecanicillium muscarium

 The fungus appears to have been first observed in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) about 1861, on diseased Lecanium coffeae  Previously known as Verticillium  Widely distributed fungus  Controls whitefly and several aphids’ species, including the green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) for use in the greenhouse chrysanthemums.  Fungus attacks nymphs and adults of white fly and stuck to the leaf underside by means of a filamentous mycelium.

Targeted insects: 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Coffee green scale  Other Hemipterans

4. Nomura erileyi

 The host specificity of N. rileyi and its eco-friendly nature encourage its use in insect pest management.  Although, its mode of infection and development have been reported for several insect hosts such as Trichoplusiani, Heliothis zea, Bombyx mori, Pseudoplusia includans.  Nomura earileyi can be cause to epizootic death in insects.  Lepidopteran including Spodoptera litura and some belonging to Coleoptera are susceptible to it.

Targeted insect: Spodoptera litura

5. Paecilomyces fumosoreus (Wraight et al. 2000)  Grows extensively over the leaf surface under humid conditions that helps it to spread rapidly through whitefly populations  Best for controlling the nymphs of whitefly.  Paecilomycesfumosoroseus also called “Yellow Muscardine”.  Effective over Bemisia and Trialeurodesspp. in both greenhouse and open field environments.  These fungi cover the body of whitefly with mycelia threads and stick them to the underside of the leaves.  The nymphs show a “feathery appearance”.

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Targated insects: • Trichoplusia • Heliothis zea • Bagrada cruciferarum • Bombyx mori • Anticarsia gemmatalis.

6. Hirsutella thomsoni

 Originally isolated from an eriophyid mite in TN.  Effective on Eriophyid mites, particularly the coconut mite.  Major crop use is in coconut plantations, but can be used in palmyrah palm and in arecanut.  Widespread in nature  Beneficial to non-target species.  Beneficial effects on the environment.

Targeted insects: It is specific to the eriophyid mites.

1. Coconut mite 2. Citrus rust mite

FORMULATION OF FUNGAL PROPAGULES AND USAGE

The formulation of propagules of fungal entomopathogenic fungi are guided by

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 Improved product shelf-life

 Bio-control efficacy,

 Physical characteristics of the product for application. For e.g. - Control

of insect pests of the phylloplane- spore suspensions are applied as

spray application

 They are being used in different forms like - a. Dust b. Mixed with

water c. Mixed with Oil

 Best method for is application of active ingredient with oil.

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI PRODUCT AVAILABLE IN MARKET

Beauveria bassiana

Product name Firm

Bio-guard rich Plantrich chemicals & biofertilizers ltd.

Bio-power T.Stanes &company Ltd.

Racer Agri life

beavera Jai biotech industries

Baba Multiplex bio tech pvt. Ltd.

Metarhizium anisoplia

Bio-magic T.Stanes &company Ltd

Pacer Agrilife , India

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Kalichakra International panacea Ltd

Cropmet Microplex- hosted by nagarjuna agro chemicals

Metaz Jai biotech

Lecanicillium muscarium

Bio-catch T.Stanes &company Ltd

Mealikil Agrilife , India

Vertimust Jai biotech industries

Biograde - v Kan biosys pvt. Ltd.

Vertifire - L International panacea Ltd.

Paecillomyces spp.

Paci hit rich Plantrich chemicals & biofertilizers Ltd.

Mysis Varsha bioscience & technology

Nematox Sri biotech laboratories India Ltd.

ADVANTAGES

1. Resistance to microbes is less likely to develop.

2. Self sustaining so economical.

3. Easy application.

4. Aesthetically acceptable

5. Harmless to other forms of life.

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6. High degree of specificity.

7. Compatible with many chemical insecticides.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Totally dependent on environment, so uncertainty is always there.

2. Specificity is disadvantageous as in some cases only single insect is not involved.

3. Not quick results, as establishment takes time.

CONCLUSION: The application of entomo pathogenic fungi for insect control is increasing largely because of:-

 Failure of conventional chemicals, due to increase number of insecticide resistant species.  They provide us significant and selective insect control.  Greater environmental awareness.  Food safety concerns.

REFERENCES:

1. Vance RE, Rietsch A, and Mekalanos JJ.2005.*Role of the Type III

Secreted Exoenzymes S, T, and Y in Systemic Spread of Pseudomonas

aeruginosa PAO1 In Vivo. Infect Immun. 2005 Mar; 73(3): 1706–1713.

2. Wraight SP, Carruthers RI, Jaronski ST, Bradley CA, Garza CJ, and

Wraight SG. 2000 .Evaluation of the Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria

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bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus for Microbial Control of the

Silver leaf Whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii. Biological Control 17, 203–

217.

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ODISHA STATE AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES FOR THE WELFARE AND BENEFITS OF FARMERS

ARTICLE ID: - 003 Subhrajyoti Panda1 and Satarupa Modak2

1Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, GIET University, Gunupur, Rayagada, Odisha-765022

2Assistant Professor, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-726211

INTRODUCTION

Unlike other states of India, Odisha is largely depending on rural and agrarian economy. Almost, 83 per cent of population live in rural areas and about 61.8 per cent of its 17.5 million workforces are employed in agriculture directly or indirectly. Even though resulting in low per capita income and agriculture sector contributes only 26 percent of gross state domestic product. Odisha produces about Rs.75,800 crore worth of agricultural and allied output.3 More than half this value is generated from four products: paddy, meat, milk and brinjal. Paddy accounts for 24.4 per cent of the value, meat 11.3 per cent, milk 9.1 per cent and brinjal 6.8 per cent (total share of vegetables is 25.3 per cent).The state is divided into 10 agro-climatic zones and it suffers from frequent droughts and floods, and sometimes both, in the same year inflicting colossal damage to the Agri-sector. Despite of this, agriculture has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors of the state.

There are many constraints faced by the farmers in Odisha mainly shrinking land and landholding size, falling numbers of cultivators and growing

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landless, low productivity per hectare, high dependence on weather and climate and highly labor-intensive production processes. To reduce the constraints and to develop the economic condition of the govt. of Odisha started many initiatives on agriculture since 1996 as its first agricultural policy to double food grain and oilseed production and bring a shift from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture. Then, in 2008, state govt introduced a policy to improve economic condition of farmers through sustainable agriculture development, integrated farming, organic farming, agro-processing and restructuring agriculture extension system for ensuring agriculture growth of 4 percent.

Again in 2013, state ministry brings another policy to increase farmer incomes and their welfare through farm diversification, rainfed farming, contract farming, post-harvest management and agriculture marketing, integrated watershed development and dry land agriculture interventions. Here, in this literature we will discuss few recent initiatives taken or to be taken by the Odisha government for the benefit of agrarian society or rural mass as a whole, there are;

1. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) 2. Balaram Yojana 3. ukhya Mantri Krushi Udyoga Yojana 4. Sourajalanidhi 5. Ama Krushi

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1. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)

The scheme was launched in December, 2018 and was designed to deliver an unconditional cash transfer directly to small and marginal farmers, sharecroppers and landless agricultural house holds. The objective of the scheme is to provide the financial supports to Small, marginal farmers and also landless agricultural laborers of the state. Under KALIA Scheme government will provide 5 types’ benefits to the beneficiaries such as Support for Cultivation, Support for livelihood, financial assistance, life insurance cover& interest-free crop loan. The total expenditure under KALIA scheme will be around Rs 10,000 crore. Odisha KALIA Yojana will surely improve the confidence among the farmers of the state. Odisha government always tries to provide a better option of survivals to the native of Odisha.

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2. Balaram Yojana

To help all of the landless farmers of Odisha, the concerned authorities have launched the Odisha Balaram Yojana. The main objective of the scheme is to help all of the landless farmers of the Odisha state. The Odisha government has propelled Odisha Balaram Yojana to give rural credit of Rs 1,040 crore to landless ranchers who are currently jobless due to the corona virus episode. Around seven lakh landless cultivators will get an advantage under the plan in the next two years. The main objective of Balaram Yojana is to provide financial help by issuing loan up to Rs. 1.6 lakh to each JLG (joint obligation gatherings) of the farmers who are facing problems due to COVID 19 outbreak.

3. Mukhya Mantri Krushi Udyoga Yojana

Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, Government of Odisha has launched Mukhya Mantri Krishi Udyog Yojana in the year 2018. Under this scheme, the Government provides financial assistance in the form of Capital Investment Subsidy on loan to entrepreneurs for setting up new agro-industries in the state of Odisha. Krishi Udyog Yojana encourages young entrepreneurs to set up a new business and increases the production of agriculture sectors. The key objective of this scheme is to increase the income of the farmer by creating new employment opportunities in agro-industries.

4. Souraja lanidhi

The State gets 300 clear sunny days with solar radiation of 5KW hour/Sqm/day. There is also ample scope for exploiting untapped ground water potential. Many of the small and marginal farmers of Odisha usually cultivate vegetable in Kharif and Rabi seasons in 0.3 to 0.5 acre of land. Dug wells are the most 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

feasible irrigation sources for small and marginal farmers. The State Government has taken initiative to promote Solar Photo Voltaic Pump Sets in the remote farming areas having no electricity supply connectivity, with the objective of increasing irrigation potential and cropping intensity in the state.

5. Ama Krushi:

It is a customized Agro-advisory service, provides agro-advisory service on 11 crops and answer questions for more than 40 crops. It also supplements the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) services with platforms like Community Radio, WhatsApp, and SMS to reach the last mile.

There are few more pioneering steps taken by Government of Odisha so far:

1. Consistently increase in funding pattern: In 2018-19, Rs.17,937 corers were allocated for the agriculture sector 2. Exclusive budget for agriculture and setting up of an agriculture cabinet: 2. Improve agricultural input delivery systems 3. Real-time monitoring of all the key operational areas and schemes 4. Developing inter-departmental convergence at the block level 5. Innovation awards, called the “Mukhya Mantri Abhinav Krushi Jantrapati Samman Yojana” for farmers who innovate in the use of farm implements have been instituted at the district and state level.

In addition, state agricultural department has five-pronged approach:

I. Diversification of the production basket – Incentivizing non-paddy crops

(pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton and horticultural crops), seed reserve

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policy for non-paddy crops, assured procurement for pulses and oilseeds

and millets under the price support scheme (PSS);

II. Promoting post-harvest management through infrastructure investment –

Key initiatives included setting up of international standard assaying

facility by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and

Calibration Laboratories), the availability of a food safety officer at

Paradip port and the creation of 10 assaying laboratories;

III. Launching the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Policy for linking all

farmers, mainly ones sowing high value crops like fruits, vegetables,

flowers, spices, etc., to the markets

IV. Promotion of tribal regions by creating agriculture production clusters

(APCs) – about 1 lakh farmers in 20-25 production groups are being

created to practice market-linked production of identified crops,

especially horticulture crops; SAFAL in co-ordination with Odisha

Livelihood Mission (OLM) workers worked to deliver better price

discovery in mango; and “Gram Unnati” promoted demand-driven

production in coconut.

V. Launching the Organic Farming Policy to promote organic farming and

provide a market for the products.

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CONCLUSION:

For the benefits of farmers and agrarian society as a whole state agricultural department has taken many initiates so far aiming to improve the livelihood and economic status. These initiatives include land development, improve irrigation structures, improve agricultural input availability, develop agro advisory services, encourage entrepreneurship, women empowerment, ensuring nutritional security, farmers health etc.

REFERENCES

1. Samrudhi Agricultural Policy 2020, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment Government of Odisha 2. Online Sources 3. https://odishasolarpump.nic.in/aboutus 4. https://pmmodiyojana.in/balaram-yojana/ 5. http://www.apicol.nic.in/

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AGRICULTURAL STARTUPS: AN INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER INDIAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM

ARTICLE ID: - 004

Dr. Naved Akbar1

Department of Biotechnology, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula 244235, Uttar Pradesh, India,

E-mail address: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The development of agriculture sector has always been a priority in India for every government. But the good agriculture growth will rely on new innovations in agriculture sector and building agricultural startups in every state. Today, new agricultural startups present new opportunities to build a smart agriculture and develop farm automation. To implement new innovations, building a favorable agricultural startups system is compulsory. These new innovative agricultural startups are potential human capital in the economy of India and can be a meaningful solution for agribusiness issues. While, agribusiness industry and agriculture research community are playing its part, but government agricultural organizations should also come forward and increase its engagement in building Indian agricultural system. The future of Indian agricultural startups system depends on the co-ordination of government organizations, agribusiness industry, agricultural research community and farmers. If all of these work united as a system then they will surely transform and empower the Indian Agricultural system.

Keywords: Agriculture, Startups, Agribusiness 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

INTRODUCTION

The agriculture sector plays an important role in Indian economy and is facing multiple challenges. The agriculture and food sector of India is the world’s sixth largest market. New innovative techniques and agricultural startups will boost the agriculture sector and creates a new hope for farmers. As on April 2020, there are 474 agribusiness startups in India (source: Tracxn). Earlier, around 366 agriculture startups have come up from 2013 to 2017 and it is to note that more than 90% of all funding grants are focused on early stage and seed stage startups. The agribusiness startups sector has received around 248 million dollar grand in the first six months of 2019 (NASSCOM Report 2019). This agriculture startup sector is growing rapidly and government implements their policies time to time. There are some key points to be a successful agribusiness startup such as agricultural information, infrastructure support, finance and funding support, education and training platform, local and international supply chain and human workforce areas (Fig 1). Supply chain startups are the biggest and broadly distributed in areas such as digital marketing, local area supply startups, online distribution startups and international linking platform etc. However, there are some innovation focused programs, 142 projects approved by Uchchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) – I and Uchchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) – II till September 2019. INR 389 Cr. is the total cost estimated for 142 projects and INR 213 Cr. funds have been released for these projects. But all these 142 projects are not based on agriculture; most of them are from different field of science. DPIIT are working with Ministry of Agriculture since 2017 and has launched an ‘Agriculture Grand Challenge’ inviting solutions on problem statements. Winners of the ‘Agriculture Grand Challenge’ have received mentorship, opportunities to conduct startup programs, free incubation for 3 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

months and funding support. There are few more efforts are going to launch by government to support the Indian agriculture system and farmers. For example, National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a new market which ensures better price, bringing transparency to farmers for their produce moving towards ‘One Nation One Market’. Also, e-NAM has attempted to combine 22,000 rural heats as well as setting up a dedicated 2,000 crore INR agriculture market infrastructure fund. This will be beneficial for both the farmers and new agribusiness startups. However, better agriculture startups are comes from better innovative ideas and better agricultural research. According to the Committee on Doubling Farmer’s Income the total spending on agricultural research has remained around 0.3 to 0.4% of the agriculture GDP since 2001 in India (except in 2011 when it was 0.52%). The Committee suggests that spending on agricultural research should be increased up to 1% of total agriculture GDP (Demand for Grand 2019-20 Analysis Report, 2020). In this situation, Indian agricultural system needs to start and invest more on research programs to support the agricultural startups as well as farmers.

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INITIATIVE

On 15th August 2015, our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji announced ‘The Startup Initiative’ in India. The main aim of this startup initiative is to connect rural farmer to the mainstream and build a large scale employment network for agriculture and other science students/entrepreneurs. The Indian government under the startup India initiative is associating with various stakeholders in different parts of country to ensure that all necessary components are available for entrepreneurs.

The Indian startup program run by various government organizations such as NITI Aayog, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) etc. These organizations and departments provide

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funds and support to those startups which have innovative technologies related to science, agriculture related startups, artificial intelligence and websites or apps to support farmers etc. The agriculture industry of India is worth 39.1 billion $ till 2019. The government claims that through these agricultural startups and other initiatives farmer’s income will be double by 2022 and this will surely support Indian economy. From last few years, the government of India has added the Agri-Startup India policies and definition. There are detailed progresses made on 19 action points of Startup India action plan initiative, some of the main key points are presented in below picture. These are some key points from Startup India Action Plan. This will effect on farmer’s income and open up scope for new agribusiness startups. Moreover, these efforts will also improve the Indian agriculture system by connecting the government agriculture departments to the farmers directly and removes the communication gap among farmers, agriculture research community and government agricultural organizations.

RURAL OPPORTUNITIES

The people of rural areas are more dependent on agriculture than the urban ones. It is estimated that 58% of the rural households depend on agriculture to fulfill their livelihood and 25% of young rural women are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) either they are unmarried or raising children (Rural Development Report, 2019).

According to Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER, 2020), four out of ten sssstartups today are in red zone worldwide. This means they will collapse if they will not add funds to raise their revenues and this will lead to risking a mass extinction for startups globally. In this situation, every agribusiness will 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

need finance support in the middle stage to uplift their startups. Currently, the agribusiness startups touch around 10% of farmers in urban and rural areas both. Urban areas are getting more benefited through all the government policies and government organizations, only a few agri-startups and incubation centers are in rural areas. For example, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is funding around 47 incubation centres and most of them are in urban areas. Venture capital funds has also invested in a some rural startups space earlier in 2001. SIDBI and NABARD both have been supportive of agricultural based rural funds as agriculture and rural are their core focus areas. However, before starting any agriculture startups and incubation centres in rural areas, government organizations should need to critically address the local issues such as low landholding size, lower return on agribusiness investments, longer gestation periods, skills and knowledge gaps among farmers while developing their agribusiness startups.

CONCLUSION

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Agriculture has always supportive to the Indian economy and majority of the population are depending on agriculture or agriculture related business. Agribusiness startups are the promising solution for many things like the agricultural supply chain, increase the farmer’s output, develop infrastructure and give platform to many young students. In order to make agribusiness startup successful, it is necessary to make coordination among all agricultural departments, agribusiness industries and farmers especially in rural areas. There was a better growth of agribusiness startups in the country in last few years which needs a slight push by the government otherwise it may face downfall. If agriculture sector face loss or downfall then it will be a disaster for the country. However, India has already stable agricultural system and it is time to make agricultural startup system successful by making India global leader in this sector.

REFERENCES:

 Agritech In India - Emerging Trends in 2019. (2019, August 13). Retrieved from https://www.nasscom.in/knowledge- center/publications/agritech-india-emerging-trends-2019.  Demand for Grand 2019-20 Analysis Report, 2020  Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  Rural Development Report, 2019  Startup India – National Report, 2018

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AIoT (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OF THINGS): SCALING UP CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURE TO INDUSTRIAL FRAMEWORK

ARTICLE ID: - 005 Shailesh Kumar Singh1* and Sanjay Singh2

1Associate Professor, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.)- 474001, India

2Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur (M.P.)- 458001, India

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

AIoT is the convergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Thing) which is going to redefine the phase of automation in agriculture, i.e., Agriculture 4.0 revolution. Both the components, AI and IoT are independent technology which together act as the digital nervous system. AI is the decision- making system like brain and has overall control over the IoT which functions as peripheral nervous system. The combination of these two develops a self- correcting and self-healing system of high degree of automation called as AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things). IoT is the cloud-based data storage facility where information is collected through sensors from different sources while the artificial intelligence ensures real time response to the changes or deviations. The cloud-based computing system provides three key aspects viz. connectivity, storage and computes which are the foundation of IoT. The first generation of cloud based IoT provided five key capabilities: to collect, to store, to process, to analyse and to control.

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Keywords: AIoT, Artificial Intelligence, cloud-based computing system, Internet of Thing, Precision Agriculture.

INTRODUCTION

The AI adds the response (Act) to the existing IoT system which is based on the data. The AI ensures automatic action in IoT at two different levels:(i) influencing the telemetry data by sensors augmentation, (ii) analysing the inbound telemetry data stream in real time. Thus, it occupies the position at the beginning (receptor site for sensing stimulus) and at the end (effector site for response and act) of IoT system (Fig. 1).

The agricultural IoT enables the farmers to monitor the sensors from remote and receive data on soil moisture, soil nutrients, crop growth, livestock feeding, storage conditions, animal movement, energy using etc. Thus, has brought precision to agriculture. The collected data is stored in the cloud system or server and accessed by the farmer via the internet or their mobile phones. 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Fig 1: IoT (Internet of Thing) vs. AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Thing)

The collected data are utilized by farmers to understand the requirement and to use the knowledge in decision making. Application of robotics in intercultural operations, insect-pest and disease management and harvesting can provide enhanced productivity and effective land utilization, while controlling the rising cost of cultivation. Emmet Cole, robotics writer and analyst of the research, writes, “Agricultural IoT provides real granularity for farmers; enabling them to get down and dirty with the data and to streamline farming processes. Meanwhile, analysis software and smart farming applications combined with third-party data delivered via the Internet (such as weather reports) support informed decision-making at a level never before possible. Agricultural IoT also enables remote management of smart connected harvesters and irrigation equipment. As a trend, IoT has generated new and productive ways for farmers to farm, via the use of relatively cheap (compared to agricultural field robots and industrial robots, that is) and easy-to-install sensors” (Green, 2016).

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The technological advancement made to add machine- learning and internet of things for agriculture monitoring system (AMS) makes agriculture smarter and assist for efficient crop growth. The IoT based agricultural monitoring system helps to collect the information of crops or livestock using smart electronic devices. The devices or hardware which are used in IoT based AMS are Wi-Fi shield for Arduino, Arduino Microcontroller, sensors, power supply, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and GPRS (General Pocket Radio Service) modem. The sensors used in this system are capable to examine the ground conditions with high accuracy and precision, and provide data to the system for further action. Various types of sensors available are humidity sensor, soil moisture sensor, temperature sensor and soil pH sensor. The different types of sensors used in different agricultural practices are: autonomous agricultural vehicles; Variable Rate Technology (VRT) in agriculture; application of drones in agriculture; robotics in agriculture; application of actuators; IoT based resources optimization; crop modeling, real time monitoring; cloud computing, data analysis and decision-making system; visualization and management system; and smart greenhouse technology.

21st century has witnessed a gradual up gradation of information technology and its involvement in agriculture production i.e., computerization of agriculture. Involvement of AI and Internet of Things has become instrumental in the paradigm shift in agriculture industry to the internet of everything (IoE) where emphasis was given on machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system for production, protection and processing in agriculture. Rapid advancement of technology and digital tools provides different opportunities and strategies for enhancing agricultural production with minimum resources (Dixie, 2018). This phase is attributed with effective utilization of resources through automation 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

and high input data exchange and is called as precision Agriculture. This phase sometimes overlapped the third agricultural revolution and come to be known as fourth revolution in agriculture (Agriculture 4.0). The precision agriculture works on the principle of optimization of yields and investments from a triple point- agronomic (improving the efficiency of inputs), environmental (reducing certain risks to human health and the environment) and economic (increasing yield through reducing energy consumption and chemical inputs) (Karim and Karim, 2017).

However, this phase has its own limitations in terms of: biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emission, excessive use of fresh water and rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and emergence of public health challenges (Rockstrom et al., 2009; Godfray et al., 2010). Thus, the challenges of Agriculture 3.0 and Agriculture 4.0 needs to be addressed where the food production and farming system must reconcile the man and machine to ensure the production of healthy and affordable food without degrading the ecosystems. There is need of return of human hands and minds into the industrial framework by transition through the digital agriculture revolution (Agriculture 4.0) to personalization of agriculture (Agriculture 5.0) (Fraser and Campbell, 2019). Agriculture 5.0 needs to encompass at least the following four features:

a) Effective utilization of resources for food production by application of

cutting-edge digital technologies and biotechnology.

b) Ensuring food and nutritional security through digitalization and

personalization which can further ensure the social and political aspects

of food and farming systems (Rotz et al., 2019).

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c) Addressing both the end of food chain i.e. production and consumption

for reduction of food wastage through effective distribution and improved

storage.

d) Ensuring the greater utilization of plant-based diets in food system and

limiting the livestock-based diets as the resource requirement for plant-

based diets is smaller (Willett et al., 2019).

REFERENCES

1. Dixie, G. (2018). The Fourth Industrial Revolution must not leave farming

behind (World Economic Forum). Available at:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-

mustnot-leave-farming-behind/

2. Fraser, E. D., & Campbell, M. (2019). Agriculture 5.0: reconciling

production with planetary health. One Earth, 1(3), 278-280.

3. Godfray, H.C.J., Crute, I.R., Haddad, L., Lawrence, D., Muir, J.F., Nisbett,

N., Pretty, J., Robinson, S., Toulmin, C., and Whiteley, R. (2010). The future

of the global food system. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 365,

2769–2777.

4. Green, T. (2016). Internet of Things (IoT) in Agriculture. In: Robot Harvest:

Agribotics for Farm, Field & Orchard, Robotics Business Review. Available

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at: https://www.roboticsbusinessreview.com/agriculture/internet-things-iot-

agriculture/

5. Karim, F., & Karim, F. (2017). Monitoring system using web of things in

precision agriculture. Procedia Computer Science, 110, 402-409.

6. Rockstrom, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, A., Chapin, F.S., 3rd,

Lambin, E.F., Lenton, T.M., Scheffer, M., Folke, C., Schellnhuber, H.J., et

al. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature 461, 472–475.

7. Rotz, S., Gravely, E., Mosby, I., Duncan, E., Finnis, E., Horgan, M.,

LeBlanc, J., Martin, R., Neufeld, H.T., Nixon, A., et al. (2019). Automated

pastures and the digital divide: How agricultural technologies are shaping

labour and rural communities. J. Rural Stud. 68, 112–122.

8. Willett, W., Rockstrom, J., Loken, B., Springmann, M., Lang, T.,

Vermeulen, S., Garnett, T., Tilman, D., DeClerck, F., Wood, A., et al.

(2019). Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy

diets from sustainable food systems. Lancet 393, 447–492.

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BIO-ENHANCERS: A KEY COMPONENT OF COSMIC AGRICULTURE

ARTICLE ID: - 006 Bhadauria Ankit1, Sharma Ankur2 & Singh Akhand Pratap3

1 Ph.D. Scholar Fruit Science CSAUA&T, Kanpur

2 Assistant Professor, Fruit Science, ITM University Gwalior

3 Field Assistant/Trainee Kribhko

Email:[email protected]

INRODUCTION

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enhancers which are in use by the organic farmers are Panchagavya, Beejamrita, Jeevamrita and Amritpani.

It is pertinent to mention that there is no compatibility with chemicals at any stage of farming with bio enhancers, but these can be integrated with each other for additive/ synergistic response.

Use of Bio-enhancers:

Crop activity Bio-enhancer

Seed/Plant part Amritpani/Beejamrita/CPP/Cow Urine +dung powder+ treatment Agnihotra ash etc,

Enhancing Jeevamrita/CPP/Panchagavya/ Agnihotra ash water etc. decomposition of biomass

Enhancing soil Amritpani/Jeevamrita/CPP/Biosol/Kunapajala/Panchagavya fertility etc.

Crop vigour Panchagavya/Kunapajala/Biosol/Jeevamrita/Vermi wash etc

Enhancing biotic CPP/Bio-sol/Kunapajala, Panchagavya, Vermi wash etc & abiotic stress

Pests & Disease Kunapajala/Vermi wash/Bio-sol/ Panchagavya etc. Management

Seed/Grain Agnihotra ash/Panchagavya storage

CHARACTERISTIC OF BIO-ENHANCERS:

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 An effective and potent tool for fertigation  Potent source for macro and micro nutrients  Presence of plant growth promoting factors  Immunity enhancer  Used for seed/seedling treatment, enhancing waste decomposition,  Pesticidal & fungicidal properties  Improving soil fertility and productivity

STRATEGY FOR PROMOTION OF BIO ENHANCERS:

 From the aforesaid information, it is clear that Bio-enhancers have immense potential to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and pest management.

 It is a paradox to record that most of the information on these preparations has been experienced by Indian farmers since ancient time but number of apprehensions are persisting for use of bio-enhancers which require initiation of systematic research for further explanations.

 Comparative evaluation of bio-enhancers prepared through ingredients from similar origin and these scientific explanations for their nutrient status, microbial consortia and other associated scientific information can resolve many apprehensions.

 Impact and role played in package of practices will help for their acceptance in promotion of organic farming.

 These can be prepared with little support and skill up gradation trainings.

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 There is a need for delineation of nutrient status (macro and micro nutrients), plant growth promoting factors, immunity enhancer ability, etc. for their quick acceptance by the scientific and farming community.

 After proper filtration, bio-enhancers can be used through drip/sprinkler as fertigation.

 Comparative evaluation of aforesaid bio-enhancers for their nutritive value and impact will help for their preparation and use.

 There is a need to work out their contribution in organic production and frequency of their use in different crops.

CONCLUSION:

Bio-enhancers could play potent source to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and quality. These could be a potential tool for fertigation which is becoming important to enhance quality production in most of the crops. It is pertinent to note that bio enhancers are used in limited quantities cannot meet the entire nutrient requirement of the crop. These catalyze quick decomposition of biomass; hence incorporation of enough biomass, preferably a combination of mono cot and legumes duly supplemented with animal products will enhance humus production, a prerequisite for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. Combined with manures and frequent use of bio enhancer can address many challenges of agriculture and will be helpful to show a way for sustainable agriculture through cosmic resources.

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AQUATIC WEEDS AS SOURCES OF FUTURE VEGETABLES

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0008

Gargi Gautami Padhiary1 and Ankur Sharma2

1Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar

2 Assistant Professor (Horticulture),ITM University,Gwalior,M.P.

E-mail: [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION

Food scarcity is the most vital challenge that the world encounters every moment and it will be an inevitable challenge to feed more than seven billion people worldwide in near future. To mitigate this challenge, there is a need to search alternate plant bio-resources, like aquatic plant communities which have treasures of nutritional uniqueness to be utilized for the purpose of human benefits. In India enormous numbers of wetlands are present which are the sources of these aquatic weeds that can be used as the future vegetables. Not only they are eaten as leafy vegetables but also they are potentially nutritious with numerous medicinal properties. Most of these aquatic resources are still grown wildly and are utilized traditionally without the use of scientific know- how.

Ipomoea aquatica (Water Spinach)

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Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica, Family: Convolvulaceae), is also known as Kangkong, Ong Choy and River Spinach. It is also called as morning glory because of its beautiful flowers. It has long, jointed and hollow stems, which allow the vines to float on water or creep across muddy ground. It is sold in tightly packed bunches in Asian markets and considered as one of the cheapest nutrient sources preferred by all groups of customers.

Botany

It floats over the water surface in case of full water course areas and may creep on the ground in marshy lands. A single stem can grow and extend its apical shoot up to 20 m long, along with profuse branching as its apical shoot may advance 12cm per day under suitable environment. Tropical and subtropical climates are ideal for its proliferation.

Uses

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Practically all parts of the young plant are edible, although the shoot tips and younger leaves are preferred. Water spinach is consumed differently in Western and Chinese cuisines. Water spinach deteriorates rapidly once picked, so must always be used very fresh. The leaves can be used whole or cut into smaller pieces. Like ordinary spinach the stems require slightly longer cooking than the leaves.

Distribution

It is a native of India, can be found in South and South-East Asia, tropical Africa, South and Central America and Oceania. In India it is mostly cultivated in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, M.P., U.P., Gujarat, Punjab and Maharashtra.

Nutrient Content

Crude protein-32.2%, Organic matter-70%,Crude fiber 10%, Total carbohydrates – 31.8%,Vitamin E -28.5%, Vitamin B1-87μg, Vitamin B2- 120μg, Vitamin C- 137mg/100g. It is also rich in carotenoids, xanthophylls and taraxanthin and Minerals like: K- 41.4 mg , Mg- 31mg, Zn- 1.7 mg, Ca- 2 mg,Na-5 mg . I. aquatic leaves leads to cure ailments such as jaundice, nervous debility.

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Growing Technique

It is propagated by seed or stem cutting. Packed viable seeds are also available in the market. These are sown during the peak winter period in marshy places. For stem cutting, each cutting should contain at least a single node. In full water source the stems can be placed at the edge of the pond tied with bamboo poles. Yield subsequently increases up to 4th harvest and then declines.

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Enhydra fluctuans (Helechi)

Enhydra fluctuans is one of the aquatic weed of Asteraceae family which is available abundantly in India especially in the North-Eastern states. It is also known as Helechi (Assamese), Helencha (Bengali), and Hidimicha (Odia). It has immense potential as a vegetable crop for the future and also has many beneficial effects. It is a hydrophytic plant and mostly found on wet roadside canals and marshy waste places between the months of November to January.

Botany

It is a trailing marsh herb growing annually, also floating on water; stem 30-60 cm long, rooting at the nodes. Also known as Marsh herb, Water cress in English, Hilamochika in Sanskrit and Harkuch in Hindi. Flowers are white to greenish white in color. Stems are fleshy, hairy and branched, 30 cm or more in length.

Distribution

It is highly prevalent in Malaysia, Bangladesh, China and the rest of South East Asia and Tropical Africa. It is mostly found on wet roadside canals and marshy waste places between the months of November to January. In India this plant is predominantly found in the North-Eastern region and mostly in Assam.

Nutrient content

The plant has anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective and even neuropharmacological

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effects. It is a rich source of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics and carbohydrates. The plant is also rich in β-carotene and protein. It also contains saponins, myricyl alcohol, kaurol, sitosterol, glucoside, sesquiterpene lactones including germacranolide, enhydrin, fluctuanin and fluctuandin.

Growing technique

It is propagated by asexual propagation; mostly by the stem cuttings. Sub humid climate is the best for proper vegetative growth.

Marsilea minuta (Water clover)

It is an aquatic perennial fern of family Marsiliaceae with quadra foliate leaves. These are also known as water clovers or 4 leaf clovers. Juice made from the leaves is diuretic and febrifuge. The plant is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, depurative, and refrigerant. It is very easy to maintain this plan.

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Uses

It is recommended for the treatment of psychopathy, diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, and skin diseases. The young fronds of the plants are used to treat insomnia and mental problems while regular eating of the plant is believed to exert favorable effects on hypertension, sleeping disorders and headache. The plant is also recommended to treat spastic condition of leg and muscle, epilepsy, and migraine.

Distribution

In India it is mostly cultivated in Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

Nutrient content

Its edible parts are young stem and leaves with crude protein- 36.67%, Total sugar- 46.0%, Fat-0.014%. The juice prepared from it is also used to treat snake bite and applied to abscesses.

Growing technique

Propagation is done by cutting and replanting runners when they form their own roots. It needs a pH of 6-7.5 for optimum growth.

Nasturtium officinale (Watercress)

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Watercress is a rapidly growing, aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial weed, native to Europe and Asia. It is currently a member of the family Brassicaceae, botanically related to garden cress, mustard and radish. Watercress thrives in cool flowing streams where it grows submerged, floating on the water or spread over mud surfaces. It is often cultivated in tanks or moist soil for its edible young shoots and delicate peppery flavored leaves which are rich in vitamin C.

Botany

Watercress plants often form bushy colonies and root freely from the stems. The alternate leaves are pinnately compound with three to nine leaflets. The plant bears compact clusters of tiny four-petalled white flowers, each seedpod known as a siliqua which bears two rows of seeds.

Uses

Watercress is used as a remedy for cough, bronchitis, inflammation of lungs, constipation, hair loss and flu through oral consumption. It can also be applied to skin as a cure for arthritis, eczema, scabies and warts.

Distribution

Watercress is native to northern Africa, Europe and temperate Asia and the Indian sub-continent. It is naturalized in the USA, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Australasia and parts of tropical Asia. It is cultivated in all the states of India, especially in the north east, eastern and southern regions.

Nutrient content

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It contains significant amounts of vitamin A (20%), vitamin C(52%), riboflavin(10%), vitamin B6(10%), calcium(12%) and manganese(6%). Watercress has low contents of carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber.

Growing Technique

Watercress is easily propagated by stem cuttings or from seeds. Seeds should be sown just below the soil surface, about 1/4 inch deep. Do not let the soil dry out as watercress requires wet soil for best germination.

Other important weeds that can be used as future vegetables are :

Centella asiatica (L.), Hygrophilla auriculata, Bacopamoneri, Mullugo cerviana L., Polygonum plabejum, etc.

References

1. Dewanji, A. 1993. Amino Acid Composition of leaf proteins Extracted from

some Aquatic weeds. J. Agric. Food chem. 41: 1232-1236

2. Mandal, R. N and Saha, G. S. 2007.Aquatic Vegetation – A potential support

for rural economy.Agricultural situation in India. LXIV:251-255

3. Mandal, R. N. and Jayashankar, P. (2014).Aquaticweeds as potential future

foods. Future crops, 2:17-50.

4. Sarma, U.; Borah, V. V.; Saikia, K. K. and Hazarika, N.

(2014).Enhydrafluctuans: A review on its pharmacological importance as a

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medicinal plant and prevalence and use in north eastern India. Int. J.

Pharma. Pharma.Sci, 6:48-50.

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HI –TECH HORTICULTURE IN LUCKNOW CONDITION

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0009

Maya Ram, Dr. Sutanu maji, Subhash verma & Jitendra kumar

Horticulture BBAU Lucknow, ANDUT Ayodhya

======

INTRODUCTION

Hi-tech horticulture is a technology which is modern, less environment- dependent and capital-intensive but with a capacity to improve productivity and farmers' income. In the new era of changing climate, Hi tech horticulture has become necessity so as to sustain productivity and economic stability of the Indian farmers.

Hi –tech horticulture is a technology which are very popular now days due to control the environmental factor for improve farmers more income.

1. Poly house

Although traditional farming is very prevalent in India, new technology like poly house is very popular in Luck now condition due to easy management and less expensive than other.

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Farmer requires expert guidance to use new technology poly house forming. Poly house is one of the protected systems of cultivation of crop so for they are reduce the dependency rainfall. They are provide optimum temperature and shade to reduce the weed growth and optimum use of land so for they are highly use in kitchen gardening. Poly-house provides more yield and income at a specific time of cultivation. (e.g. rose on valentine’s days) they have also easy cultivated exotic crop like (broccoli, lettuce mushroom). It is also very popular for cultivation of regular crop on off season for getting farmer more income like as (e.g. tomato, chilli, brinjal, cucumber cabbage etc.) For establishment of poly house require expertise in three place at formation of structure, cultivation method, and marketing, etc. If I say for formation of 500 square meter area for poly house in Lucknow condition they are total cast 40000 t0 45000 rupees around.etc. Potentially, polyhouse as this time very helpful for growing of crop through out of the year to obtain farmer more income.

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Growing of vegetable at Luck now condition under control condition (poly house) Chinese cabbage and lettuce are easy to grown in Luck now condition.

Type of poly house

Based on environmental control condition Poly house can Divided into two types.

(A) Natural ventilated poly house:- Natural poly house are those type of poly house which have easy to exchange of cool and hot air.

(B) Environmental controlled poly house:- This type of poly house are constructed for extended cultivation of crop. This type of poly house controlled light, humidity and temperature etc.

Based on construction type:- Poly house can divided into three type

1. Low tech and cheap poly house: - These type of poly house required low cast for construction. They have easy to prepare with the help of locally available supporting material like bamboo. They have not requires more expert

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person such type of poly house. These are provides shelter for crop by snow and heavy rain.

2. Moderate tech poly house: - This type of poly house require high cast as compare to low tech and cheap poly house. They are constructed used galvanized iron rod etc. These are provides better protection against high wind and harsh climate. They also fitted exhausts which are helpful for controlling temperature and humidity.

3. High grade poly house:- These type of poly house highly technologically advance poly house and cast require for construction. These types poly house all activity are controlled automatically.

Advantage of poly house

 Poly house beneficial for farmer especially who prefer organic forming.  Poly house provide better environment condition for growing of crop at off season.  They are provides more profit as compare to open condition. These increase yield 5-10 times higher.

Disadvantage of poly house

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 Excessive heat in summers can become a problem for Poly House Farming.  It results in the lower replenishment of the Carbon Di-Oxide supply.  If you use low-quality films for Poly House Farming, then it can easily tear during Monsoon Seasons.  The Cost of Poly House Farming is also high.  Lack of Proper Knowledge also leads to huge problems for farmers.  Requires Skilled Labor.  High Maintenance Cost.  Have to maintain the site free from outside microbes and other dirt.

2. SHADE HOUSE

Shade house one of the important part of Hi- tech horticulture. They have highly used growing of crop at Lucknow condition. At summer time high temperature reported in Lucknow condition so growing of crop highly effected by temperature in shade house easy cultivation of crop. They are easy used rising of seedling in shade house. The seed are sowing in try seedling show highly uniformity, vigour etc. They are easy to production of summer season crop for getting more profit. (e.g. cucumber tomato musk melon etc)

Advantage of Shade House

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 This technique is easy to install and give more productivity even in the adverse weather conditions.  The shade net is prepared using plastic, towers made up of iron and wire ropes which are locally available and comparatively at a low-price.  It can tolerate wind speed up to 80 km/hr and is economically feasible; this design also drains rain water easily due to doom shaped construction.  Water requirement of shade house plant is less as compare to open condition so that are best for water conservation  Shade house best for fruit and vegetable nurseries raising of new seedling  That is very helpful for cultivation foliage plant, flower plant minor vegetable etc.

REFERENCE:-

 Ahrary, A. and Ludena, D.A.R.2015. A cloud-based vegetable production and distributionsystem. In Intelligent DecisionTechnologies, Smart Innovation, Systemsand Technologies – Proceedings of the7th KES

 International Conference (R.Neves-Silva et al., Eds.), 11-20 pp. Ganeshamurthy, A.N., Satisha, G.C. and Patil, P. 2011. Potassium nutrition on yield and quality of fruit crops with special emphasis on banana and grapes. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences 24, 29-38. 6 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Planning Commission. 2007. Report of the Working Group on Horticulture, Plantation Crops and Organic Farming for the XI Five Year Plan (2007-2012). Planning Commission, Govt. of India.

 Singh, B. 2012. High altitude protected vegetable production. In Vegetable Production under Changing Climate Scenario. CAFT Manual, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan

 Peter, K.V. and Abraham. 2007. Biodiversity in Horticultural Crops. Daya Publishers, New Delhi.

 Singh, B. 2014. Protected cultivation of horticultural crops in India - Challenges and opportunities. Agrotechnology 2(4), 1 p.

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CULTIVATION OF JASMINE UNDER GWALIOR REGION

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0010

Raj kumar Chaurasiya1 & S.P. Singh1

Assistant Professor

Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior, M.P.

======

INTRODUCTION-

 Scientific Name: Jasminum spp. Local name : Jasmine Hindi name : Juhi, Chameli, Mogra, Champa Bela etc. Family: Oleaceae  Kingdom : Plantae  Order : Lamiales  Genus: Jasminum L.  Type species: Jasminum officinale L.

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USES-

 Flowers and buds are used for making garlands, bouquets, veni for religious offerings.  They are also used for the production of perfumed hair oils and attar.  The oil is also used in soap and cosmetic industry.  They also contain yellow pigments and hence used as substitute for saffron.  Flowers and other parts also used in medicines.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION-

 They are climbing, trailing and erect shrubby flowering plants and these are both over green and delicious species.  Leaves are opposite or alternate, simple, trifoliate or pinnate, leaflets entire.  Flowers are white, yellow or rarely reddish, sometimes solitary, more often in cymose clusters of three to many, usually fragrant; corolla tubular with four to nine lobes, stamens two, ovary 2 loculed with 1-4 erect ovaries.  Fruit is a berry and black in colour.

AREA AND DISTRIBUTION-

 Though jasmines are distributed in tropical and subtropical countries of the world, a large number of scented species are around the regions comprising India, China and Malaysia. 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Among these, about 40 species are reported to occur in India.

 Gamble (1957) were recorded 20 species in the former Madras Presidency State and some of these species are found in Mumbai, Bihar, Orissa, Chotanagpur, upper Gangetic plains and sub Himalayan tracts.

SOIL AND CLIMATE-

• Jasmine can be grown on a wide range of soils. • Well-drained, rich loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.5-7.5 is ideal for their cultivation. • Jasmine prefers mild and tropical climate. • Jasmine is commercially grown in India under open field conditions. • The ideal requirements for successful cultivation of jasmine are mild winter, warm summer, moderate rainfall and sunny days. • Jasmines grow well up to 1200 m. • A well-distributed annual rainfall of 800 to 1000 mm is optimum for growth and development

VARIETIES-

1. CO 1 (Jui): This variety has long corolla tubes and is easy to harvest. It

gives an average yield of 35qtl/acre.

2. CO 2 (Jui): This variety has bold flower buds and long corolla tubes. It

gives an average yield of 46qtl/acre. It is resistant to phyllody disease.

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3. CO-1 (Chameli): The variety is developed by TNAU (Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University). It gives an average yield of 42qtl/acre. It is

suitable for loose flower production and oil extraction

4. CO-2 (Chameli): This variety has bold pink color buds and has long

corolla tube. It gives an average yield of 48qtl/acre.

5. GUNDUMALLI: It has round shaped flowers having good fragrance. It

gives an average yield of 29-33qtl/acre.

6. RAMBAN AND MADANBAN: It has long sized flower buds.

7. DOUBLE MOGRA: It has flowers having 8-10 whorls of petals. The

flowers fragrance is similar to the white rose.

PROPAGATION-

Jasmine can be propagated by cuttings, layering, sucker, grafting, budding and tissue culture.

LAYERING:

 Layering is done during June-July in North India and from June to

December in South India.

 For preparation of layers, well matured, one year old shoots are selected

and are buried in the soil 10-15 cm deep after making a shallow, slanting

cut in the portion that is to be buried.

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 The root formation occurs in 90-120 days.

CUTTING:

 It is the easiest method of propagation of jasmine J.grandiflorum and J.sambac are best propagated by apical cuttings while J.auriculatum is propagated by semi hardwood cuttings.

 Normally 22-25 cm long cuttings with 3-4 nodes are planted in rooting media.

 Cuttings taken during April-September has highest percentage of rooting with maximum rooting in June planted cuttings

 The basal portion of softwood cuttings is treated with growth regulating substances (IBA 400ppm and IAA @ 1000ppm) before planting.

 The cuttings are buried more than 5 cm deep in the rooting medium and are spaced 7cm apart.The cuttings are ready for transplanting into the main field after 4 to 5 months of planting in the rooting media.

SEASON OF PLANTING:

 The best time for planting in most parts of India is during the monsoon

but one can plant jasmine almost round the year in climates as of

Bangalore.

 Once planted, the jasmine remains in the field for 10-15 years.

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 The ideal time for planting in North India is during July-August and from

the end of January-February, while in South India planting is done any

time between July-December.

METHOD OF PLANTING:

. Well-rooted, healthy and strong seedlings obtained from cutting/layering are planted in each pit.

. The best time for planting in most parts of India is during the monsoon but one can plant jasmine almost round the year in climates as of Bangalore.

. Once planted, the jasmine remains in the field for 10 - 15 years.

. A hole is dug in the centre of the pit sufficient enough to accommodate the soil ball of the seedling.

. The soil ball is placed in the centre of the pit and the soil is firmly pressed around the seedlings.

. The plants are then immediately watered.

FOLIAR NUTRITION AND IRRIGATION

FOLIAR NUTRITION

. Spraying of zinc 0.25% and magnesium 0.5% before flowering increases flower yield.

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. For Fe deficiency, FeSO 4 at 5g/lit. is sprayed at monthly intervals until the chlorotic symptoms disappear

IRRIGATION

. Adequate moisture in the soil is necessary for proper growth and flowering in jasmines.

. Plants are irrigated by flooding once a week in the summer months.

. After flowering, no irrigation is normally required till after the next pruning and manuring.

NUTRIENTS REQUIREMENTS-

. At the time of land preparation, apply fertilizer dose in the form of

Nitrogen @60gm/plant, K2O @120 gm/plant and P2O5 @120gm/plant.

. This dose is recommended for commercial cultivation.

. The fertilizer dose are mixed together and then applied in two equal splits.

. The first dose is given in the month of the January and then second dose is given in the month of July.

. Additional organic manures such as groundnut cake, Neem cake etc. is given @100gm/plant.

. Spraying of zinc @0.25% and magnesium @0.5% is done to increase the flower yield.

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. To prevent from Fe deficiency, spraying of FeSO4 @5gm/ltr is done at monthly intervals .

DISEASE AND THEIR CONTROL:

Nematode:

The symptoms are stunted growth, chlorosis, wilting and then leaf dropping. Treatment: Spraying of saaf@10 gm/plant is done to get cure from nematode disease.

Root Rot:

The symptoms are brown color pustules are seen on the lower surface of the leaves and sometimes shown on the stems and flowers. Treatment: Drenching of soil with copper oxychloride @2.5gm/ltr is done to get cure from root rot disease.

Leaf Blight-

. Caused by two fungi viz., Cercospora jasminicola and Alternaria jasmini. Symptoms are reddish brown spots on upper surface of leaves. . Spray of Benlate (0.4%), Bavistin (0.1%) and Bordeaux mixture (1%) are equally effective.

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Wilt -

 Caused by Fusarium solani, symptoms are yellowing of lower leaves which gradually spread upwards and finally resulting in death of the plant.  Drenching of soil around the plants with Bordeaux mixture (1%) is the control measure.

PEST AND THEIR CONTROL:

• Bud worm: They are the moth caterpillars which destroys the plant by feeding themselves on new leaves, shoots and flowers. Treatment: Spraying of monocrotophos 36 WSC @2 ml/ltr is done to get cure from bud worm.

• Blossom midge: The symptoms are early blossoming and bears more flower than a healthy plant. Treatment: Spraying of monocrotophos 36 WSC @2 ml/ltr is done to get cure from blossom midge.

• Red spider mite: The symptoms are mottling on the upper surface of the leaves. Leaves start losing their color and finally fall off. Treatment: Spraying of sulphur 50% WP @2 gm/ltr is given to get cure from red spider mite.

• Stick bugs: It destroys the plant by feeding themselves on leaves, tender shoots and flower buds. Treatment: Spraying of Malathion @0.05% is done to cure stick bugs.

HARVESTING- 9 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Jasmine gives economic yield only from the third year and up to 12 - 15 years and then the yield starts declining.

 The stage of harvest depends on the purpose of flowers to be harvested.

 For fresh flowers, fully developed unopened flower buds are picked in the early morning, while for extraction of concrete only fully opened fresh picked flowers are required.

 Picking of flowers after 11 a.m. will considerably reduce the yield and quality of the concrete.

 Damage to flowers during harvest and transit will affect shelf life of fresh flowers and concrete recovery.

YIELD

Species Flowers yield (kg/ha) Concrete recovery (%)

J. auriculatum 4733 to 9152 0.28 to 0.36 J. sambac 739 to 8129 0.14 to 0.19 J. grandiflorum 4329 to 10144 0.25 to 0.32

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MICRO PROPAGATION IN HORTICULTURAL CROPS

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0011

Sunartiya V.1

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482004.

E-Mail: [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION--

Plant tissue culture, also called micro propagation (Akin-Idowu,P.E., Ibitoye D.O.and Ademoyegun,O.T.(2009). Micro propagation is the Rapid, mass propagation of selected plant/clone using in vitro techniques in a relatively Small space. A whole plant can be regenerated from a small tissue or plant cells(from shoot, ,root etc)in tissue culture aseptic cultivation of plants from healthy plants on a synthetic nutrient medium under controlled environment condition viz. Light (quality, quantity and duration), temp. and reletive humidity. Plant tissue culture have on the fact that from one single plant cell the ability to regenerate a whole plant {totipotency}. (Bhatia,S.,Sharma,K.(2015). Modern Applications of Plant Biotechnology). The micro propagation method produces plants free of diseases. Hence, disease-free many variety Can be Obtain through this technique by using meristem tip culture (MTC).(K.L. Chadda,(2019) Hand book of horticulture, ICAR,Vol.1(116-121)

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METHODOLOGY:-

Healthy tissue -pieces/explants from any living plant part like (Shoot, leaf, root etc. can be taken growing points like terminal and lateral shoot apical meristems are generally ideal. Also Shoot apical meristem(SAM) Often measuring 0.1 mm in height is free any invading pathogen/virus. The explants are disinfected well and cultured under aseptic conditions in culture vessels such as test tubes or glass jars containing semi solid culture medium composed of macroµ nutrient supplemented with iron, suger(carbon source)vita. PGR and plant hormons. (K.L,Chadda,Handbook of horticulture,ICAR,vol-1)

In temprate fruit-, Apple and strawberry are micro propagating widely. Like Strawberry CV. Allstar, Tristar And Tribute Were Micro propagated using Modified Boxus medium.

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In Ornamental plants about 75℅ of the global micro propagation industry which are leaf ornamentals orchid , anthurium, crysanthemums, carnations etc. about 212.5million plants including 157 million ornamental plant. Netherland Is Administer in export of ornamental plants (K.L,Chadda,Handbook of horticulture)

Fruit crop:-Banana plant may yield 4-5 usable suckers in the year ‘time for propagation in contrast, thought tissue culture, up to 5000 plants can be safely rised. The leading producer of tissue culture banana in india is maharashtra. and Accounting for over 85% of all micro propagated banana. all thought the market value of Elakki is higher. (Handbook of Horticulture, K.L,Chadda) Banana Var.-G(9) is popular tissue culture Varying india and most popular. (Glaustus Horticulture, Muthukumar,p.)

In Vegetable crop-like: Uneconomical in vegetable crops except hybrid watermelon short Duration of most vegetable crops makes it infeasible financially.

ADVANTAGES OF MICRO PROPOGATION

1) Production of true type (clone) plants ,even from adult heterozygous tissue

2) Round the year production possible, independent of season

3) Multiple disease free/virus free plants/planting material

4) Product uniformly

5) Agronomic advantages (often, Precocious bearing:high yield superior quality)

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6) High return

7) Enhancing multiplication Rate Exponentially

8) Safe, easy ,economically international germplasm.

DISADVANTAGE OF MICROPROPAGATION

1) Financing setting up of laboratory.

2) Long gestation period.

3) Non availability of skilled operators.

4) Standard items yield low margins.

5) Problem associated with marketing.

6) Older age of mother/stock/expant-donor plant.

7) Sub-optimal rotting response.

8) Slow growth and instability in multiplication Rates.

9) Stubborn endogenous contamination.

10) Poor ex-plant response especially in woody perennials/tree species.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INCENTIVES

Many Central and State Government departments have Model financial schemes and announced Compact for assistance of tissue culture industry

A) Ministry of Agriculture

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The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has the following Programmes and schemes promotion in horticulture Sector.

(i) There Is Low for assistance of upto Rs. 21 lakhs and Rs. 10 lakh for maximum limit of Rs. 25 lakh per project. National Horticulture Board also has scheme for Lagislative subsidy for cultivation under controlled climate condition in poly houses, green House and Net houses. (Mashfuqulla, Shydmd. & Rajak, D. 2008), plant tissue culture: techno-chemical feasibility, Department of Biotechnology & BCIL)

B) Agricultural and Processed food products Export

Development Authority (APEDA)

50% subsidy is given for the development of infrastructure like refrigerated van, packaging or Packing material, export promotion, market developments Etc. Financial assistance is also given for strengthening quality control facilities and implementation of ISO 9000.

C) NHB

For setting up of a new tissue culture, labs there is a provision for project cost with a maximum limit of Rs. 25 lakh per project. NHB has a scheme for also providing subsidy for cultivation under controlled climate condition in poly house, green houses, net houses, etc.

D) Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-

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DBT has supported over 150 projects for development of micro propagation Method related novation for about 50 Fruit and veg. species. DBT established National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants vide the Gazette of India Notification dated 10thMarch 2006 of Ministry of Agriculture under section 8 of the Seeds Act, 1966.

E) Financial Assistance by Banks

Some nationalized bank like Canara Bank hasopened a special cell for financing high-tech agriculture projects. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Devolopment (NABARD) under its refinancing scheme has supported some different 30 projects, with 32% subsidy on investment.

F)State-level incentive: KN,GJ,MH,AP are giving financial assistance of 20% on investment for setting up tissue culture lab under the new agro-industry project.(Handbook of Horticulture, K.L.,chadda)

REFRENCES:-

1. Akin-Idowu, P. E.,Ibitoye, D. O.and Ademoyegun, O. T.(2009), Tissue

culture as a plant production technique forhorticultural crops,African

Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 8 (16).

2. Bhatia S. & Sharma K.(2015), Modern Applications of Plant

Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences.

3. K.L.Chadda, (2019) Handbook of horticulture, Indian council of

Agriculture Research New Delhi, Vol.1 (116-121)

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4. Mashfuqulla,shyd md. & Rajak,D.(2008), plant tissue culture: techno-

chemical feasibility, Department of Biotechnology & BCIL .

5. Muthukumar, P.& selvakumar,R.(2017), Glaustus horticulture, new

vishal publication new delhi

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BEE KEEPING AND THEIR ROLE IN EMPOWERING LIVELIHOODS

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0012

Bhardwaj N.1 and Bhardwaj P.2

Research Scholar, Department of entomology, RVSKVV, Gwalior (M.P.) 1

Assistant Professor, Department of agriculture Science, Jagannath University, Jaipur (Raj.)2

Corresponding author:[email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION

Bee-keeping is an absorbing hobby to some, and to others it is an industry for producing honey and wax, Since ancient times, honeybees have been kept in a crude manner in India, Bee-keeping, today is based upon improved methods using the principles of movable frame-hive, honey extractor and the smoker. Rearing of honeybees is called, apiculture. In India, Honey bee farming is commonly done by the peoplein the hilly region, but nowadays, this business has also started in the plains by the local people to earn more money. People are earning a lot of money by keeping bees. Since there is no need to engage full time laborers in this business, it is increasing day by day in rural areas.

Bee-keeping is quite profitable in areas with good floral pasturage. Possibility for the development of beekeeping in India is tremendous due to its diverse environment and inexhaustible floral resources obtained from natural vegetation and cultivated crops. According to recent statistics, about 50 million hectares of land is under the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses, orchards and other

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crops which is useful to bees and benefitted by bee pollination. In addition, there is about 60 million hectares of forest area with beekeeping potential.

Bee keeping can profitably be pursued by men, women and children, by farmers, orchardists, and by those who are landless or underemployed. Bee hives can be kept to the backyard or on house tops. A subsistence farmer can get higher income from bee keeping than from other avocations. Those who have the time and interest can manage a number of bee hives and make beekeeping a profitable enterprises by selling the surplus honey and wax.

WHAT IS APICULTURE?

Apiculture is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made hives, by humans. Most such bees are honey bees in the genus Apis, but other honey- producing bees such as Melipona stingless bees are also kept. A beekeeper (or apiarist) keeps bees in order to collect their honey and other products that the hive produces (including beeswax, propolis, flower pollen, bee pollen, and royal jelly), to pollinate crops, or to produce bees for sale to other beekeepers. A location where bees are kept is called an apiary or "bee yard.

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CROPS BENEFITED BY BEE POLLINATION IN INDIA

In India, most of the food crops need insect (mainly bee) pollinators for sufficient successful pollination. Oil seeds (such as Sunflower, niger, safflower), vegetables (Cucurbitaceous Vegetable Crops, legume crops) and many fruit crops are profoundly reliant on pollinators. A list of crops pollinated by bees is as follows (Source: TNAU, agritech portal).

Fruits and nuts: Almond, apple, apricot, peach, strawberry, citrus and litchi.

Vegetable and Vegetable seed crops: Cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, coriander, cucumber, melon, onion, pumpkin, radish and turnip.

Oil seed crops: Sunflower, niger, rape seed, mustard, safflower.

Forage seed crops: Lucerne, clover

AREAS FOR APICULTURE

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Bees and beekeeping contribute to peoples’ livelihoods in almost every country on earth. Honey, and the other products obtained from bees have long been known by every society: perhaps it is only Inuit societies that have evolved without the possibility in arctic conditions to exploit bees for sweet honey and other products. The bees being exploited vary between regions, and bee keepers operate under varying conditions and with widely differing resources available to them. This great diversity in bees, and in beekeeping practices.

CREATING A LIVELIHOOD FROM BEEKEEPING

According to Chambers and Conway (1992): “A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with, and recover from, stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base.

Livelihood depends upon access to many different types of assets. In order to make it possible to think about people’s differing livelihoods, and to allow analysis, all assets may be allocated into one of five fundamental categories: human, physical, financial, social and natural. To understand this well, think about your own livelihood and all the diverse assets it depends upon: your skills; access to transport; equipment, telecommunications; the social networks you have been born into or have created yourself.

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BUDGET 2020 FARMER FRIENDLY; TAKES STEPS TO ENHANCE RURAL EMPLOYMENT LIVLIHOOD OPPURTUNITIES

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0013

Sakshi Shastri¹ and Ankit Kumar Pandey²

¹Phd scholar, Department of Agriculture Extension

Indira Gandhi KrishiVishwavidyalaya Raipur, Chhattisgarh

²Phd scholar, Department of Horticulture (Fruit and Fruit Technology)

Bihar Agriculture University, Sabaur, Bihar

======ABSTRACT

India is now the fifth largest economy in the world and Indian economy has grown by 7.4% an average with inflation around 4.5%. More than 271 million people raised out of poverty during 2006-16. India’s Foreign Direct Investment elevated to US$ 284 billion during 2014-19 from US$ 284 billion during 2009-14. Central government debt reduced to 48.7% of GDP (March 2019) from52.2% (March 2014). GST removed many bottlenecks in the system. These are the very important achievements that Indian economy has achieved in the last couple of years; having so in the recent times there has been certain issues playing the Indian economy for example, the GDP growth rate slow down to 4.5% and inflation rate has crossed 6% barrier which has been given to RBI and has reached 7.3% more than in the month of December and exports have slow down etc. so to overcome this we need to know the reforms which have been announced by government of India in the union budget 2020.

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INTRODUCTION

Agriculture sector is the most important sector in the Indian economy because it employs huge amount of labour. As per NITI more than 49% population which is working in case of India is concentrated in this particular sector itself and in recent times there have been lot of concerns or issues which are playing in this sector and the very important point; the central government in the budget, basically said that they want to increase consumption or consumption demand because 16% GDP of India comes from the consumption and expenditure itself and the majority of India’s population is concentrated in rural India. As per census 2011, around 2/3rd India’s population lives in rural part of India, so one you want to increase the consumption demand and second majority the population lives in rural India. So what better way to address these particular issues than introducing agricultural reforms in the agriculture sector? As a result of this government of India announced (Finance Minister N. Sitharaman) through this budget tried to change this situation. The finance minister proposed a 16 point action plan in her speech while presenting the budget so as to improve the condition of the agricultural sector and to double the income of the farmers in the next two years.

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FIG 01:- The Budget included the following points

The budget is woven around three prominent themes: 1. Aspirational India in which all sections of the society seek better standards of living, with access to health, education and better jobs. 2. Economic development for all, indicated in the Prime Minister‟s exhortation of “SabkaSaath, Sixteen Action Points for Agriculture, IrrigationSabkaVikas, and Rural Development 3. Caring Society that is both humane For the sector comprising of Agriculture and allied activities, Irrigation and and compassionate, where Antyodaya Rural Development an allocation of about 2.83 lakh crore has been made for is an article of faith. the year 2020-21.

Its divided, inter-alia;

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a) For Agriculture, Irrigation & allied activities – 1.60 lakh crore

b) For Rural Development &Panchayati Raj – 1.23 lakh crore

1. Encouraging State governments to undertake the implementation of following model laws already issued by the Central Government:

a) Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2016 b) Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 and

2. Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2018Comprehensive measures for one hundred water-stressed districts. Water stress-related issues are now a serious concern across the country. The Government has proposed comprehensive measures for one hundred water-stressed districts.

3. PM-KUSUM scheme to be expanded the scheme to provide 20 lakh farmers for setting up stand-alone solar pumps

“Annadata” can be “Urjadata” too.

The PM-KUSUM scheme has removed farmers’ dependence on diesel and kerosene and linked pump sets to solar energy.

4. Government to encourage balanced use of all kinds of fertilizers :- Government shall encourage balanced use of all kinds of fertilizers including the traditional organic and other innovative fertilizers. This is a necessary step to change the prevailing incentive regime, which encourages excessive use of chemical fertilisers.

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5. NABARD to Geo-tag and map warehouses

India has an estimated capacity of 162 million MT of Agri-warehousing, cold storage, reefer van facilities etc. NABARD will undertake an exercise to map and geo-tag them. To create warehousing, in line with the Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) norms. Government will provide Viability Gap Funding for setting up such efficient warehouses at the block/taluk level. This can be achieved, where States can facilitate land and are on a PPP model..

6. Village Storage scheme proposed to be run by the SHGs.

As a backward linkage, a Village Storage scheme is proposed to be run by the SHGs. This will provide farmers with a good holding capacity and reduce their logistics cost. Women, SHGs shall regain their position as “Dhaanya Lakshmi”.

7. Set up a “Kisan Rail” through PPP Arrangements.

To build a seamless national cold supply chain for perishables, inclusive of milk, meat and fish, the Indian Railways will set up a “Kisan Rail” – through PPP arrangements. There shall be refrigerated coaches in Express and Freight trains as well.

8. KrishiUdaan will be launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

KrishiUdaan will be launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on international and national routes. This will immensely help improve value realisation especially in North-East and tribal districts.

9. Adopting a cluster basis will focus on “one product one district” for the Horticulture sector.

Horticulture sector with its current production of 311million MT exceeds the production of food grains. For better marketing and export, we propose

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supporting States which, adopting a cluster basis, will focus on “one product one district”.

10. Integrated farming systems in rainfed areas shall be expanded.

Integrated farming systems in rainfed areas shall be expanded. Multi-tier cropping, bee-keeping, solar pumps, solar energy production in non- cropping season will be added. Zero-Budget Natural Farming (mentioned in July 2019 budget) shall also be included. The portal on “jaivikkheti” – online national organic products market will also be strengthened.

11. Negotiable Warehousing Receipts (e-NWR) will be integrated with e-NAM.

Financing on Negotiable Warehousing Receipts (e-NWR) has crossed more than`6000 crore. This will be integrated with e-NAM.

12. Agriculture credit target for the year 2020-21 has been set at 15 lakh crore.

Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs)and cooperatives are active in the agriculture credit space. The NABARD re-finance scheme will be further expanded. Agriculture credit target for the year 2020-21 has been set at ` 15 lakh crore. All eligible beneficiaries of PM-KISAN will be covered under the KCC scheme.

13. Objective is to eliminate Foot and Mouth disease, brucellosis in cattle and also peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goat by 2025.

Our government intends to eliminate Foot and Mouth disease, brucellosis in cattle and also peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goat by 2025. Coverage of artificial insemination shall be increased from the present 30% to 70%. MNREGS would be dovetailed to develop fodder farms. Further, we shall facilitate the doubling of milk processing capacity from 53.5 million MT to 108 million MT by 2025.

14. Blue Economy

Government proposes to put in place a framework for development, management and conservation of marine fishery resources.

15. Fish production to 200 lakh tonnes by 2022-23.

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Youth in coastal areas benefit through fish processing and marketing. By 2022-23, I propose raising fish production to 200 lakh tonnes. Growing of algae, sea-weed and cage Culture will also be promoted. Our government will involve youth in fishery extension through 3477 SagarMitras and 500 Fish Farmer Producer Organisations. We hope to raise fishery exports to 1 lakh crore by 2024-25.

16. 58 lakh SHGs have been mobilised under DeenDayalAntyodayaYojana for the alleviation of poverty.

17. Under DeenDayalAntyodayaYojana for the alleviation of poverty, 58 lakh SHGs have been mobilised. The Government shall further expand on SHGs.

DISCUSSION:

India’s science and technology advancements are mainly limited to space research not so much in agricultural sciences and other fields. For agricultural universities, the allocation is lower than previous year’s budgets. A huge agriculture agenda needs to be backed with greater thrust on research and science to boost farm incomes. The current chemical and input-intensive farming is not sustainable and takes a great toll on human beings, animals and environment health, posing serious sustainability issues and need urgent attention. India needs serious budgetary push and comprehensive approaches at all levels to kick start the much needed organic and natural farming movement in the country before it’s too late. The Union government subsidies chemical fertilizer to the tune of Rs 70,000 - Rs 80,000 crore annually but almost 52 per cent of India’s agriculture is rain-fed; farmers in rain-fed and hilly regions use lower volumes of chemical fertilizers. They don’t benefit from this subsidy. Allocation for MGNREGA has been reduced.

CONCLUSION

The government plans on reviving the agricultural sector and doubling the income of farmers. The government will focus on zero budget farming which was proposed in previous year budget by the government. As the FM announced her 16-point formula to revive agriculture, the Agri stocks shot

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up on stock exchanges. Sitharaman expressed hopes that these initiatives will double farmers income by 2022, a target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Usually the agricultural issues can’t be solved by one budget, but with 5 year plan the agricultural issues can be solved.

REFERENCE

1. Ministry-wise summary of Budget provisions, Union Budget 2020-21,

2. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sumsbe.pdf.

3. Demand no.1, department of Agriculture, cooperation and Farmers

Welfare, Expenditure Budget, Union Budget 2020-21,

https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe1.pdf.

4. Operational Guidelines of “PradhanMantriKisanSammanNidhi (PM-

KISAN)”, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,

5. http://agricoop.gov.in/sites/default/files/operational_GuidePM.pdf.

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Coreopsis tinctoria nutt. : A GLAMOUR IN THE GARDEN

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0014

Lilymoony Tripathy1, Sarita Patel2 and Sunil Kumar Dash3

1Associate Professor (FL&LS) College of Horticulture, Chiplima

2 Msc. (FL&LS) Dept of Floriculture and Landscaping, OUAT Bhubaneswar

3 Vegetable Specialist AICRP on Vegetables OUAT Bhubaneswar

======

INTRODUCTION:

Coreopsis tinctoria (Syn. C. elegance) is an annual forb which belongs to family Asteraceae, tribe Helianthae, subtribe Coreopsidinae. Its English names are Garden tickseed, Plain coreopsis, Plains Tickseed, Calliopsis, Goldenwave, Golden Coreopsis, Golden Tickseedetc. Its origin is from North America, Canada and Eastern Mexico.Presently it is distributed worldwide. One of its common names, 'tickseed' comes from Latin word in which the word 'koris' means insect or bug. So core (koris) - opsis means part of the plant (the seeds) resembles an insect. The Latin word, tinctoria means useful for dye.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:

It is a very slender quick growing annual forb of 1-2 feet high and plant spread of about 1-1.5 feet. On the lower half of the plant, one-two pinnate, finely cut green leaves with linear-lanceolate leaflets (to 3” long) mostly appear. It has pinnately compound foliage tending to thin at the top of the plant. Numerous

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smooth, slightly angled branches bears daisy like flowers with yellow ray florets and maroon central disc florets, in some flowers the maroon base is spreads on the surface of the ray florets also, petals are notch tipped. The flower petals number ranges from 7-20 in numbers. Flower diameters in well growth condition may go up to 4.5-5cm. Flower heads occurs on long stalks (Smith and Parker, 1971). Its seed/fruit is achene type small, flattened, single winged black achene less than 1/8 inch in size with linear to oblong shape and smooth surface. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Sometimes taller plants, especially if exposed to high winds, may require some support.

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT SPECIES OF Coreopsis:

There are at least 80 distinct coreopsis species and dozens of their selections and hybrids. About half of the species originate from North America, the other half from Central or South America.

Coreopsis Coreopsis nana Coreopsis Coreopsis Coreopsis auriculata grandiflora or lanceolata or rosea Or Dwarf Large-flowered Lanceleaf mouse-ear coreopsis coreopsis

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coreopsis

Coreopsis Coreopsis Coreopsis Coreopsis Coreopsis verticillataor polaris floridana major tinctoria threadleaf

coreopsis

USES:

Coreopsis tinctoria is versatile in use. It is well known for its ornamental value and dyeing properties. Its bright yellow daisy-like flowers with maroon centers is mostly used for preparation of dyes. It produces small but large number of flowers which creates a very attractive mass effect in a garden. It is very much suitable for beds, background boarders, containers, cut flowers etc. This flower can be used as very good filler in bouquet arrangement. This plant attracts butterflies that bring mobility in a garden. Dried plant parts are used as substitutes for coffee. Tea made from root is emetic and also helps in curing diarrhea. It is also used for internal pains and bleeding by making a drink of boiled plant parts. Some people also believe that stuffing their mattresses with the dried plants would repel bedbugs.

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As water requirement of this annual forb is high, it is found to be blooming in moist ditches wildly. It is found to be well grown at elevations of 20 - 1,500 meters from mean sea level. It requires full sunshine for proper vegetative growth and flower formation. It is very hardy plant and can tolerate light shade, heat, humidity and drought to some extent.

PROPAGATION:

It can be easily multiplied through seeds. Seed heads, about four weeks after the flowers wither, are mature and ready for collection. Observe the inner sequence of bracts; it is time to collect whenever they begin to darken. Store in sealed, refrigerated containers and discard the chaff. The shelf life is a minimum of three years. Without pretreatment, seeds of this genus usually germinate. Several studies have shown that germination is improved by light.

CULTIVATION:

For landscape use it can be planted at Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, and Specimen etc. In home garden or roof top garden it can be a good container plant. It prefers a fertile well-drained moisture retentive medium soil. It does well in sandy soils.

We can grow it both in direct seeded and seedling transplanting method. For obtaining seedling, well drained nursery bed should be prepared and sow the seeds. Seeds get germinate in about 2-3 weeks. 30 days after sowing the seedlings will get ready for transplanting. Before transplanting the seedlings should undergo hardening.

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For cultivation in container, a potting mixture should be prepared by using soil, sand and FYM in equal proportion. Transplant the seedling in middle of the pot and pressed firmly. Transplanting should be done in the late evening to avoid desiccation of seedling.

Not much care is required by the Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. for growth and development. Fertilizer requirement is also less. However from a study it was concluded that the plant receiving foliar spray of 5g/L of Poly feed performed good with respect to different vegetative and flowering characters studied (Patel et al. 2020).

As it is moisture loving plant light and frequent irrigation is required, but sometimes when it gets well established slightly tolerant to drought also.

30-40 days after transplanting Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. Under goes blooming and the blooming period may last up to 2-3 months from the first bloom. Cutting of the spent flowers should be done. Firstly it enhances the beauty of plant as well as promotes more flowering.

REFERENCES:

1. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Coreopsis+tinctoria

2. http://www.hear.org/pier/species/coreopsis_tinctoria.htm

3. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.a

spxtaxonid=277179&isprofile=0&basic=coreopsis

4. Sarita Patel, Dr. SashikalaBeura, Dr. Lilymoony Tripathy, Dr. Abhiram

Dash, Dr. Geeta Pandey, Sonali Priyadarshani, Mousumi Madhusmita

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Mishra. Effect of different levels of Nanomax (4% NPK) and Polyfeed

(19:19:19 NPK) on Coreopsis tinctoria. International Journal of

Chemical Studies 2020, 8(5): 1850-1853.

5. Smith EB and Parker HM. 1971. A biosystematic study of Coreopsis

tinctoria and C. cardaminefolia (Compositae). Brittonia, 23(2): 161-170.

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AGRI TECH: THE SOUL OF OUR FUTURE

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0016

Dharshini R.1

School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu – 624302

Email: [email protected]

“A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with huge noise. Destruction has noise, but creation is quiet. This is the power of silence”

======

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture is our widest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness. Agriculture is hand landed by Mother Nature to quench the thirst and hunger of her dear children. The ignition of early human minds led to the turning point of the technological evolution by the discovery of fire. It was the ultimate spark of light for the technology we use now. Such an ignition started the notion of agriculture. Investments in agriculture are the best weapons against hunger and poverty and they have made life better for billions of people. So, the World Government Summit launched a report called Agriculture 4.0- The future of farming technology emphasizing the vitality of farming. Today’s agriculture is well sought out with the advent of moisture sensors, aerial images and GPS technology. Robotic technologies enable more reliable monitoring and management of natural resources such as air and water quality. 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

They no longer need to depend on applying water, fertilizers and pesticides rather farmers will use the minimum quantities required and target in very specific areas. We pay the doctor to make us better when we should really be paying the farmer to keep us healthy.

Human beings, the exploring, invading and investigating torch bearers of the modern world are always in a fury race to develop, learn and invent. This lust of innovation led us to discover fire, control the inferno and limit it to our pockets. This fire sparkled and ignited minds, the ideas born from the ashes, rose like a phoenix and conquered the whole world. Human minds are open rooms where ups and downs just come and go, we learned to rectify our mistakes and project connections to make a better world. Let me reminisence the origin of coconuts. Their unique and quirky nature excited us. They floated miles and miles in the nautical line, reached our lands from distinct islands and stand mighty in every sea shore we know. Nature gives each and every of its creations, a leading path to live and exactly the same way was the birth of modern agriculture. Starting by pitching and throwing seeds without any prior scientific investment, we now mastered the modern recolonizing methods like

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genetic manipulation, monoculture and record-breaking modern amenities and endeavors.

HISTORY

The wings of fire started to spread throughout the world. Within no time, it started to project its uses on technology around 221-475 BC in China. It was the first significant revolution based on agriculture with tools. Their unfenced fields were cultivated by plow (ancient agricultural tool used in history). Then, in around 10000 BC Neolithic revolution marked the transition from hunger- gatherer to farming, where humans took the first farming. Succeed by the second agricultural revolution accompanied with industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution initiates its mark on 18th century in Britain which was the major turning point in agricultural technology. It transformed the whole agricultural sector; mostly the European countries were economically dominated by farming. Apart from this, the third agricultural revolution was achieved by inventing technology in agriculture, such as the introduction of high yielding variety was a blessing for farmers, cultivating a large amount of production in a small piece of land. The long travel from a speck of light at the origin to this mind-blowing inventions and technologies in agriculture had changed the whole economic map in the world.

RECONNECTING AGRICULTURE WITH HUMANS

Agricultural technology was an additional tool for farmers to increase crop yield. Farmers no longer have to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, they can use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas, or even treat individual plants

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differently. Advantages like higher crop productivity and less runoff of chemicals into water resources were a golden label in this contrivance. In the case of economic perspective, not all the humans are engaged in agricultural technology, mainly the people from rural sectors face the other bad side of agricultural technology. Shortage of water and less employment were the results. The positive connections between agricultural technology and humans from rural have sharply weakened. This may be due to lack of extension and lack of understanding about the core issues of rural areas. Without research to maintain resistant against evolving pests, and to improve water and nutrient use efficiency, growth would have slowed down more, but such returns to research are less obvious. Many of the practices also have implications for plant, animal, and human health. By impacting components of the ecosystem, these practices affect the health of plants and animals living within the ecosystem. In some cases, agricultural productivity depends upon reducing impacts to the environment, such as maintaining productive soils by avoiding salinization from irrigation water. In other cases, eliminating negative environmental impacts may involve unacceptable trade-offs with food provision. But as a whole, likewise a coin has both sides; everything that are present in the earth has both good and bad faces. Without dark, the light can’t shine

CURRENT SCENARIO

“The inventions we encounter now are the daydreams of the past”

Without those technologies in agriculture, we can’t think about the future, feeding sufficiently with the increase in growth of population. Looking into our present, we have more accomplishment in the field of agricultural technology. The quality and quantity of food production is well enough to meet the current 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

population. Adequate amount of nutrient values and calories required per person is now easily available using those technologies in agriculture.In India, recently we have achieved by producing 291.95 million tonnes of total food production per year. This has been the record to produce large amount of food production over years. The base of this record is nothing but the agricultural technologies we use now. Techniques like genetical production of crops, tissue culture, breeding techniques marked a positive act in the field of agriculture. By using those techniques, we could be able to produce desired characteristics required and feed the population with good amount of energy. India has emerged as a net exporter of agri-machinary and shipping equipment to some advanced countries like US, Germany and Italy. EEPC Indian chairman Mahesh Desai said India is a world leading country in exporting solar irrigation pumps.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The population count is increasing day by day. The food production is entirely depending on the land areas and water supply which is under strain due to the increasing rate of human population. This is the major reason for the destruction of forest resources and arable lands. In such scenario, the only method to get high production of crops in small land area is to make use of the technology at our disposal. So, the World Government Summit launched a report called Agriculture 4.0- The future of farming technology. The report states that although demand is continuously growing, by 2050, the production of food will increase up to 70%, also the agriculture's share of global GDP has shrunk to just 3%. In case of India, the GDP share is slightly better than the global share (Table 1). With its contribution, shrunk to one-third of its contribution just decades before had its effect on the farming community.

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Roughly 800 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. But in reality, as we are at the peak of innovation, the coming generation may live without food scarcity and water scarcity, given a judicious approach is adapted. They no longer need to depend on applying water, fertilizers, and pesticides rather farmers will use the minimum quantities enquired and target in very specific areas

CONCLUSION

Agriculture is one of the indispensable sectors in the whole world. Agricultural technology has succeeded in providing higher production of crops and also enabled the possibility of judicious utilization of water, fertilizers and pesticides. Now with the innovation of precision agriculture which involves drones, sensors, environmental controls and smart packaging had resulted in a huge leap into the digital era. Due to this upcoming technology, we are able to face the increasing population in front of us. US which became the best agriculturally technologies country followed by the tiny Netherlands are the best examples. In those countries majority of them are well known with the inventions and technologies but in our country, we have both the people on opposite sides. Mainly in rural sectors due to the lack of practical knowledge the farmers can’t handle the machines properly and also the cost of maintenance is very high that a farmer in rural sector can’t afford. In India, we can see both the sides which are extremely polarized i.e.; a farmer from a middle-class family finds easy to adopt all the innovations and technologies but on the other rural sides, they may not have an idea about what the thing and how to use. So, from my point of view, these technologies are discovered to make things easier than making it more difficult. If such technology has the projections to extend the

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product to the rural areas, then why can’t they extend the training for operating the machinery? There is another important matter which deals with the abatement of pollution. The recent study signifies that higher animal

productivity leads to lower CH4 production from enteric fermentation. The large use of fertilizers in soils leads to promotion of slow-release fertilizers that may increase the nitrogen use efficiency and decrease NH3 volatilization and N2

emission. Similarly, incorporation of animal manure prevents NH3 volatilization and improves the N recovery rate. So, there are lot many advantages and disadvantages on following the pathway of technical field. But it helped millions and millions of people from starvation. “Without access to modern farming techniques or machinery, let alone science- based climate and weather data, farmer’s livelihoods hinge precariously that they’re struggling to understand.” Before looking into the inverse let me point out a great metaphor for existence: “if we take care of small things and the big things will fall into right place” even though the advantages in agricultural technology dominate disadvantages, a minor change may cause a greater destruction. So, I suggest improving the discoveries and inventions which minimize or completely eliminate the disadvantages. If we could invent the smallest satellite in the world, if we could combine the hydrogen and oxygen from air to form water, why couldn’t we do this? A safer, eco-friendly, effective inventions must put forward which may terminate the whole rural sectors in India and may highly swap the economical map. The say “rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorer” must be completely erased. Let's join and make our India the unique one!

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Table 1: Structural growths of gross domestic product (GDP) in India

Years Agriculture Industry Services Manufacture TOTAL 1980 4.37 7.33 6.35 6.98 5.80

1990 3.13 5.89 7.35 6.00 5.77

2001-02 5.69 3.35 6.18 3.34 5.43

1993-94 3.28 7.04 8.24 7.64 6.53

1995-96 2.77 6.30 8.80 6.61 6.51

1997-98 2.11 4.10 7.70 3.70 5.35

REFERENCES

1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_technology 3. https://nifa.usda.gov/agriculture 4. https://www.britannica.com/topic/agriculture 5. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/agricultural_technology 6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/agricultural- technology 7. Michal Lipton and Saurabh Sinha (2002). Journal of human development and capabilities.3 (1): 123-152.

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8. Paul E Waggoner (2004). Technology in society. Agricultural Technology and its social implications. (123-136). 9. V T Raja (1976). India journal of industrial relationship. Published By: Shri Ram Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. Vol No: 11 No 4 (493-510).

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DRYLAND AGRICULTURE IN INDIA

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0017

Dharshini M.1

School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed to be University, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu

Email - [email protected]

======

ABSTRACT

Dryland agriculture has been in practice from time immemorial. The area under drylands has shown varied changes in the past decade where the contribution of dryland agriculture was of prime importance, as 44 percent of the nation’s total food production came from dry lands. Climate change is becoming increasingly threatening along with groundwater scarcity, species extinction and prolonged droughts that are leading to global consequences and some major problems in food production dryland farming. Hence, it is imperative to fix these problems for maximum utilization of the available land resources.

INTRODUCTION

In India, as the century is emerging with an explosive upsurge in population. The exigency of dry land agriculture is becoming more substantial. India’s agricultural production of both food and non- food crops is inadequate as there it an unceasing hike in the population which eventually leads to a great food crisis. Our country can tackle this situation only by gearing up the

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techniques involved in dryland agriculture to make it more productive and profitable.

DEFINITION

Dryland agriculture is practiced in drought–prone areas and regions with relatively low rainfall, around the world. It is equipped with special agricultural techniques to furnish the crops growing in soil with sufficiently less moisture content and non-irrigated production of crops is made possible only by dryland agriculture. Crops cultivated through this type of farming utilize the stored winter water in soil as an alternative to water from rainfall. It is implemented by farmers, so that they can adapt to the lack of moisture content in a given crop cycle.

SIGNIFICANCE

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Out of total agricultural production, 44 percent comes from Dryland agriculture and 50% of the cultivated areas will be equipped with rainfed farming system as part of the water potentiality and irrigation facilities development of our country. At present, over 68 percent of cultivated areas is under dryland agriculture. It creates great impact in socio – economic condition of India and plays a very crucial role for the future contribution towards food production.

PRINCIPAL DRY FARMING ZONES IN INDIA

 The trapian plateau of peninsular India  The Indo- Gangetic plains of North India  Plateau of granite formation

CHARACTERISTICS OF DRYLAND AGRICULTURE

Dryland areas may be characterized by the following feature.

 Practice of extensive agriculture i.e. prevalence of mono cropping etc.,  Relatively large size of fields.  Similarity in types of crops raised by almost all the farmers of a particular region.  Very low crop yield.  Occurrence of extensive and large holdings.  Poor economy of the farmers.  Poor market facility for the produce.  Poor health of cattle as well as farmers.  Undulating soil surface.

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 Occurrence of extensive climatic hazards like drought, flood etc.,  Uncertain, ill- distributed and limited annual rainfall.

TYPES OF AGRICULTURE

Dryland Agriculture farming method that completely depends on rainfall rather than irrigation system. It is carried out majorly in arid and semi-arid regions. It is classified into three categories based on the received amount of rainfall.

Dry farming: Dry farming is defined as crop production in regions that receives less than 750mm annual rainfall. Due to Prolonged dry spells, crop failure is most common during the crop period.

Dryland farming: Dryland farming is defined as crop production in regions that receives more than 750mm annual rainfall. Despite of Prolonged dry spells, there is relatively less frequent crop failure.

Rainfed farming: Rainfed farming is defined as crop production in region with more than 1150mm annual rainfall. Crops grown through rainfed farming are less frequently subject to soil moisture stress.

KEY ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE COMBAT WITH PERILS OF DRYLAND FARMING

The key elements used to combat the perils of dryland agriculture are:

 Capturing and conservation of moisture.  Effective use of available moisture.  Soil conservation.

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 Control of input costs.

PROBLEMS OF DRYLAND FARMING

Climatic constraints: Due to these constraints, the crop yield is uncertain.

 Low and highly variable rainfall.  Hot dry winds.  Vagaries of monsoon.  Late onset of monsoon which results delayed sowing of crops.  Early withdrawal of monsoon which exposes crops to drought.  Prolonged dry spells.  Varied intensity and distribution.  Exceeding precipitation during most part of the year.  High atmospheric water demand.  Low relative humidity.

Soil constraints:

 Poor soil fertility.  Inadequate soil moisture availability during prolonged dry spells.  Poor soil fertility and the use of fertilizer is also limited due to lack of moisture in drylands.  Poor organic matter content.

MEASURES TO IMPROVE DRYLAND FARMING

Drought tolerant crops are needed to be grown so that it can withstand the dry spells and make dryland farming even more profitable and productive.There

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are many other countries like Israel where dryland agriculture is unsurpassable. They have far reaching proficiency and expertise in techniques involved in dryland agriculture.India can adapt those techniques to fix up the problems in this type of farming. Utilization of suitable varieties and proper technology can increase the productivity.

In order to achieve maximum sustainability of dryland crops the preservation of soil and water is also taken into account. Tillage, fallowing and mulching are some of the technologies to prevent water loss. As75% of our country’s arable land comes under semi–arid region; it is high time that we get a move on with the dry land friendly cropping methodologies. Thus, imparting knowledge regarding available resources and their use would be beneficial in the longer run. They also promote local led development i.e., demand driven economy model.

CONCLUSION

Dryland farming is immensely important for India. Very recently, Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have developed the dry farming technologies as the Indian agriculture is predominantly a rained agriculture which is a part of dryland agriculture Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) which was established at Hyderabad to pay attention towards the development of dryland agriculture.Thus, dryland agriculture is very pivotal for Indian economy and also to sustain food production in the wake of unprecedented climate change.

REFERENCES

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1. Gunnell, Y.(2003) dryland peninsular India: A critical review. Ambio.,32:320-324 2. Peterson, G.Unger, P.W. and Payne, W.A.(2006). American society of Agronomy. Soil science society of America. Dryland agriculture. 3. Rao, S.C. and Ryan, J.(2004). Challenges and strategies for dryland agriculture. Crop science society of America, Madison, Wis. 4. Shafi, M.and Raza, M.(1987). Dryland agriculture in India. Rawat publications, Jaipur (RAJASTHAN) India. 5. Singh, H.P., Sharma, K.P., Reddy, G.S.and Sharma, K.L.(2004). Dryland agriculture in India.p.67-92.In: Challenges and strategies for dryland agriculture. Crop Science Soc of, [S.I]. 6. Spartt, E.D. and Chowdhury, S.L.(1978). Improved cropping system for rained agriculture in India. Field crop res., 1:103-126.

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CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUGAR INDUSTRY IN INDIA

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0018

R. Saidhar1* and S. Bharat2

1*Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, SKY College of Agricultural Sciences (Affiliated to ANGRAU) SSR Puram, Murapaka-532403

2PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522101

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION:

The significance of Indian sugar industry in the economic growth can be identified from its multiple linkages in the entire value chain starting from cane growing to sugar and alcohol production. In India, there were more than 700 installed sugar factories in operation with a crushing capacity of about 340 lakh MT of sugar and Annual turnover of about Rs 80,0000 crore (Anonymous, 2018). As on 30th September 2019, there were 746 sugar mills in the country (324 in cooperative, 44 in public sector and 378 in private sector), out of which 529 mills were in operation in 2018-19 season. These numbers reflect the important role of the sugar industry in India’s economy. The sugar industry is a labour-intensive industry and is a source of livelihood for about 50 million households and provides direct employment to over 5 lakh skilled laborers and semi-skilled labourers. Though India is second largest producer of sugar, it 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

plays a minor role in world trade with only 3 per cent of total exports (Venkatesh & Venkateswarlu, 2017). Despite of the challenges and opportunities for this agro-based industry it’s importance in the global and domestic market is applauded.

16000

14000

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

exports Imports

VALUE (Cr) OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SUGAR (2009-10 TO 2018-19)

CHALLENGES FACED BY SUGAR INDUSTRIES:

The major worrying issues of the sugarcane industry are cyclical ups and downs in the production of sugarcane. The excess production of sugarcane as in case of sugar seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19 caused decrease in price of sugar in the world market resulting in increase of unpaid cane dues to the farmers from

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sugar mills (Shahbandeh, 2020). Adding to that State Advised Prices (SAP), create market distortions and impose a heavy financial burden on sugar mills. Over the seasons the unpaid cane dues to the farmers by the mills were increasing creating an unfavorable environment in the market. Government has implemented various schemes to improve liquidity of the sugar mills to enable them to clear cane price arrears of farmers and to stabilize domestic sugar price.

80000 45 70000 40 60000 35 50000 30 25 40000 20 30000 15 20000 10 10000 5 0 0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 Total price payable 48793.91 54549.92 49928.33 51031.96 71056.85 75011.34 Total price paid 30145.98 34450.59 36397.84 41506.27 51272.3 46621.61 Arrears 18647.94 20099.33 13530.49 9525.69 19779.55 28389.72 % of Arrears on price payable 38.22 36.85 27.1 18.67 27.84 37.85

Fig.2: Total Price Payable, paid and Arrears due to farmers in Rs. Crore

Source: Directorate of Sugar, DFPD

To mitigate the problems, the Central Government of India has modified some norms with respect to maintenance of buffer stocks, issuance of soft loans to sugar mills with interest subvention of 7%, assistance of 4 million tonnes of sugar by the sugar mills for one year with effect from 1st August, 2019 to sugar mills to meet expenses on export of sugar and also fixed a minimum selling price (MSP) at Rs.31/kg (2019-20) for sale at factory gate in domestic market (Anonymous, 2019).

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POSITION OF CANE ARREARS OF FARMERS FOR CURRENT SEASON 2019-20 (AS ON 5.06.2020):

INR value (in crores) FRP basis SAP basis

Cane dues payable 66,934 72,065

Cane dues paid 49251 49,986

Cane arrears 17,683 22,079

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUGAR INDUSTRY:

Along the side of the challenges, Sugar Industry is gradually transforming into sugar complexes by producing sugar, bioelectricity, bioethanol, bio-manure and chemicals making the industry viable with improved economic efficiency and profitability. To encourage this diversification the government has offered a series of bailout measures and fiscal sops. Government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10 percent. Under new National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, Government has permitted ethanol production directly from sugarcane juice and sugar mills can use sugarcane juice and B- heavy molasses in addition to C-heavy molasses to produce ethanol. To give big push to EBP programme, Government has revised ethanol price derived from different raw materials for the sugar season 2019-20 during ethanol supply year (ESY) from 1st December 2019 to 30th November 2020. The price of ethanol from C-heavy molasses has been increased from 43.46 per litre to 43.75 per 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

litre, B-heavy molasses from 52.43 per litre to 54.27 per litre and from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup has been fixed at 59.48 per litre in September 2019.These measures help to improve the financial stability of the sugar mills and employment opportunities in the rural areas (The Hindu, 2019).

The sugar industry should improve the realizations from domestic sales of sugar and its by-products, notably ethanol and make use of the by products like molasses in production of ethanol since the ethanol blended fuel has high demand in place of crude oil thereby the sugar mills and the growers of the sugarcane can earn reasonable margins. The other alternative to make the farmers sustain in the sugarcane farming is the promotion of the intercropping of the oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, etc., with sugarcane. According to ICAR- Sugarcane Breeding Institute, an additional income from black gram, green gram, soybean and coriander as intercrop with sugarcane can be generated (Geetha et al., 2015).

The inevitable mutilation from the sugarcane farming is a point of discussion at this moment. The government has allowed the use of B grade molasses and sugarcane juice as feed stocks to increase the availability of ethanol which encourages the cultivation of sugarcane (New National Policy on Bio-fuels, 2018; Sharma and Narayanamoorthy, 2018). But the sugarcane which is a water intensive crop affects the ecology. Thus, the ecological damage from the increased cane farming may be higher than the benefits of using ethanol as transport fuel.

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REFERENCES:

1. Anonymous (2018). Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. Available on: https://dfpd.gov.in/sugar.htm 2. Anonymous (2019). Cane arrears decline to Rs 15,222 cr so far in 2018- 19: Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Available on: https://www.firstpost.com/business/cane-arrears-decline-to-rs-15222-cr- so-far-in-2018-19-food-minister-ram-vilas-paswan-7041261.html 3. Geetha, P., Sivaraman, K., Tayade, A. S., & Dhanapal, R. (2015). Sugarcane based intercropping system and its effect on cane yield. Journal of Sugarcane Research, 5(2), 1-10. 4. Shahbandeh, M. (2020). World sugar cane production from 1965 to 2018. Statista. Available on: https://www.statista.com/statistics/249604/sugarcane-production-worldwide/#statisticContainer 5. Sharma, V. P., & Narayanamoorthy, A. (2018). Price policy for sugarcane 2019-20 SUAGR SEASON. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, pp-49. Available on: https://cacp.dacnet.nic.in/ViewReports.aspx?Input=2&PageId=41&KeyId =676 6. The Hindu (September 03, 2019). Ethanol availability for blended petrol may rise significantly, Cabinet approves higher procurement price for ethanol. News Paper. 7. Venkatesh, D., & Venkateswarlu, M. (2017). An overview of the Indian sugar industry. BIMS Int J Soc Sci Res, 2, 11-16.

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BIOFERTILIZERS APPLICATION: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IN POTATO PRODUCTION

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0019

Sravani V.1

Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Sri KinjarapuYerran Naidu College of Agricultural Sciences, SSR Puram, Srkakulam, Andhra Pradesh

E mail: [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION:

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is adopted to diverse climatic conditions viz. tropical, subtropical and temperate and grown for production of vegetables or true potato seeds. Potato has a place with solanaceae family, is very popular and important vegetable grown in all over the world. It is the fourth important crop after maize, wheat and rice. India ranks third position in production of potatoes following China and Russia and accounts of 51300 thousand MT to area of 2158 thousand hectares (NHB, 2019 - 20). The dry matter and protein production per unit area is higher than common cereals so potato is considered as staple crop in many parts of world. Due to high nutritional and energy value of potato tuber and very high economic outputs potato is most suitable crop for developing countries. Potatoes also have some medicinal value beside economical and nutritious food source. Tuber is modified stem and economic

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part of potato. A potato tuber contains about 80% water and rest as dry matter. Starch accumulates about 70% of total solids. It has very high capacity of dry matter production (47.6 Kg/hectare/day). Average composition of potato tuber is: dry matter (20%), starch (13 – 16%), total sugar (0 – 2%), protein (2%), fibre (0.5%), lipids (0.1%), vitamin C (31 mg/100g fresh weight), ash (1 – 1.5%) and vitamin A and minerals in trace. It is low energy food (97 Kcal/100gfresh weight).

PLANT NUTRITION:

Plants mostly take nitrogen in the form of nitrate and utilize them for synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, chlorophyll and many nitrogen containing compounds. Potassium is a major cation in phloem and has been reported to promote phloem transport of photosynthetic. The problem of malnutrition and under nutrition can be easily solved if potato is accepted in our country as a major food and not merely as a vegetable in our country. Potato crop needs a perfect balanced fertilization or else the development and growth of the crop will be poor and ultimately will affect the yield and quality of tubers. The abundance and low cost of N fertilizer has encouraged the farmers to use the high fertilization rates in attempts to obtain maximum tuber yields. Plant take nitrogen in form of nitrate and ammonium ion and utilize them for synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, chlorophyll and many nitrogen containing compounds (Lea and Ireland, 1999). The balance between absorption, translocation and assimilation of nitrates in the plant body is essential and if this balance is disturbed most of the nitrate is concentrated to the root and tubers (Cash et al., 2002). High level of Nitrate in potato tuber; (> 67 ppm) leads to high nitrate concentration in human body, which is further reduced to nitrite. High nitrite

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concentration may cause meth hemoglobinemia or may combine with amino acids to form a potential carcinogenic substance called nitrosamine.

Excess application of nitrogen not only damages the crop quality and environment but also represents unnecessary economic expenditure of the farmers. The high cost of chemical fertilizers along with the related ecological and health hazards necessitate finding out the alternate nutrient sources to sustain the crop yield without any adverse effect on environment. Application of organic materials like compost and biofertilizers can add and compensate the nutrient loss from soil. These organic materials will also help to restore, maintain and improve soil fertility to increase production in the given set of soil and climate.Tuberization in potato is function of nutrient uptake and utilization by plants. Fertilizer scheduling in terms of dose, time and sources of nutrients is determining factor for potato tuber formation and development. Effective nutrient scheduling ensures better emergence and survival of plants, stimulates vegetative growth, branching, improves photosynthetic activities, increases tuber yield and income to farmers. Balanced fertilization of potato plants is essential to improve nutritional value and tuber quality. Availability of nutrients from multiple sources ensures effective nutrient utilization in comparison to single source thus, application of inorganic fertilizers in combination with vermicompost and biofertilizers has been reported for economic and quality potato production.

BIOFERTILIZER APPLICATION IN POTATO: Biofertilizer contains living cells of various microbes that have the ability to make the nutrients available to the plant through solubilisation of unavailable nutrients like phosphorus and potassium or fixation of atmospheric minerals like nitrogen

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(Lallawmkimaet al. 2018a). Application of biofertilizer reduces consumption of inorganic fertilizers by 20 - 50% and can improve the crop yield by 10 - 20%. Microbial biomass, present in biofertilizers, add organic matter to soil so can improve soil fertility and can be better option than FYM for improving potato tuber yield Considering the positive impact of nutrients to enhance the yield and negative impact of inorganic sources (chemical fertilizers) over the soil and plant health, biofertilizers application in combination with chemical fertilizers to improve the growth and yield of potato. Combination of 50 % RDF + PSB+ Azotobacter+ VAM+ Mustard cake were reported with low soil pH; high soil organic matter; high availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; lower nitrate content in tuber; and high mineral content in both pulp and skin. Thus, replacement of 50% of RDF with application of PSB in combination with VAM, Azotobacter or Mustard cake is most suitable INM practice for good soil health, lower nitrate toxicity and better tuber quality in potato grown under subtropics (Lallawmkimaet al. 2018b). These biofertilizers also bear capacity toensureeffective resource utilization and to reduceconsumption of inorganic fertilizers by50% and to improve economic yield by 17.02to 86.88% and double the farmers income (Lallawmkimaet al. 2018a) Judicious use of chemical fertilizers in combination with PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria), VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal) Fungi, Azotobacter and/or mustard cake is beneficial for high grade tuber production in potato and dry matter production. The increase in number of tubers was result of efficient utilization of nutrients by the plant under the influences of microbial activity of biofertilizers (Singh and Lallawmkima, 2018).

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Fig 01: Mode of action of biofertilizers

Combined inoculation of potato tuber with Azotobactor and PSB showed significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, tuber weight and tuber yield. So, these two bio fertilizers (Azotobactor and PSB) along with normal doses of majorother fertilizers like N, P and K may be recommended to the potato growers to get higher yields and to prevent losses and to increase the overall production of potato. Azotobactor plays healthful stimulatory and remedial part for the advantage of yield, which makes it a potential bio-manure for potato. Likewise PSB solubilises phosphorus from soil source and makes it accessible to plant (Ramandeep et al. 2018). Applications of biofertilizers are not only effective for solubilizing and mobilizing major nutrients, it has been reported that the beneficial microbial consortium present in these are responsible to mobilize secondary macronutrients like calcium, magnesium and sulphur as well the micronutrients. The elemental magnesium, manganese, sulphur, boron, zinc etc are having significant role in yield and quality improvement in potato (Kaur et al., 2018; Singh et al., 2018a,b). Integrated application of S and B

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brings significant influenceon the chlorophyll level of and photosynthetic activity to increase the fresh weight of potato tubers, dry matter and starch content of potato tubers (Singh et al., 2018a). Application of zinc and manganese has significant positive impact on plant height, number of tubers, tuber weight, yield of potato andtuber quality parameter viz. protein and TSS (Kaur et al., 2018; Singh et al., 2018b).

Thus, the biofertilizers are key component of potato production due to there direct role in nutrient mobilization, phytohormone secretion and nutrient transport in potato plants. This has become essential component of nutrient management for sustainable potato production.

REFERENCES

1. Cash, D., Funston, R., King, M., Wichman, D. (2002). Nitrate toxicity of Montana forages, Montana State University Extension Service, Mont Guide, 200-205. 2. Kaur, M., Singh, S., Dishri, M., Singh, G., &Singh, S.K. (2018). Foliar application of zinc and manganese and their effect on yield and quality characters of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Kufri Pukhraj. Plant Archives, 18(2), 1628-1630. 3. Lallawmkima I., Singh, S. K. and Sharma, M. (2018b). Integrated nutrient management: soil health, nitrate toxicity and tuber quality in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown in subtropical Punjab. Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology, 10 (2): 57 – 67. 4. Lallawmkima, I., Singh, S.K.&Sharma M. (2018a). Application of Azotobacter, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Phosphate

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Solubilizing Bacteria for potato cultivation in Central Plain Zone (Pb-3) of Punjab. Journal of Environmental Biology,39(6), 985-989. 5. Lea, P. J. and Ireland, R. J. (1999). Nitrogen metabolism in higher plants. Plant aminoacids: Biochemistry and biotechnology, 1, 49-110. 6. Ramandeep, Singh, S., Kumari, S. and Singh, S.K. (2018). Impact of biofertilizers and fertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. KufriPukhraj and Kufri Jyoti cultivation. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 6 (4): 29 – 31. 7. Singh, H., Singh, S., Kumar, D., &Singh, S.K. (2018b). Impact of foliar application of zinc on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. KufriPukhraj. Plant Archives, 18(2), 1334-1336. 8. Singh, S. K. and Lallawmkima, I. (2018). Multisource nutrient application in potato for higher grade tuber production. Acta Scientific Agriculture, 2 (10): 54 – 58. 9. Singh, S. K., Sharma, M., Reddy, K.R., & Venkatesh, T. (2018a). Integrated application of boron and sulphur to improve quality and economic yield in potato. Journal of Environmental Biology, 39(2), 204- 210.

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EFFECTIVE MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION USING GENOTYPING BY SEQUENCING IN CROPS

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0020

Nirmal Raj R*

*PhD Scholar, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]

======

ABSTRACT

Marker assisted selection employs DNA markers to single out superior breeding lines with desired characteristics. DNA markers such as, RFLP, AFLP, RAPD, SSR and ISSR were mostly used to for this purpose. The precision of genomic selection in plant breeding has been increased manifold with the advent of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Finding nucleotide variation was made possible by the application of next-generation sequencing methods. This revolutionary technology had only limited usage in crops; hence to widen the scope of NGS in crop genomics genotyping by sequencing was developed. GBS combines two aspects of molecular breeding i.e., molecular marker discovery and genotyping. The technique includes digestion of genomic DNA using restriction enzymes and these fragments are attached to a barcode adapter. Multiple copies of these fragments are made through PCR amplification. Sequencing of PCR products takes place using a high throughput sequencer and various bio-informatics platforms are available to analyze the resulting GBS datasets. The major challenge is to prepare a DNA library prior to sequencing.

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Over the years, GBS has evolved as a go to MAS tool and a cost-efficient protocol. The sequencer data can be employed to study the genome association, diversity, linkage, SNP based markers under a wide range of breeding objectives.

Keywords: Single nucleotide polymorphism, next-generation sequencing, genomic selection, molecular breeding.

INTRODUCTION

Conventional plant breeding usually requires a longer time period to evaluate and select superior genotypes from several generations that are resulted from meticulouslycalculated inter breeding. This has been the pillar for addressing the issues related to global food security and increased food demand (Tester and Langridge, 2010). To take up the challenge caused by unprecedented climate change, the way forward must be through molecular breeding. At present marker assisted selection and genomic selection in a population seems to hold the key for a more rapid advancements in the field of plant breeding. The fundamental base for MAS is the molecular markers which are so advanced that we can now easily identify polymorphism at single nucleotide level. With more and more innovations in next generation sequencing techniques identifying SNPs that are linked to a trait of interest is becoming reliable and cost effective. One such innovative approach involves genotyping by sequencing (GBS) method which does not require whole genome sequencing (WGS) but is as efficient as WGS in mining out SNPs of importance. Due to the genome complexity reduction process in GBS, this protocol is cost effective and does not even require a quality reference genome (Lu et al., 2015). 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Marker assisted selection when combined with GBS protocol enables a breeder to be less reliant on the cumbersome phenotypic selection of germplasm. The analysis of complex genomic data from the GBS approach is now well handled by the bio-informatic pipelines specifically designed to handle GBS data. Thus, recent advances in the field of sequencing offer a lucrative approach to rake up the pace of crop improvement.

GENOTYPING BY SEQUENCING

Advances in NGS have driven the costs of DNA sequencing down to the point that GBS is now feasible for high diversity and large genome species. GBS is a simple highly multiplexed system for constructing reduced representation libraries for the Illumina NGS platform developed in the Buckler lab (Elshire et al., 2011). It generates large numbers of SNPs which can be used in genetic analyses and genotyping. Key components of this system include low cost, reduced sample handling, fewer PCR and purification steps, no size fractionation, no reference sequence limits, efficient barcoding and easiness to scale up (Davey et al., 2011). GBS is becoming increasingly important as a cost-effective and unique tool for genomics-assisted breeding in a range of plant species.

The GBS approach need a library to be constructed based on restriction enzymes which are a complex process but GBS library construction is required for reducing the genomic complexity. Once a protocol is standardized further application of this approach will be rapid and the results from GBS are highly reproducible. The genome reduction steps play well in order to capture many key genomic regions that are prone to be missed during WGS. In crops with complex genome such as wheat, GBS approach simplifies the statistical analysis 3 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

and sequence alignment problems associated within a population with high diversity. In crops like maize and barley, GBS approach was successfully employed to mine out around 200,000 and 25,000 sequence tags, respectively (Elshire et al., 2011).

GBS IN PLANT BREEDING

Genotyping by sequencing provides an opportunity for plant scientists to study the crop genome profile and the associated gene markers for the trait of interest (Poland and Rife, 2012). In crop improvement, GBS has an immense potential that is yet to be explored to its fullest capacity. With the advent of GBS protocols, genotyping of breeding population has never been this much simple and quick. The flexibility of this approach is commendable as plant breeders can employ GBS along with genome wide association, genetic diversity, qtl identification and genomic prediction (Fig 1). Considering the ability of GBS to provide us with a reliable genotyping data across various crop species, even without a reference genome increases the wider adaptability of GBS approach.

Nowadays, GBS is not only used to sequence recently developed population but also it is used to re-sequence the previously developed breeding population, so as to refine the physical maps constructed earlier using other protocols. Though GBS is yet to be standardized for vast majority of crops, in crops like rice, wheat, maize and potato GBS has been successfully employed and a large-scale application of these protocols are underway in different populations originating from various genetic backgrounds. In these crops, high consensus genetic linkage maps have been constructed to pinpoint the exact locations of the desired genes. Poland and Rife (2012) has emphasized that the 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

GBS approach is also tailor made for the lesser prioritized crops such as, rapeseed, lupin, lettuce and switchgrass. In barley, GBS approach was critical in anchoring the genes on to a physical map where the positions of SNPs identified matched with the results of a WGS approach while compiling a reference genome (Poland and Rife, 2012).

An integrated approach is on the cards for fast tracking plant breeding where we can combine marker assisted selection using GBS approach and speed breeding. Speed breeding can provide breeders with the required mapping population or the breeding material at a minimum timeframe possible and cost- effective sequencing approach can identify the key traits. This breeding cycle of events can be repeated over and over to standardize the genomic area of interest which in turn would be a reliable framework for future genomic predictions or genomic selection.

CONCLUSION

What makes GBS an instant favorite among scientists is the low-cost nature of the protocol to map the genome of any crop species without any prior knowledge of the genome. Rapid improvements made in the area of sequencing and in the analyzing pipelines are more likely to reduce the cost factor further in the future. In coming days, it is obvious that the GBS approach will be a worthy competitor for WGS platforms. As a cost effective method GBS do have some hiccups due to the low genome coverage which causes genotyping errors and another limiting factor is the use of restriction enzymes (RE) for genome reduction. However, due to rapid advancements, we can rectify these drawbacks by going for multiple library construction and REs. It is now imperative that

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scientists integrate such innovative approach with the existing methodologies to release climate ready superior breeding lines.

Figure 1: Application of GBS approach

REFERENCES

1. Davey J. W., Hohenlohe P. A., Etter P. D., Boone J. Q., Catchen J. M. and Blaxter M. L. 2011. Genome-wide genetic marker discovery and genotyping using next generation sequencing. Nat. Rev. Genet., 12: 499– 510. 6 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

2. Elshire R. J., Glaubitz J. C., Sun Q., Poland J. A., Kawamoto K., Buckler E. S., et al. 2011. A robust, simple genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach for high diversity species. PLoS ONE. 6: e19379. 3. Lu F., Romay M.,Glaubitz, J. et al. 2015. High-resolution genetic mapping of maize pan-genome sequence anchors. Nat. Commun., 6: 6914. 4. Poland J. A. and Rife T. W. 2012. Genotyping-by-sequencing for plant breeding and genetics. Plant Genome. 5: 92–102. 5. Tester M. and Langridge P. 2010. Breeding technologies to increase crop production in a changing world. Science. 327: 818–822.

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FARM BILL: THE NEW AGRICULTURE REFORM IN INDIA

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0021

Rathore R.1, Mishra S.2, Vyas L.3

1Ph.D. Scholar, DES&M, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal- 132001

2Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Extension Education, RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur- 313001

3 Professor, Directorate of Extension Education, MPUAT, Udaipur-313001

======

INTRODUCTION

The Indian farm reforms of 2020 refer to three agricultural bills passed by the Parliament of India on 27 September 2020. The bills collectively seek to provide farmers with multiple marketing channels and provide a legal framework for farmers to enter into pre-arranged contracts among other things. These Farm Acts are as follows:

a. Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020

b. Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020

c. Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020

BACKGROUND OF THE BILL

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In 2017, the central government had released model farming acts. The Standing Committee on Agriculture (2018-19), however, noted that a number of the reforms suggested in the model acts had not been implemented by the states. The Committee also observed that the laws that regulated Indian agricultural markets were not being implemented fairly and honestly or serving their purpose. Centralization was thought to be reducing competition and participation, with undue commissions, market fees, and monopoly of associations damaging the agricultural sector. Hence, a committee consisting of seven Chief Ministers was set up in July 2019 to discuss implementation. Accordingly, the centre promulgated three ordinances in the first week of June 2020.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE THREE FARM ACTS

1. Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020

This act allows farmers to engage in trade of their agricultural produce outside the physical markets notified under various state Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee laws (APMC acts). This is also known as the ‘APMC Bypass Bill’, it will override all the state-level APMC acts. Main features of this act are:

 Promotes barrier-free intra-state and inter-state trade of farmer’s produce.  It proposes an electronic trading platform for direct and online trading of produce. Entities that can establish such platforms include companies, partnership firms, or societies.

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 It allow farmers the freedom to trade anywhere outside state-notified APMC markets, and this includes allowing trade at farm gates, warehouses, cold storages, and so on.  Prohibits state governments or APMCs from levying fees, cess, or any other charge on farmers produce.

2. Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020

This act seeks to provide farmers with a framework to engage in contract farming, where farmers can enter into a direct agreement with a buyer (before sowing season) to sell the produce to them at pre-determined prices. Main features of this act are:

 The act provides for setting up farming agreements between farmers and

sponsors. Any third parties involved in the transaction (like aggregators)

will have to be explicitly mentioned in the agreement. Registration

authorities can be established by state governments to provide for

electronic registry of farming agreements.

 Agreements can cover mutually agreed terms between farmers and

sponsors, and the terms can cover supply, quality, standards, price, as

well as farm services. These include supply of seeds, feed, fodder, agro-

chemicals, machinery and technology, non-chemical agro-inputs, and

other farming inputs.

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 Agreements must have a minimum duration of one cropping season, or

one production cycle of livestock. The maximum duration can be five

years. For production cycles beyond five years, the period of agreement

can be mutually decided by the farmer and sponsor.

 Purchase price of the farming produce, including the methods of

determining price may be added in the agreement. In case the price is

subject to variations, the agreement must include a guaranteed price to be

paid as well as clear references for any additional amounts the farmer

may receive, like bonus or premium.

 There is no mention of minimum support price (MSP) that buyers need to

offer to farmers.

 Delivery of farmers’ produce may be undertaken by either party within

the agreed time frame. Sponsors are liable to inspect the quality of

products as per the agreement, otherwise they will be deemed to have

inspected the produce and have to accept the delivery within the agreed

time frame.

 In case of seed production, sponsors are required to pay at least two-

thirds of the agreed amount at the time of delivery, and the remaining

amount to be paid after due certification within 30 days of date of

delivery. Regarding all other cases, the entire amount must be paid at the 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

time of delivery and a receipt slip must be issued with the details of the

sale.

 Produce generated under farming agreements are exempt from any state

acts aimed at regulating the sale and purchase of farming produce,

therefore leaving no room for states to impose MSPs on such produce.

 This provides a three-level dispute settlement mechanism: the

conciliation board, the sub-divisional magistrate, and appellate authority.

3. Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020

An amendment to the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, this act seeks to restrict the powers of the government with respect to production, supply, and distribution of certain key commodities. Key features of this act are:

 The act removes cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion, and potatoes

from the list of essential commodities.

 Government can impose stock holding limits and regulate the prices for

the above commodities under the Essential Commodities, 1955 only

under exceptional circumstances. These include war, famine,

extraordinary price rise, and natural calamity of grave nature.

 Stock limits on farming produce are based on price rise in the market.

They may be imposed only if there is: (i) a 100 percent increase in retail

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price of horticultural produce, and (ii) a 50 percent increase in the retail

price of non-perishable agricultural food items.

 The act aims at removing fears of private investors of regulatory

influence in their business operations.

 It Gives freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute, and supply produce,

leading to harnessing private sector/foreign direct investment in

agricultural infrastructure.

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ADDING A WIDE ARRAY OF NUTRITION THROUGH MICROGREENS

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0022

Sharma N.1, Rathore US.2 & Nehal N*

1Assistant Professor (Crop Physiology), Institute of Agricultural Sciences &

Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Deva road, Lucknow (U.P.)

2 Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.)

*Assistant Professor (Crop Physiology), School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior (M.P.)

*Corresponding author mail: [email protected]

======

WHAT ARE MICROGREENS?

They are simply the first true leaves/ young vegetables that are produced from a seedling of vegetables and herbs which is about 2-3 inches tall. They are baby plants and are not confused with the sprouts or shoots and are falling somewhere in between a sprout and fully grown vegetables. They the green vegetables which are harvested just the cotyledon leaves have developed. They occur in a variety of colors & textures with an aromatic flavor & concentrated nutrient. Depending on the variety micro-greens vary in taste that can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter.

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WHY MICROGREENS?

It has been known that traditional agricultural practices have depleting the soil fertility and thereby reducing the nutrient status in food grains that has caused malnourishment and unprecedented increased number of chronic disease patients worldwide. Data suggest that adding vegetables in daily diet can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and as far as the guidelines from U.S. Department of Agriculture & the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are concerned they recommend that depending on the age, daily consumption of 1–4 cups of vegetables for males and 1–3 cups of vegetables for females could be beneficial for them as per their health point of view. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at the University of Maryland, College Park, found that they contain considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids about five times on an average than that of mature leaves of the same plant. Such elevated levels of nutrients help to lower the risk of chronic diseases and reducing the major health problems. They are ideal for all who were struggling with health issues related to nutrition. Some of the main reason for growing it at home are

 They are convenient to be grow and can be grown in a variety of locations

including outdoors, in greenhouses and even on your windowsill.

 Quick to harvest

 Packed with flavour

 Loaded with essential nutrients

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POPULAR MICROGREENS:

Crops of the following plant families are most popular micro-greens that can be produced using different types of seeds. Popular micro-greens are:

 Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and

arugula

 Asteraceae family: Lettuce, endive, chicory and radicchio

 Apiaceae family: Dill, carrot, fennel and celery

 Amaryllidaceae family: Garlic, onion, leek

 Amaranthaceae family: Amaranth, quinoa swiss chard, beet and spinach

 Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber and squash

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 Sometimes, Cereals like rice, oats, wheat, corn and barley, as well as legumes like chickpeas, beans and lentils, are also grown as microgreens.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MICROGREENS:

It looks like a super food and researchers are taking it as a nutrient rich food with which they can provide major nutrients in a practical way.

Some of the health benefits of microgreens are:

1. Rich in nutrients:

Micro greens are very rich source of nutrients and have four to five times more nutrient content than their fully mature plants. It provides vitamins, minerals and fiber contents and these nutrients can help in:

a) Reducing a number of diseases b) Maintaining body weight c) Improving mental and physical health.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams (g) of kale micro-greens provides only 29 calories. Several other researchers have also indicated that Brassica micro-greens including kale is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and the minerals such as calcium and potassium. A 100 g serving of sunflower and basil micro-green mix will provide:

 28 calories

 2.2 g of protein

 4.4 g of carbohydrate

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 2.2 g of fiber

 88 milligrams (mg) of calcium

 15.9 mg of iron

 66 mg of magnesium

 66 mg of phosphorus

 298 mg of potassium

 11 mg of sodium

 0.7 mg of zinc

 6.6 mg of vitamin C

 79.6 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A

 66 mcg of folate

The greens also contain selenium, manganese, and a range of B vitamins. The same size serving of sunflower and beet micrograms contains similar amounts of each nutrient but provides 23.9 mg more iron. Researchers while studying the nutrient contents in 25 different micro greens in 2012 found that the highest concentrations of four different vitamins and carotenoids in the following items:

1. Red cabbage 2. Green daikon radish 3. Cilantro 4. Garnet amaranth

They have found the varying key benefits in each microgreen. For example: Red cabbage microgreens were rich in vitamin C but low in vitamin E. Green daikon radish microgreens were rich in vitamin E but relatively low in lutein in comparison with cabbage, cilantro, and amaranth. So, eating a variety of microgreens will supply more of these helpful nutrients. 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

2. Contains Polyphenols:

Polyphenols are important natural chemicals found in many foods and contain powerful antioxidant properties which helps to prevent the formation of harmful free radicals that are highly reactive compounds form in the body and can cause damage as well as development of number of chronic diseases.

3. Antioxidant content:

Natural body processes and environmental pressures, such as pollution can generate the unstable free radicals in the body and that may cause cell damage eventually this damage leads to development of many kinds of chronic diseases, such as cancer in the human body. Natural defense mechanism of the body can remove these free radicals, but they still can be accumulated. Antioxidants from foods can help to remove more of them which results in prevention of the diseases.

Microgreens contains a large number of antioxidants which can help in prevention of various chronic diseases. Exact antioxidant types will depend on the type of microgreens you are consuming as Microgreens from Brassica family have been found to have high vitamin E levels, a phenolic antioxidant whereas that from Asteraceae family such as lettuce and chicory have been found to be rich in vitamin A or carotenoid antioxidants.

4. Reducing chronic health diseases:

It has been known that the microgreens are very rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which are actively involved in detoxifying the free radicals that are generated in the body due to various metabolic processes and environmental

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pressures. So, they can be used in reducing the risk of chronic health diseases like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Many researches are done in confirmation to this and found that microgreens can reduced the risk of many chronic diseases.

5. Specific groups:

Providing microgreens to the specific group of peoples by tailoring them with the desirable nutrients in them. Researchers have been working on it and one group of scientists got succeeded in this and they have produced chicory & lettuce microgreen with lower levels of potassium and higher levels of nutrients than that of their fully mature counterparts and this can be useful for those specific group of peoples struggling from kidney diseases. Tailored microgreens could also be beneficial for people who will follow a raw food diet and the persons dealing with issues of cost, availability and health.

6. Sustainability in microgreens:

Since it can be grown in a very confined space and a variety of locations including outdoors and in greenhouses and even on your windowsill and are quick to harvest that’s why it can be a good way to get seasonal vegetables at a low cost to the urban people. It can provide a significant return in terms of bulk vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. It takes just few weeks to grow therefore it is also possible to have an ongoing source of microgreens.

HOW TO GROW THEM:

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They are quite easy and convenient to grow as they do not require much equipment and time. They can be grown throughout the year, both indoor as well as outdoor.

Here’s your requirement:

 Viable seeds.  Growing medium- A good growing medium such as a container or tray filled with potting soil or homemade compost or any other soil media. Alternatively, you may use a specifically designed mat for growing microgreens.  Adequate light- either sunlight or ultraviolet lighting, ideally for 12-16 hours per days can be suitable for its growth. Procedures:  Fill the container with soil or compost or any other soil media and make sure that you don’t over-compress it.  Evenly spread the seed of your choice on top of the soil.  Sprinkle water 2-3 times daily to maintain the moisture and cover your container with a plastic lid.

 Check the growth regularly and sprinkle water as needed to keep the soil moist.

 After the germination of seeds, you may remove the plastic lid to expose them to light.

 Sprinkle light water once a day while your microgreens grow and gain color.

 They attain a height of one to three inches, usually in between 7 to 14 days after germination, depending upon the type of plant and can be

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harvested by cutting greens above soil line with the help of scissors and ready to be consumed in different ways

 Now you are ready to plant another batch. You may either remove roots or simply dump the tray entirely and restart with fresh soil.

SUMMARY:

They are versatile, healthy and easy to grow and contains a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and antioxidants than that of their mature counterparts and are effective in reducing the risk of many chronic health diseases. These tiny greens can be grown throughout the year and are flavorful and can easily be incorporated into your diet and may add a wide array of dishes that are loaded with excellent vitamins and minerals. They are the most cost-effective way to boost nutrient intake without spending much on large quantities of vegetables. You can follow these simple steps given above to harvest your own micro green crop.

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF DRUMSTICK: THE MIRACLE TREE

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0023

Gargi Gautami Padhiary1* and Subhalaxmi Mishra2

1&2Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology,Bhubaneswar,751003

*E-mail : [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION

The rich culinary tradition of our country has helped us to relish and taste several types of vegetables and fruits thereby derive out the umpteen health benefits. One such amazing vegetable that is greatly valued and earns our interest is drumstick or Moringa oleifera. It is a drought-resistant tree belongs to the family Moringaceae. It is native to tropical regions of South Asia and India is the largest producer. It has several common names such as drumstick tree , horseradish tree , and ben oil tree. It is also called “the Miracle Tree,” “the Tree of Life” and “Mother’s Milk.” It is one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet. It is a fast-growing tree and widely cultivated for its tender seed pod, leaves used as vegetable heaped with vital nutrients and as a medicine in Siddha for its indispensable medicinal properties. It is highly prized as every single part of the tree is valued and used as a super food that beat chronic diseases or as a vital component in traditional medicine.

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NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Drumstick pods and leaves are a storehouse of essential nutrients, whereas the leaves are the most nutritive part of the plant and one of the finest sources of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and magnesium. Fresh pods and seeds are a great source of oleic acid, a healthy fatty acid which is known to promote heart health. Moringa leaves are unique among all the greens as it is heaped with a good amount of protein about 9.8 gram of protein per 100 grams. Dry powdered leaves are an amazing source of good quality essential amino acids. The leaves and seeds are packed with 27 vitamins, 9 essential amino acids, 46 antioxidants, numerous minerals and high concentrations of protein. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine it is reported to cure as many as 300 diseases.

Leaves nutrition: Drumstick leaves are incredible source of essential vitamins like vitamin B complex, C, K, Beta carotene, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium and good amount of protein and dietary fibre. Leaves

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are powerhouse of antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid and also supplement and enhance blood antioxidant levels.

Seeds nutrition: Seeds are mostly used to extract oil and the mature pods are roasted and enjoyed as a snack like peas or nuts which contain high amount of vitamin C, B and minerals.

USES OF DRUMSTICK

The edible parts of the tree include leaves, stalks, stems, immature green fruit or seed pods, aromatic flower and young seeds and roots are made into nutritious and delicious dishes. The mature seeds yield edible oil called ben oil, which is odorless, clear with high strength of behenic acid and resists rancidity. Seed cake after oil extraction is used as manure or as a floc to purify water. The shredded root with a distinct flavor is used as a condiment. The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds and flower find a prominent place in traditional medicine.

WELLNESS INCENTIVES OF DRUMSTICK

 Being an incredible source of essential mineral like calcium, iron and

phosphorus it strengthens the bones in growing children. Potent anti-

inflammatory properties of drumstick are beneficial in treating conditions

like arthritis and also heal minor bone fractures.

 Being high on vitamin C and antioxidants, drumstick helps to combat

against common cold, flu, asthma, cough, wheezing and stave off several

common infections, thus augments our immune system.

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 Drumstick is blessed with richness of B vitamins, vitamin B12 and fibres

which regularize the bowel movement and maintain the gut health.

 The rich antioxidant profile in drumstick improves the circulation of

blood and nutrients to the heart thus regulate hypertension.

 Regular addition of drumstick in the diet may help in reducing the

development of stones in the kidney and bladder and presence of a good

amount of antioxidants might help in clearing the toxins from the

kidneys.

 The abundance of vitamins A, C, beta-carotene and niazimicin in

drumstick help in suppressing the formation of cancer cells.

 Drumstick stimulates the production of glutathione which protects the

liver against the damage caused by ant-tubercular drugs and speeds up the

healing process.

 The natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of drumstick

cures Edema,a condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the

body and it is painful.

 The potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of

drumstick are efficient in battling infections caused by E. coli, Salmonella

andRhizopus.

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 Drumsticks being naturally low in calories and heaped with essential

minerals, vitamins and fibre help to significantly bring down blood sugar

spikes.

 The richness of antioxidants in drumstick is beneficial in treating

cataracts, dry eyes and impedes retinal dysfunction.

 Adding drumstick in the diet can help pregnant women to combat

symptoms of morning sickness and make them feel energetic. The

richness of folate in drumstick can avert the risk of spina bifida. Moringa

leaves juice blended with ghee is given to women post-delivery which

improves the secretion of breast milk.

 Moringa is now a popular ingredient in most of the beauty products

which promote skin glow and health owing to its incredible nutritional

profile.

 Moringa oil and leaf powder work as an amazing natural remedy to lessen

wrinkles, blemishes and firm up the skin, thus makes you look younger.

 The potent antibacterial properties of moringa are effective in preventing

acne break out. Moringa leaf or pod powder is helpful in purifying the

blood which ultimately makes the skin clearer and healthier.

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 Drumstick possesses aphrodisiac properties that help in improving libido

and treating erectile dysfunction. It also improves sperm count and

vitality.

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IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL DISEASES OF TOMATO-A REVIEW

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0024

1*Khaire P. B, 1Mane S. S and 2Pawar S. V

1Department of Plant Pathology, Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapith, Rahuri-413 705, District: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India

2Research Scientist, Plant Pathology, Research and Development, PI Industries Limited Udaipur (RJ.) 313 001

*Email of Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Orcid ID of the corresponding author: 0000-0003-7839

======

ABSTRACT

The second most important vegetable crop next to the potato is tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). Tomato is a warm crop throughout the season and needs a hot and cool climate. The crop is severely affected by adverse weather. The hot and cool climatic conditions provide the perfect environment for many foliar, branch, and soil-borne plant pathogens to establish disease. Fungal pathogens are a key limiting factor for vegetables causing drastic reduction of yields resulting in serious economic losses. Seedling Damping off, Septoria leaf spot, Early blight, Late blight, Anthracnose, Powdery mildew, South leaf blight, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Buckeye rot are the serious fungal diseases in tomatoes. Main symptoms and their management practices are listed for each disease. This review article is briefly describing the symptomatology, cultural and morphological characteristics and management of the fungal diseases of tomato.

KEY WORDS: Tomato, fungal threat, economic losses, efficient management.

INTRODUCTION:

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Tomato is one of the world's most popular and widely cultivated vegetables. For many low-income farmers in the tropical countries it is one of the essential food and cash crops. It is predominantly rich in vitamin C and minerals, particularly phosphorus, potassium and calcium, and is highly appreciated in different dishes. It is an economically important crop with most countries, carrying in much needed resources. As the botanical name of tomato according to the Linnaean taxonomic classification was Solanum lycopersicum, on the other hand (Miller et al, 2009) suggested the name of the genus Lycopersicon (Latin-Wolf Peach) and subsequently suggested the name Lycopersicon esculentum for cultivated tomato and Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium for native tomato. Whilst other classification algorithms have been proposed since then, the Miller classification has turned out to be the norm because of its common usage. Fungal Plant pathogens form a significant limiting critical role in the development of tomato. Recognizing the differentiation between pathogenic and nonpathogenic diseases is important for successful disease control, and identifying the type of microorganism that causes an infectious disease. Tomatoes watered by sprinklers that humidify the leaves and fruit seem to be more susceptible to induce disease outbreak than those irrigated by drip or furrow. Tomato plants are mostly vulnerable to biotic stresses like (fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes) and environmental factors like (temperature, sunlight, malnutrition etc.) (Caldwell et al, 2005). These pathogens are infectious and can spread from plant to plant in a field, sometimes very quickly when conditions are favourable for the weather for disease outbreak. Fungi seem to be the most common mode of infectious diseases in plants and can be very harmful. Damping-off, Early blight, Septoria leaf spot, Late blight, Cercospora leaf mould, Fusarium wilt, Grey leaf spot, Powdery mildew, Verticillium wilt, White mould, Alternaria stem canker, Corky root rot, Didymella stem rot, Fusarium crown and root rot, Fusarium foot rot, Southern blight, Buckeye rot are the most common pathogens that threaten tomatoes.

EARLY BLIGHT:

Also called alternaria leaf spot or target spot. It is among the most widespread and harmful tomato disease. It is mainly leaf spot and foliage blight, but in late autumn, it

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may also cause a black spotting around the stem end and shoulders of ripe fruits. The first early blight sign is the emergence of tiny dark brown spots on the lowest, oldest leaves. These range in size from 1/2 inch in diameter to a pinpoint. So, if environmental conditions are appropriate (25 to 30 0C.) with high humidity, as a consequence of regular growth and spore production by the organism, these spots enlarge with a concentric-ring pattern (Young et al, 1940). This symptom of the target-board helps in diagnosing early blight. There is normally a small yellow zone around the spots, which blends into the regular green. The spots widen, become erratic and turn the leaflets yellow and fall. Early symptoms start to appear after several fruits have set in mid-season, but become extreme later when the plant is stressed by a strong fruit load, high soil temperatures, or dry weather. The symptoms travel up the plant after the lower leaves are weakened or even lost, and repeat the cycle. Spots on the main stem may tend to cause partial girdling and more damage to the parts of the plant above those areas. Excessive defoliation exposes late fruit to sunscald and triggers the symptom of fruit "freckles" triggered by an associated fungus, Alternaria tenuis. Ripe fruits might well be invaded at the attachment site to the stem by the early blight fungus and may produce concentric ring patterns such as those on the lower leaves. In diseased plants, Alternaria solani can survive at least a year. When the atmosphere is favorable and a tomato plant is nearby, spores grow and leaves are infected as mentioned above. The many spores in the fresh leaf spots then splash to several other tomato plants in stress in rain or irrigation water before many disease cycles have been completed and the weather has turned cold. Tomatoes are predisposed to contamination by deficient fertility and organic matter, minor element deficiency, and lack of soil moisture, setting the stage for an outbreak where plants have not been covered by fungicides. On and below the seed coat, the fungus may be borne.

SEPTORIA LEAF SPOT

The most common foliar disease in tomatoes is the Septoria leaf spot, caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici. First, it emerges as small water-soaked spots that quickly become circular spots with a diameter of around 1/8 inch. Gradually, greyish white centers with dark edges emerge from the lesions. The light-colored centers of such spots are Septoria leaf spot most identifiable symptom (Hansen 2000). When conditions are suitable, fungal fruiting

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bodies emerge in the centers of the spots as tiny black specks. Pathogens spores are dispersed by splashing rain onto new leaves. Leaves that are heavily infected turn yellow, wither, and drop off gradually. Lower leaves get affected first, and if wet weather continues, the disease spreads upward (Zitter et al, 1987). Defoliation can be extreme after large spells of warm and humid climate. At any point of plant growth, infection may occur, but it occurs more often after plants have begun to bear fruit. In tomato debris, the fungus survives the winter. Leaves that are severely affected turn yellow, wither, and drop off gradually. This will weaken the crop, sending it into collapse and cause the unprotected, uncovered tomatoes to be scalded by heat. Defoliation occurs from the plant's base upwards, and after periods of extended hot and moist weather, it can be extreme. Drop of foliage can induce scalding of the fruits. Early blight disease resembles the defoliation of Septoria. The wider dark leaf spots with early blight circular bands, however, are distinctly distinguished from the smaller Septoria leaf spots

LATE BLIGHT

Late blight disease is caused by infection of the Phytophthora fungus which typically occurs in mid- to late August. The pathogen is an environmental disease preferred by cold nights and humid days (Rowe et al. 1995). Temperatures over 30 0C are deemed undesirable for the establishment of late blight. In potato seed tubers and in contaminated tomato transplants, the fungus mainly survives. In dead potato and tomato plants, any survival can also occur. Symptoms of disease on tomato leaves lesions start as indefinite, water-soaked spots that rapidly grow into pale green to brownish-black lesions and can cover large

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areas of the leaves. Lesions on the abaxial surface of the leaf can be covered with grey to white mouldy growth during wet weather. During humid weather, a ring of mouldy growth of the pathogen is frequently evident on the undersides of larger lesions. The foliage turns yellow and then brown, coils, shrivels and dies as the disease progresses. The symptoms of late blight are distinct from and should not be confused with symptoms of powdery mildew disease, the spores of which typically occur on the upper surface of tomato leaves. Lesions begin as indefinite, water-soaked spots on tomato petioles and stems that rapidly expand into brown to black lesions that span the globe of the petioles and branches. Lesions can be filled with a grey to white mouldy growth of the pathogen during wet climate. At the point of infection, affected stems and petioles can gradually collapse, resulting in the death of all the distal sections of the crop.

DAMPING OFF

Several soil-borne fungal pathogens that cause serious diseases such as damping- off, wilting and root rot are susceptible to attacking tomato seedlings. Damping-off, which is mainly a root rot disease caused by Pythium, is one of the major causes of seedling failure. It is known as damping- off when the fungi kill newly growing or developing seedlings, and is a very common issue in fields and greenhouses cultivation. Damping-off is a significant tomato disease affecting major losses to young susceptible transplants in nurseries. A variety of fungi, including Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp., cause the damping- off. Species of the Pythium soil organism are responsible for damping off more frequently. Pythium spp. appears to be very generalistic in its host range and unspecific. They infect a

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wide array of hosts. The root rot they cause, like Pythium spp., is more damaging. They are also excellent saprotrophs, and can live on rotting plant matter for a long time. Circumstances for the emergence of this disease are temperature rise, high humidity, high soil moisture, poor aeration, high levels of nitrogen fertilizer and tightly sown seed Damping off tomato occurs in two phases that is the pre-emergence and post-emergence phase. In the pre-emerging process the seedlings are killed just before they meet the surface of the soil. The young radical as well as the plumule are hunted down and killed and the seedlings are fully rotted. The post-emergence stage is characterized by infection at ground level of the young, juvenile tissues of the collar. The infected tissues become sluggish and soaked with water. Toppling over or collapsing the seedlings.

SOUTHERN BLIGHT

Southern blight is caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, a soil-borne fungus that is almost hard to eradicate, even though it remains at relatively low levels. Near the surface of the soil, the fungus infects the lower stem of the plant. It is called Southern blight because it does not live in frozen soil for long stretches and therefore only thrives in hot weather. High humidity and soil moisture and mild to hot temperatures (29-35 0C) favor Southern blight. A fast wilting of the entire plant is the initial symptom of southern blight. Near the soil line, a water-soaked lesion on the stem quickly spreads, turns brown, and girdles the stem. The fungus develops white fungal colonies around the infectious stem (mycelia or hyphae) and can be seen on the soil surrounding the crop.

ANTHRACNOSE

Tomato anthracnose is caused by several species of fungi in the genus Colletotrichum including Colletotrichum coccodes, Colletotrichum dematium, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. More than 35 hosts from 13 families have been identified with Colletotrichum coccodes, primarily in leguminoseae, cucurbitaceae and solanaceae. It is possible to infect green and tender tomatoes, but the signs are displayed in ripe fruits. A duration of low temperature storage symptoms on ripe fruits include round, depressed lesions with darkened centers may resolve latency of infection associated with green fruit. While the

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fungus colonizes the fruit, there is a semi-soft decay. Anthracnose lesions often combine and contribute to large areas of rotting that make the fruit unfit for processing. Although signs do not appear until the fruit ripens, when the fruits are small and green, the infection occurs. Anthracnose signs first appear on the surface of the ripening fruits as thin, oval, slightly sunken lesions. The spots expand rapidly, become bruise like depressions, and produce a water-soaked appearance directly under the fruit's skin (epidermis). They grow dark centers or concentric rings of dark specks as these spots extend. The rings are made up of various tiny fungal spore-producing bodies (microsclerotia and acervuli). These bodies exude large quantities of spores in rainy weather, giving a cream to salmon pink colour to diseased areas.

POWDERY MILDEW

Tomato Powdery mildew associated with Leveillula taurica, Oidium neolycopersici and Oidium lycopersici. Leveillula taurica: Distribution Worldwide, Oidium neolycopersici: Distribution Worldwide. Oidium lycopersici: Australia, USA (California). Leveillula taurica: Initial signs on the upper leaf surfaces manifest as light-green to bright-yellow lesions. Small, powdery fungal sporulation eventually develops on the lower surfaces of the leaves. White, powdery masses of conidia develop on both leaf surfaces under ideal circumstances. If the disease progresses, lesions become necrotic; whole leaves may die if the disease is serious. It can defoliate infected plants, leading to reduced yields and small, sunburned berries. O. lycopersici and Oidium neolycopersici: The disease first appears to be tiny, circular areas of whitish fungal growth with sporulation primarily occurring on the upper surfaces of the leaves. The underlying leaf tissue turns yellow, gradually becoming brown and shriveled, as sporulating lesions enlarge. Oidium from Leveillula, which usually sporulates on lower leaf surfaces, is distinguished by sporulation generally occurring on upper surface of leaves. Masses of powdery conidia, as well as petioles and calyces, can cover entire leaf surfaces when infection is severe; however, the fruit remains uninfected. In field-grown tomatoes, Oidium neolycopersici has been identified, but it is primarily a concern of protected culture production.

TOMATO WILT

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Tomato wilt is associated with lycopersici (Sacc) species of Fusarium oxysporum formae. Fusarium wilt is found throughout the world, and it can affect even resistant tomato varieties (Brammall and Haggins 1988). The pathogen is soil-borne and survives in the soil without a host for several years. The fungus associated with infected tomato debris is the cause of most infections. Due to physiological modifications in the root, root knot nematode infection makes Fusarium wilt-resistant varieties more susceptible to the fungus. Warm temperatures (for instance, 27-28 0C), dry weather, and acidic soil (pH 5-5.6) favor the development of disease (Lagopodi et al, 2002). The fast expanding, extremely succulent tomato plants that are exposed to ammonium nitrate fertilization are particularly susceptible to infection. The fungus can spread through infected seeds or through transplants grown in infested soil. The fungus may be placed on infected equipment, training stakes, packing crates or shoes in a field. The first signs are yellowing of the leaves, starting with the lower leaves and working upwards. Soil particles from infested fields may be blown into disease-free fields. On one side of the plant, yellowing also starts. Afterwards, infected leaves display downward curling, followed by browning and drying. During the day, the top of the vine wilts and recovers at night, but once the whole vine is permanently wilted, wilting gets increasingly worse. Infected stems and large leaf petioles can be shown to have vascular browning. Affected plants are stunted, along with their root systems. The degree of stunted growth relies on the root infection period. Once they are young, plants infected will be more heavily stunted than plants infected at a later phase.

BUCKEYE FRUIT AND ROOT ROT

Phytophthora nicotianae var parasitica, Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora drechsleri are the responsible for cause buckeye rot. These species of Phytophthora have a relatively large host range and can live for at least two years in soil and infested plant debris. It is possible to disperse them by irrigation water and farm machinery. Moderate soil moisture levels and temperatures (20 0C) induce initial infection. Excessive irrigation or rain favors more disease production in conjunction with thick or compacted soils. Both sections of tomato plants may be infected with the Phytophthora species that cause buckeye fruit and root rot. Seedling damping-off, root and crown rot, foliar blight and fruit rot may be caused

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by them. Symptoms of root rot include big, brown, sunken, and water-soaked secondary root lesions and tap root lesions that may spread to the stem above the soil line. Smaller roots fall and die as the disease develops.t. A longitudinal segment through the tap root shows the vascular system's chocolate-brown discoloration reaching a short distance beyond the lesion. Severely infected plants wilt and die eventually. Initially, infected leaves produce water- soaked, irregular-shaped lesions that collapse and dry rapidly. At any stage, stem lesions may grow on stems, but are usually located near the soil line. Stem lesions are at first dark-green then water-soaked and then progressively become dry and brown (Baker 1939). They will entirely girdle stems as stem lesions grow, causing pith tissue to turn brown and fall. Fruit symptoms begin as quickly spreading greyish-brown, water-soaked lesions, forming brown concentric rings that mimic a buckeye nut, hence its term. Brown discoloration can extend into fruit centers with young green fruit become mummified, whilst ripped fruits fastly decay from invasion by secondary organisms.

VERTICILLIUM WILT

Two species of Verticillium, Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae, are associated with Verticillium wilt, with a host population of almost 200 species of plants. In cold weather, verticillium wilting is more prevalent. The pathogen Verticillium is soil-borne and can live for several years in the soil. When the fungus reaches root wounds caused by intercultural interactions, secondary root forming and nematode feeding, infection occurs. Moreover, affected plants also have a distinctive V-shaped lesion arising in a fan pattern at the edge of the leaf. Symptoms of Verticillium wilt do not advance along one side of a leaflet, branch, or vine, unlike Fusarium wilt (Fordyce et al. 1963). Uniform yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves result from verticillium wilt. Younger leaves tend to wilt and die as the disease spreads, until only a few stable leaves remain at the top of the plant. They are stunted and thin, and grow small fruits, while diseased plants are not destroyed. The appearance of internal browning streaks of the vascular system in the stems will detect verticillium wilt. Near the soil line, the discoloration is more pronounced and does not extend nearly as far up the plant. Such signs are similar to those caused by Fusarium wilt, but Fusarium vascular streak is normally darker and advances farther up the stem than Verticillium streak.

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Depending on the part of the plant that is wilting and the position of wilted plants, wilt caused by this disease can be distinguished from drought-stress.

Table: 1. Morphological and cultural characteristics of different tomato disease pathogens

Name of disease SS. and causal Morphological characters Cultural characters No. organism

The conidiophores of the fungus were formed singly or in groups, strait or flexuous The fungus at first produced brown to olivaceous and cottony growth which is dark, Early blight- solitary, muriform and ranging from grey to black with Alternaria solani ellipsoidal tapering to a beak 11. tints of brown or olive. Colonies (Rahmatzai et al, and pale or olivaceous brown. are spreading hairy and grey 2016) The average conidial size is brown to black; the whole texture about 25-44 × 7-15µm. The of the fungus is similar to cotton. number of septation is 2 to 11. The maximum length of beak is 6-10 µm.

This fungus differs from the Pycnidia black, globose to tomato pathogen S. lycopersici Septoria leaf sub globose, ostiolate, 100- var. lycopersici by its adaptation to spot- Septoria 150 µm diameter. Conidia Solanum spp., its preference for 22. lycopersici hyaline, needle-like, usually lower temperatures and its growth (Alyssa et al, 4-6 septate and 60-95 x 1.7 characteristics on agar media (e.g. 2019) µm. brown discoloration of the media below the colonies).

P. infestans is a coenocytic In culture, the mycelium is white Late blight- oomycete with rare cross and fluffy; the colony is somewhat Phytophthora walls. Asexual reproduction slow growing. Growth rates can 23 infestans is via sporangia that are vary dramatically among isolates, (Mounde et al, ellipsoid to lemon shaped but fast-growing isolates can cover 2012) with a small pedicel. a 9-cm plate within 7-10 days. Sporangia are 29-36 x 19-22 Some isolates produce a lumpy µm. Sporangia germinate appearance: this has sometimes

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either directly to form a germ been associated with the A2 tube (at temperatures of 15- mating type. 24°C), or indirectly via zoospores (at temperatures below 18°C). Zoospores (7- 12 per sporangium) have two flagella, one forward-directed tinsel type and a backward- directed whiplash type (heterokont). Zoospores are usually uninucleate, but binucleate zoospores have been detected.

Superficial mycelium with hyaline hyphae; unbranched erect conidiophores; conidia, Powdery ellipsoid-ovoid or doliform, mildew- Oidium 22-46 x 10-20 µm, lack 44. neolycopersici fibrosin bodies; conidia Obligate parasite. (Hannah et al, formed singly, rarely in short 2001) chains of 2-6 conidia; appressoria lobed to multilobed, rarely nipple- shaped.

S. rolfsii based on growth, colony Advancing mycelium and texture and color, and number of colonies often grow in a sclerotia formed 28 days after Southern blight- distinctive fan-shaped pattern culture initiation. White cultures Sclerotium and the coarse hyphal strands with fluffy, fibrous, or compact rolfsii may have a somewhat ropy mycelia produced by the pathogen and also seen light to dark brown 55. (Garrett and appearance. Cells are hyaline mustard like sclerotia formed in Barbara, 2011); with thin cell walls and sparse old culture. Young sclerotia often (Karthik et al, cross walls. Main branch exude droplets of clear to pale 2017) hyphae may have clamp connections on each side of yellowish fluids. Mature sclerotia the septum. are hard, slightly pitted, and have a distinct rind. Although most sclerotia are spherical, some are

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slightly flattened or coalesce with others to form an irregular sclerotium.

Mycelia is branched, septate, and hyaline. Conidia are Colonies are dense aerial, initially hyaline, aseptate, and white or cream white, becoming fusiform or rarely cylindrical gray and then turning dark gray, as with obtuse apices and Anthracnose- the cultures aged on PDA. Colony tapering basis. Appressoria Colletotrichum reverse are white to white gray. are observed on the underside 66. acutatum Bright orange spore masses were of sterile covers slips arising (Svetlana et al, produced outward from the center from vegetative hyphae. They 2010) of the colony. The cultures are smooth, simple, clavate to developed black acervuli around ovate, and varied from light the centre of the colony. No setae to dark brown. Conidial and were observed. appressorial shape and size of tomato isolates are vary.

Hyphae is coenocytic with average diameter of 7-10 nm. Sporangial shapes ranged from ellipsoid, ovoid, pyriform, obpyriform, to Buck eye fruit spherical with a prominent rot- papilla. Sporangia size Mycelium growth is dense or loose Phytophthora 77. averaged at 36 x 28 µm and rosette, with no pattern, spreading, nicotianae length-breadth ratio at 1.34:1. and arachnoid aerial. (Mounde et al, Some isolates produced 2012) intercalary sporangia. Chlamydospores, 13 to 60 µm in diameter, are produced abundantly intercalary and terminally.

The size of macroconidia Produced moderate, profuse fluffy, Fusarium wilt ranged from 15.46– thin flat to slight fluffy and 88. (Chopada et al, 21.8 × 4.91–5.45 to 21.42– submerged growth with white, 2015) 44.28 × 7.35–9.14 μm with 1– yellow, light pink, dark pink, 6 septa in different isolates. orange and purple–orange The size of microconidia pigmentation. Sporulation varied 12 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

varied from 3.57– from 2.77 × 106 to 14.28 × 2.68–4.46 to 7.14– 21.68 × 106 spores/ml. 14.28 × 3.57–5.35 μm with 0– 1 septa in different isolates.

Hyphae were up to 11 μm wide. Sporangia mostly not formed and zoospores very rarely produced through short discharge tubes at 5°C. Hyphal swellings globose, intercalary, sometimes terminal, 20-25 (-29) μm diam. Oogonia terminal, sometimes intercalary, globose, smooth-walled, Damping off Pythium on PDA produced a (14-) 20-24 (-25) (av. (Khalaf et al, dense, white cottony mycelial 21.5) μm diam; antheridia 99. 2011); growth with fluffy topography. either 1 (-3) per (Ashwathi et al, Each produced aseptate, hyaline oogonium, sac-like, 2017) mycelium. mostly monoclinous originating from immediately below the oogonium, sometimes hypogynous or 2-3 and then either monoclinous or diclinous and frequently straight. Oospores single, a plerotic, globose, (12-) 17-20 (-21) (av. 18) μm diam, wall often 2 μm or more thick

Verticillium albo-atrum; Short and dark hyphae (Some of larger conidiophores with a the microsclerotia had hyphae Verticillium wilt 110. dark swollen base; larger growing from them), Dark (Harvey, 1965) conidia. mainly 3.5-8 X 2- mycelium, Elongated or globose 3/1. occasionally one septate; microsclerotia. dark thickened resting

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mycelium and dark swollen hyphae; hyphal "knots" but no microsclerotia.

Verticillillm dahlia; completely hyaline conidiophores. smaller conidia. mainly 3-6 X 1.5- 2JL; abundant black microsclerotia.

Table 2. Efficient Management of fungal Diseases of Tomato

Diseases Cultural & Biological Control Chemical Control

Use pathogen free seeds. Rotation of crop should be followed by two years. Control susceptible weeds such as black nightshade and hairy nightshade, and volunteer tomato plants Spray the crop with throughout the rotation. Use drip Azoxystrobin 23% SC @ 1.5 irrigation instead of overhead to 2 ml/liter or Metiram 70% irrigation to keep foliage dry. WG @ 5 gm/liter or Early Blight Stake the plants to increase Pyraclostrobin 20% WG @ 1 airflow around the plant and gm/lit or Boscalid 25.2% + Foliar facilitate drying. Staking will also Pyraclostrobin 12.8% WG @ 1 Diseases reduce contact between the leaves to 1.5 gm/liter of water. and spore-contaminated soil. Seed treatment or root dipping with Pseudomonas gladioli B25 @ 4 ml/Kg seeds or lit of water. Two Foliar spray of Trichoderma viride @ 2 gm/lit of water.

Deeply bury crop debris soon Spray the crop with Copper after harvest to reduce pathogen Septoria oxy chloride 50% WP @ 1.5 to overwintering and survival. Leaf Spot 2 gm/liter or Cyazofamid Promote rapid leaf drying by 34.5% SC @ 1 ml/liter of avoiding dense plantings, staking

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plants, and orientating rows water. parallel to the prevailing wind direction. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible, and time irrigations to end before dusk and avoid prolonged periods of leaf wetness. Reduce the contact between foliage and soil. Do not work in tomato fields when foliage is wet to reduce plant-to- plant spread of the fungus.

Spray the crop with Seed infection is unlikely on Azoxystrobin 23% SC @ 1.5 commercially prepared tomato to 2 ml/liter or Copper oxy seed or on saved seed that has chloride 50% WP 1.5 to 2 been thoroughly dried. Inspect gm/liter or Cyazofamid 34.5% tomato transplants for late blight SC @ 1 ml/liter or symptoms prior to purchase Mandipropamid 23.4% SC @ and/or planting, as tomato 1 ml/liter or Azoxystrobin transplants shipped from southern Late Blight 18.2% + Difenoconazole regions may be infected. If 11.8% SC @ 1 ml/liter or infection is found in only a few Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb plants within a field, infected 34% WP @ 2 to 3 gm/liter or plants should be removed, disced- Famoxadane 16.6% + under, killed with herbicide or Cymoxanil 22.1% SC @ 1 flame-killed to avoid spreading ml/liter or Mancozeb 40% + through the entire field. Overhead Azoxystrobin 7% OS @ 3 irrigation should be avoided. gm/liter of water.

Avoid overcrowding of seedlings Spray the crop with in the nursery, and check each for Azoxystrobin 23% SC @ 1 infection before field planting. ml/liter or Difenoconazole Do not apply excessive amounts 25% EC @ 2 ml/liter or Powdery of nitrogen fertilizer; abundant Flusilazole 40% EC @ 1 to 1.5 Mildew leafy growth promotes conditions ml/liter or Hexaconazole 75% for disease development. Ensure WG @ 0.5 to 1 gm/liter or plants have adequate amounts of Kresoxim methyl 44.3% SC @ water as moisture stress may 1.5 ml/liter or Myclobutanil increase susceptibility. Collect all 10% WP @ 0.5 to 1 gm/liter or

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the trash and burn or bury it. Sulphur 40% SC @ 3.75 Avoid over-lapping crops to ml/liter or Sulphur 52% prevent spores from older crops Flowable @ 5 ml/liter or infecting newer ones at an early Sulphur 80% WP @ 5 gm/liter age. Practice crop rotation, of water. choosing a non-host crop, e.g., root crops or those in the cabbage family.

Crop rotation has a strong influence on survival of the fungus. Grow tomato after non- Spray the crop with host crops such as maize, Fluxapyroxad 25%+ Southern sorghum, small grains, or cotton. Pyraclostrobin 25% SC @ 1 to Blight Allow ample time for breakdown 2 ml/liter or Pyraclostrobin of green manure before planting 20% WG @ 1 gm/liter of the tomato crop. Spray water. Trichoderma konigii @ 2 gram/lit of water.

Spray the crop with Tebuconazole 25.9% EC @ 1 to 2 ml/ liter or Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole Enrich soil with organic mulches. 11.2% SC @ 1 ml/liter or Anthracnose Improve drainage Protect against Azoxystrobin 8.3% + rain splash. Mancozeb 66.7% WG @ 3 gm/liter or Flupyram 17.7% + Tebuconazole 17.7% SC @ 1 ml/liter of water.

Grow tomatoes on raised beds in well-drained soil. Stake and/or Spray the crop with Mancozeb Fruit Buck eye mulch plants to prevent fruit from 75% WP @ 2.5 gm/liter or Rot fruit rot contacting the soil. Avoid Propineb 70% WP @ 1 to 1.5 frequent irrigations that keep the gm/liter. ground wet.

Avoid excessive nitrogen as it Seed treatment with Soil Fusarium will encourage disease. Rotation Tebuconazole 5.4% FS @ 0.24 Borne wilt away from susceptible crops for gm/10 kg seeds or Carboxin

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Diseases 3-5+ years will reduce disease. 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% WS @ Use of calcium nitrate fertilizer 3 gm/kg of seeds. instead of ammonium nitrate can reduce Fusarium disease severity in some soils. In acidic soils, raising the soil pH to 7 can help to control disease. Root dip or drenching of Trichoderma harzianum @ 2 gram/liter of water.

Drench the crop with Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb Seed treatment with fungal 64% WP @ 0.5 to 1 gm/liter or culture Trichoderma viride (4 Damping Fosetyl Al 80% WP @ 3 g/kg of seed) is the only off gm/liter or seed treatment with preventive measure to control the Carbendazim 50% WP @ pre-emergence damping off. 1gm/kg of seeds or Metalaxyl M @ 2 ml/kg of seeds.

Rotation to non-susceptible Seed treatment with crops, such as small grains and Tebuconazole 5.4% FS @ 0.24 Verticillium corn helps reduce inoculum. Root gm/10 kg seeds or Carboxin Wilt dip or drenching of Trichoderma 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% WS @ harzianum @ 2 gram/liter of 3 gm/kg of seeds. water.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Authors are thankful to the Head, Department of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology, PGI, MPKV, Rahuri. Maharashtra.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

All the authors declare that they have no conflict of interests.

REFERENCES

1. Agrios GN. Plant pathology. 5th ed., Elsevier Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 2005.

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2. Agricultural Marketing Service-National Organic Program. United States Department of Agriculture, 2010. 3. Alyssa, M. Koehler, Maximo T. Larkin, Layne W. Rogers, Ignazio Carbone, Marc A. Cubeta & H. David Shew (2019) Identification and characterization of Septoria steviae as the causal agent of Septoria leaf spot disease of stevia in North Carolina, Mycologia, 111:3, 456-465, DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2019.1584503. 4. Ashwathi S, Ushamalini C, Parthasarathy S and S Nakkeeran (2017). Morphological, pathogenic and molecular characterisation of Pythium aphanidermatum: A causal pathogen of coriander damping-off in India. The Pharma Innovation Journal 2017;

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INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF LIPASE

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0025

Sneha Upreti

Research scholar, Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 304022 Corresponding Mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT:

Enzymes or microbial cells posses high specificity and economic advantage with out any environmental impact, hence they are used as an effective biocatalyst. This is because enzymes work better at moderate temperatures and other environmental conditions. Lipases are flexible enzymes that are widely used as natural catalyst. Among all the enzymes are identified, lipases are of highly commercial use as they attended biotechnological concern. Lipases (triacylglycerol acylhydrolases EC: 3.1.1.3) are produced from a great variety of living organisms which include plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, actinomycetes. Lipases have potential applications in the detergent, food, leather, textile, oil and fat, cosmetic, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. In this article, sources and applications of lipase are highlighted.

Keywords: enzyme, lipase, environment, pharmaceutical, detergent, food, bacteria, fungi, yeast.

INTRODUCTION:

Human beings have been using enzymes for different purposes from an ancient time of civilization. Today, near about 4000 enzymes are discovered and out of 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

these 200 enzymes are of commercial advantages. 75% industrial enzymes (including lipases) are hydrolytic in nature, which breaks polymers into its monomers, and most of commercial enzymes are obtained from microbial source (Godfrey and West, 1996).

Enzymes can be used instead of harsh chemicals, as a result it could be helpful to save energy and prevent the pollution. Enzymes are highly specific in nature hence, the production of unwanted byproducts can be avoided by using enzymes as a result of that, there will be no need of downstream processing. On the other hand enzymes can also be immobilized so they can be reused for more than one process. Enzymes can also be used to treat waste consisting of harmful compounds (Gennari et al., 1998).

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Comparing microbial enzymes to naturally occurring enzymes or plant or animal originated enzymes, microbial enzymes have vast variety of catalytic property, high production capability within a short period of time and they are easy for genetic manipulation for any novel work. Microbial enzymes can be produced at any time and usually they do not affected by any seasonal fluctuations. Rather than this, microbial population can grow very quickly as comparison to plant and animals and they can also grow on an inexpensive media hence, microbial enzyme production is cost effective for the commercial use. Among all the sources, microbial sources of lipase have achieved admirable industrial attention in past few years because of the specific properties and high stability (Wiseman, 1995).

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LIPASE:

Claude Bernard in 1856 discovered the Lipase in pancreatic juice very firstly. Lipases were first demonstrated in plants seeds. Pancreatic extracts of animal were anciently used as the source of lipase for commercial applications. Lipase producers are widespread in the nature. However, microbial sources of lipase were explored when the industrial potential of lipases enhanced and when the

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demand for lipases could not be met by the supply from animal sources. The first work on fungal lipases was reported by Ghosh et al., 1996.

In 1994, Novo Nordisk introduced the first commercial recombinant lipase ‘Lipolase’ which was originated from the fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus and was expressed in Aspergillus oryzae. Fungi capable of synthesizing lipases are found in several habitats, including soils contaminated with wastes of vegetable oils, dairy byproduct, seeds and deteriorated food (Sharma et al., 2001).

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Lipase: a source of hydrolytic enzyme:

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Hydrolases are the class of enzymes which generally breakdown the polymers into its simpler form. Hydrolases are broadly spread in environment, originated from bacteria to eukaryotes. In the presence of extreme temperature, organic solvents and salt concentration, enzymatic transformation occurs in microbial consortia under physical and chemical condition (Moreno et al., 2012).

Worldwide Status of Lipase:

Microbes are the vast source for lipase production and microbial lipases having hydrolytic property which are used in industry for different purposes. They also stated that microbial lipases have variety of catalytic properties, high production rate within short period of time and they are easy for genetic manipulation for any other work.

Wiseman 1995, stated that microbial lipases are more stable in terms of their activity and microbes producing lipase can grow on an inexpensive media which results easy affordable of these enzymes.

Characteristics of Lipase:

Lipase is a permeating enzyme having wide commercial and physiological use. It facilitate the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Furthermore lipase also accelerates the transesterification reaction at the same time (Thakur, 2012).

Till 1980s, there was a great increase in the amount of produced lipase and it was used as a powerful biocatalyst in various industries because of its different properties i.e. pH tolerance, high catalytic state, temperature tolerant, bio- degradability and high specificity (Menoncin et al., 2008).

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The most important characteristics of the lipase is its ability to utilize all mono, di, and triglycerides as well as the free fatty acids in transesterification, low product inhibition, high activity or yield in non-aqueous media, low reaction time, resistance to altered temperature, pH, alcohol and reusability of immobilized enzyme. Additionally, lipases can carry out reactions under mild conditions of pH and temperature and this reduces energy required to direct reactions at unusual temperatures and pressures (Jaeger and Reetz, 1998) (Kumar et al., 2012).

Catalytic Mechanism of Lipase:

Lipases are triacylglycerol acylhydrolases (E.C. 3.1.1.3) which catalyze the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol into glycerol and simpler fatty acids. Lipases are ubiquitous in nature and are produced by several plants, animals and microorganisms (Thakur, 2012).

In addition to the hydrolysis of triglycerides, lipases can also accelerate the diverse variety of chemical reactions which include esterification, transesterification, acidolysis and aminolysis. Lipases are frequently used to catalyze the hydrolysis of wide non-natural substrates in order to obtain enantio and regio selective substrates (Wang et al., 2015).

The mechanism of the lipase to catalyze ester hydrolysis is similar to carboxyl esterases and serine proteases, and involves a first nucleophilic attack of the serine on the carbonyl carbon of the ester bond which results in yielding a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate and releasing an alcohol, i.e. a diacylglycerol would be released after forming a hydroxyl group in a triacylglycerol molecule. This reaction step is stabilized by the other two

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residues of the active site, histidine and aspartic acid. Then, a second nucleophilic attack occurs when the acyl-enzyme intermediate is hydrolyzed by water, finally forming a carboxylic acid. Many different compounds can act as acyl donors and likewise, in addition to water, many nucleophilic compounds can perform the same role and break the acyl-enzyme intermediate (Adlercreutz 2013).

Table 1: Microorganisms producing lipase

Microorganisms Time Lipase Fermentation Raw References (h) Activity Type Material (µ/ml) Penicillium 48 25 SmF Soya bean Lima et al., aurantiogriseum oil 2003.

Rhizopus 24 43 SSF Olive oil Cardova et rhizopodiformis cake- al., 1998. Bagasse

Rhizopus pusillus 25 10.8 SSF Olive oil Cardova et cake- al., 1998. Bagasse

Aspergillus 96 12.7 SSF Sunflower Kaushik et carneu oil al., 2006.

Candida rugosa 50 3.8 SmF Olive oil Rajendran et al., 2008. Fusarium solani 120 0.45 SmF Sesame oil Maia et al., FS1 2001.

Aspergillus 96 495 SmF Rice bran Basheer et awamori oil al., 2011.

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Geotrichum sp. 24 20 SmF Olive oil Burkert et al., 2004. Candida 175 20.4 SmF Olive mill Brozzoli et cylindracea wastewater al., 2009. NRRLY-17506

APPLICATIONS OF LIPASE:

Lipases have potential applications in the detergent, food, leather, textile, oil and fat, cosmetic, paper, and pharmaceutical industries (Kademi et al., 2004). Some lipases are commercialized for one specific purpose whereas others can be used in various industrial fields. However, despite the relatively broad number of commercial lipases are available, industrial applications remain limited because of the high cost of some lipases, the low number of available lipases in industrial amounts, and the low performance of some lipase-mediated processes. Nevertheless, lipases are currently used mainly in the food, detergent, and pharmaceutical industries.

Fungal lipases are widely distinct in their enzymatic properties and substrate specificity, which makes them very useful for industrial applications. They constitute an important group of biotechnologically important enzymes because of the versatility of their properties and ease of mass production. The industrial applications of fungal lipases have been reported by many researchers.

 Lipases in Food Processing:

Oil and fats are main ingredients of food. In food processing industry, modification of oil and fat is critical area and it has great demand in green technologies (Gupta et al.,2003). Lipases are capable to enhance the place of fatty acid chains in the glyceride and replace them into new one.

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In biotechnology, there are various industrial applications that result in production of different biotech products that we are using in daily life at home. Lipase has vast application in food industries like in flavor development, EMC technology and cheese ripening (Verma et al., 2012). It is also used in flavor and fragrance compounds which are addition in food to adjust flavor by synthesis of ester (fatty acids and alcohols) (Reetz 2002).

 Lipases in Detergent Industries:

Enzymes are mostly used in formulation of detergent in developed countries. Different enzymes like protease, lipase, amylase, cellulose etc are used in detergent industries as they can split oil, fat, starch and protein. Due to capability of hydrolysis of fat and lipid, lipase is used in laundry industries and household detergent (Bajpai and Tyagi)

 Lipases in medical applications:

Lipases are evolving rapidly to show high potential in medicine. Intensive study and investigations have led researchers to explore lipases for their use in substitution therapy, where in enzyme deficiency during diseased conditions is compensated by their external administration (Loli et al., 2015). Lipases may be used as digestive aids (Gerhartz, 1990) and as the activators of Tumor Necrosis Factor, and therefore, can be used in the treatment of malignant tumors (Kato et al., 1989).

 Lipase in bio fuels production:

Bio fuels or biodiesels are the ester of long chain of fatty acids and small chain alcohols. Through direct transesterification of vegetable oils and fat with short

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chain of alcohols (i.e., ethanol and methanol) in the existence of proper catalyst synthesis of biodiesels molecules take place (Srivastava and Prasad 2000,). Transesterification is process similar to breakdown of water but here instead of water, alcohol is employed. In this reaction, displacement of alcohol from an ester to alcohol takes place (Jegannathan et. al., 2010).

 Lipases in cosmetics and personal care products:

The cosmetic sector lipases have been used for personal care such as cleaning, softening, aroma, and coloring. It has large market value after food and pharma sector and accounts for 200 billion Euros (Marion and Oliver, 2013).

Lipases have potential application in cosmetics and perfumeries because they show activities in surfactants and in aroma production. Transesterification of 3, 7-dimethyl-4, 7-octadien-1-ol with lipases from various microbial sources has been done to prepare rose oxide, which is an important fragrance ingredient in the perfume industry (Izumi et al., 1997).

 Lipases in bioremediation:

In biotechnology, lipase is Employment as the new aspect of bioremediation process. From different origins like restaurants and factories lipase can be used to clean up waste of lipid processing. Lipase could be used in both the ways either in situ or ex situ (Pandey et al., 1999). Environmental pollution and industrial is becoming critical more and more due to speedy development. In enzymological remediation, the lipase strains play important role in soil pollution (Lin et al., 2012). Lipase shows unique properties in field of cold adaption like Active compounds synthesis cold condition , bioremediation in fat contaminated and wastewater treatment in cold condition (Buchon et 10 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

al.,2000) at the same time in different regions, where temperature diminish , the competence microorganisms is degrading pollutants like lipids and oil. This enzyme is perfect for bioremediation process because it is active in moderate low temperature (Thakur, 2012). Table 2 sowing the industrial applications if lipase.

Table-2: Industrial applications of lipase

Food Action Product Application

Industry Dairy Hydrolysis of milk fat, cheese Production of flavoring agents in Foods ripening, modification of milk, cheese and butter (or in butter fat other dairy products).

Bakery Flavor improvement Shelf-life enhancement and Foods volume improvement.

Beverages Improved aroma or smell Alcoholic beverages, e.g. sake, wine etc.

Health Transesterification Healthy foods development. Foods

Fats and Transesterification, hydrolysis Coca butter, glycerol, fatty acids, Oils mono and diglycerol.

 Application of Lipase in Waste Cooking Oil Degradation:

Fats and oils are the substances which occur naturally and consist of the combination of fatty acid esters of trihydroxy alcohol or glycerol (Negedu et al., 2012). Vegetable oil is used in many areas i. e food industry as a food ingredient in house and restaurants. They are used in pharma industry too as

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they kill the bacteria and fit the dental cavity. Inspite of all these uses they affect the environmental condition too. They are responsible for the oil contamination which can threat the environment in a severe way (Bharathi et al., 2012).

Oil contamination can be treated with physical, mechanical and chemical methods i.e. they have been treated in high temperature(160-200°c) for long period, but this may lead to harshy condition and oxidation of fatty acid which may give an unpleasant odor and flavor to these fatty acids (Cvengros et al., 2004). To avoid all these issues there should be an effective and safer mechanism to degrade WCO or oil contamination from the environment. Biodegradation is the technique in which living organism is used to treat the oil contamination. It is the technique which utilizes the living organism to break down the organic substances. It is a process of transformation or degradation of an organic substance by microorganism or its produced enzyme (Dmitri). A wide number of microorganisms, aerobic and anaerobic have been used to break up the WCO (Pereira et al., 2003).

CONCLUSION:

Microorganisms have potential to synthesize lipase and biodegrade the lipid waste in mild conditions compared to the classical lipid degradation processes. The hydrolysis of ester bond-containing synthetic plastic, pesticide, insecticide and parabens are the one emerging aspect in current scenario and also applied for the production of biofuels and energy saving to sustain the global hazardous wastes. Another important aspect is the production of high value-added products using less energy consuming enzymatic catalysis connected with microbial lipases. For the pharmaceutical and medicinal applications lipase enzymes used as modulators such as activators and inhibitors specifically for 12 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

handling of lifestyle diseases such as obesity. In the present scenario lipase has a huge impact on therapeutics and would be further augmented in the imminent future.

REFERENCES:

1. Adlercreutz, P., 2013. Immobilization and application of lipases in organic media. Chemical Society Reviews, 42(15), pp.6406-6436.

2. Andualema, B. and Gessesse, A., 2012. Microbial lipases and their industrial applications. Biotechnology, 11(3), pp.100-118.

3. Basheer, S.M., Chellappan, S., Beena, P.S., Sukumaran, R.K., Elyas, K.K. and Chandrasekaran, M., 2011. Lipase from marine Aspergillus awamori BTMFW032: production, partial purification and application in oil effluent treatment. New Biotechnology, 28(6), pp.627-638.

4. Bharathi P, Elavarasi N and Mohan Sundaram S (2012). Studies on rate of biodegradation of vegetable (coconut) oil by using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. International Journal of Environmental Biology. 2(1):12-19.

5. Brozzoli, V., Crognale, S., Sampedro, I., Federici, F., D’annibale, A. and Petruccioli, M., 2009. Assessment of olive-mill wastewater as a growth medium for lipase production by Candida cylindracea in bench-top reactor. Bioresource technology, 100(13), pp.3395-3402.

6. Buchon, L., Laurent, P., Gounot, A.M. and Guespin-Michel, J.F., 2000. Temperature dependence of extracellular enzymes production by psychrotrophic and psychrophilic bacteria. Biotechnology letters, 22(19), pp.1577-1581. 13 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

7. Burkert, J.F.D.M., Maugeri, F. and Rodrigues, M.I., 2004. Optimization of extracellular lipase production by Geotrichum sp. using factorial design. Bioresource technology, 91(1), pp.77-84.

8. Cordova, J., Nemmaoui, M., Ismaıli-Alaoui, M., Morin, A., Roussos, S., Raimbault, M. and Benjilali, B., 1998. Lipase production by solid state fermentation of olive cake and sugar cane bagasse. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 5(1-4), pp.75-78.

9. Cvengros, J. and Cvengrosova, Z., 2004. Used frying oils and fats and their utilization in the production of methyl esters of higher fatty acids. Biomass and Bioenergy, 27(2), pp.173-181.

10. Gennari, F., S. Miertus, M.Stredansky and F. Pizzio, (1998). Use Of biocatalysts for industrial applications. Genetic Engeneering Biotchnology, 4, pp. 14-23.

11. Ghosh, P.K., Saxena, R.K., Gupta, R., Yadav, R.P. and Davidson, S., 1996. Microbial lipases: production and applications. Science Progress (1933-), pp.119-157.

12. Godfrey, T. and S. West, (1996). Introduction to Industrial Enzymology. 2nd Edn. Stockholm Press, New York, pp: 1-17.

13. Jaeger, K.E. and Reetz, M.T., 1998. Microbial lipases form versatile tools for biotechnology. Trends in biotechnology, 16(9), pp.396-403.

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INTEGRATED INSECT MANAGEMENT IN GUAR

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0026

Amita Pachori

Assistant Professor (Plant Pathology)

College of Agriculture, Powarkheda, Hoshangabad

JNKVV,Jabalpur

Email: [email protected]

======

INTRODUCTION

About Crop: Cluster bean/Guar (Cyamopsistetragonoloba) belongs to fabaceae family and mostly used as vegetable, fodder, green manure, gum production. Guar is grown in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid regions. Commercially, gum is used in the paper, textile, food processing, oil, gas, cosmetics, mining and explosives industries. Guar is a native to India and has been cultivated in the country for ages. India is the world’s largest producer of guar, contributing about 80 per cent of global production. Guar gum has emerged as top value added agricultural product in Indian export market. In India, cluster bean is mostly grown in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Due to some pest problem its production is affected adversely. Here some management practices are discussed about how to overcome these pest problems by adopting integrated management tools.

THRIPS

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Scientific name: Thrips palmi

Identification: Thripspalmi is polyphagous but mostly found on Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae crops. Egg is colorless topale white in color, and bean-shaped in form; turns yellow towards maturation; laid singly inside the plant tissues. The larvae resemble the adults in general body form though they lack wings and are smaller.

Damaging Symptoms: They usually feed on older leaves. Full fed larvae descends to the soils of leaf litter where it pupates making an earthen chamber. Adult arepale yellow with numerous dark setae. A black line from the juncture of wings runs along the back of the body. Slender fringed wings are pale. Fringe is shorter on the anterior edge than posterior. Body length is 0.8 -1.0 mm. Adults feed on young growth. Thrip’s antenna is seven segmented, ocelli red pigmented.

WHITEFLIES:

Scientific name: Bemisiatabacii

Identification: Eggs are yellowish white laid singly on the under surface of leaves. Nymphs are yellowish and brownish, sub elliptical and scale like.

Damaging symptoms: They are found

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in large numbers on underside of leaves. Pupae also resemble nymphs in shape and have brownish opercula. Whitefly is a well-known vector, which transmits leaf curl virus. It has piercing and sucking mouthpart and both nymphs and adults feed on lower surface of the leaves causing deformation of young leaves. Whiteflies also excrete honeydew, causing sooty mold.

APHID:

Scientific name: Aphis pisum

Identification: This is a cosmopolitan pest and highly polyphagous. The adult color is highly variable and it varies from light green to greenish brown. The adult color is highly variable and it varies from light green to greenish brown. Both wingless and winged forms occur. They possess a pair of black colored cornicles on the dorsal side of the abdomen. Aphids mostly are found in groups. Both the nymphs and adults possess piercing and sucking mouthparts.

Damaging symptoms: They occur in large numbers on the tender shoots and lower leaf surfaces, and suck the plant sap. Slightly infested leaves exhibit yellowing. Severe aphid infestations cause young leaves to curl and become deformed.

LEAF MINER:

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Scientific name: Phytomyza horticola

Identification: The pea leaf miner Phytomyza horticola (Diptera, Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous species. P. horticola has a wider host range and an important pest in India. The female deposits her eggs in leaf tissue, leaving small brown puncture wounds.

Damaging symptoms: Adults feed on plant fluids that exude from these wounds. The larvae, of all leaf miner species, feed inside the leaves of their hosts, creating unsightly mines in the leaf tissue. Dark fecal material accumulates in the mine as the larva feeds. Larvae destroy cells as they feed, so heavily mined leaves can die and heavily infested plants can lose vigor.

TOBACCO CATERPILLAR:

Scientific name: Spodoptera litura

Identification: The tobacco caterpillar is one of the most important insect pests of agricultural crops in the Asian tropics. The eggs are spherical, somewhat flattened, and 0.6 mm in diameter. They are usually pale orange- brown or pink in colour, laid in batches

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and covered with hair scales from the tip of the abdomen of the female moth. Egg masses measure about 4-7 mm in diameter and appear golden brown because they are covered with body scales of females. The larva is hairless, variable in colour. Young larvae are light green, the later instars are dark green to brown on their backs, lighter underneath.

Damaging Symptoms: Larvae cause damage by consuming foliage. Young larvae initially consume leaf tissue from one side, leaving the opposite epidermal layer intact. By the second or third instar, larvae begin to make holes in leaves, and eat from the edge of the leaves inward. Later instar larvae feeds on beans by making holes.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

The following management practices should be adopted for the management of various pests of cluster bean:

 Destruction of debris, crop residues, weeds & other alternate hosts

 Deep summer ploughing

 Frequent raking of soil beneath the crop to expose and kill the eggs, grubs

& pupa.

 Hand collection and destruction of infested leaves and fruits.

 Adoption of proper crop rotation and avoid growing of cucurbit crops in

sequence.

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 Use of resistant and tolerant varieties recommended by the State

Agricultural Universities of the region. Early maturing varieties are less

affected by fruit flies than later ones.

 Slight raking of soil during fruiting time and after the harvest to expose

pupae from the soil.

 Use cue-lure traps to attract B. cucurbitae males.

 Use poison bait against fruit fly-mix 500 gmjaggery, 20 ml malathion and

keeping plastic containers (100ml/container) @ 5 nos/acre for monitoring

and 20/acre for mass killing of fruit fly.

 Use fish meal trap @ 10-15 nos/acre for fruit fly.

 Use 10 banana pulp traps/acre against fruit fly-mix 20gm banana pulp, 3

drops of palm oil and 10 granules of carbofuran and keep in plastic

container.

 Cover fruits with polythene/paper bags to minimize fruit fly infestation.

 Conserve predators such as Pennsylvania leather wing beetle

(Chauliognathuspensylvanicus); larvae of which feed on pumpkin beetle

larva.

 Conserve parasitoids such as Celatoriasetosa (grub).

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 Use well decomposed FYM @ 8-10 tones per acre or vermi-compost @ 5

tons per acre treated with Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas sp. @ 2 kg

per acre as seed/nursery treatment and soil application for controlling soil

borne disease such as root rot, wilting.

 Apply neem cake @ 100 kg per acre for reducing nematode population.

 Use dimethoate30 EC 1 ml/liter of water or methyl demeton 25 EC 1

ml/liter of water for control of sucking pest of clusterbean.

REFERENCES:

1. JyaniMukesh, et al., (2018) An Economic Analysis of Cluster bean in Bikaner District of Rajasthan. International Journal of Agriculture Sciences, 10(7):5672-5675. 2. https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_veg_ beans.html

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DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN CLUSTERBEAN

ARTICLE ID. NO. - 0027

Pachori A.1

Assistant Professor (Plant Pathology)

College of Agriculture, Powarkheda, Hoshangabad

JNKVV,Jabalpur

Email: [email protected]

ABOUT CROP:

Botanical Name of Cluster bean/Guar is Cyamopsis tetragonoloba and is an important vegetable and seed (gum) crop. It belongs to fabaceae family and used as vegetable, fodder, green manure, gum production. Commercially, gum is used in the paper, textile, food processing, oil, gas, cosmetics, mining and explosives industries. Guar is grown in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid regions. Guar is a native to India and has been cultivated in the country for ages. India is the world’s largest producer of guar, contributing about 80 per cent of global production. Guar gum has emerged as top value added agricultural product in Indian export market. In India, cluster bean is mostly grown in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar

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Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan occupies first position in India both in area and production. It accounts for almost 82.1 per cent area and 70% production in India. Haryana and Gujarat have second and third position respectively. Due to some fungal and bacterial diseases, its production is affected adversely. Here some management practices are discussed about how to overcome these diseases problem by adopting integrated management tools.

ANTHRACNOSE: It is a fungal disease and caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum.

Symptoms: Cluster bean pods with black, sunken lesions or reddish-brown blotches. Black, sunken lesions about half inch in diameter develop on stems, pods and seedling leaves (cotyledons) but are most prominent on pods. Salmon colored ooze on lesions and the veins on lower leaf surfaces turn black. Anthracnose develops primarily during the spring and fall when the weather is cool and wet, and not during our hot, dry summers.

Management: Prevent this disease by using certified disease-free seed for planting and removing all plant debris after harvest. Anthracnose can survive in the soil for two years on plant debris or be brought to the garden on infected seeds. Do not plant cluster bean seeds in an area that had disease for two to three years. Avoid overhead watering and avoid splashing soil onto the plants

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when watering. Fungicide sprays of fixed copper are the only recommended chemical that can be used for anthracnose control.

ROOT ROTS: It is a fungal disease and caused by Rhizoctonia solani

Symptoms: It is caused by soil borne fungus. In which seedlings fail to emerge after planting when the seeds rot in the soil or young seedlings may be stunted. Plants are usually affected slightly above or below the soil line with a watery soft rot. Root of the infected plant usually dies and leaves turn yellow.

Management: Do not plant cluster bean in low, poorly drained areas. Plant raised on beds. Plant after the soil has warmed to 69° F at a 4 inch depth. Reduce disease buildup in the soil by rotating locations in the garden where you plant cluster bean with other vegetables. Try to avoid injury to the root system, which often occurs during planting, through cultivation or due to a large population of nematodes in the soil. Remove crop debris immediately after harvest. Plant seeds previously treated with fungicide.

RUST: It is a fungal disease and caused byUromyces sp.

Symptoms: It affects under humid conditions. It causes rust-colored spots to form on the lower leaf surfaces. Severely infected leaves turn yellow, wilt and then drop off of the plant. Stems and pods may also be infected.

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Management: The fungus survives the winter in the soil, on plant debris and even on pods used the previous year. In gardens where rust has been severe, crop rotation is important. As plants begin to bloom, wettable sulfur or copper oxychloride can be sprayed weekly on snap and green beans only. Wait seven days between spraying and harvest when using fungicide on beans. Apply chemicals according to directions on the label.

BACTERIAL BLIGHTS: It is a Bacterial disease and caused byXanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli

Symptoms: The stems, leaves and fruits of cluster bean plant can be infected by either disease. Rain and damp weather favor disease development. Halo blight occurs primarily when temperatures are cool. Light greenish-yellow circles that look like halos form around a brown spot or lesion on the plant. With age, the lesions may join together as the leaf turns yellow and slowly dies. Stem lesions appear as long, reddish spots. Leaves infected with common blight turn brown and drop quickly from the plant. Common blight infected pods do not have the greenish-yellow halo around the infected spot or lesion. Common blight occurs mostly during warm weather.

Management: This disease comes from infected seeds. The diseases spread readily when moisture is present. Avoid overhead watering and do not touch plants when the foliage is wet. The bacteria can live in the soil for two years on plant debris. Do not plant beans in the same location more frequently than every third year. Buy new seeds each year.

POWDERY MILDEW: It is a fungal disease and caused by Erysiphe polygonii

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Symptoms: Leaves are covered with patches of a whitish to grayish powdery growth. New growth appears contorted, curled or dwarfed and may turn yellow and drop. Pods are dwarfed and distorted.This is mostly a problem on fall beans. Powdery mildew is spread by wind and rain.

Management: Avoid closer spacing by providing proper spacing between the crops. Remove and destroy all the debris after harvesting. Avoid same cropping for 3 to 3 years in same area. When the disease is first noticed, sprays or dusts sulfur. Do not use sulfur on young plants.

References:

1. Jyani Mukesh, et al., (2018) An Economic Analysis of Cluster bean in

Bikaner District of Rajasthan. International Journal of Agriculture

Sciences, ISSN: 0975- 3710 & E-ISSN: 0975-9107, Volume 10, Issue 7,

pp.-5672-5675.

2. https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_v

eg_beans.html

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NANOTECHNOLOGY ARTICLE ID. NO. – 0029

Patidar K.1

Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya Krishi Nager, Adhartal , Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482004 (PIN)

======

INTRODUCTION

"Nano" derived from Greek word vavos and means "dwarf” Technology is a study of making, usage, knowledge of tools, machine and technique in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. Nanometer is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one billionth of a meter (10-9m).

DEFINITION

'Nanoscience is provided of information and knowledge of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scale, where properties differences significantly from those at larger scale'.(Reddy,2019) Involve of information in Nanotechnology design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at nanometer. This is a process that build control and restructure material that are the size of atoms and molecules

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DEFINITION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY PROVIDED BY THE US NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE (NNI): Nanotechnology is essentially knowledge provided for understanding and control of matter at dimension between 1 -100 nm, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. They involves nanoscale science, engeering and technologies, imaging, measuring, modelling and manipulating matter at this length scale'.

BACKGROUND OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IS GIVEN BELOW:

 2000 years ago - Sulphide nanocrystals used by Greek and Romans to

dye hairs.

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 1000 years ago - different sizes of Gold nanoparticles used to produce

different colours in stained glass windows

 1959 - " There is plenty of room at the bottom" by R feyrman

 1961 - Scanning confocal microscope developed by Marvin Minsky

 1974 - fist time Taniguchi used term nanotechnology

 1981 - IBM develops scanning tunnelling microscope

 1985 - " Buckayball"- Scientist at Rice University and University of

Sussex discover C60

 1986 - " Engines of creation " 1St book on nanotechnology by Eric

Drexler Atomic Force Microscope invented by Binning , Quate and

Gerbe

 1989 - IBM logo made with individual atoms

 1991 - Carbone nanotube discovered by S Ligima

 1999 - Nano medicine - 1st Nnomedicine book by R Freites

 2000 - "Natonal Nanotechnology" launche.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NANOPARTICLES:

 Nenopartucles are highly mobile in the Free State.

 They have enormous specific surface areas.

 They exhibit quantum effects.

Two main approaches are used in nanotechnology.

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1) "bottom-up" approach:- this approach within Materials and devises are

built from molecular components whichassemble themselves chemically

by principles of molecular recognition.

2) "top-down" approach:- In this approach included of Nano-objects are

constructed from larger entities without atomic level control.

Potential applications and advantages of Nanotechnology

 Advances in disease treatments, such as cancer

 Better imaging and diagnostic equipment

 Advantage of Energy-efficient products such as fuel and solar cells

 Improve in manufacturing that allow for durable, light-weight, efficient

production tools

 They are Improved of electronic devices, including transistors, and

plasma displays and quantum computers

 Nanorobots can be use to rebuild the ozone layer, clean polluted areas

and lesson dependence on non-renewable energy sources

Disadvantages of Nanotechnology

• Potential dangers to humans and the environment • Loss of manufacturing and agricultural jobs

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• Not advantage of Economic market crashes related to a potential lower value of oil due to more efficient energy sources and gold or diamonds, materials that can be reproduced with molecular manipulation • Accessibility of weapons of mass destruction • Improved atomic weaponry • The both cost of research and products made from nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION

Nanotechnology is the most important in every sector such as Nanomedicece for human, Nanofertilizers, Nanobiosensors, Nanocantilevers and Nanopesticides etc. for agriculture. This technology making everything is possible our life, but faces many difficulty for applying such as nanoparticles not seen our human eyes but only seen by microsopes and nanoparticles not collected by easy method. In this technology uses expensive tools and technique.

Other way seen of this technology most important for human cancer, sustainable agriculture and precision farming etc. Nano technology has made possible of complex problem to easy or simple and solve to easy method. Nano technology is both ever use of beneficial and harmfulness depends on our thinking’s.

REFFERENCE:

1. SR Reddy (2019), Principles of agronomy, kalyani publishers (794). 2. Kritishing ( 2013) Nanotechnology ppt: Nano & technology, technology slideshare (2) 3. Sruthi k (2016) Nanotechnology: Introduction, education SlideShare(3-4). 4. Microscopemastet Nanotechnology & sciencedaily. 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

5. Nitesh kumar tomar (2017) Basic aspect of nanotechnology and its application, science Slide Share.

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MICROGREENS USE AS NUTRITIVE VEGETABLE

ARTICLE ID. NO. – 0030

Shubham Kumar1, Deepak Maurya1 and Ankit Kumar Pandey2

Department of Horticulture (Vegetable & Floriculture), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar 813210, India*1

Department of Horticulture (Fruit and Fruit Technology), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar 813210, India*2

======

ABSTRACT

Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetables and herbs. They are an emerging type of specialty vegetable that people can buy from shops or grow at home from the seeds of vegetables, herbs, or grains. They include some wild species. Scientists see microgreens as a functional food, which means that they can provide key nutrients in a practical way. Some people call them a superfood. People have long grown mustard and cress on their kitchen window ledges and in classrooms. They are fun to grow, tasty to eat, and healthful. However, other types of sprout and microgreen have recently become popular as health foods. Microgreens can play a role in both sweet and savory dishes. In addition to their nutritional value, they can add flavor, texture, and color to salads and sandwiches. People can also add them to smoothies or use them as a garnish. They are suitable for eating raw, which means that they retain their vitamin and mineral content.

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Key words: Microgreens, vegetables, nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

WHAT ARE MICROGREENS?

Sprouts are newly germinated seeds that people harvest just as the seed begins to grow and before their leaves develop. Conversely, micro-greens grow from sprouts and they have leaves. Like sprouts, micro-greens are a young vegetable. However, sprouts and micro-greens are not the same. When the cotyledon leaves the embryonic leaves have fully developed, and the first true leaves have emerged, the plant becomes a micro-green. People usually grow sprouts in water and harvest them within 2–3 days. Micro-greens can grow either in soil or hydroponically but they need sunlight. People harvest them after 1–3 weeks, depending on the type. People can grow micro-greens from any herb or vegetable. The flavor will depend on the plant.

KINDS OF MICROGREENS

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Microgreens can be grown from many different types of seeds. The most popular varieties are produced using seeds from thefollowing plant families.

 Asteraceae family: Lettuce, endive, chicory and radicchio.

 Apiaceae family: Dill, carrot, fennel and celery.

 Amaryllidaceae family: Garli c, onion, leek.

 Amaranthaceaefamily: Amaranth, quinoa swiss chard, beet and spinach.

 Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula.

 Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber and squash.

Microgreens might offer several benefits as an addition to the diet. Rich in nutrients. Many fresh plant products provide vitamins, minerals and fiber.

These nutrients can help with:

 Preventing a range of diseases.

 Managing weight boosting both mental and physical health and well-being.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MICROGREENS

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Eating vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many diseases. This is likely thanks to the high amounts of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds they contain. Micro greens contain similar and often greater amounts of these nutrients than mature greens.

As such, they may similarly reduce the risk of the following diseases:

Heart disease: Micro greens are a rich source of polyphenols, a class of antioxidants linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Animal studies show that micro greens may lower triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.

Alzheimer’s disease: Antioxidant-rich foods, including those containing high amounts of polyphenols, may be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes: Antioxidants may help reduce the type of stress that can prevent sugar from properly entering cells. In lab studies, fenugreek micro greens appeared to enhance cellular sugar uptake by 25–44%

Certain cancers: Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in polyphenols, may lower the risk of various types of cancer. Polyphenol-rich micro greens may be expected to have similar effects. While this seems promising, note that the number of studies directly measuring the effect of micro greens on these medical conditions is limited, and none could be found in humans.

HOW TO GROW MICROGREENS

Micro greens are seeds grown in a soil mix or a fiber mat that grow under indirect sunlight with adequate moisture. They don't require a lot of maintenance, but you should keep tabs and give your seedlings about eight 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

hours of daily sunlight to thrive. Grow lights or window sills are an excellent way to help your plant thrive throughout the day. In warm climates, micro greens can be grown outdoors all year round.

Sowing seeds

Sprinkle the seeds over the seed starting mix and potting soil according to the

recommended density for that specific seed. After sowing, sprinkle a thin layer

of soil on top, and press the soil in lightly and then carefully mist seeds or

sprouts with water from a spray bottle. Cover your tray with a clear plastic

vented humidity dome. Alternatively, you can also use a second 1020 tray to

create a blackout dome. If you will be using a blackout dome, remove the cover

after seeds have germinated. If you are growing your seeds indoors, place the

tray in an area with indirect light, a well-lit window or under grow lights.

Presoak seeds

Soaking some types of seed will speed up the germination process. Check the

package of the particular seed on requirements for specific pre-soaking

instructions, usually a few hours to overnight. If it doesn't mention it, it's safer

to assume it's not needed. After pre-soaking is complete, rinse and drain the

seeds in a colander

Grow medium choices for micro greens

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The next step in the micro-green growing process is to fill your clean micro-

green tray with your chosen grow medium. Grow medium can be compost, a

soil mix or even just a 50/50 blend of perlite & vermiculite. Try not to over

think this part. Larger seeds usually require soil. Smaller seeds, like lettuce or

kale work great with grow mats or soil. (here's a bit more info on grow mats, in

case you're interested). If using our micro-green tray, fill 0.75-inch-deep with

soil and spread evenly.

People wishing to grow their own microgreens can follow these steps:

1. Scatter seeds over an inch of potting soil in a planter dish or tray and cover with another thin layer of soil.

2. Mist the soil with water and place near a source of sunlight or a grow light.

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HARVESTING OF MICROGREENS

 Nutritious microgreens are usually ready to harvest anywhere from 7-28 days after planting. Most are ready to be harvested when they reach 1 - 3 inches tall in length. To harvest, simply snip just above soil level using clean kitchen shears.

 Give your harvested microgreens a rinse and lay them down on paper towels or a clean dish towel to dry. You can store your harvested microgreens in the refrigerator in a semi-sealed container or bag (allow a tiny bit of airflow).

 To reap the maximum health benefits from microgreens, consume them right after harvesting.

 For more information on growing specific varieties of microgreens read our ultimate microgreen cheat sheet.

HOW TO INCLUDE MICROGREENS IN YOUR DIET

There are many ways to include microgreens in your diet.

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 They can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, wraps and salads.

 Microgreens may also be blended into smoothies or juiced. Wheat grass juice is a popular example of a juiced microgreen.

 Another option is to use them as garnishes on pizzas, soups, omelets, curries and other warm dishes.

IS EATING THEM RISKY?

 Eating microgreens is generally considered safe.

 Nevertheless, one concern is the risk of food poisoning. However, the potential for bacteria growth is much smaller in microgreens than in sprouts.

 Microgreens require slightly less warm and humid conditions than sprouts do, and only the leaf and stem, rather than the root and seed are consumed.

 That said, if you’re planning on growing microgreens at home, it’s important to buy seeds from a reputable company and choose growing

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mediums that are free of contamination with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

 The most common growing mediums are peat, perlite and vermiculite. Single-use growing mats produced specifically for growing microgreens are considered very sanitary.

CONCLUSION

Microgreens production to fill the consumer’s plate with nutrition is an excellent adaptive approach under changing climate and reducing agrarian resources. Although there are several hi-tech farms in North American and European countries, which are serving people with nutritious fresh vegetables yet there are very few hi-tech private farms producing microgreens in India. Being a developing nation, it is impractical to develop hi-tech farms all around the nation and that too in remote areas; therefore, by utilizing the low-cost microgreens units developed by DIHAR-DRDO, it would be easy to add nutrition to the diet in remote areas. DIHAR-DRDO is the first public institution to provide the agro-techniques for different microgreen vegetables under harsh areas to strengthen the availability of fresh nutrientrich food to army personals deployed and local inhabitants of the area. Double-wall polyenchpolyhouses which are famous in the region could be utilized to produce microgreen vegetables under sub-zero temperature conditions. Monotonous state of mind in remote areas causes fatigue and social sickness; therefore, by engaging minds in the growing of microgreens could be helpful for minimizing lassitude among them. Limited studies have been carried out to prove the health benefits of microgreen vegetables all around the world so there is an immense potential for

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the study of different vegetables at the microgreen stage for the identification of functional phytonutrients from them.

Reference:

1. https://www. gardeners. com/how-to/grow-microgreens/7987. html 2. https://www. healthline. com/nutrition/microgreens

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ORGANIC FARMING: NEED OF THE HOURS FOR QUALITY FOOD TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE HEALTH MANAGEMENT ARTICLE ID. NO. – 0030

Kumar K.1, Yadav M 1 and Tripathi VK1 C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, U.P. (India)

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BACKGROUND

Organic farming is an agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Modern organic farming was developed as a response to the environmental harm caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture, and it has numerous ecological benefits. Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields. Indeed, yields of organic crops have been found to be about 25 per cent lower overall than conventionally grown crops, although this can vary considerably depending upon the type of crop. The challenge for future organic agriculture will be to maintain its environmental benefits, increase yields, and reduce prices while meeting the challenges of climate change and an increasing world population.

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Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system which originated early in the 20th century in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices. Certified organic agriculture accounts for 70 million hectares globally, with over half of that total in Australia. Organic farming continues to be developed by various organic agriculture organizations today. It is defined by the use of fertilizers of organic origin such as compost manure, green manure, and bone meal and places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting. Biological pest control, mixed cropping and the fostering of insect predators are encouraged. In general, organic standards are designed to allow the use of naturally occurring substances while prohibiting or strictly limiting synthetic substances. For instance, naturally occurring pesticides such as pyrethrin and rote-none are permitted, while synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are generally prohibited.

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic farming organizations established in 1972.

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HISTORY

The concepts of organic agriculture were developed in the early 1900s by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner and others who believed that the use of animal manures (often made into compost), cover crops, crop rotation, and biologically based pest controls resulted in a better farming system. Such practices were further promoted by various advocates such as J.I. Rodale and his son Robert, in the 1940s and onward, who published Organic Gardening and Farming magazine and a number of texts on organic farming. The demand for organic food was stimulated in the 1960s by the publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, which documented the extent of environmental damage caused by insecticides. Organic food sales increased steadily from the late 20th century. Greater environmental awareness, coupled with concerns over the health impacts of pesticide residues and consumption of genetically modified crops, fostered the growth of the organic sector.

Organic farming has been practiced in India for thousands of years. The great Indian civilization thrived on organic farming; India was one of the most prosperous countries in the world until the British invaded and ruled it. In traditional India, the entire industry of agriculture was practiced using organic techniques, where the fertilizers and pesticides were obtained from plant and animal products. Organic farming was the backbone of the Indian economy and cows were worshiped (as is still done) as sacred animals from God. The cow not only provided milk but also provided bullocks (for farming) and dung (which was used as a fertilizer).

During the 1950s and 1960s, the ever-increasing population of India, along with several natural calamities, led to a severe food scarcity in the 3 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

country. As a result, the government was forced to import food grains from foreign countries. To increase food security, the government had to drastically increase food production in India. The Green Revolution (under the leadership of M. S. Swaminathan) became the government’s most important program in the 1960s. Several hectares of land were brought under cultivation. Hybrid seeds were introduced.

Before the Green Revolution, it was feared that millions of poor Indians would die of hunger in the mid 1970s. However, within a few years, the Green Revolution had shown its impact. The country, which greatly relied on imports for its food supply, reduced its imports every passing year. In the 1990s, India had surplus food grains and had once again become an exporter of food grains to the rest of the world. As time went by, extensive dependence on chemical farming has shown its darker side. The land is losing its fertility and is demanding larger quantities of fertilizers to be used every season.

Pests are becoming immune to pesticides, requiring the farmers to use stronger and costlier pesticides that can do more damage to the environment. Due to the increased cost of farming, farmers are falling into the trap of money lenders, who are exploiting them to no end, even forcing some to commit suicide. Both consumers and farmers are now gradually shifting back to organic farming in India. It is believed by many that organic farming is the much healthier and sustainable option. Although the health benefits of organic food are yet to be proven fully, consumers are willing to pay a higher premium for organic crops.

Many farmers in India are shifting to organic farming due to the domestic and international demand for organic food. Further stringent standards for non- 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

organic food in European and US markets have led to the rejection of many Indian food consignments in the past. Organic farming, therefore, provides a better alternative to chemical farming.

According to the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD), about 2.5 million hectares of land were being utilized for organic farming in India in 2004. Furthermore, there are over 15,000 certified organic farms in India. Therefore, India is one of the most important suppliers of organic food for developed nations. There is no doubt that the organic movement has once again begun in India.

METHODS OF ORGANIC FARMING

Organic farming involves various techniques which are eco-friendly and by practicing it the fertility of soil is conserved for long time. There various methods in organic farming some of them are Crop rotation, use of green manures, biological pest control and composting, these also provide employment to agriculture labours.

Crop rotation

It is a technique of growing different crops in same area according to the seasons and it is practiced to avoid agriculture pests, and to maintain soil fertility.

Green manures

Green manures are the plant leaves and waste material of plant which cover the soil and stuffed in to soil and become as nutrient to the soil and increase the soil fertility. 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Vermi-composting

It is a process of composting using different worms like white worms, earth worms and red wrigglers for preparation of compost with mix of kitchen waste and other vegetable waste. This is rich in nutrients and used as fertilizers in the agriculture fields.

Biological pest control

Living organisms are used to protect plants from peats without synthetic chemicals.

ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FARMING

Organic farming is an important form of doing agriculture which has many benefits to ecosystem such as:

Nutrition

Organic food is rich in nutrients and it is free from harmful chemicals, it also increases the nutrients in the soil so the grown crop is healthier to consume.

Free from chemicals

In organic farming chemicals are not used to control pests and other harmful plant diseases, which causes cancer and other diseases to the consumers. But organic farming is free of toxic chemicals.

Quality food

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The organic food is having quality with nutrients and it tastes better than the food grown by using synthetic chemicals and quality of food is determined by its taste. Brix analysis is used to measure the quality of vegetables and fruits.

Long time Store

Organic food has the capability of longer time storage due to its metabolic and structural integrity in their cellular structure than the other crops grown by using synthetic chemicals.

Low input cost

Expenditure on agriculture is low with organic farming because it need animals to till the land, manures which are easily available and they can prepare their own, and the bio fertilizers are prepared with low cost

Employment to agriculture labors

In present day machinery are replacing man power and making them unemployed but with organic farming it provides employment because many techniques are used, from preparation of manure to cop harvesting.

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

In present world most of the consuming food contains harmful chemicals which are causing various diseases unknowingly or neglected knowingly this can be reduced by organic farming. The agricultural lands are becoming useless to do agriculture if this continues the coming generations will face a serious problem of food production and they unable to produce quality food. It requires proper practice of organic farming skills with patience.

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LIMITATIONS

Apart from advantages organic farming is demerits they are:

 Organic farming is a time taking process in getting the result, which makes the farmers to neglect this kind of farming.

 It requires more labour force and should have regular observation compared to conventional farming.

 Organic farming is a skill based work and farmers should be trained time to time according to the seasons and the condition of the crops.

 Low productivity is the major problem in organic farming compared to conventional farming, but in conventional form of agriculture the fertility of soil is decreasing time to time with excess use of chemicals.

However it has some disadvantages it is a useful form of doing agriculture, which benefits the ecosystem and the consumers. The soil gains the nutrients and maintains the soil fertility for longer time and useful for agriculture.

CONCLUSION

Most of the farmers are doing conventional form of agriculture to get the high yield and quick result, but with conventional agriculture, the fertility of the soil is decreasing gradually and if this kind of practice continues, then land become useless for agriculture. So, to avoid such a serious problem practice of organic farming helps the soil to maintain the fertility and can get good quality of food products for sustainable health management which is the need of the

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hour. However it has certain limitation but over all, organic farming is excellent alternative of eco-friendly form of agriculture.

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PAPAYA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ARTICLE ID. : 0032 Parashar K.1, Parashar A.1 & Sharma Y.2 Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sirohi1, SKN COA, Jobner2

INTRODUCTION

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is widely grown in the tropical and sub tropical regions in about 57 countries across the world. India, Brazil, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, Nigeria and Mexico are the leading countries in papaya production. India contributing 43.7 per cent to total world production is the largest producer with 5.63 million tonnes (2013-14). It is widely grown in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Kerala and has emerged as a very remunerative commercial crop because of its early yields, high productivity, good nutritive value and availability throughout the year. It is grown for both fresh fruit and for papain extraction. Ripe fruits are very rich in carotenoids, precursors of Vitamin A (666I.U).

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SOIL AND CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS

Papaya is basically a tropical plant; it requires not only high temperature but also ample sunshine and adequate moisture in the soil and is highly sensitive to frost. Regions having summer temperature between 38 to 480C and where winter temperature does not fall below 50C are ideal for its growth. Temperature below 100C retards maturity, ripening and to certain extent the growth and fruit set. It is adapted to a wide range of rainfall conditions from 35 cm to 250 cm annual precipitation. Well drained, medium black to red loamy soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0 are suitable to grow this fruit. Papaya is highly susceptible to water logging and roots get damaged due to stagnant water.

VARIETIES

In India, a large number of papaya varieties are cultivated. There are two basic types of varieties - ‘dioecious’ that produce separate female and male plants and ‘gynodioecious’ that produce female and hermaphrodite plants. Important varieties that are grown in different states are given hereunder; Andhra Pradesh: Taiwanese lines, Arka Surya and Arka Prabhath

Bihar : Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Majesty, PusaNanha, Pusa Giant, Pusa Delicious and Ranchi. Karnataka : Coorg Honey Dew, Sunrise Solo, CO.3, CO.4, Arka Surya, Arka Prabhath and Taiwanese lines. Maharashtra : Taiwanese lines. Odisha : Coorg Honey Dew, Surya, Washington, Ranchi, Pusa Dwarf and Pusa Delicious. Tamil Nadu : CO.2, CO.5, CO.6, CO.7, CO.8, ArkaSurya, Arka Prabhath, Coorg Honey Dew and Taiwanese lines. Uttar Pradesh : Coorg Honey Dew, Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Delicious, CO.1, CO.5 and Barwani Red.

The characteristic features of commercially important varieties are briefed below: 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

1. Washington: It is hardy and dioecious in nature, petioles are purple pigmented and fruits are round to ovate in shape and medium sized, weighting 1 kg to 1.2 kg on an average with yellow pulp, 120Brix TSS, large cavity and moderate keeping quality. It yields about 60 kg/ plant.

2. Barwani Red: It is a dioecious type similar to Washington, but is dwarf and devoid of purple color and yields about 40 kg /plant. The fruits weigh about 0.5 to 2 kg with 11.00 Brix TSS, large fruit cavity and good keeping quality.

3. Coorg Honey Dew: It is a gynodiocious, semi dwarf selection from Honey Dew used for both table purpose and papain extraction. Fruits are big weighing 1.75 to 2 kg, dark green in colour with slight ridging skin surface, elongated and oval from hermaphrodite trees and ovoid from female trees, with 13.50 Brix TSS, yellow pulp, large cavity and poor keeping quality.

4. CO.1: It is a dioecious variety evolved by sib mating the cultivar Ranchi over a period of eight years at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The plant is semi-vigorous and the first fruiting takes place at the height of 60-75 cm. Fruits are medium to big, round with flattened base slight nipple and ridges present at the apex, weighing around 1.5 kg. Pulp is orange yellow in color, medium firm, moderately juicy, without papain odor and keeping quality is good with 120 Brix TSS. Yields about 50-60 fruits/ tree in a period of 20 months from planting.

5. CO.2: A dioeciously selection from local type for papain extraction released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Fruits are large, weighing about 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg. Pulp is orange colored, soft to firm and moderately juicy with 13.5 to 14.5oBrix TSS. It yields about 80-100 fruits / tree and latex yield per fruit is 25-30g.

6. CO.3: This is a gynodioecious hybrid for table purpose from the cross of CO2 x Sunrise Solo released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Fruits are perform, smooth, weighing about 800g and firm with medium cavity, red pulp, 13.5oBrix TSS and good keeping quality. It yields 90-120 fruits each weighing 450- 500 g. 3 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

7. CO.4: This is dioecious variety having purple coloration in all parts of the plant, released by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University from the cross of CO1 x Washington. The fruit is firm; medium sized weighing about 1.3 to 1.5 kg and round with yellow pulp, medium cavity and 13oBrix TSS. Trees give 80 fruits / plant over a period of two years.

8. CO.5: It is a selection by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore for high papain content from the variety Washington. It is a dioecious variety producing fruits of about 1.5 kg with yellow and moderately soft pulp. It gives about 80 kg fruits / plant in two years with an average yield of 1500 to 1600 kg dried papain per hectare.

9. CO.6: It is a dioecious, dwarf selection from Giant papaya made at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, useful for table purpose and papain extraction. It produces large sized fruits of 2 kg having large cavity. Pulp is yellow and moderately firm with 120Brix TSS. It yields 80-100 fruits /tree.

10. CO.7: It is a gynodioecious hybrid developed through multiple crosses and purified for over four years. The parents are Pusa Delicious, CO3, Coorg Honey Dew and CP. 85, released by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Fruits weigh about 1.15 kg oblong with small cavity, red pulp and 16.70Brix TSS. It yields about 98 fruits / tree and about 340 tons / hectare for 28 months cropping period.

11. Pusa Majesty: This is a gynodioecious line developed at IARI Regional Research Station, Pusa, in Bihar by sib mating the variety Ranchi. It starts bearing at the height of 48 cm within 245 days of planting. The average fruit weight is around 1 to 1.5 kg. The fruit has firm pulp of 3.5 cm thickness with orange color and 9o Brix TSS and cavity of 17 x 9 cm. It has good shelf life and is suitable for long distance transport. It yields about 38 kg /plant.

12. Pusa Giant: It is a dioecious selection developed by sib mating the variety Ranchi. Plants are highly vigorous bearing first fruit at one meter height and can stand storm and windy conditions well. Fruits weigh 2 to 3 kg with yellow, moderately firm 5 cm thick pulp having 7 to 8.5oBrix TSS and 18 x 10 cm cavity. It yields about 40 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

kg/plant.

13. PusaDelicious: It is a gynodioecious, high yielding variety developed by sib mating the variety Ranchi. Plants are medium sized with first fruiting at 80 cm height, 253 days after planting. Fruits weigh 1to2kg and have distinct flavor and moderate keeping quality. Pulp is deep orange, 4 cm thick with 10 to 13oBrix TSS while seed cavity is 14 x 8 cm. It yields about 41 kg / plant.

14. Pusa Dwarf: This is a dioecious selection from the variety Ranchi developed by sib mating. Plants are dwarf in stature bearing fruit at the height of 40 cm, hence suitable for high density planting and kitchen garden. Fruits are oval round, medium sized, weighing about 0.5 to 1 kg. Pulp is yellow, moderately firm, 3.5 cm thick and cavity is 12 x 8 cm. TSS is between 6.5 to 8oBrix. It yields about 40 kg / plant.

15. Pusa Nanha : It is a dioecious dwarf mutant having 106 cm height, bearing fruit at 30 cm height suited for high density planting (6.400 plants per hectare) and pot cultivation and tolerant to water logging. Fruits are medium sized, round to ovate in shape with thin, yellow pulphaving 8o Brix TSS and low cavity. It yields about 63tons/hectare and about10.1kg/plant.

16. Sunrise Solo: It is an improved variety from Solo developed in Hawaii. The pulp is red in color, with mild flavor and TSS of 15.5 per cent under good growing conditions. The fruits weigh about 400 to 500 g and are pear shaped and smooth in appearance. It yields about 20 kg /plant.

17. Arka Surya: It is an advanced generation hybrid from the cross Sunrise Solo x Pink Pulp Sweet. The fruits are medium sized weighing about 600-800g with good keeping quality. The pulp is deep pink and firm with 13-14°Brix TSS. Fruit yield is 60 - 70 kg / plant for 28 months cropping period.

18. Arka Prabhath: It is an advanced generation hybrid from the cross (Surya x Tainung-1) x Local Dwarf). The fruits are big sized weighing 900-1200 g, firm and deep pink in color with TSS of 13-14oBrix and good keeping quality. The average

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yield is 90 - 100 kg /plant.

19. CO 8: This is a red pulp dioecious variety developed by initial selective hybridization of CO.2 (yellow pulped) with red anthered male followed by inter mating and repeated selection in segregating population for red pulp color. Fruits are suitable for dessert purpose, pulping, processing (RTS, jam, tutti-fruity) and papain industry (Papain activity 138TU/mg).The fruits are big, oblong, weighing an average of 1.5- 2.0 kg/fruit with a TSS of 13.5% with prominent apex. The tree can be economically maintained for 20-22 months under favorable condition with an yield potential of 230 t/ha when planted at a spacing of 1.8 x1.8m.

PROPAGATION

Papaya is generally propagated by seeds obtained through controlled pollination. The seeds loose viability very fast, if stored with high moisture content or if sun dried. The seeds show orthodox storage behavior. Seeds dried to a moisture content of (6 to 8%) and packed in moisture impervious container like poly lined aluminum pouch with air tight sealing can be stored at ambient conditions for short term storage (18 months) and at 15oC for medium term storage (2-3 years). Treating the seeds with 100 ppm GA for 8 hours enhances germination. Seeds are sown in perforated polythene bags measuring 20 X 15 cm size with 150 gauge thickness, filled with equal proportions of farm yard manure, red soil and sand. Arka microbial consortium @ 1 to 2 per cent (1 to 2 kg for 100 kg potting mixture) may be added for healthy seedling production. Two seeds are generally sown in each bag. The best time for raising the seedling is between June to October. In eastern parts of the country, seeds are usually sown from March to May, so that the seedlings are ready for transplanting before the onset of monsoon. In North India, where frost is common, seeds are sown between February and April. Seeds germinate in about 2 to 3 weeks time depending on the temperature. In case of dioecious varieties about 100 g of seeds and in case of gynodioecious varieties 30 to 40 g of seeds are required per acre. Generally, 45 to 60 days old seedlings are preferred for planting. Over- aged seedlings either get damaged while transplanting, or break in the field or results in poor flowering and considerable in yield reduction. Of late, vegetative methods are also

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being adopted for mass multiplication in somecountries.

SPACING AND PLANTING

In the main field, pits of 45 cm3 are dug at the spacing of 1.8m X 1.8m, which should be filled with red earth and FYM. Arka Krishi All Rounder Talk formulation @ 2- 3 kg/one ton of FYM or 2-3 liters of liquid formulation/one ton of FYM may be enriched. This enriched FYM may be applied @ 5 kg/plant at the time of planting and repeated at 6 months interval @ 2 kg/plant for growth promotion and yield enhancement. Instead of pits, trenches can also be dug. In case of dioecious varieties three plants are planted per pit, so that early flowering males are removed, to maintain one male plant for every ten female plants.

NUTRITION AND INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

For papaya, fertilizers should be applied once in every two months. Although fertilizer application in a particular region depends on the soil and leaf analysis, generally 90 g of Urea, 250 g of Super phosphate and 140 g of Muriate of Potash per plant are

recommended for each application. Total requirement is 250 g N + 250 g P2O5 + 500 g

K2O per plant/year. Application of 7-10 kg farm yard manure / plant every six months is recommended in addition to fertilizers. The leaf analysis technique for papaya has also been standardized and recently matured 11th leaf petiole was found optimum. Fertigation also can be followed with soluble fertilizers which save about 25-30% fertilizers. Apply

100% recommended N and k fertilizers through drip irrigation (50 g N and 50 g K2O) in

addition to soil application of 50 g P2O5 at bimonthly interval.

INTERCROPPING

To keep the plot free of weeds during the pre-bearing age of first to six months after planting, short duration vegetable crops can be grown as inter-crops. Once papaya starts bearing it is difficult to grow inter-crops because of the shade. Papaya can be grown as an inter-crop in fruit plantations of mango, litchi, sapota etc. It can be also grown as an inter crop in coconut and arecanut plantations, where there is no shade in the inter-spaces.

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IRRIGATION

Papaya needs regular water for its rapid fruit development and yield. Irrigation should be given at weekly interval during summer and once in 8-10 days during winter season. The orchard should have a good drainage system as the crop is susceptible to water logging. Ring and drip irrigation are the preferred methods of irrigation. Drip irrigation with 80% replenishment of evaporation losses is recommended. During summer months, the plants should be given 20-25 L of water and can be gradually reduced to 10- 15 L of water/plant in winter. Drip irrigation helps to save 50-60% water. Irrigation through drip @ 6-8 L/day, plant gives better yields.

INTEGRATED PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

A) DISEASES

1. Stem rot or foot rot (Phytophthora spp., Phythiumaphanidrmatum Rhizoctoniasolani) : Water-soaked patches on the stem at ground level, which large and girdle base of the stem develop. The affected tissues turn brown than black and rot. The terminal leaves turn yellow, wilt and drop. Fruits if formed also shrivel and drop off. The entire plant topples and dies because of the disintegration of parenchymatous tissue. For its management, Seed dressing with Captaf (Captan) or Chlorothalonil (Kavach) should be done before sowing the seeds. Soil at the orchard should be well drained. Before planting application of Neem cake + Trichoderma harzianums hould be provided. Healthy nursery plants should be planted and crop rotation with non host crop should be followed. Soil drenching with tridemorph (Calixin0.1%) or metalaxyl + mancozeb (Ridomil MZ 0.2%) or chlorothalonil (Kavach 0.2%) at bimonthly interval provide effective control of the standingcrop.

2. Damping off (Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhictoniaand Fusariumspp.) Pre emergence damping off: Characterized as toppling of the growing tip before it comes out of the soil.

Post emergence damping off: Seedlings show pale withering and bending symptoms near the ground level with the severe girdling of the stem tissue. In case of Phytophthora

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and Fusarium, root rot is also observed. Such effected seedlings suddenly topple down.

Seeds for raising nursery should be obtained from healthy fruits. Water stagnation and low lying areas should be avoided for nursery. Seeds should be treated with oxycarboxin (Vitavax), carbendazim SD, captaf (Captan), Tthiram @ 2 g/Kg seeds. Soil amendments with solarization, application of neem cake + Trichodermaharzianum, Dazomet, Formaldehyde should be practised. Drenching of Nursery with chlorothalonil (Kavach 0.2%) or oxycarboxin (Vitavax 0.1%) or carbendazim (Bavistin 0.1%) should be done.

3. Anthracnose (Colletotrichumgloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. &Sacc.)

Disease can attack fruits petioles, leaves, floral parts, etc. Water soaked spots first appear as brown superficial discoloration of the skin and then develop into circular, slightly sunken areas 1-3 cm diameter. Gradually the lesions coalesce and sparse mycelia growth often appears on the margins. Under humid conditions, encrustations of salmon pink spores often arranged in a concentric pattern develop on the surface of older spots. Fruits later turn dirty brown and rot. Infection at early stages results in mummification and deformation of fruits whereas at mature age soft rot develops. Sometimes Chocolate unsunken brown lesions appear on the ripening fruits. The petioles of the lower leaves dry and are shed.

To control it, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Spraying of mancozeb (Dithane M 45 0.2%) or chlorothalonil (Kavach 0.2%) or carbendazim (Bavistin 0.1%) at 15 days interval provides effective control. Dipping fruits in water at 46 to 49°C for 20 minutes shortly after harvest provides control of disease under storage.

4. Powdery mildew (Oidiumcaricae (Noack.)

Small circular powdery patches develop on both the sides of leaves and on stem of young seedlings. These patches gradually extend, coalesce and cover the entire leaf surface. Badly infected leaves curl, dry, hang down and ultimately fall off. Young seedlings may die under severe disease attack. Sometimes in severe cases the pathogen attack fruits also. The disease is effectively controlled through the spraying of wettable sulphur (Sulfex

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0.3%) when atmospheric temperature is below 30°C. Application of systemic fungicides namely tridemifon (Bayleton 0.1%) or carbendazim (Bavistin 0.1%) or thiophanate methyl (Topsin M or Roko 0.1%) at monthly interval is much more effective.

5. Ring spot virus (PSRV): Papaya ring spot disease is also known as papaya mosaic, papaya distortion mosaic, mild mosaic, papaya ring spot, papaya leaf reduction, thin leaf and distortion as all the above symptoms are caused due to Papaya ring spot virus. The typical mosaic caused by potexvirus so far not found in India. PRSV-P strain naturally infects papaya and cucurbits. Plants of all ages are susceptible and symptoms are generally more severe during cooler weather. The disease derives its name from the characteristic dark green sunken rings that develop on fruit of affected plants. These rings often persist, as dark orange to brown markings as the fruit matures. Dark green, water-soaked streaks develop on petioles and stems. Mottle and mosaic patterns of varying severity develop on leaves that often have a ruffled appearance. One or more leaf lobes may become stunted and fruit set is markedly reduced or absent. Fruit from affected plants have poor flavor, a leathery appearance and are predisposed to fungal fruit rots. Growing of border crops viz., two rows of Sesbania or castor 15 days before planting of papaya, rouging and removal of early infected plants as when noticed helps to control the disease incidence. Several cultural practices have proven useful in slowing epidemics and reducing crop damage. Establishing plantations with seedling plants free of PRSV-P is essential, and new planting should be situated as far as possible away from affected plantations. Plantations can be surrounded by non host crops or interplant with other tree crops. Growing tolerant or resistant varieties is the best option. Genetically engineered resistance against PRSV has been achieved in Hawaii using Kapoho, Sunup and Rainbow cultivars. However, in India so far PRSV resistant cultivar However, in India so far PRSV resistant cultivar is not available at present. Efforts are underway to develop PRSV resistant/tolerant types by crossing the commercially grown papaya varieties with wild species of Vasconcellea.

B) INSECT PESTS

The important pests are Red spider mite and root-knot nematodes. The mite

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infestation becomes severe during summer and spraying dicofol @ 2.5 ml /L water on the ventral side of leaf can control it. Applying 25 g Carbofuran / plant in the main field can controlnematodes.

HARVESTING AND YIELD

Harvesting generally starts 9 to 10 months after sowing. Mature fruits are harvested when they show streaks of yellow coloration. Since papaya trees are not very tall, hand picking is employed. Yield in papaya varies from about 25 kg / plant in some varieties like Solo to 75 - 100 kg / plant in varieties like Coorg Honey Dew, CO varieties and Arka Prabhath. It also varies from region to region and with cultivation practices. The economical yield in papaya is for a period of three years.

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DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE THROUGH ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ARTICLE ID. : 0033 Dr. Ramjee Gupta* and Dr. P.K.Upadhyay** *Professor **Professor & Head Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying C.S.Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-2

INTRODUCTION

Agricultural diversification is an important mechanism for economic growth. It depends, however, on there being opportunities for diversification and on farmers’ responsiveness to those opportunities. Agricultural diversification can be facilitated by technological breaks-through, by changes in consumer demand or in government policy or in trade arrangements, and by development of irrigation, roads, and other infrastructures. Conversely, it can be impeded by risks in markets and prices and in crop-management practices, by degradation of natural resources, and by conflicting socio-economic requirements - perhaps for employment generation, or for self-sufficiency or foreign- exchange-earning capacity in particular crops or livestock or fishery or forest products. Diversification of agriculture refers to the shift from the regional dominance of one crop to regional production of a number of crops, to meet ever increasing demand for cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, fibers, fodder and grasses, fuel, etc. It aims to improve soil health and a dynamic equilibrium of the agro-ecosystem. In view of shrinkage of agricultural land and operational holdings due to expansion of urban centers, changes in consumer food habits, exponential population growth rate, farmers are pressured to include or substitute additional crops in to the cropping system. India is a country of about one billion people. More than 70 percent of India's population lives in rural areas where the main occupation is agriculture. Indian agriculture is characterized by small farm holdings. The average farm size is only 1.57 hectares. Around 93 percent of farmers have land holdings smaller than 4 ha and they cultivate nearly 55 percent of the arable land. On the other hand, only 1.6 of the farmers has operational land holdings above 10 ha and they utilize 17.4 percent of the total cultivated land. Due to diverse agro-

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climatic conditions in the country, a large number of agricultural items are produced. Broadly, these can be classified into two groups – food grains crops and commercial crops. Livestock sector plays an important role in Indian economy and is an important subsector of Indian Agriculture. The contribution of livestock to Gross Domestic Product was 4.70 percent in 2004-05 at 1999-2000 prices. This is the sector where the poor contribute to growth directly instead of getting benefit from growth generated elsewhere. The overall growth rate in livestock sector is steady and is around 4-5% and this has been achieved despite the fact that investment in this sector was not substantial. The ownership of the livestock is more evenly distributed with landless laborers and marginal farmers owning bulk of livestock. The progress in the sector results in balanced development of the rural economy particularly in reducing the poverty amongst the weaker sections. The rural women play a significant role in Animal Husbandry and are directly involved in most of the operations relating to feeding, breeding, management and health-care of the livestock. From the dawn of civilization, mankind has been utilizing different animal species for a variety of purposes viz. production of milk, meat, wool, egg and leather draught power, companionship, entertainment, research experimentation, sports, security etc. Livestock wealth is deemed as the oldest wealth resource for mankind and was once a symbol of economic status in the society. Livestock sector plays a crucial role in rural economy and livelihood. This is one sector where poor contributes to the growth directly instead of getting benefit from growth generated elsewhere.

 Milk production in India in 2020-21 is 132.4 m.ton.  Milk production is estimated to have increased by 6 per cent to about 140 million tonnes in 2013-14.  About 70 per cent is used in its raw form while rest is processed into dairy products  Per capita Availability of milk 305 gm/day/person  Total Bovine population in India in 2007 340.4 million  MILCH Animal population in India is 1,27,390  Share of Agriculture and Livestock Sector in GDP -15.18 % and 3.92 % in 2011-12.

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MAJOR DRIVING FORCES FOR AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION • Increasing income on small farm holdings. • Withstanding price fluctuation. • Mitigating ill-effects of aberrant weather. • Balancing food demand. • Improving fodder for livestock animals. • Conservation of natural resources (soil, water, etc.). • Minimizing environmental pollution. • Reducing dependence on off-farm inputs. • Decreasing insect pests, diseases and weed problems. • Increasing lively hood Food security GOATARY: Goat population in India during the last four decades has increased at the fastest rate amongst various livestock species, in spite of the fact that nearly 41% of goats are slaughtered annually. It is most important species of animal for meat production. Hardly any serious development programmes for improving meat production have so far been undertaken in the country. Experiments on cross breeding Indian goats with exotic breeds like Alpine and Anglo-Neubian was not very encouraging. There was however, little improvement in body weight, efficiency of feed conversion for meat and dressing percentage. No exotic germplasms is available for increasing the yield of meat since superior goat breeds found in foreign countries are essentially dairy breeds. Consequently the approach for raising the meat production from goats should be selective breeding along with proper management, fattening, rationing and better health cover.

POULTRY

The Indian Poultry industry has transformed from meagre backyard farming to a well organized scientific techno commercial industry. Majority of Poultry industry is in organized sector contributing nearly 70% of the total output while rest 30% is coming from unorganized

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sector. Poultry utilizes substantial quantities of non-edible agricultural and industrial bi products and converts into high quality nutritious protein rich food. It helps to bridge the gap between requirement and availability of high quality protein for the human population in the country. Eggs and poultry meat are the cheapest source of animal protein. It is estimated that 1 ton of poultry manure provides 40 kgs of nitrogen, 28 kgs of phosphorus and 23 kgs of potash. The total availability of nitrogen from poultry manure is equal to more than 3 lakhs tons of urea. The productivity in both broilers and layers has improved tremendously due to implementation of good management practices, optimum nutrition and scientific breeding. Today, a broiler is able to achieve a body weight gain of 2 kgs and more within 42 days with a Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 1.8 to 1.9 and a layer is capable of producing on average about 315 to 320 eggs in 52 weeks of production. Total poultry meat production in India in 2016 is 4200 metric ton with growth rate 7.69% and egg production in 2012-13 is 69.73 billion. Per capita availability of meat and egg is 5.6 kg and 57 eggs per year, respectively

PIGGERY:

The pig husbandry is the most important activity in the north eastern region especially in the tribal areas. Pork is an important item in the daily food habits of these people with little exception in the state of Assam. A very high consumption in the rate of pork has been reported in the region. The region has also a substantial pig population, which constitutes around 25% of the country’s pig population. The bulk of the population is, however, indigenous type whose growth and productivity is very low. The region however, has a type of pig called “Pigmy Hog”, the meat of which is highly preferred. The unique feature of this pig is that it is smaller in size (around 15 kgs at furrowing) and produces its first litter around 9 months of age. In spite of sizeable population, the local pigs are not able to meet the demands of North-Eastern regions. The region therefore imports large number of pigs from other parts of the country including Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. No serious attempts have been made to take up pig production on a commercial basis by developing financially viable production units in the North-eastern region.

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MEAT AND ABATTOIRS:

The meat production in India has been estimated as 6.4 Million Tonnes (FAO 2005 estimates). The value of meat produced accounts for Rs.21, 900 crores and meat products for Rs.828 crores. Meat production has increased at the rate of 4.1% annually during the last five years. Meat Industry in India is a by-product of livestock production in bovines by utilising spent animals at the end of their productive life whereas in other species like sheep, goat and pig the animals are primarily raised for meat production. Livestock population, slaughter rate and meat production data indicate that buffalo population of 96 million produce an equal quantity of meat, namely, 1.2 million tonnes as that of cattle. This is due to effective culling practiced in buffaloes for both domestic and international markets.

SCHEMES

The venture capital fund created by NABARD should be expanded for establishment of infrastructure by private entrepreneurs like veterinary, dispensaries, vaccine production units, and feed plants, fodder seed production facilities, processing plant for western and indigenous diary, meat and egg product, semen production units and network for delivery of inputs to the farmers. These activities should also get credit under the scheme of Priority Sector Lending from commercial and cooperative banks. Introduction of Livestock Farmers Credit Card (Like Kisan Credit Card) would solve the problem of working capital by providing short- term credit. NABARD should ensure that at least 20 per cent of the total agricultural credit becomes available to Animal Husbandry Sector.

Central Fodder Development Organisation was formed in IX Plan, merging the regional stations for forage productions in the country, a Central Fodder Seed Production Farm.

Central Minikit programme The objectives include introduction of fodder crops, establishment of fodder calendars, organization of farmers’ field days, production of forage crop foundation seeds, conduct of training programmes and distribution of fodder seed mini kits and testing their performance in the field.

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Intensive Dairy Development Programme: A Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme.

OBJECTIVES/AIMS OF SCHEME

a. Development of milch cattle b. Increase milk production by providing Technical Inputs services c. Procurement, Processing and Marketing of milk in a cost effective manner d. Ensure remunerative prices to milk producers e. Generate additional employment opportunities f. Improve social, nutritional and economic status of residents of comparatively more disadvantaged areas.

KAMDHENU DAIRY SCHEME

 Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk producing State in the country.  Though Uttar Pradesh, with the production 241.939 lacs M.T. of milk during the year 2013-14 is the largest milk producing State in the country, yet average productivity of animals is low in comparison to other states of the country mainly due to less availability of high yielding germplasms animals in the State.  In order to overcome the low availability of high yielding germplasms animals, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched interest free Kamdhenu Dairy Scheme, which envisage establishment of dairy units of 100 high yielding animals procured from outside the State.  The number of dairy units to be established under this scheme by 31 of March 2015 is 425. U.P. POULTRY DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

 Development of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the form of small industries is among one of the priorities of the present government. It is very important to give priority to poultry development in the Animal husbandry sector because the egg production of the State at present is 108 crore while the

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consumption is 473 crore per year. Similarly requirement of chicken meat is met by procuring and rearing about 10 crore one day old broiler chicks annually.  This clearly reflects the huge gap in requirement & availability. Though the State have enormous potential and conducive environment for poultry development yet only Backyard Poultry is developing steadily in the State. Inspite of rich resources like availability of maize grain, other poultry feed ingredients, plenty of man power, huge market, steep rise in poultry product consumption; development of entrepreneurship in poultry sector is not taking required pace in the State.  Therefore, for the development of entrepreneurship and making state self sufficient by providing incentives and creating investor friendly environment, the State Govt. has proposed bankable schemes for establishment of 123 lac commercial layer and 6 lac parent broiler birds in next five years.  In the schemes financial measures have been taken for through required poultry policy support initiatives

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EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON IELD ATTRIBUTING CHARACTER AND PRODUCTION OF FENUGREEK CROP ARTICLE ID. : 0034 Suvarna Namdeo S.1 Assistant Professor Institute of Agriculture Sciences SAGE University Indore (MP) 452020 Corresponding Mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

In general, different factors such as nutrition, cultural practices affect the grain yield and quality of fenugreek etc. Among these, nutrition is very important factor which has effect on vegetative and reproductive growth as well as grain yield for fulfils the need of nutrition chemical fertilizers are an expensive option .for fulfils the need of nutrient with minimizing the cost of cultivation as well as maintenance soil fertility status, Integrated Nutrient Management is best option . If combination of Inorganic fertilizer and organic manure like [farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC) and neem cake (NC)] used in crop production give aggressive and significant effect on plant growth, crop yield and cost of cultivation of fenugreek, Fenugreek seed inoculation with Rhizobium culture and Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria gave effective maximum yield promoting character, enhancing seed yield and maximum net return over their alone application. many field experiment for INM in fenugreek was conducted by researcher which shows that how integrated nutrient management practices repercussion on fertility status of soil , uptake efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, protein content , height of plant, no.of branches , biomass, number of pods , number of seeds pod-1, test weight as well as grain and straw yield of fenugreek. The following treatment combination shows the best result for the above given characters , Vermicompost 5 t along with Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1, Solid organics like Application of NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1 , In liquid organics like 5 L ha-1 enriched banana pseudo stem sap and 20 L ha-1 panchagvya with soil application, 5 t ha-1 NADEP compost with 5 L ha-1enriched banana pseudo stem sap ,Application of 75 % RDF + PM + Rhizobium + PSB and 75% Nitrogen along with recommended dose of Phosphorus

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and Potassium with the addition of FYM @7.5 t ha-1 , Rhizobium Culture @ 1.5t ha-1, azospirillum at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 ,PSB Culture @5 kg ha-1.

Key Words - INM, Vermicompost, Rhizobium, PSB, Poultry Manure, NADEP, Inorganic Fertilizers.

INTRODUCTION

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is mainly grow in rabi season ,its known as gemerally ‘methi’ which belonging to the Leguminosae or Fabaceae family and Papilionacea sub family. Fenugreek seeds used as a spice , condiment and seasoning agent for add flavouring and garnishing in different types of food product (Dwivedi et. al., 2006). In view of importance of seed spices in India its stand third position after coriander and cumin. It’s a multi used crop which grown during winter in north India. It is also used as annual herb used as green manure and medicinal purpose (Kaviarasan et al., 2007; Bukhari et al. 2008; Haouala et al., 2008). Its every part of fenugreek is useful which utilized as leafy vegetable, forage and condiment (Khiriya and Singh, 2003). Its nutritional value is very high due to presence of iron, calcium, protein, vitamins, essential amino acids, alkaloid trigonelline , choline, fatty oil, water, mineral matter, carbohydrate, phosphorus and fiber in tender leaves (Habib et al., 1971). Bitterness of seed in taste due to presence of “Trgonelline” which is a alkaloid substance and work as basic subsistence for the synthesis of cellulose, hemicelluloses and amino acids. Its medicinal value is very high because its cure constipation, indigestion, stimulates spleen, appetizing and work as diuretic (Kumar et al., 1997). Seed of fenugreek contains lysine and L-tryptophan, proteins, mucilaginous fibre and saponins, coumarin, fenugreek, nicotinic acid, sapogenins, phytic acid, scopoletin and trigonelline (Bukhari et al., 2008).

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Fenugreek is mainly grow in throughout country and India as a seed spice crop .In India mainly grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra and Haryana. Leading state of fenugreek production is Gujarat and generally grown in districts Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha and Khedan of Gujarat. In India, area and annual production under fenugreek is about 90,500 hectare and 1, 10, 530 tonnes respectively (Source: Cardamoms: Estimate by Spices Board, Calicut, 2014-15).India earned about Rs. 6972 lakhs as foreign exchange by exporting 21,000 tonnes of fenugreek (Anonymous, 2010). In India its fertility is 1215 kg/hac, it is very low which required being enhanced (Lal et al., 2015). it is observed that its productivity is very below to potential yield of about 2500 kg/ha, The main factors which are responsible for low productivity are poor soil fertility, lack of high yielding varieties under organic system and persistence of several biotic and a biotic factors.

Fenugreek roots are mini factory for synthesize nitrogen for plant, because it belong to family leguminosae Thus; its result enriches the soil in nitrogen. Fenugreek is produce in all over world under semi-arid, agro-climatic conditions and able to tolerant mild salinity which having potential to fix atmospheric nitrogen (Habib et al., 1971) . Crops which especially used for medicinally purpose grown under organic inputs using less or no chemicals . The crops which used for medicinal purpose are good source of vitamins, protein and essential oils. for cultivation of fenugreek crop in marginal lands during rabi season , irrigated condition is suitable, but it’s very necessary to reduce cost of cultivation by using organic sources for its nutrition management practices, for fulfils this object, organic manure introduce in INM, Organic manures like farm yard manure, vermicompost, neem cake, poultry manure, etc., are rich source of supply essential and beneficial plant nutrients, and also improves the soil health .

INM and Crop Growth

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macro and micro essential nutrients and also solubilising the action of organic acids which present in soil in the form of nutrients, organic acid produced during decomposition and it is responsible for enhanced yield and growth attributes. Similar result is also recorded for combine effect of organic and inorganic sources for growth attributes by Singh and Verma (2002).

The combine use of organic and inorganic fertilizer enhanced availability of nitrogen throughout the life cycle of the crop. The balanced accessibility of nitrogen to plants increased flowering as well as fruiting. The Phosphorus availability also improved by the organic manures which take part in very special for energy transfer in plants . If we used nitrogen as balanced form as a organic manure by integrated nutrient management the whole life of the crop in a season Increased, leaf decrepitude and also increased sinks demand of plant due to this reason crop obtain healthy grain formation as well as maximum number of pods/ plant, seeds /pod and test weight. The results are similar to the Panwar and Munda (2007).

The Combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers also give positive response in INM for better nutrient availability and soil physical, chemical and biological properties due to resulting in enhanced yield attributes (Nambiar and Abrol, 1989). The maximum yield is due to better nutritional status of the soil, proper nutrient status of soil stimulated the rate of physiological processes which led to enhanced growth and yield attributing characteristics and their cumulative effect on seed, Stover and biological yields of fenugreek. The enhanced the production of the crop due to integrated nutrient management was also finding by Tolanur and Badanur (2003) and Tolanur (2009). The status of soil fertility enhanced after crop harvest due to integrated nutrient management was also finding by Parihar and Rana (2010).

Yield attributes character are decided by genetic character of particular crop and variety, but the agronomic management practices also affect them to a great manner. Proper and enhanced reproductive growth of plant ,increase leaf area and supply photosynthates for the formation of branches and yield attributes characters which is depends on vegetative

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growth . Therefore, bio physiochemical properties of soil plant system will influence build up of yield attributes and the seed yield.

Higher uptake of nitrogen during growth period is improved protein content which enhanced photosynthesis rate, protoplasm synthesis and protein accumulation. These finding are similar with the results of Patil et al. (2012) and Shinde et al. (2015). Microbial cultures in different organic modules enhanced N2 fixation, solubilisation of P and K. Legume root system is capable to solubilise soil phosphorus through extraction of amino acid which encourage the soil microbe’s growth and multiplication which provide unavailable P to available P in soil through the process of mineralization. The results are similar to Malik, et al., 2013 and Singh et al., 2013. These results are similar with Purbey and Sen (2007) and Mehta et al. (2012).

Phosphorus plays important role in energy conservation and transfer , organic manures also improve the availability of phosphorus. The balanced use of nitrogen throughout the life cycle of the crop reduced leaf senescence and able to furnish the increased assimilate demand of plant sinks which resulted in higher number of pods and test weight due to bold grain formation. The results corroborate with those of Khiriya et al. (2003). The application of FYM, VC and PM are responsible for formation of carbon dioxide, which is very important for the solubilisation and mobilization of P and decrease phosphate fixing process of the soil. This process of organic manures responsible for higher P content in seed of fenugreek (Shivran et al.,2016) Integrated nutrient management practices through combination of organic and inorganic sources ,improved organic carbon and available nitrogen in soil after harvesting the fenugreek crop. The improvement in soil fertility after crop harvest due to integrated nutrient management was also recorded by Parihar and Rana (2010).(Amlingeret al., 2003 and Bavecet al., 2006).(Nambiar and Abrol, 1989) also resulted ,The positive response for combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the better nutrient availability to crop and leaves favourable effect on soil physical ,chemical and biological properties, which are responsible for enhancing yield attributes characters and finally get maximum yield .

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ROLE OF VERMICOMPOST IN INM

The application of vermicompost there was increase within the accessibility of phosphorus to plant and since of this, the content of phosphorus in plant additionally exaggerated, increase in phosphorus content in plant is additionally expected just because of higher buffering capacity of vermicompost for early wetness stress and rising phosphorus accessibility to plant. Shelke (2001) obas certained higher phosphorus content once herbaceous crop was treated with organic manures. Nitrogen element alone or together with organic nutrients exaggerated protein content due to nitrogen. Reason for that is nitrogen is a basic constituent of protein and with increase within the rate of nitrogen application, nitrogen accessibility exaggerated that resulted in exaggerated protein content in seed. The results is conformed with Nagre(1991).The supplementary application of vermicompost and Rhizobium exaggerated nitrogen availability and nitrogen use efficiency thereby increasing protein synthesis.

It’s also reported by Jasrotics (1999) and Kumawat(1994). Since the protein yield are mainly the function of seed yield and their respective content in the seed. Jat and Ahlawat (2006) reported that if fenugreek was treated with vermicompost 5 t alongwith Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1,the highest number of branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed yield are recoprded , Similar finding have additionally been reportable by Choudhary (1999) and Kumawat ( 1997) .For acting necessary physiological operate to buildup totally different yield attributes these nutrients treated with inorganic and organic manure that have integrated in present study on integrated nutrient management were probably answerable for synthesizing necessary enzymes, proteins, energy (ATP and NADP), pigments and alternative for the translocation of photosynthates and may be only due to these factors application of vermicompost 5 t along with Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1 exaggerated the amount of yield attributes and seed yield. Singh et al. (2013) also find that in pearl millet if crop is treated with 100% RDN through FYM followed by 80% RDN through vermicompost + 20% through urea and integrated use of RDN through FYM + urea in different proportions, so highest organic carbon and available soil nitrogen is obtained in pearl millet cultivation . It is also proofed by many researchers , the physical and biological

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properties of soil including supply of almost all the essential plant nutrients for the growth and development of plants are improve by vermicompost ,if we add vermicompost in INM.

Thus balanced nutrients below favourable climatic condition need helped in production of new origin tissues and development of latest shoots in fenugreek plants, that ultimately increased the yield attributes and grain yield. The gradual unharness and steady supply of nutrients from vermicompost throughout the expansion and development of plants maintained the later on the translocation of photosynthates to numerous sinks leading to higher seed yield. Similar findings were additionally reportable by Lal and Singh (2016) in coriander.

Mehta et al. (2012) also reported in cumin that the application of 4.0 tonnes/ha of vermicompost exhibited considerably play role in higher yield attributes and yield of cumin. The rise in yield could also be attributed to raised utilization of organic N, maximum biological N fixation, higher synthesis of plant growth hormones and enhanced accessibility of P within the presence of biofertilizers.Vermicompost is an important organic supply of plant nutrients, contains higher quantity of N, P and K, necessary for plant growth in easily available forms (Nagavallemma et al., 2004).

Vadiraj et al. (1998) was also reported in coriander crop , vermicompost application in coriander crop produced herbage yields as compare to more than obtained by chemical fertilizers. There is proof that vermicompost extracted humic acid which is responsible for stimulated to enhance number of roots, giving the plant capability to used nutrient from the growing environment for growth and development of crop (Pritam et al., 2010).

If we compare between vermicompost and FYM or sheep Manure, it is clear that if vermicompost apply at the rate of 5 t/ha, significantly enhance the vegetative and reproductive growth and seed yield per hectare over FYM and sheep manure. It is proofed fact that vermicompost improves the soil structure and enhance the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil including supply all the essential plant nutrients in proper amount for the growth and development of plants. The gradual unharness and steady

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availability of nutrients from vermicompost throughout the expansion and development of plants maintained by the translocation of photosynthates to numerous sinks leading to higher seed yield. Similar findings were also reported by Lal and Singh (2016) in coriander. Mehta et al. (2012) also reported that the effect of vermicompost on cumin crop , if 4.0 tonnes/ha vermicompost apply on crop ,this will give more significantly higher yield attributes and yield of cumin.

Yadav et al., (2003) reported that Plants were tallest if they treated with vermicompost, it is similar to Arguello et al. (2006) and Almulla et al. (2012) in other crops. Organic manure increase plant height due to the presence of plant hormone auxin (Muscolo et al. 1999), due to humic acid present in vermicompost , chemical and physical properties of humic acid enhance uptake of growth hormones and nutrients availability ,resulting in improved crop growth and seed yield (Arancon et al., 2005), increased soil rhizospere activity (Arancon et al., 2004b), Organic fertilizers increases soil aggregation, aeration, water holding capacity, and supply roots with an extended source of nutrients (Rani and Nishana, 2012).

(Asami et al., 2003; Pant et al., 2009; Wang and Lin, 2002) reported that if plants is treated with vermicompost , higher levels of phenolic content was found in plants compare with those plants grown with trade fertilizer ( eg – Osmocote) and this was attributed to a gradual release of available nutrients in plants from vermicompost. The protein and nitrogen contents increased with vermiwash + vermicompost leachate treatment. It may be that soil rhizospere activity under high manure (Arancon et al., 2004)

Vermiwash and leachate vermicompost may be used as fertilizers for cultivation of organic fenugreek. Application of organic fertilizers might facilitate alleviate salinity and sodium problems that develop as a result of excessive use of inorganic fertilizers (Almulla et al., 2012).

ROLE OF BIOFERTILIZERS (PSB , RHIZOBIUM ) IN INM

Rhizobium and PSB play a very important role within the development of meristematic tissues at developing points for enhancing growth and also development of 8 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

seeds in plant. The application of PSB in INM Increase root and shoot length, plant biomass ,,seed vigour, it is just because of better growth of the plant because of production of metabolites like that phytohormone and antibiotics which promotes the plant growth and seed yield (Balachandran and Nagarajan, 2002). LEGUME RESEARCH - An International Journal is also maintained that, Enhance in seed yield due to inoculation by Rhizobium and PSB has also been recorded in other crops like soybean (Saxena et al., 2001), cumin (Mehta et al., 2010) and fenugreek (Mehta et al., 2011)

ROLE OF POULTRY MANURE IN INM

It is reported by many researchers Poultry manure is rich source of N, P and K content comparison to other organic supply. The maximum organic matter content by Poultry Manure application can be attributed to the soil health improvement. Organic manures on decomposition solubilise insoluble P fractions through unlease of assorted organic acids and increase the accessible P status of soil. It conjointly forms chelates with essential plant nutrients and their fixation that favor availableness of nutrient to crop (Parihar and Rana, 2010). The higher Phosphorus content of PM compared to different organic source may need resulted in the higher accessible P content of the soil. The improvement in soil fertility and productivity, when crop harvest because of integrated nutrient management was also recorded by Parihar et al. (2000).,

Effect of Vermicompost along with Rhizobium on Nitrogen uptake, Phosphorus uptake, Potash uptake, Protein content and yield of Fenugreek

(Dubey et al.,2012) suggested that application of vermicompost 5 t along with Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1 ,increase the nitrogen content in soil and also increase uptake of nitrogen in soil .he also suggested that Application of 10 t ha-1vermicompost along with Rhizobium+ 40 kg N ha-1. Also increase phosphorus content in soil. Potassium content (seed and straw) and uptake increased with application of Rhizobium along with vermicompost 10 t ha-1also enhance potassium content in seed and straw as well as uptake of potassium,vermicompost in Integrated use of nutrients also increase protein content in grain yield. Azotobacter ,Azospirilliumand actinomycetes like bacteria present in vermicompost in

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huge amount , which are very helpful in plant growth, These type of bacteria also favoured the vegitative growth . It’s observed that Poultry manure is also rich source of PSB, which is enhance microbial activity of bacteria in rhizospere zone. (Naidu et al., 2016 ) also suggested that if in INM we used organic manure , inorganic manure and biofertilizers in combination so yield attributing characters and seed yield also increased significantly. he suggested that from his experiment results if application of 75% RDF + Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB can be suggested to farmers,so the yield and nutritional value of seed and straw is enhanced. Therefore ; an integrated Nutrient management approach with proper combination of organic manures, biofertilizers with balanced use of chemical fertilizers, enhance quality of fenugreek seed and soil health in view of fenugreek cultivation. On the basis of this study that the application of 50% RDN through VC + 50% RDN through inorganic sources observed maximum no. of pods/plant, seeds/plant, and test weight, means if inorganic and organic sources of nutrient application apply in proper amount and combination ,it helps to improved in growth attributes characters.

Effect of RDN with FYM and Biofertilizer(Rhizobium , PSB And Azotobacter) on Growth and Yield attributes of fenugreek Growth and yield attributes.

(Patel et al., 2010) suggested that if application of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) with FYM and bio-fertilizer used in fenugreek ,gives better performance on fenugreek yield and quality Application of recommended dose of Nutrient (RDN) + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 recorded the highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, length of pod and number of seeds pod-1.Significantly the highest number of pods plant-1 and test weight (1000-seed weight) were recorded under RDN + Azotobacter sp. @ 5 kg ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1. This result were similar with the Jat & Shaktawat (2001) and Jat et al. (2006).The maximum seed and straw yields were recorded with the application of RDF + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1. The minimum grain yield was recorded with application of Azotobacter sp. @ 5 kg ha-1 alone. The results are in close conformity with the findings of Jat & Shekhawat (2001).

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growth and yield attributes. The results is similar with Kumar et al.(2009) and Singh et al. (2010). (Godara et al .,2017) also suggested that combined use of Rhizobium and PSB was found significantly better yield attributes characters and growth of crop over their sole application. Rhizobium and PSB both are better option for improves the N and P availability of soil which are essential and basic plant nutrients . Combined inoculation with N2 fixer and PSB gives more benefits to plants than either group of organisms alone. so on the basis of Statistically data combination of 80 % RDF + dual inoculation was given relatively better bacterial activity at lower fertility level of soil. Combined inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB exhibited higher seed yield over their sole application of Rhizobium and PSB.

EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ALONG WITH RDN AND CF THROUGH IPNS

(Naher et al., 2016) Suggested that application of poultry manure, 4 t ha/1 along with inorganic fertilizer, resulted in higher protein content. Its proved that application of nitrogen alone or in combination with organic manures increased protein content in seed because Nitrogen is a basic constituent of protein. Organic manure enhances nitrogen availability to plant roots, which resulted increase protein content in seed. The results are also similar and conformity with Nagre (1991).On the basis of experiment, it is clearly observed that integrated nutrient application significantly enhance the grain yield, protein content in seed and stover by using balanced use of both organic and inorganic sources of application. Application of poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 + CF through chemical fertilizers (IPNS) visualized best combination for enhancing the yield of fenugreek as well as soil fertility and productivity.

(Choudhary et al., 2011) The application of 50% Recommended Dose of Nutrients (RDN) through organic source + 50% RDN through inorganic source gave maximum values of all growth attributes and yield attribute over sole application of 100% RDN through organic source and 100% RDN through inorganic source with or without Rhizobium inoculation . He also suggested that Application of 50% RDN through Poultry Manure + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer recorded maximum pods/plant, seeds/pod and test weight . The conjunctive use of organic manures + inorganic fertilizer, i.e. 50% RDN through PM +

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50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer givesThe highest mean seed , haulm ,biological yields and system productivity .

If we compare to sole application of organic manures and combined use of organic fertilizer and Recommended Dose of Fertilizer so combined use of both in balanced combination gives an additional seed yield , haulm yield and system productivity , it was also observed that the combined application of 50% RDN through organic manures, i.e. FYM, VC and PM + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer, which was direct added an appropriate amount of essential plant nutrients by organic manures and also improved physical properties of the soil (Nambiar and Abrol, 1989). The nutrient uptake was significantly higher with the application of 50% RDN through PM + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer over control.

EFFECT OF NADEP COMPOST AS WELL AS LIQUID ORGANICS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF FENUGREEK

Effect of solid organics

Growth attributing characters

The application of NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1 showed considerably higher plant height. The enhance in growth characters may be due to ideal C:N ratio of NADEP compost with relatively higher nitrogen content. Addition of organic manure conjointly increased soil structure that reduced the soil crusting and create appropriate soil environment for plant growth. These results is similar of Singh et al. (2015) , Naikwade et al. (2011) and Vedpathak (2016) .

Yield and yield attributes:

Number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, test weight, seed yield and straw yield of fenugreek is significantly affected by application of solid organics viz; NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1 .

Quality:

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Nitrogen is that the major constituent of protein and inclusion of N made NADEP compost increased considerably N content in seed which could have enhanced seed protein content of fenugreek. The results are also conformed with Paikra and Dwivedi (2012) , Tak et al. (2014) and Khan et al. (2008) .

Effect of liquid organics

Growth attributing characters

Liquid organics like enriched banana pseudostem sap @ 5 L ha-1 ,the panchgavya @ 20 L ha-1 and jeevamruta @ 200 L ha-1 are used for enhancing growth attributing characters in crop. Many macro and micro-nutrients, vitamins, essential amino acids, microorganism and growth promoting substances like IAA, GA etc. Are present in Fermented liquid organic manures .(Palekar, 2006; Natarajan, 2007 and Sreenivasa et al., 2010) which help in improving plant growth, metabolic activity and resistance to pest and diseases. Similar results were also finding by Gore and Sreenivasa (2011) , Satashiya et al. (2012) , Patil et al. (2013) [ and Jondhale et al. (2014).

YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES:

Banana pseudostem sap, panchagvaya and jeevamruta are rich source of several plant macro and micro essential nutrients due to this property of liquid organics soil application of this liquid organics provides balance nutrition to the crop, if apply in soil in liquid form. Growth hormones which present in these liquid organic, promote root development, mineral absorptions, photosynthesis and easy assimilation of nutrients supply. Devakumar et al. (2011) also observed that both jeevamruta and panchgavya have increased the growth of nitrogen fixation bacteria if used those liquid organics with easily available organic sources like FYM.ultimately Liquid organics enhance crop growth and production.

Quality:

In the presence of plant growth regulator, microbes, organic acid etc. in liquid organics they increase significantly protein content in seed and enhance plant growth ,

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similar result were also reported by Kumar et al. (2012) , Patil et al. (2012) , Laharia et al. (2013) and Anuja and Vijayalakshmi (2014) .

Pawar and Tambe (2012) reported that the enhanced plant vigour growth due to higher level of organic inputs which were found to be useful in increasing photosynthetic activities and there by accumulation of more carbohydrates and higher dry matter with higher levels of organic inputs. These growth attributes are also in accordance with the finding of Naikwade et al. (2011) , Kumar et al. (2014) , Agarwal et al. (2012) and Vedpathak, (2016) .

EFFECT OF OTHER ORGANIC MODULE ON GROWTH OF FENUGREEK

(Singh et al ,2017) Data of this study further showed that fenugreek yield attributing characters were significantly affected with the application of different organic modules organic module like ; vermicompost @5t/ha, foliar spray of 5% garlic extract @ 2.0 kg/ha + 2% neem oil @ 5 litre/ha; is very effective for growth and development of crop .seed treatment with Rhizobium (100 ml/kg seed), PSB (100 ml/ kg seed) and Trichoderma (10 g/kg seed) get best results with respect to vegetative growth parameters of fenugreek crop. on the basis of this study the highest number of pods and seeds with maximum grain yield and net returns were obtained by these organic modules .

CONCLUSION

The current global situation create the need to adopt eco-friendly agricultural cultivation practices for sustainable crop production. because excessive use of chemical fertilizer cause soil degradation, ground water depletion and environmental pollution which leading to imbalance ecological condition .for control that situation the balanced nutrition practices is essential, which would be obtain by integrated application of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients because organic manures in not only supplies most of the essential plant nutrients, but it also enhance the soil structure, increase cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity of the soil. Organic manures also improve the efficiencies of applied fertilizers. In intensive cultivation only use of agrochemical for long period could result in deterioration of soil productivity and quality of seed, because seed is base of agriculture production and industry in India. The quality seed plays important role in 14 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

agricultural production as well as in national economy. Therefore, the good quality seed is necessary to enhance production and productivity. In view for better quality organic manure used in combination with inorganic fertilizers has been recommended for farmers. so INM is better option for that , More economic returns of fenugreek obtained by adopting INM on the basis of above cited literature, this review article conclude that integrated nutrient management in fenugreek ,enhance nutrient uptake like Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash uptake, increase protein content ,enhance seed yield .Organic manure (VC & CD) with chemical fertilizer (IPNS) may be alternative source of improvement of soil health as well as yield of fenugreek. (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.).

1. REFERENCES: 2. Agarwal A, Vishwanath, Singh D. Evaluation of composts made through different methods on vegetable pea. Pantnagar Journal of Research. 2012; 10(1). 3. Anuja S, Vijyalakshmi CN. Effect of organic nutrients on growth and yield of vegetable cowpea. The Asian Journal of Horticulture. 2014; 9(1):136-139. 4. Anonymous 2010 Spices India Magazine 23 (7): 9. 5. Amlinger F, Gotz B, Dreher P, Geszti J and Weissteiner C 2003 Nitrogen in biowaste and yard waste compost: dynamics ofmobilisation and availability- a review. European Journal of Soil Biology 39: 107-116. 6. Almulla L., Bhat NR., Lekha VS., Thomas B., Ali S., George P., Xavier M. (2012). Effect of three organic fertilizer formulations on growth and yield of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Sakura) under soilless organic greenhouse production system. European Journal of Scientific Research, 80(3), 281-288. 7. Arguello JA., Ledesma A., Nunez SB., Rodriguez CH., Goldfarb MDD. (2006). Vermicompost effects on bulbing dynamics, nonstructural carbohydrate content, yield and quality of Rosado paraguayo garlic bulbs. Horticultural Sciences, 41(3), 589-592. 8. Arancon N., Edwards CA., Bierman PC., Metzger JD. (2004a). Influences of vermicomposts on field strawberries: 1. Effects on growth and yields. Bioresource Technology, 93, 145-153. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2003.10.014

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9. Arancon NQ., Edwards CA., Atieyh RM., Metzger JD. (2004b). Effect of vermicomposts produced from food waste on the growth and yields of greenhouse peppers. Bioresource Technology, 93, 139-143. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2003.10.015 10. Arancon NQ., Galvis PA., Edwards A. (2005). Suppression of insect pest populations and damage to plants by vermicomposts. Bioresource Technology, 96(10), 1137.

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ROLE OF MILLETS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH ARTICLE ID. : 0035 Kumar SR.1 Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, SKY College of Agricultural Sciences (Affiliated to ANGRAU) SSR Puram, Murapaka, 532 403. E-Mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

In India, at present total net sown area of 140.0 M ha out of which rain fed area accounts for 84.0 M ha spread over 177 districts. This constitutes approximately 60 percent of the total farming area in the country. The major crops for this rain fed area are Millets (Sorghum, Pearl millet, Foxtail millet, little millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, Barnyard millet) and pulses (red gram, green gram, black gram cowpea, beans, lentils) which can supports food security and livelihood security of the rain fed farmers. Basically our Indian agriculture is a millet based production system. But after Green Revolution and Social prestige, millet cultivation areas were occupied by other crops (Rice, Wheat) signifying an extraordinary loss to India’s food and farming systems.

The earth’s climate is predicted to change through raise of greenhouse gases particularly carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons. The major impact of climate change leads to increase in atmospheric temperature, increased water shortage, rising sea levels (may result in more saline lands), reduced crop yields, more floods, increase in human and animal diseases and increased malnutrition are some of the serious problems.

It is important to note that with the projected 20C temperature rise, wheat might disappear from our midst, since it is an extremely thermo sensitive crop. Similar way, rice is grown under standing water makes it a dangerous crop under climate change conditions. Methane eminating from water-drenched rice fields is a green house gas that severely threatens our environment. Millets are all-season crops whereas wheat is season specific. While wheat and rice might provide only food security, millets produce multiple securities

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(food, fodder, health, nutrition, livelihood and ecological) making them the crops of agricultural security.

Fig. 1. Share of agricultural sectors towards green house gas emissions

If there is any cropping system that can withstand these challenges, survive and flourish, it is the millet system. All these qualities of millet farming system make them the Climate Change Compliant crops.

Fig. 2. Methane emission from paddy fields

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Millets are astonishingly low water consuming crops. The rainfall needed for Sorghum, Pearl Millet and Finger Millet is less than 25% of sugarcane and banana, and 30% that of rice. We use 5000 litres of water to grow one kg of rice while all millets grow without irrigation. This can turn out to be a tremendous national gain especially in the ensuing decades of climate crisis. In a future, where water and food crisis stares us in the face, millets can become the food of security.

Sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet, being a C4 plants, have a very high photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter production capacity, they are usually grown under most adverse agro-climatic conditions where other crops fail to produce economic yields and also sorghum has a unique inbuilt ability of biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) in its root

exudates through which it suppresses nitrification in soil results in low emission of N2O to atmosphere, therefore, Millets are becoming an important crops suitable for contingency cropping in climate changing scenario.

By any nutritional parameter, millets are miles ahead of rice and wheat In terms of their mineral content, compared to rice and wheat. Each one of the millets has more fiber than rice and wheat. Some, as much as fifty times that of rice. Finger millet has thirty times more Calcium than rice while every other millet has at least twice the amount of Calcium

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compared to rice. While most of us seek a micronutrient such as Beta Carotene in pharmaceutical pills and capsules, millets offer it in abundant quantities. The much privileged rice, ironically, has zero quantity of this precious micronutrient. In this fashion, nutrient to nutrient, every single millet is extraordinarily superior to rice and wheat and therefore is the solution for the malnutrition that affects a vast majority of the Indian population.

Nutrient Content of Millets (g/100 g)

Crop Protein Fiber Minerals Iron (mg/100g) Calcium (mg/100g) Pearl millet 10.6 1.3 2.3 16.9 38.0 Finger millet 7.3 3.6 2.7 3.9 344.0 Foxtail millet 12.3 80 3.3 2.8 31.0 Prosomillet 12.5 2.2 1.9 0.8 14.0 Kodo Millet 8.3 9.0 2.6 0.5 27.0 Little millet 7.7 7.6 1.5 9.3 17.0 Barnyard millet 11.2 10.1 4.4 15.2 11.0 Sorghum 10.4 1.6 - 4.1 25.0 Rice 6.8 0.2 0.6 0.7 10.0 Wheat 11.8 1.2 1.5 5.3 41.0

Due to all the qualities mentioned above, Millets remain our agricultural answer to the climate crisis that the world is facing.

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SEED TREATMENT – A KEY FOR HIGHER YIELD ARTICLE ID. : 0036 * Abhishek Pati Tiwari, C. B. Singh Gangwar, A. L. Jatav, V. P. Bajpai and Akash Shukla1. Department of Seed Science & Technology, Department of Fruit Science1 Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur UP-208002

INTRODUCTION

Seed treatment refers to the application of chemicals, biological agents or other growth regulators to prevent seed from storage pest, seed born, and soil born pathogen and to improve germination potential and plant establishment.

BENEFITS OF SEED TREATMENT

1. Seed treatment prevents spread of plant disease.

2. Seed treatment protect seed from seed and soil born disease.

3. Seed treatment provides protection from storage insect pest.

4. Seed treatment protect seed from soil insect pest.

5. Improve germination potential and plant establishment.

6. Enhances shelf life of seed.

7. Facilitate infected seed to form a healthy seedling.

CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SEED MUST BE TREATED

1. Injured seeds.

2. Diseased seed.

3. Undesirable soil conditions.

4. Disease free seed.

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5. under developed seed.

TYPE OF SEED TREATMENT

1. Seed disinfestant. It is effective on the pathogen present on the surface of the seed i.e., contaminated the seed surface but not infected the seed.

2. Seed disinfectant. It eradicates pathogen present deep in the seed.

3. Seed Protectant. It is effective to protect the germinating seed and young seedling soil born pathogen that may decay the seed before germination or seedling.

FORMULATION OF TREATMENT MATERIALS

Seed treatment materials are available in the form of dusts, wettable powers and liquids.

1. Dusts. Dust should be thoroughly mixed with seeds in a mechanical mixer. Dust are usually applied at rates of 200-250 g/q of seed. 2. Slurry. Wettable powders are applied to the seeds in soup-like suspension which is mixed with the seed in in a special slurry treater. 3. Liquids. A Concentrated solution of treating agent is applied to the seed and thoroughly mixed with them followed by shade drying. SEED TREATMENT

Seed treatment with chemical It may be fungicide (to kill fungus), or insecticide (to kill virus vector insect) or nematocide (to kill nematode) with different formulations including water dispersible powder (WP), dust or slurry are used to control specific pest.

Table 01: Seed Treatment Of Specific Crops

Name of Qty. Natur Quantity Crop Chemical and its of chemical e of of water in case formulation g/q treatment of slurry (ltr.) Paddy Ceresan 2.5% 60 L Wheat, Barley Thiram 75% WP 100 S 0.5

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Sorghum Thiram 75% WP 85 S 0.5 Perl-millet Captan 75% WP 300 D Maize Thiram 75% WP 70 S 0.5 Lentil, Mustard Agrosan GN 1% 250 D Redgram,Greengram Thiram 75% WP 75 S 0.5 Groundnut Thiram 75% WP 175 S 0.5 Brinjal, Chilli, Thiram 75% WP 250 S 0.5 Cabbage L = Liquid, D = Dry, S = Slurry

Hot water treatment This treatment is mainly effective for internally associated fungi and bacterial pathogens. Hot water (520C) treatment for 30 minutes ensure effective control of black leg of cabbage and black rot of cabbage and cauliflower.

Solar energy treatment Soaking of seed in normal water at 200C for 41 hours followed by sun drying reduce the loose smut infection without damage to wheat seed.

Hot air treatment This method is effective for the pathogens associated on the seed surface. Treatment of set with hot air currents effective control of smut pathogen associated sugarcane set.

Treatment with biological agent Several formulation with biological agents are available in the market. Treatment of Brassica seed with Gilcoladium roseum and Trichoderma harzianum reduces infection of Alternaria Brassicola and Increase the seedling emergence.

PRECAUTION REQUIRED IN SEED TREATMENT

1. Use appropriate recommended chemical for crop, pathogen and disease. 2. Use precise dose of chemical and formulation for large scale. 3. Seed should be properly dried before seed treatment. 4. Seed should be properly mixed with chemical without any mechanical damage. 5. Never use chemical of expiry date for seed treatment. 6. Never use treated seed as food or feed. 7. First Treat the seed with fungicide, thereafter insecticide then Rhizobium sp. and finally with Trichoderma sp. (FIRT), this sequence be followed wherever recommendation is

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DECIPHERING THE TRANSMISSION AND ETIOLOGY OF SESAMUMPHYLLODY DISEASE ARTICLE ID. : 0037 Pramod Kumar Fatehpuria1, Babli Verma1and Dwarka Prasad Athya2 1 Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindhia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior Mp 474002 2jawahar Lal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur Mp 482004 Corresponding author: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is the oldest among the oilseeds crops cultivated in semi-arid tropics and sub tropics to temperate regions in India. Sesame which was originated in Africa is probably the most ancient oil seed plant cultivated in many parts of the world. Myanmar, India, China are the world’s largest producers of sesame in the major sesame growing states are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Wangal and Orissa Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh and contribute about half of the total sesame production of the country. However, a distressing feature is that the productivity of sesame in these states is very low. The main reason for low productivity of this crop is due to the attack of various weather factors and diseases, such as root and stem rot, Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria sesame), Bacterial blight (Xanthomonascampestrispv. sesame), Powdery mildew (Erysiphecichoracearum), Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora sesame) and phyllody(Mycoplasma) Gupta et al (2018). The most common symptoms of the disease is sudden wilting of growing plant mainly after the flowering stage, stem portion near the ground level show dark brown and dark black lesion at the collar region show shredding and to destroy the vascular bundles by causing the plant death. Stem portion can be easily pulled out leaving the rotten rot portion in the soil. It is a member of Phylum- Deteromycetes, Class- Coelomycetes, Order- Sphaeropsidales, Family Sphaeropsidaceae. Pycnidia are 100-200 μm in diameter, dark brown to greyish, becoming black with age, globose or flattened globose, membranous to sub carbonaceous with an inconspicuous or definite truncate ostiole. The pycnida bear simple, rod-shaped conidiophores, 10-15 μm long. Conidia are 14-33 × 6-12 μm in diameter, single celled, hyaline, and elliptic or oval.

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ETIOLOGY

Light microscopy

Tissue sections about 1-2 mm long were cut with razor blades from healthy and infected plant samples, and fixed in a fixative solution at pH 7.4 for 2 days at 4 °C, as described by Neinhaus et al. (1982). After 2 days, free-hand cut transverse sections were stained for 10 min in a 0.2% solution of Dienes’ stain at 30 °C, according to Deeley et al. (1979).

Transmission electron microscopy

Water agar-embedded healthy and phyllody infected sesame plant samples were pre- fixed in 5% glutaraldehyde overnight, washed with 0.2 M Pipes buffer, and post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide for 18 h at room temperature. The samples were washed with distilled water, treated with 5% uranyl acetate for 16-18 h, and washed again with distilled water. These were then dehydrated with absolute ethanol and embedded in Spur resin over a period of 1-2 days to achieve maximum resin infiltration. The samples were polymerized in pure Spur resin in moulds incubated at 70 °C for 48 h. The polymerized resin blocks were hand trimmed and ultra-thin serial sections 120 nm thick were cut on an RMC MT 7000 ultra- microtome. The sections were put on copper grids, and double stained with 5% uranyl acetate for 30 min and lead citrate for 10 min.

Molecular characterization

To identify the phytoplasma associated with the disease, DNA was extracted from 300- 500 mg of leaf tissue collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants using the cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method of Doyle and Doyle (1990). Amplification of the 16S rRNA gene was performed in 25 μL reactions for all samples, using illustraPuReTaq Ready-To-GoTM PCR beads (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Amersham, UK), and 15 ng of template DNA and 100 ng of each primer in an MJ Research PTC200 thermocycler

Transmission studies Seed transmission 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

One hundred seeds harvested from sesame plants infected with phyllody disease were planted in pots under insect-free conditions in a greenhouse. Plants raised from these seeds were observed for symptom development until maturity.

Sap inoculation

Sesame plant tissues with typical phyllody disease symptoms were collected and ground in 0.02 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4; 1 g mL−1) with a mortar and pestle, and then squeezed through very fine muslin cloth. Young leaves from ten 4-week-old healthy sesame plants were dusted with 500-mesh carborandum powder and mechanically inoculated with the freshly extracted sap using cotton pads. Plants were rinsed with a gentle stream of water immediately after inoculation to remove superfluous inoculum and placed in insect-free cages for symptom development.

Graft inoculation

Ten 4-week-old sesame plants were graft inoculated using phytoplasma inoculum under greenhouse conditions. For grafting, a sliced cut was made on the stem 2 cm below the tip. A 13-cm long sesame branch exhibiting typical phyllody symptoms was detached from an infected plant and a similar cut (as on the test plant) was made on this branch. The corresponding cut surfaces were tied together with parafilm.

Dodder transmission

Dodder (Cuscutacompestris) strands were established on phyllody disease-infected sesame plants for 4 weeks. The newly developed dodder strands from diseased plants were then transferred to 5-week-old healthy sesame seedlings. The latter plants were freed of dodder after 4 weeks and observed for symptom development.

Leafhopper transmission

Three leafhopper species, Orosiusalbicinctus Distant, Empoasca spp., and Circulifer spp., were found in fields with a high incidence of phyllody disease. A group of 25 adult leafhoppers per species first fed on diseased plants for 7 days for disease acquisition. The

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same leafhoppers were then released onto 10 caged healthy plants (4-weeks-old) for an inoculation period of 7 days. Leafhoppers were then killed and the test plants were monitored daily for symptom development.

REFERENCE:

1. Doyle, J.J. and J.L. Doyle. 1990. Isolation of plant DNA from fresh tissue. Focus. 12: 13-15. 2. Neinhaus, F., M. Schuiling, G. Glien, V. Schinzen and A. Spitted. 1982. Investigation on the etiology of the lethal disease of coconut in Tanzania. Z. Pfl. Krankh. Schutz. 89: 185-193. 3. Gupta, K.N., Naik, K.R. and Bisen, R. (2018) Status of sesame diseases and their integrated management using indigenous practices. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 6(2): 1945-1952. 4. Doyle, J.J. and J.L. Doyle. 1990. Isolation of plant DNA from fresh tissue. Focus. 12: 13-15.

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STATUS OF AGRICULTURE IN INDIA ARTICLE ID. : 0038 Subhasidha R.1 School of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, The Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), Dindigul, Tamil Nadu – 624302 Email:[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Importance of agriculture varies at every situation i.e., agriculture was more important than anything at olden days, but at present people started giving less importance to the agriculture. If it continues then what will be our future agricultural status? It will be very dangerous to all, because everyone’s fundamental need is food. We have to give more importance to agriculture and encourage the farmers.

Key words: Agriculture, Farmers, status

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture is the backbone of India, because 70% of Indian population depends on it. The word "Agriculture" is derived from the Latin word 'Ager' means Land or Field and 'Culture' means cultivation. Agriculture is the science of development of plants and domesticated animals for economical purposes. It is the main source of producing foods and fabric. The basic target of agriculture is to produce more plants for living being’s consumption and economic purposes. Agriculture not only supports the living things but it also supports industry by providing raw materials.

AGRICULTURE IN OLDEN DAYS

 At olden days, agricultural land was very fertile and it gave more yield and income to people, because the farmers used green manures as their natural fertilizer, which contains higher concentration of rare nitrogen-15 isotope(N-15). At ancient days there was a good irrigation, because of good and non-polluted environment, so most of the people started agricultural practices. Traditional agriculture is based on treating soils and plants which are non-toxics.

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 Earthworms are known as FARMER'S FRIEND because it helps to gain nutrient availability for soil, it improves the soil and plant health, and it gives more stable soil structure, all these things by earthworm helps to improve farm productivity.  In olden days farmers used to plough the land using bulls, while ploughing the bull may produce cow dung which fall on the land and that converts into manure thus the soil is getting fertile in natural way.  Likewise, mixed crop and crop rotation was practiced by farmers to increase the nutrient content of the soil. The soil is fertile only when there is a high nutrient content available for plants. It greatly increases soil organic matter and it is used as pest control. It can reduce the amount of soil loss from corrosion.

PRESENT CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURE

Currently agriculture contributes only 17% of India’s GDP, while the same agricultural practice contributed about 43% of India’s GDP in 1970. This decrease in GDP value at very fast rate was due to the less production of agricultural crops. The poor infrastructure of the farm, lack of water or irrigation, polluted environment, chemical fertilizers, decline in soil fertility, population pressure, climatic seasons, economical problem, poor transportation and lack of entrepreneurship are the various reasons for low productivity of agriculture in India. Nowadays only few people are practicing agriculture while the rest of people are not interested doing agriculture because of low income.

GDP share of agriculture 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

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AVAILABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS

Land is one of the important sources for agriculture. If there are more available lands then largenumber of crops can be grown. Nowadays the agricultural lands are decreasing due to the accumulation buildings, industry, etc. And only small amount of agricultural land is available at present condition, but it is almost impossible to produce food for large population.

ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARMERS

Even though farmers cultivate more crops still they are poor due to agent i.e. if one kg of tomato is 40 rupees which was cultivated by farmer then the farmer would get only 10 rupees as profit, remaining amount wouldgo to the middleman who is playing the role of agent. The farmer couldn’t get reasonable price for the crop,this the main reason for the poverty of farmers. To avoid such agents our government had implemented the schemes named UzhavarSanthai and Agriculture Product Marketing Committee (APMC), it is the platform to the direct contact between the farmers and the consumers. It was successful at the starting but after some periods of time it was also inconvenient for the farmers (Government schemes are yet to reach small farmers). So, the farmers again depended on the agents, and it 3 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

resulted in low income for the farmers. Most of farmers got money from moneylenders and banks for plant cultivation as they didn’t get more income, they couldn’t give back money with interest to the banks and moneylenders. Due to such depression the farmers committed suicide. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 10281 farmers committed suicide in 2019. On average everyday 28 farmers are committing suicide. To avoid losing the farmers certain measures has to be taken i.e. provide counseling for the farmers, help the farmers economically, introduce more schemes in favor of farmers. Without farmers the whole country would collapse.

PEOPLE MINDSET ON AGRICULTURE

Every people in the world wish their children to become a Doctor, Teacher, Pilot,Engineer, Police, Collector, etc. because they think only such professions are respectful and gives more value. The humans failed to give respect to the most valuable person in the world ‘Farmer’. Every human has to treat the farmers like God, because we are living because of them. In my point of view God and Farmers are equal. If a person is working in an IT company, the society will give him some value. But if the same persons resigned his work to do agriculture, he would not be respected by his society.No parents wish their child to become a farmer. Why such situation occurs? (Think of it)

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PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURE

The plant productivity has decreased, because of low rainfall, low soil fertility, over usage of chemical fertilizers, poor irrigation facility, climatic conditions, inadequate storage facilities, lack of investment in agriculture and modern equipment, unavailability of electricity at 24*7, industries nearer to agricultural field can affect the plant growth. Farmers have no source ofincome so theindustrialist, brain washes the farmers and make them to sell their land for constructing industries and they give assurance of providing job in that industry.Farmers lost their income and they were forced to do join work in industry to maintain the family. Farmers got more salary in an industry and they were satisfied with their job. At the same time, they are not aware of natural resources, we can simple say it as ‘Everyone wants food but only few is ready to cultivate crops’ so it will result in food scarcity.

SOLUTIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL PROBLEMS

Usage of modern equipments

Educating Introducing farmers new ideas Few solutions for overcoming the problems

Better water Don't depent management on agents

1) Usage of modern equipment can increase the crop productivity. Many state governments had implemented a scheme in which the farmer can use modern

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equipment at low rent. Modern equipment saves the time and energy of the farmers. 2) Mostly farmers cultivate wheat and rice. Such over dependency on traditional crops should be avoided because the over production of wheat and rice of many farmers causes storage and sale problems. So, farmers must try new ideas and cultivate different crops to gain more profit. 3) Farmers should not depend on agents for selling the products, because those agents or middleman don’t provide reasonable price for the crops. Farmers should involve direct contact with consumers for selling the crops. So, they can get more profit for their crops. 4) Save rainwater at optimum level, use drip irrigation, recycle the water for plants, provide to water resources which reduce the rate of evaporation. Drought tolerant plants can be grown. 5) Educating farmers about crop production and mixed cropping is very important to increase agricultural productivity and soil fertility. It opens the knowledge of the farmers FUTURE CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURE

If the present situation continues, then there will be no food source available for our future generation. As an agricultural student I wish some techniques must be introduce in future India. Future technologies should be the change which we want to see in our agriculture in order to increase plants productivity.The following methods can be adopted in future agriculture,

a. Robots can be used in agricultural fields, these robots can help farmers in watering, weeding, pruning, etc. Robotic systems will allow farms to be more profitable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. These robots should be given to farmers at low rent. b. Global Positioning System (GPS) can used to collect soil sample, to navigate specific location in the fields, used to monitor crop conditions, it determines the accurate position of insects and weeds in the plant field. c. All the governments scheme must reach every village farmer.

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d. Drought, salinity, heat tolerant plants can be grown in order to overcome environmental factors. e. Development of agricultural infrastructure f. Increase the standard of living of farmers. g. In Israel only 20% of land is suitable for agriculture whereas other 80% of land surface is not applicable for crop production. Even though in Israel the climatic conditions are almost dry, they use the modern technologies to maintain their agricultural productivity. h. Likewise, we can also use modern technologies for increasing the agricultural productivity and to increase our country’s economic growth.Using machines for weeding, spraying fertilizer, harvesting, maintaining crop temperature by controlling the climatic conditions, etc.

CONCLUSION

Our Indian agricultural system should improve a lot in future. Every farmer has to get respect equal to other high professionals. Without food, nobody can survive in this world, each and everyone directly or indirectly depends on farmers. I wish farmers would become the richest person in the world in the upcoming years with proper measures to increase productivity. If agriculture gives more income than other professions the everyone will wish their child to become a ‘Farmer’ not an Engineer, Doctor, Pilot, etc. Let’s all work together to make this situation true in the following years.

‘Without Farmer, Food doesn’t exist. Without Food Human doesn’t exists’

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ARITIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN AGRICULTURE ARTICLE ID. : 0039 Subha laxmi Mishra1* and Gargi Gautami Padhiary2 1&2 Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003 *Email: [email protected]

INRODUCTION

Agriculture and farming is one of the ages old and most important practices in the world since the evolution of mankind. With the growing research and development in the field of science and technology, agriculture also gained its place in 21st century. In the present scenario the population is growing in very faster rate. Due to increase in the urbanization and concrete forest the land area for cultivation is decreasing day by day. So it’s a serious challenge for the mankind to increase the crop productivity in the limited land. All these can be feasible by incorporation of modern technologies in the field. Among such growing technologies artificial intelligence (AI) is the most reliable future of agriculture.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Artificial intelligence technology is supporting different sectors to boost

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productivity and efficiency and to overcome all the challenges evolved during the traditional process. AI in agriculture is helping farmer, agriculture based industries and agripreneur to improve their efficiency, productivity and to support the economy in a holistic approach. Implementing AI-empowered approaches could detect diseases or climate changes sooner and respond smartly which is a major concern in present days as the loss due to adverse climate is very high. The businesses in agriculture with the help of AI are processing the agricultural data to reduce the adverse outcomes. Today, the majority of startups in agriculture are adapting AI-enabled approach to increase the efficiency of agricultural production.

ADVANTAGES OF AI IN AGRICULTURE

The use of Artificial intelligence in agriculture helps the farmers to understand the important factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and rainfall which are essential for plant growth and production. The analysis of such factors provides desirable comparison and outcomes. The regular advantages are as follows:

 AI provides more systematic ways to produce, harvest and market crops.  AI implementation emphasizes on checking disease and pest affected crops and improving the potential for healthy crop growth.  Use of AI in automated machines such as for application of nutrients, water and indication of disease and pest.  AI solutions have the potential to solve the challenges farmers face such as climate variation, an infestation of pests and weeds that reduces yields.  Artificial Intelligence technology has strengthened the agro-based businesses to run in more organized manner in a wider platform

IMPORTANT OUTCOMES OF AI

AI technology is rapidly rectifying the problems while recommending specific action that is required to overcome the problem. AI is efficient in monitoring the information to find solutions quickly.

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 Forecasted Weather data

With the help of AI, farmers can now analyze a variety of things such as weather conditions, temperature, water usage or soil conditions collected from their farm for their decisions. The forecasted/ predicted data help farmers increase yields and profits without risking the crop. The analysis of the data generated helps the farmer to take the precaution by understanding and learning with AI. For example, AI technologies help farmers to generate more yields by determining crop choices, planting/sowing date, selection of best hybrid seed and efficient resource utilization.

 Monitoring Crop and Soil Health

Precision agriculture uses AI technology to aid in detecting diseases in plants, pests, and poor plant nutrition on farms. Utilizing AI is an efficient way to conduct or monitor identifies possible defects and nutrient deficiencies in the soil. With the image recognition approach, AI identifies possible defects through images captured by the camera. Such AI-enabled applications are supportive in understanding soil defects, plant pests, and diseases. AI sensors can also detect and target weeds and then decide which herbicides to apply within the right buffer zone. This helps to prevent over application of herbicides and excessive toxins that find their way in our food. In addition to this by using drones, AI enabled cameras can capture images of the entire farm and analyze the images in less time to identify problem areas and potential improvements.

 AI Agriculture Bots

With less people entering the farming profession, most farms are facing the challenge of a workforce shortage. AI -enabled agriculture bots augment the human labor workforce and are used in various forms. These bots help farmers to find more efficient ways to protect their crops from weeds by spraying and monitoring. This is also helping to overcome the labor challenge. AI bots in the agriculture field can harvest crops at a higher volume and faster pace than human labourers. By leveraging computer vision helps to monitor the weed and spray them.

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Additionally, farmers are beginning to use chat bots for assistance. Chat bots help answer a variety of questions such as identification of disease, pest, and nutrient deficiencies and provide advice and recommendations on specific problems. Chat bots are already being used in various other industries with great popularity and success.

DISADVANTAGES OF AI IN AGRICULTURE

Although, Artificial intelligence improves the agriculture industry in many spectacular ways still there are many concerns regarding the future of AI. In developing country like India where more than 40 percent of workforce involved in agriculture will face a greater unemployment rate as AI minimizes the use of man power. So there are predictions of being millions of unemployed field workers in the next decades primarily due to the impact of AI in the agriculture industry. In addition to this the cost of technology such as drones, bots and sensors are very high and it’s the biggest challenge for the government to make available these facilities in affordable prices in many countries.

Precisely the use of AI in agriculture provides vast opportunities to increase the crop productivity in efficient way. In our country where the availability of man power is abundant the use of AI can be done in a limited way. So there will be a balance between the technologies and employment.

REFERENCES:

1. Bannerjee G, Sarkar U, Das S and Ghosh I. 2018. Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: A Literature Survey. International Journal of Scientific Research in computer Science Applications and Management Studies, 7 (3) 2. Eli-Chukwu N.C. 2019. Applications of artificial intelligence in agriculture: a review. Engineering, Technology and Applied Science Research, 9(4): 4377-4383 3. Talaviya T, Shah D, Patel N, Yagnik H and Shah M. 2020. Implementation of artificial intelligence in agriculture for optimization of irrigation and application of pesticides and herbicides. Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, 4: 58-7

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SUICIDAL GERMINATION: A STRATEGY TO CONTROL PARASITIC WEEDS ARTICLE ID. : 0040 Gargi Gautami Padhiary1* and Subhalaxmi Mishra2 1&2Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003 E-mail: [email protected]

WHAT IS SUICIDAL GERMINATION?

The ability to stimulate Parasitic weed germination through use of naturally occurring chemical signals called as Strigolactones (SLs) e.g. Strigol and Orobanchol as suicidal germination agents, where germination takes place in the absence of a host. Owing to the lack of nutrients, the germinated seeds will die.

The structures of natural SLs are too complex to allow milligram synthesis. Parasitic weeds of the genera- Striga and Orobanche spp. cause severe yield losses in agriculture, especially in developing countries and the Mediterranean regions. Seeds of these weeds germinate by a chemical signal exuded by the roots of host plants. The radical thus produced attaches to the root of the host plant, which can then supply nutrients to the parasite weed. There is an urgent need to control these weeds to ensure better agricultural production.

PARASITIC WEED STRIGA AND OROBANCHE:

The total root parasitic plants Striga hermonthica (Purple witchweed) and Strigaasiatica (Asiatic witchweed) are the most economically important weeds in the rain-fed agriculture, infecting pearl millet, sorghum, maize and other cereal crops A single plant can produce 10,000-20,000 seeds under optimal conditions. The Semi-root parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca produce more than 500 seeds per plant, infecting tomato, potato, tobacco, eggplant, mustard, pea, peppers, carrot, celery etc. by different seven species of broomrape. SLs are a novel group of carotenoid derived plant hormones that regulate different development processes. Strigol was the first natural SL isolated from roots of cotton, a non-host of Striga. Today more than 25, known natural SLs, characterized by a common structure.

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CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR PARASITIC WEEDS:

A diverse array of control approaches has been pursued to address the challenge presented by parasitic weed. These approaches aim to improve soil fertility or directly target the parasite by chemical or mechanical means and include the use of resistant varieties as well as cultural measures. Although these methods have helped in reducing the impact of this pernicious weed, they have not addressed the weed seed problem effectively. Thus, the extensive seed bank of weed in infected fields remains an impediment. As long as the weed seed bank is not controlled adequately, the need to apply means to control the parasite will

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persist. But suicidal germination is a promising option in combating weed. The suicidal germination approach was proposed as far back as 1976. The use of natural SLs for this is not realistic alternative because chemical synthesis of these compounds is very laborious. In addition, plants produce and release SLs in very low amounts. A series of SLs analogs can be used to develop a protocol for implementing the suicidal germination strategy for combating parasitic weed. The synthetic germination stimulants are Nijmegen-1, MP 1, MP 3, T-010 and GR 24 etc. Structure modification of artificial germination stimulants resulted in an improvement in the germination inducing activities. The best performing stimulant, which derived from 1-tetralone, induced 98.0% germination for S. hermanthica seeds (Kgosiet al. 2012). Furthermore, a formulated SL mimic, T-010 and formulate SL analogue, Nijmegen-1 reduced the emergence of S. hermonthica in sorghum and P. ramosain tobacco fields. Both T-010 and Nijmegem-1 are hydrolysed faster than SL analogue, GR 24 which had been reported as an unstable compound in soil (Kannan, et al., 2014).Sequiterpene lactones, heliolectones,etc were isolated from sunflower root exudates as germination stimulants for O.cumana. Some new polyphenols isolated from pea root exudates were found to strongly stimulate seed germination of several orobanche spp.

MECHANISM OF KILLING WEED SEEDS:

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REFERENCES

1. Kgosi, R. L., Zwanemburg, B. and Mwakaboko, A. S. 2012. Strigolactone analogues induce suicidal seed germination of Striga spp. in soil. Weed Research, 52: 197-203. 2. Kannan, C. and Zwanemburg, B. 2014. A novel concept for the control of parasitic weeds by decomposing germination stimulants prior to action.Crop Protection, 61: 11-15. 3. Samejima, H. and Sugimoto, Y. 2017. Recent research progress in combating root parasitic weeds.Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment, 32(2): 221-240

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TECHNIQUES HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION IN RICE ARTICLE ID. NO. – 0041

Raushan K.1

ITM University, Gwalior MP. India

ABSTRACT

Commercialization of hybrid rice is linked to the development of hybrid rice seed production. Rice is basically a self-pollinated crop and the requirement of seed per unit area is high; therefore, the development of hybrid rice exploits the phenomenon of hybrid vigour and involves raising a commercial crop from F1 Seeds. Research at IRRI indicates that development of hybrid rice technology offers opportunities for increasing rice varietal yields by 15-20% compared to results achievable with improved, semi dwarf and inbred varieties. Rice must involve use of an effective male sterility system to develop and produce hybrids on commercial scale; and as for now, there are only two ways to produce hybrid rice seed successfully and these include three-line and two-line system. The three-line system of seed production is used for large scale hybrid rice seed production in the world; while as two-line approach involving environmental sensitive genetic male sterility for successful hybrid rice seed production.

Keywords: Rice, hybrid, technology, genetic engineering, sterility, emasculation.

INTRODUCTION

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On 22 February 2018, at Yogyakarta, Indonesia-The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development conducted a 3-day conference to address the newest solutions toward addressing the hybrid rice adoption, constraints, challenges and future in Southeast Asia (IAARD, 2018) [19]. This 7th International Hybrid Rice Symposium (IHRS 2018) is grounded on the theme Food Security through Hybrid Rice under Changing Climatic Conditions. The symposium addresses the Hybrid Rice Genetics and Breeding, Seed Production, New Technology Applications, Crop and Resource Management, Hybrid Rice Economics, and National Policies and Public-Private Engagement on international level.

Rice is an important cereal crop and is most widely consumed staple food for a large part of the world's human population. The first hybrid rice variety for commercial cultivation was released by China in 1976. In 1964, the father of hybrid rice, Professor Long-Ping-Yuan and his group started research on heterosis of rice with Indica type rice. Then in November, 1970 the discovery of male sterile line in Hainan Province, make a breakthrough in rice breeding. In India, the Hybrid Rice program was launched in 1989, through a systematic, goal oriented and time bound network project with the financial assistance from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The government of India has set a target of expanding the cultivation of hybrid rice to 25% of the area occupied by the crop by 2015 (Spielman et al. 2013) [24]. Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) released the India’s first basmati hybrid viz. Pusa RH10. So far, 43 hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation. Among these, 28 have been released from the public sector while remaining 15 have been developed and released by the private sector. More than 80% of total hybrid rice area is in U.P, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Haryana. 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Total 15 million ha (50%) of rice in China are hybrid varieties, producing 103.5 million MT of paddy annually (an average yield of 6.9 Mt/ha). The remaining 50%, planted in inbred high-yielding varieties, produces 81 million MT (5.4 Mt/ha). Thus, on average hybrid rice in China yield about 27% (1.5 Mt/ha) more than the inbred high yielding varieties.

POLLINATION AND STERILITY IN RICE

Since rice is a self-pollinated crop, hybrid seed production must be based on male sterility systems which include cytoplasmic genetic male sterility (CGMS) system, thermo-sensitive genetic sterility (TGMS) system or photo-sensitive genetic male sterility (PGMS) system, both PGMS and TGMS are combined

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called as environmental genetic male sterility (EGMS) system. The oldest and most popular technology used for development of commercial rice hybrids in China and elsewhere. The cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system popularly known as the three-line system, utilizes lines, cytoplasmic male sterile line (A line), a maintainer (B line), and a restorer (R line). For the commercial production of hybrid, it involves two major steps viz.,

i. Multiplication of the A line (female sterile parent) by crossing it with maintainer or B line and then ii. Crossing of A line with restores or R line to produce hybrid seed. TGMS and PGMS systems are also gaining popularity.

MALE STERILITY

It is essential to look at how male sterility manifests in plants before classifying them into various categories. One of the higher-level manifestations is

i. The absence or malformation of male organs (stamens) in bisexual plants or no male flowers in dioecious plants. ii. Failure to develop normal micro-pyrogenoustissue anther. iii. Abnormal microsporogenesis leading to deformed or inviable pollen. iv. Abnormal pollen maturation: inability to germinate on compatible stigma. v. No dehiscent anthers but viable pollen-saprophytic control. vi. Barriers other than incompatibility preventing pollen from reaching ovule.

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There are basically, two types of classification of male sterility viz., phenotypic and genotypic classification. Phenotypic classification of male sterility includes structural, pyrogenous and functional male sterility.

GENETIC MALE STERILITY (GMS) GENETIC

Male sterility is ordinarily governed by single recessive gene, ms, occurs widely in plants, and in a given plant species, several different ms genes act ontogenically to produce male sterility. Genetic male sterile line is maintained by crossing recessive male sterile plants (ms) with heterozygous male fertile plants (Ms). Such cross will yield 50% sterile plants and 50% fertile plants. The male sterile plants are used as female parent in the development of hybrid. The fertile plants are rouged out. Crosses between recessive male sterile plants and heterozygous male fertile plants are carried out every year for maintaining the male sterility.

TYPES OF GENETIC MALE STERILITY

Environmental sensitive genetic male sterility (EGMS) The male sterility where the expression of male sterile gene (ms) depends on a specific range of temperature and photoperiod regimes is called as environmental sensitive genetic male sterility (EGMS). This type of male sterility has been observed in rice and other crops such as tomato, cotton and some varieties of wheat. The environmental sensitive genetic male sterility is further divided into two group’s viz.

(a) Temperature sensitive genetic male sterility (TGMS)

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The sterility which is influenced by temperature is called as thermo sensitive genetic male sterility e.g. in rice, the sterile plants become fertile at temperature below 23 0C and at 23 0C or above, complete male sterility is produced by the ms gene.

(b) Photosensitive genetic male sterility (PGMS):

The sterility which is drastically influenced by the prevailing photoperiod or day length is called as photosensitive genetic male sterility (PGMS) e.g. in rice, long day condition leads tomale sterility and short day produces male fertility providing the temperature ranges between 23-29 0C.

ii. Transgenic or genetically engineered male sterility

The male sterility which is induced by the technique of genetic engineering is called as transgenic or genetically engineered male sterility. Transgenic male sterility has been induced in tobacco and rapeseed by transferring a gene from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

CYTOPLASMIC MALE STERILITY (CMS)

The pollen study which is controlled by cytoplasmic genes or plasma genes is known as cytoplasmic male sterility. This system consists of a line and B line. A is male sterile and B is male fertile. The cytoplasmic male sterile is maintained by crossing of a line with B Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterility (CGMS)

The parents and steps involved in CGMS or three-line systems are briefly described below:

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a) A line: It is cytoplasmic male sterile line which is used as female parent in hybrid seed production. It is maintained by crossing with the B line (maintainer line). Both these lines are isogenic having homozygous recessive nuclear genes conferring male sterility, differing only in cytoplasm which is sterile (S) in A line and fertile (N) in its maintainer, the B line. b) B line: It is isogenic to a line and is used as pollen parent to maintain male sterility in a line. This line is maintained by growing in isolation, at least 5 m away from any rice variety. c) c) R line: This is also called as fertility restorer or pollinator line. This is used in hybrid seed production by growing along with a line in a standard row ratio. It is also maintained by growing in isolation, at least 5 m away from any rice variety.

CHEMICALLY INDUCED MALE STERILITY

The chemical which induces male sterility artificially is called as male gametocides. It is rapid method but the sterility is non-heritable. In this system A, B and R lines are not maintained. Some of the male gametocides used are gibberellins (rice, maize), Sodium methyl arsenate and zinc methyl arsenate (rice) and Maleic hydrazide (wheat, onion).

Three-line breeding

In the Source Nursery, each line is grown isolated from each other and any other outside plants as to avoid accidental cross pollination until the right time. The restorer and maintainer lines are selfed here along with CMS line

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maintaining. After the correct number of a line and R line seeds are made, the test-cross and re-test cross phases are next.

Two-line breeding

The second method for producing hybrid rice uses a plant type that has an abnormality in the section of gene that dictates whether the plant is male fertile or sterile depending on day-and/or temperature-length. This type of plant is known as Photo or Thermal-sensitive Genetic Male Sterile variety (P [T] GMS).

HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION MECHANISM IN RICE

A sufficient number of pollen grains must be deposited on the stigma lobes of each spikelet of the seed (male sterile) parent for successful hybrid production. It helps if the pollen parent grows to a greater height than the seed parent. Other plant characteristics which influence this include small and horizontal flag leaves, the number of panicles per square meter, the number of spikelet’s per panicle, good panicle exertion, and synchronized flowering of seed and pollen parents. In China, conditions favourable for good out-crossing in rice have been identified as: a daily temperature of 24-28 oC, a relative humidity of 70-80%, a diurnal difference in temperature 8-10 oC and sunny days with a breeze. Suitable field conditions include: fertile soil, a dependable irrigation and drainage system and a low risk of disease and insect infestations.

Guidelines for Hybrid Rice Seed Production

 Extensive research has led to the identification of the following guidelines for successful hybrid rice seed production.  Selection of seed and pollen parents with synchronized time of anthesis.

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 Selection of seed parents with long, exserted stigma, longer duration, and wider angle of floret opening.  Selection of a pollen parent with a high percentage of residual pollen per anther after anther exertion. High pollen shedding potential is attained by getting 2000- 3000 spikelet’s/m2 to bloom per hour during peak flowering period.  Synchronization of flowering time of the two parents by seeding them at different dates depending on their growth duration or estimated accumulated temperature requirements for initiation of flowering.  Use of optimum seed parent: pollen parent row ratio such that the ratio of spikelet number per unit area of seed parent and pollen parent is about 3.5:1.  Use of seed and pollen parents with small and horizontal flag leaves, or cutting long and erect flag leaves.  Use of gibberellic acid (GA 3) to improve panicle exertion and prolong duration of floret opening and stigma receptivity.  Planting of seed parent pollen parent rows across the prevailing wind direction and use of supplementary pollination with a rope or stick when wind velocity is below 2.5 m/sec.  Selection of optimum time of flowering of parental lines in seed production plots.

VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF HYBRID RICE

Vegetative propagation of rice is well-known. Adult plants can be raised from seedlings, tillers, culm cuttings or by ratooning. Clonal propagation of rice was proposed in early sixties to exploit hybrid vigor in rice. However, no serious

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attempt was made to develop this as a technology. Since the commercialization of hybrid rice technology in China in 1976, agronomists and farmers have tried using vegetative propagation in various ways to reduce the seed rate, and hence the seed cost, of commercial rice hybrids. These approaches include double transplanting and ratooning.

Hybrid rice seed production technology is considered larboard knowledge- intensive. It involves various risks, especially in the early stages when seed producers are still lacking in experience. Typical problems are poor synchronization of the parental lines, and unfavourable weather.

FUTURE DEMAND

Successful development and large-scale dissemination of hybrid rice technology will have a major impact on the seed industry, in view of the fact that rice is a staple food crop in Asian countries. Usually, the private sector does not play much of a role in the early stage of technology development. At this stage, the public sector has to play a leading role. There is a growing linkage between the public and private sectors, not only in sharing genetic resources, but also in the form of private sector support for public research.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

Without hybrid rice technology, the world would require 6 million ha more land to produce the same quantity. Thus, the technology has contributed not only to food security, but it has also helped indirectly to protect the environment.

 Further genetic improvement of flowering behaviour and floral traits of seed (e.g. exserted stigma) and pollen parents (e.g. abundant pollen);

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 Modification of seed production practices; and,  Selection of the most favourable seasons and locations for seed production.

GA3 application is an important component of hybrid rice seed production technology. Its cost is very high in many countries. High seed yields in China have been achieved with a very high dosage of 150-300 grams per hectare. Outside China, it is essential to reduce the cost of GA3, either by reducing the dosage or by producing cheap GA3 locally. Alternatively, a cheaper substitute for GA3 needs to be found. The discoloration of hybrid rice seeds caused by tropical fungi is an important problem which needs to be tackled. In China and north western India, CMS lines in hybrid rice seed production plots have been found to have a higher incidence of seed-borne diseases (such as paddy bunt, caused by Neovassia horinda, and Tak and False Smut caused by Ustilagineous virens) compared to the pollen parents.

CONCLUSION

The Significant cross-pollination occurs in male sterile lines. This has made possible the development of economically viable hybrid rice seed production systems in and outside China, yielding 1-3 mt/ha of hybrid rice seeds. More than 30 public and private seed companies outside China are currently involved in developing and/or commercializing hybrid rice technology. These companies are creating additional rural employment opportunities. In the United States, the seed production system has already been mechanized. For resource-poor rice farmers, the prospect of vegetative propagation of rice hybrids is being explored. Already about 0.61 million ha of paddy land outside China is planted in hybrid rice. This area is likely to increase to about 2 million ha over the next 11 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

five years. It has also created additional rural employment opportunities. Outside China, the same phenomena are now being seen, and their impact will be felt during the next five to ten years.

REFERENCES

1. . Andrews RD. The commercialization and performance of hybrid rice in the United States. In: Rice Research for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation, S. Peng and B. Hardy (Eds.). Proceedings of the International Rice Research Conference, 31 March-3, International Rice Research Institute, April, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, 2001, 692. 2. . Virmani SS, Manalo J, Toledo R. A self-sustaining system for hybrid rice seed production. International Rice Research Newsletter. 1993; 18:4-5. 3. Virmani SS. Heterosis and hybrid rice breeding. In: Monographs on Theoretical and Applied Genetics 22, SS. Virmani (Ed.). Springer- Verlag, 1994a. 4. Virmani SS. Prospects of hybrid rice in the tropics and subtropics. In: Hybrid Rice Technology, New Developments and Future Prospects, SS. Virmani (Ed.). International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, 1994b, 7-19. 5. Virmani SS. Hybrid Rice. Adv. Argon. 1996; 57:378- 462. 6. Virmani SS, Maruyama K. Some genetic tools for hybrid breeding and seed production in sell pollinated crops

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NITROGEN FIXATION ARTICLE ID. : 0042 Vikas Singh1 & Dr. D.S. Sasode1 P.hD Scholar Department of Agronomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur – 482004 Madhya Pradesh, INDIA

INTRODUCTION

The Earth has about 78% of the atmosphere composed of highly inert di-nitrogen. Danial Rutherford was the first to observe nitrogen in 1772. Antonie Lavoisier found it to be

inert and named it "azote", meaning "without life". Dinitrogen (N2) has a triple bond and does not readily accept or donate electrons. As a gas or liquid, nitrogen is colorless and odorless. Biologically fixed nitrogen could be directly absorbed by plants and keep the environment almost untouched. Include legumes in crop rotation has been recognized to enhance soil fertility and productivity. The higher plants consume only fixed forms of nitrogen as nitrate and ammonium ions. The free nitrogen is almost not consumed by the plant due to the strong triple bond between nitrogen atoms. It is consumed only by some micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, etc.) in this very form. The free nitrogen which is not utilized by plants is converted into a usable form of nitrogen so that it may be used by plants. The phenomenon of conversion of free nitrogen into soil nitrogen (nitrogenous salt) is called nitrogen fixation/dinitrogen fixation.

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WHAT IS NITROGEN FIXATION?

Nitrogen fixation is a process by which nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere is converted into ammonia or related nitrogenous compounds. Atmospheric nitrogen, which is

molecular dinitrogen (N2), is relatively non-reactive and is metabolically useless to all but a few microorganisms. Conversion of free atmospheric nitrogen, into nitrogenous compounds, to make it available for absorption of plants. Nitrogen fixation is the conversion process of

nitrogen (N2) into ammonia, which is metabolized by most organisms. Some bacteria have

enzymes with the ability to reduce N2 and turn it into ammonia. Subsequently, ammonia is used in the synthesis of essential elements, which is a process known as biological nitrogen fixation (Di Ciocco et al. 2008).

CLASSIFICATION OF NITROGEN FIXATION

NON-BIOLOGICAL /NATURAL NITROGEN FIXATION

Nitrogen can be fixed by lightning converting nitrogen and oxygen into NOx (nitrogen

oxides). NOx may react with water during rains to make nitrous acid or nitric acid, which seeps into the soil, where it makes nitrate, which is of use to growing plants (Sinha RK, 2018).

lightning N2 + O2 2NO (Nitric oxide) oxidation 2NO + O2 2NO2 (Nitrogen per oxide) rains 4NO2 + 2H2O + O2 4HNO3 (Nitric acid)

BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN FIXATION

Biological nitrogen fixation discovered by Beijerinck in 1901 and it is carried out by a specialized group of prokaryotes. Biological nitrogen fixation is vital to nutrient cycling in

the biosphere and is the major route by which atmospheric dinitrogen (N2) is reduced to

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ammonia (Jason et al., 2012). Biological nitrogen fixers are called Diazotrophs and the nitrogen fixation phenomenon is called Diazotrophy. Diazotrophs are found in a wide variety of habitats, free-living in soil and water, associative symbioses with grasses, symbiotic association in termite guts, actinorhizal association with woody plants, cyanobacterial symbioses with various plants, and root-nodule symbioses with legumes (Table 1).

Table 01: Biological N-fixation by some legumes (Mohanty el at., 1999)

Crop Botanical name Nitrogen fixed (kg/ha/yr)

Mungbean Vigna radiata 70

Soybean Glycine max 105

Beans Phaseolus vulgaris 58

Peas Pisum sativum 48

Groundnut Arachis hypogea 42

Cowpea Vigna sinensis 90

Lentil Lens esculenta 130

NON-SYMBIOTIC OR FREE-LIVING NITROGEN FIXERS

Nitrogen fixation is carried out by free-living microorganisms. Non-symbiotic N2

fixation includes N2-fixation by soil and water free-living microorganisms (autotrophic and

heterotrophic) that are not in direct symbiosis with plants and associative N2 fixation (e.g. associated with the rhizospheres of grasses and cereals). (Roper et al., 2016)

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SYMBIOTIC NITROGEN FIXATION

These types of nitrogen fixation are carried out by some cyanobacteria, bacteria, and actinomycetes living in close association with some specific plants. Fixation of free nitrogen by microorganisms in soil living symbiotically inside the plants. These biological processes are important for the development of sustainable agriculture by which the atmospheric nitrogen is converted to ammonia with the aid of a key enzyme called nitrogenase. (Udvardi et al., 2013)

Symbiotic nitrogen fixations are two types of symbiotic systems

1. Nodulated legumes and nodulated non-legumes

2. Symbiosis with cyanobacteria (BGA)

THE NITROGEN-FIXING ORGANISMS

All the nitrogen-fixing organisms are prokaryotes (bacteria). Some of them live independently of other organisms called free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Examples are shown in the table below.

Examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Free living Symbiotic with plants

Aerobic Anaerobic Legumes Other plants

Azotobacter Beijerinckia Clostridium Frankia Cyanobacteria* Rhizobium Desulfovibrio Azospirillum

* Denotes a photosynthetic bacterium 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

ADVANTAGES OF BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN FIXATION

⮚ It is supplementary to nitrogenous chemical fertilizers. The farmer need not use nitrogen-rich fertilizers as it gets fixed biologically by some micro-organisms.

⮚ Azolla, Blue-green algae (BGA) are not only supplies nitrogen in rice lowland field but also buildup organic matter informs of biomass and increases soil fertility and productivity.

⮚ Increase the yield of crops due to an increase in fertilizer use efficiency (FUE).

⮚ It increases soil`s properties such as soil structure, texture, WHC, CEC, and buffer capacity of the soil, etc.

⮚ Azotobacter and Azopirillum secrete antibiotics which act as pesticides so biofertilizers also act as `Bio-pesticides.

⮚ The nitrogen-fixing bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen in the root nodules of leguminous plants without using synthetic fertilizers.

⮚ BNF is an ecologically friendly, technologically feasible, and socially acceptable input to the farmers and important for the development of sustainable agriculture and long-term crop productivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere, and it is mainly present in

the diatomic form (N2). Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant species. Biological nitrogen fixation is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly food production and long-term crop productivity. However, if biological nitrogen fixation is to be utilized, it must be optimized shortly. Increased use of biological nitrogen fixation is one of the major pathways to maintain or increase yield and to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture, which may be used to address the current challenge of meeting the fast-growing worldwide demand for agricultural products.

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REFERENCES

1. Di, Ciocco, C., Coviella, C., Penón, E., Díaz-Zorita, M and López, S. 2008. Biological fixation of nitrogen and N balance in soybean crops in the pampas region. Spanish Journal of Agriculture Research. 6(1):114–119.

2. Jason, J., Terpolilli, Philip, S., and Poole. 2012. in Advances in Microbial Physiology

3. Mohanty, S.K., Singh, U., Balasubramanian, V., and Jha, KP. 1999. Nitrogen deep placement technologies for productivity, profitability, and environmental quality of rain fed lowland rice system. Nutrient Cycling Agroecosystem. 53: 43-57.

4. Roper, M.M., and Gupta, V.V.S.R., 2016. Enhancing Non-symbiotic N2 Fixation in Agriculture, The Open Agriculture Journal. 10: 7-27.

5. Sinha RK. 2014. Modern Plant Physiology, 2nd edition. Narosa Publishing House Pvt Ltd., 12.4-12.17 pp.

6. Udvardi M, Poole, PS. Transport and metabolism in legume-rhizobia symbioses. 2013. Annual Review of Plant Biology.64: 781–805.

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VERTICAL GARDENING – AN OVERVIEW ARTICLE ID. : 0043 Deeptimayee Sahoo D.1 Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, 751003

ABSTRACT

In era of modernization and urbanization, people are shifting from rural to urban areas, thereby urban population is increasing day by day resulting in congested cities and towns. People are becoming more conscious about green and clean environment. People are slowly beginning to realize the necessity of green architecture where new aspects and technologies are used to create green buildings. Bringing land to life and life to land is the need of the era and the transition from grey to green walls is only possible by landscaping. Vertical gardens are also referred as Green wall, Living wall or Bio walls.

INTRODUCTION

A vertical garden will give your home a aesthetic look by acting as an elegant home décor as well as it freshens up the air. Vertical gardens can be mounted on walls using different suitable mediums like bags, pouches, water bottles, plastic containers, fabrics and so on. These gardens can be used to block unpleasant sights or penetrating sunlight in your apartment. With the popularity and versatility of vertical gardening systems, there are now several designs of green- walls on the market for both aesthetic and productive gardens. It is evident from the history that greening of outside walls of

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buildings increase insulation by keeping cool in summer and warmth in winter, improved aesthetics, improved indoor and outdoor climate, reduced greenhouse gases such as Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as well as increasing ecological values by creating habitats for birds and insects. The integration of vegetation on buildings by vertical greening allows a significant improvement of the building’s efficiency, ecology and environmental benefits. There are four fundamental mechanisms that characterize green vertical systems as a passive system for energy savings:

 Shadow produced by the vegetation,  Insulation provided by vegetation  Substrate evaporative cooling by evapo-transpiration  The barrier effect to wind.

FACTORS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF:

1. Location

Before you begin to develop your vertical garden, observe how the sunlight moves through the space. Vines that grow on trellises, arbors, or pergolas will need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In general, east, west and south facing walls will be the best for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the Northern Hemisphere. Consider other activities that may impact the garden, such as the configuration of the space.

2. Soil

It is advised to use an organic soil mix from a nursery, local topsoil straight out of the ground, or a combination of the two. Regardless of the source, apply a fertilizer, such as organic compost or decomposed animal manure, that is appropriate for plants.

3. Choosing plants

Climbing plants such as runner beans, peas, gourds, chayote, passion fruit, kiwi, grapes, and flowering vines are best for trellis gardens. Smaller plants such as herbs, lettuces,

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and leafy greens grow well in hanging wall gardens, whether in a container with soil or grown hydroponically.

4. Irrigation

Hand-watering with a hose and later install a drip irrigation system. More mature plants with deeper roots and perennials of all kinds need less frequent, deeper irrigation depending on the season and climate. Some plants require soil that is always moist, while others prefer that soil dry out before the next deep watering. Many plants vary in their needs for watering throughout their life cycles. For example, beans and peas are particularly susceptible if insufficiently watered when flowering, while root crops are susceptible when establishing their root systems. Sprinklers can also be useful as they can reach a large area using minimal water. Sprinklers are ideal for larger perennial beds that don’t need frequent watering.

5. Maintenance

They must be checked regularly and the water level in the reservoir must be closely monitored, since water is lost to the plants and evaporation. Cleaning it on a regular basis is must to replenish the nutrients in the water regularly. Frequent harvesting and replanting is also necessary.

ADVANTAGES

 Aesthetic benefits - Green wall is often used to improve the aesthetic value of the urban area.  Improved thermal efficiency of the building - Plants can offer cooling benefits in the city through two mechanisms, direct shading and evaporative transpiration. The plants used in green walls provide shade to the building and shading extent depends on the density of the plants in the green walls.  Indoor air quality improvement - Plants have been widely believed to be effective scavengers of both gaseous and particulate pollutants from the atmosphere in the urban environment. They can improve the air quality by filtering out airborne

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particles in their leaves and branches as well as by absorbing gaseous pollutants through photosynthesis. They filter airborne particles in their leaves and branches as well as absorb gaseous pollutants. Through bio filtration, Volatile Organic Compounds commonly known as VOCs are absorbed through both plants and planting medium.  Economical benefits - The uses of green walls reduce the climatic stress on building façades and prolong the service and practical life of buildings. It also helps in the reduction of building deterioration by UV (ultra violet) rays. Reduced cost on the painting materials is one of the economical benefit of the green walls.  Improvement of Health and Wellness - Green wall can generate restorative effects leading to decreased stress; improve patient recovery rate and higher resistance to illness. The vertical gardens helps in absorbing the obnoxious gases and volatile compounds produced due to the use of all modern amenities, thus reducing the risk of cancer, stroke, depression, heart and respiratory ailments.

OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDES

Reducing internal room temperature by 5 to 10 degrees in summer by installing them from outside. Plants are away from soil- borne diseases. More plants with in limited space. Helps in hiding less attractive portions of landscape. Provides excellent air circulation for the plants.

DISADVANTAGES

They are not ideal for working with large groups of students because of limitation in space. Limited growing options for typical type of plants do well in vertical gardens. For example, plants that do not climb tend to struggle in a vertical garden, and large plants such as corn, squash, and tomatoes need wider spaces for their roots to spread. In case of teaching it can be an incomplete tool. If purchased as a kit or a custom-made design, it can be expensive.

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PLANTS SUITABLE FOR VERTICAL GARDEN

Plant selection should be based on local climatic conditions. Plants should have compact growth habit which is likely to provide thick and dense cover. Plants with short growth habit should have shallow fibrous root system, long life cycle. Plants should be capable to cope with full sun or full shade according to the location. Most commonly used plants in vertical garden are

Green Façades: Hedera helix, Parthenocissus spp, Hydrangea petiolaris, Polygonum bauldschianicum, Lonicera spp. Clematis spp. Aristolochia spp. Jasminum officinale, Passiflora caerulea, etc.

Living Wall: Dracaena, Phalaenopsis spp, Asparagus sprengeri, Kalanchoe, Cordyline spp.Chlorophytum spp., Haworthia spp., Tradescantia sp, Fittonia spp, Nephrolepsis, Clematis, Gardenia spp., Asplenium nidus, Maranta spp., Cotoneaster, Euonymus fortune, Hedera, Hydrangea, Lonicera, Parthenocissus, Polygonum, Pyracantha, Selaginella, Wisteria, Rose, Petunia, Nasturtiums, Daisies, Bromeliads and even some vegetables like tomato, chillies, cucumber, peas lettuce, etc.

Exterior Wall: Lavendula, Thymus, Rosmarinus or Salvia for full sunlight while Begonia, Arum, Davallia, Asplenium, and Fuchsia for shady locations.

Interior Wall: Philodendron, Epipremnum, Aeschynanthus, Columnea, Saintpaulia, Begonia or different ferns like Nephrolepis, Pterisandmany species of Peperomia.

FUTURE THRUST

The study in Vertical garden is a new field to investigate, regarding the insulation properties, durability aspects, maintenance, choice of plants suitable to the existing climatic conditions, materials involved, etc. Effect of the factors such as the physical structure, materials and dimensions of the panels, substrate type, composition, depth on the performance of vertical greenery systems need to be studied. The study of Green walls with respect to Indian conditions must be done. Developing green wall requiring minimum cost and maintenance is one of the challenges which must be fulfilled. 5 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

CONCLUSION

Horticultural understanding is critical, varies from region-to-region, more information is going to be necessary to ensure future success. Vertical gardening implies constant care, may breed a new type of gardener; highly skilled labor, cross-pollination of different ideas. Vertical gardening is still in its nascent stage, collaboration is critical and will facilitate propagation of new innovations for environmental protection issues.

REFERENCES

1. Amaddin PAM, Idris S, Yusoff MM, Sayuti Z, Azlan MH, & Salleh, MAMM. Plant density and planter level of leafy vegetables affected yield and plant components in vertiplanter, self-watering vertical for urban gardening. 2. B Patrick. 2008. The Vertical Garden: From Nature to the City, New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 120-136. 3. F Derek. 2011. Vertical Gardening: Grow Up, Not Out, for More Vegetables and Flowers in Much Less Space, Published by Rodale Books. 220-232. 4. Jain R, & Janakiram T. (2016). Vertical gardening: A new concept of modern era. Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, IARI, New Delhi i Division of Horticultural Science, ICAR, New Delhi. 5. Sahu, K. K., & Sahu, M. (2014). Vertical gardening: For present age environmental protection. Recent Research in Science and Technology 6. Utami, S.N.H., Darmanto and Jayadi, R. (2012). Vertical Gardening for Vegetables. Acta Horticulture, 958:195-202

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VIRUS INDUCED GENE SILENCING:TOOL TO IDENTIFY HOST GENES AFFECTING VIRAL PATHOGENICITY ARTICLE ID. : 0044 Kumar M.1 & Baboo D.1 Department of Plant Patholgy, Chandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, U.P-208002 Email: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a mechanism which makes use of a dsRNA to provide defence against viral pathogens. In this method a dsRNA gene segment homologous to the host mRNA is carried by a viral vector which transfers it inside the plant. The viral gene of interest is identified by plants after which plant’s defence mechanism induces VIGS to degrade these gene segments. In this way the plants becomes transgenic for the particular gene and is protected from further attack by these viral pathogens. In VIGS, transcript and not the protein is involved in protection of plants. Also, resistance is more at lower levels of transcripts than at higher levels.TMV was the first virus which was used as a vector for VIGS.

MECHANISM OF VIGS

There are so many theories regarding the mechanism of VIGS. However the most accepted theory states that VIGS operates via dsRNA gene segment. The transgene having the sense transcript which is a dsRNA produces antisense RNA indirectly. These dsRNA target sequence are produced by either DNA transcription or RNA replication. The presence of enzyme RdRp also supports the above mentioned mechanism. The dsRNA gene segment of the viral vector targets the homologous segment present in host and destroys it. This produces a observable effect on the phenotype of the plant .However, VIGS is not always induced by the transgenes. It is activated only when the transgene crosses a certain “Threshold Level”. This character has 100% transferability.

COMMONLY USED VIGS TECHNIQUES

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PVX derived VIGS for potato silencing:-These are agroinfection vectors. An example if Pgr106.This technique involves construction of PVX-Derived vectors followed by transformation and infection by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

TRV derived VIGS for Arabidopsis silencing:-This is also Agro bacterium mediated method of introducing and producing infection in plants. It is most commonly used out of all the methods because it is are easy to apply on plants.

Arabidopsis One step TYMV derived silencing:-This method involves silencing of invert repeated sequences of host. It also allows for direct transfer of plasmid DNA into plant.

ADVANTAGES OF VIGS

 Generation of phenotypes faster than other methods.  No need for plant transformation.  Cost is relatively low.  Large number of plants can be screened in less time.  Involve temporary suppression of gene function. 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Overcome functional redundancy(loss of function by genes). LIMITATIONS OF VIGS

 VIGS sometimes completely suppress the phenotype.  VIGS can also miss phenotype that are masked by functional redundancy between gene family members.  Uniform silencing sometimes does not occur.  Inoculation of plant with virus can alter the plant’s development.  Might suppress the non-target genes thus hindering important functions performed by plants.  Leads to non-stable gene silencing. APPLICATIONS OF VIGS

 VIGS is also applied in studying important metabolic pathways of plants which is usually difficult to detect by traditional methods.  VIGS is being used during tissue culture to silence some genes to alow uninterrupted growth of callus.  VIGS is also used in studying mechanism of different types of abiotic stress in plants and how to overcome that ex:-It was used to study factors involved in stress tolerance in tomato plants. REFERENCES

1. Matthews’s Plant Virology by Roger Hull, 4th edition. 2. Turgay Unver and Hikmet Budak, Virus induced gene silencing;a post transcriptional gene silencing method, International Journal of Plant Genomics,DOI:10.1155/2009/198680. 3. Burch-Smith TM, Anderson JC, Martin GB, Dinesh –Kumar SP. 4. Applications and advantages of virus-induced gene silencing for gene function studies in plants. Plant J39:734-746.

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MINERAL NUTRITION USE IN VEGETABLE CROPS ARTICLE ID. : 0045 Kumar J. Department of Vegetable College of Horticulture and Vegetable A.N.D.U.A. &T., KUMARGANJ, AYODHYA- 224229 Corresponding author: [email protected]

MINERAL NUTRITION

The term mineral nutrient is generally used to refer to an inorganic ion obtained from soil and required for plant growth. The process of absorption, translocation and assimilation of nutrient by the plant is known mineral nutrition. The elements C, Hand O are not minerals, which element is absorbed from the soil is called minerals element since they are derived from minerals. These mineral elements are absorbed in ionic form and some of extent in non- ionic form.

CLASSIFICATION OF NUTRIENT

Basic/Major nutrient

C, H and O are basic element.

Macro nutrient

The nutrients which are required by plants in large quantity are called macro a Primary nutrient Amongst major nutrient N, P and K are known as primary nutrient without proper ratio of which a successful crop cannot be grown.

Secondary nutrients

There are three element such as Ca, Mg and S which known as secondary nutrients.

Micro/ Minor/ Trace element

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The nutrient which are required by plant in small quantity are known as minor or trace element such as Fe,, Mn, Zn, Cu, B , Mo, Cl. Na, Co, V, Si Presently Ni (Nickel) considerd as essential .

FUNCTION OF NUTRIENTS

Macro-nutrients

Nitrogen-

Nitrogen nutrition plays a vital role in plants and effects physiological activity in various ways. It is a component of protoplasm, chlorophyll molecules, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) and amino acid from which protein are made. In plant body nitrogen undergoes many complex processes and result in formation certain plant body organs. In building up of the plant body nitrogen, nutrition associate with several other major and minor elements.

Phosphorous

Phosphorous promote rapid early growth and accelerates development and result in an early and prolific flowering and more yields. It encourage formation of adventitious root, it cause early maturity of crop. Phosphorous enhance the development of nitrogen- fixing nodule bacteria

Potassium

Availability of adequate K makes plant tolerant to disease, cold hardness and drought tolerance and it improve grain formation. Its help the formation of starch and translocation of sugar. K is beneficial to symbiotic bacteria and enhances the N-fixation. K increase carotenoids particularly lycopene and decreases chlorophyll and keeping quality in tomato.

Calcium

Present the sufficient quantity of calcium necessary in the normal absorption of all nutrients. It is essential for plant growth because it is a component of cell wall and takes part in meristematic activity. 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Magnesium

It is an important constituents of chlorophyll molecules which is also necessary the formation of oil. There is an interaction between Ca and Mg and Mg and K. High level of calcium and potassium increase in a magnesium levels for healthy plant growth.

Sulphur

It is an important constituent of straw and plant stalks. On sulphur rich soil vegetable crop grow very well viz. Onion, garlic, cabbage, radish, turnip and other legume crops.

Micro-nutrients

Boron

The primary role of boron appears to be concerned with Ca metabolism and adequacy of boron increases calcium mobility in plants.

Zinc

It is a cationic micronutrient which is taken up by roots as Zn++ and also as molecular complex of chelating agent. It takes part in oxidation reduction reaction and in the formation of chlorophyll.

Manganese

Mn is closely is with Fe in the plants. It is a help in chlorophyll formation and act as catalyst in oxidation and reduction reaction within the plant tissues.

Iron

Iron helps in chlorophyll formation (though it does not enter into its composition) and absorption of other nutrients. It is also essential for synthesis of protein contained in the chloroplast.

Molybdenum

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It helps the protein synthesis in the cell of the plants. Mo is essential for the process of atmospheric N- fixation and increase N-fixing ability in plants.

Copper

Copper takes part in the formation of many compounds with amino acid and protein in the plants. It also act an ‘electron carrier ‘in enzymes which brings about oxidation reduction reaction and helps in utilization of Fe in chlorophyll.

Chlorine

In 1954 it was proved that Cl is essential micro-nutrients and its help in chlorophyll formation

Sodium

It is not essential micro-nutrient but crops like Beet, Celery, Cabbage, Kale, Knolkhol, Radish, and Turnip benefits greatly by the application of soluble sodium salt.

REFERENCES

1. Swan, H.S.D. (1971)a. Relationships between nutrient supply, growth and nutrient concentrations in the foliage of white and red spruce. Pulp Pap. Res. Inst. Can., Woodlands Pap. WR/34. 27 p. 2. Marschner, Petra, ed. (2012). Marschner's mineral nutrition of higher plants (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press. 3. Benzian, B. (1965). Experiments on nutrition problems in forest nurseries. U.K. Forestry Commission, London, U.K., Bull. 37. 251 p. (Vol. I) and 265 p. (Vol II). 4. Heiberg, S.O.; White, D.P. (1951). Potassium deficiency of reforested pine and spruce stands in northern New York. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. Proc. 15:369–376.

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A KEY COMPONENT OF COSMIC AGRICULTURE ARTICLE ID. : 0046 Ankit singh bhadauria1, Ankur sharma1, Akhand pratap singh1 C.S.Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-2

INTRODUCTION

Bio-enhancers are organic preparations and almost new concept in cosmic agriculture, obtained by active fermentation of animal & plant residues over specific duration. These are rich source of microbial consortia, macro, micronutrients and plant growth promoting substances including immunity enhancers. In order to enhance its quality and attributes, few other ingredients are incorporated. In fact, bio enhancers are available for all crop activities such as seed/seeding treatment, enhance quick decomposition of biomass, improve nutritive value of compost, and thereby improve soil fertility, crop productivity & quality. It has also been observed that these are effective tool for pest and disease management. At present the main bio enhancers which are in use by the organic farmers are Panchagavya, Beejamrita, Jeevamrita and Amritpani. It is pertinent to mention that there is no compatibility with chemicals at any stage of farming with bio enhancers, but these can be integrated with each other for additive/ synergistic response. USE OF BIO-ENHANCERS: Bio-enhancer S. No. Crop activity

1 Seed/Plant part Amritpani/Beejamrita/CPP/Cow Urine +dung powder+

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treatment Agnihotra ash etc, Enhancing 2 decomposition of Jeevamrita/CPP/Panchagavya/ Agnihotra ash water etc. biomass Enhancing soil Amritpani/Jeevamrita/CPP/Biosol/Kunapajala/Panchagavya 3 fertility etc. 4 Crop vigour Panchagavya/Kunapajala/Biosol/Jeevamrita/Vermi wash etc Enhancing biotic & 5 CPP/Bio-sol/Kunapajala, Panchagavya, Vermi wash etc abiotic stress Pests & Disease 6 Kunapajala/Vermi wash/Bio-sol/ Panchagavya etc. Management 7 Seed/Grain storage Agnihotra ash/Panchagavya

CHARACTERISTIC OF BIO-ENHANCERS:  An effective and potent tool for fertigation  Potent source for macro and micro nutrients  Presence of plant growth promoting factors  Immunity enhancer  Used for seed/seedling treatment, enhancing waste decomposition,  Pesticidal & fungicidal properties  Improving soil fertility and productivity STRATEGY FOR PROMOTION OF BIO ENHANCERS:  From the aforesaid information, it is clear that Bio-enhancers have immense potential to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and pest management.  It is a paradox to record that most of the information on these preparations has been experienced by Indian farmers since ancient time but number of apprehensions are persisting for use of bio-enhancers which require initiation of systematic research for further explanations.

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 Comparative evaluation of bio-enhancers prepared through ingredients from similar origin and these scientific explanation for their nutrient status, microbial consortia and other associated scientific information can resolve many apprehensions.  Impact and role played in package of practices will help for their acceptance in promotion of organic farming.  These can be prepared with little support and skill up gradation trainings.  There is a need for delineation of nutrient status (macro and micro nutrients), plant growth promoting factors, immunity enhancer ability, etc. for their quick acceptance by the scientific and farming community.  After proper filtration, bio-enhancers can be used through drip/sprinkler as fertigation.  Comparative evaluation of aforesaid bio-enhancers for their nutritive value and impact will help for their preparation and use.  There is a need to work out their contribution in organic production and frequency of their use in different crops.

CONCLUSION: Bio-enhancers could play potent source to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and quality. These could be a potential tool for fertigation which is becoming important to enhance quality production in most of the crops. It is pertinent to note that bio enhancers are used in limited quantities cannot meet the entire nutrient requirement of the crop. These catalyze quick decomposition of biomass; hence incorporation of enough biomass, preferably a combination of mono cot and legumes duly supplemented with animal products will enhance humus production, a prerequisite for improving soil fertility and crop productivity. Combined with manures and frequent use of bio enhancer can address many challenges of agriculture and will be helpful to show a way for sustainable agriculture through cosmic resources.

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Effect of Integrated Nutrient management Practices on yield attributing character and production of fenugreek crop.

Suvarna Namdeo

Article ID:-0048

Assistant Professor Institute of Agriculture Sciences SAGE University Indore (MP) 452020 [email protected]

======ABSTRACT

In general, different factors such as nutrition, cultural practices effect the grain yield and quality of fenugreek etc. Among these, nutrition is very important factor which has effect on vegetative and reproductive growth as well as grain yield, for fullfill the need of nutrition chemical fertilizers are an expensive option for fullfill the need of nutrient with minimizing the cost of cultivation as well as maintenance soil fertility status ,Integrated Nutrient Management is best option . If combination of Inorganic fertilizer and organic manure like [farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC) and neem cake (NC)] used in crop production give aggressive and significant effect on plant growth, crop yield and cost of cultivation of fenugreek, Fenugreek seed inoculation with Rhizobium culture and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria gave effective maximum yield promoting character, enhancing seed yield and maximum net return over their alone application. many field experiment for INM in fenugreek was conducted by researcher which shows that how integrated nutrient management practices repercussion on fertility status of soil , uptake efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, protein content , height of plant, no. of branches , biomass, number of pods , number of seeds pod-1, test weight as well as grain and straw yield of fenugreek. The following treatment combination shows the best result for the above given characters , Vermicompost 5 t along with Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1, Solid organics like Application of NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1 , In liquid organics like 5 L ha-1 enriched banana pseudo-stem sap and 20 L ha-1 panchagvya with soil application, 5 t ha-1 NADEP compost with 5 L ha-1enriched banana pseudostem sap ,Application of 75 % RDF + PM + 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Rhizobium + PSB and 75% Nitrogen along with recommended dose of Phosphorus and Potassium with the addition of FYM @7.5 t ha-1 , Rhizobium Cultre @ 1.5t ha-1, azospirillum at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 ,PSB Culture @5 kg ha-1.

Key Words :- INM, Vermicompost, Rhizobium, PSB, Poultry Manure, NADEP, Inorganic Fertilizers.

Introduction

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is mainly grow in rabi season ,its known as gemerally ‘methi’ which belonging to the Leguminosae or Fabaceae family and Papilionacea sub family. fenugreek seeds used as a spice, condiment and seasoning agent for add flavouring ang granishing in different types of food product (Dwivedi et. al., 2006). In view of importance of seed spices in India its stand third position after coriander and cumin . Its a multi used crop which grown during winter in northe India. It is also used as annual herb used as green manure and medicinal purpose(Kaviarasan et al., 2007; Bukhari et al. 2008; Haouala et al., 2008). its every part of fenugreek is useful which utilized as leafy vegetable, forage and condiment (Khiriya and Singh, 2003). Its nutritional value is very high due to presence of iron, calcium, protein, vitamins, essential amino acids, alkaloid trigonelline , choline, fatty oil, water, mineral matter, carbohydrate, phosphorus and fiber in tender leaves (Habib et al., 1971).Bitterness of seed in taste due to presence of “Trgonelline” which is a alkaloid substance and work as basic subsistence for the synthesis of cellulose, hemicelluloses and amino acids. Its medicinal value is very high because its cure constipation, indigestion, stimulates spleen , appetizing and work as diuretic (Kumar et al., 1997). Seed of fenugreek contains lysine and L- tryptophan, proteins, mucilaginous fiber and saponins, coumarin, fenugreekine, nicotinic acid, sapogenins, phytic acid, scopoletin and trigonelline (Bukhari et al., 2008). Fenugreek is mainly grow in throughout country and india as a seed spice crop .In India mainly grown in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra and Haryana. Leading state of fenugreek production is Gujrat and generally grown in districts Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha, Banaskantha and Khedan of Gujrat.In India, area and annual production under fenugreek is about 90,500 hectare and 1, 10, 530 tonnes respectively (Source: Cardamoms: Estimate by Spices Board, Calicut, 2014-15).India earned about Rs. 6972 lakhs as foreign exchange by exporting 21,000 tonnes of fenugreek (Anonymous,

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2010). In India its fertility is 1215 kg/hac , it is very low which required to be enhanced (Lal et al., 2015). it is observed that its productivity is very below to potential yield of about 2500 kg/ha, The main factors which are responsible for low productivity are poor soil fertility, lack of high yielding varieties under organic system and persistence of several biotic and abiotic factors. Fenugreek roots are mini factory for synthesize nitrogen for plant, because its belong to family leguminosae Thus, its result enriches the soil in nitrogen.Fenugreek is producein all over world under semi-arid, agro-climatic conditions and able to tolerant mild salinity which having potential to fix atmospheric nitrogen (Habib et al., 1971) . Crops which especially used for medicinally purpose grown under organic inputs using less or no chemicals . The crops which used for medicinal purpose are good source of vitamins, protein and essential oils. for cultivation of fenugreek crop in marginal lands during rabi season , irrigated condition is suitable, but its very necessary to reduce cost of cultivation by using organic sources for its nutrition management practices, for fullfill this object,organic manure introduce in INM, Organic manures like farm yard manure, vermicompost, neem cake, poultry manure, etc., are rich source of supply essential and beneficial plant nutrients, and also improves the soil health .

INM and Crop Growth

The combine use of organic and inorganic fertilizer is provide ready availability of nutrients for initial requirement through inorganic sources and slow rate as long term availability through organic source over the crop growing period may have enhanced production,Productivity and improvement in growth parameters. Organics manure supply macro and micro essential nutrients and also solubilizing the action of organic acids which present in soil in the form of nutrients , organic acid produced during decomposition and it is responsible for enhanced yield and growth attributes. Similar result is also recorded for combine effect of organic and inorganic sources for growth attributes by Singh and Verma (2002). The combine use of organic and inorganic fertilizer enhanced availability of nitrogen throughout the life cycle of the crop. The balanced accessibility of nitrogen to plants incresed flowering as well as fruiting. The Phosphorus availability also improved by the organic manures which take part in very special for energy transfer in plants . If we used nitrogen as balanced form as a organic manure by integrated nutrient management the whole life of the crop in a season Increased, leaf decrepitude and also increased sinks

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demand of plant due to this reason crop obtain healty grain formation as well as maximum number of pods/ plant, seeds /pod and test weight. The results are similar to the Panwar and Munda (2007). The Combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers also give positive response in INM for better nutrient availability and soil physical,chemical and biological properties due to resulting in enhanced yield attributes (Nambiar and Abrol, 1989). The maximum yield is due to better nutritional status of the soil ,proper nutrient status of soil stimulated the rate of physiological processes which led to enhanced growth and yield attributing characteristics and their cumulative effect on seed, stover and biological yields of fenugreek. The enhanced the production of the crop due to integrated nutrient management was also finding by Tolanur and Badanur (2003) and Tolanur (2009). The status of soil fertility enhanced after crop harvest due to integrated nutrient management was also finding by Parihar and Rana (2010). j

Yield attributes character are decided by genetic character of particular crop and variety, but the agronomic management practices also effect them to a great manner. Proper and enhanced reproductive growth of plant ,increase leaf area and supply photosynthates for the formation of branches and yield attributes characters which is depends on vegetative growth . Therefore, bio physiochemical properties of soil plant system will influence buildup of yield attributes and the seed yield . Higher uptake of nitrogen during growth period is improved protein content which enhanced photosynthesis rate , protoplasm synthesis and protein accumulation . These finding are similar with the results of Patil et al. (2012) and Shinde et al. (2015). Microbial cultures in different organic modules enhanced N2 fixation, solubilisation of P and K. Legume root system is capabile to solubilise soil phosphorus through extraction of amino acid which encourage the soil microbes growth and multiplication which provide unavailable P to available P in soil through the process of mineralization . The results similar to Malik, et al., 2013 and Singh et al., 2013. These results are similar with Purbey and Sen (2007) and Mehta et al.(2012).

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able to furnish the increased assimilate demand of plant sinks which resulted in higher number of pods and test weight due to bold grain formation. The results corroborate with those of Khiriya et al. (2003). The application of FYM, VC and PM are responsible for formation of carbon dioxide ,which is very important for the solubilisation and mobilization of P and decrease phosphate fixing process of the soil. This process of organic manures responsible for higher P content in seed of fenugreek.

(Shivran et al.,2016) Integrated nutrient management practices through combination of organic and inorganic sources ,improved organic carbon and available nitrogen in soil after harvesting the fenugreek crop. The improvement in soil fertility after crop harvest due to integrated nutrient management was also recorded by Parihar and Rana (2010).(Amlingeret al., 2003 and Bavecet al., 2006).(Nambiar and Abrol, 1989) also resulted ,The positive response for combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the better nutrient availability to crop and leaves favourable effect on soil physical ,chemical and biological properties, which are responsible for enhancing yield attributes characters and finally get maximum yield .

Role of Vermicompost in INM

The application of vermicompost there was increase with in the accessibility of phosphorus to plant and since of this, the content of phosphorus in plant additionally exaggerated , increase in phosphorus content in plant is additionally expected just because of higher buffering capacity of vermicompost for early wetness stress and rising phosphorus accessibility to plant. Shelke (2001) obascertained higher phosphorus content once herbaceous crop was treated with organic manures. Nitrogen element alone or together with organic nutrients exaggerated protein content due to nitrogen.reason for that is nitrogen is a basic constituent of protein and with increase with in the rate of nitrogen application,nitrogen accessibility exaggerated that resulted in exaggerated protein content in seed. The results is conformed with Nagre(1991).The supplementary application of vermicompost and Rhizobium exaggerated nitrogen availability and nitrogen use efficiency thereby increasing protein synthesis. Its also reported by Jasrotics (1999) and Kumawat(1994). Since the protein yield are mainly the function of seed yield and their respective content

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in the seed. Jat and Ahlawat (2006) reported that if fenugreek was treated with vermicompost 5 t alongwith Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1,the highest number of branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed yield are recoprded , Similar finding have additionally been reportable by Choudhary (1999) and Kumawat ( 1997) .For acting necessary physiological operate to buildup totally different yield attributes these nutrients treated with inorganic and organic manure that have integrated in present study on integrated nutrient management were probably answerable for synthesizing necessary enzymes, proteins, energy (ATP and NADP), pigments and alternative for the translocation of photosynthates and may be only due to these factors application of vermicompost 5 t along with Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1 exaggerated the amount of yield attributes and seed yield. Singh et al. (2013) also find that in pearlmillet if crop is treated with 100% RDN through FYM followed by 80% RDN through vermicompost + 20% through urea and integrated use of RDN through FYM + urea in different proportions, so highest organic carbon and available soil nitrogen is obtained in pearlmillet cultivation . It is also proofed by many researchers , the physical and biological properties of soil including supply of almost all the essential plant nutrients for the growth and development of plants are improve by vermicompost ,if we add vermicompost in INM. Thus balanced nutrients below favourable climatic condition need helped in production of new origin tissues and development of latest shoots in fenugreek plants, that ultimately increased the yield attributes and grain yield. The gradual unharness and steady supply of nutrients from vermicompost throughout the expansion and development of plants maintained the later on the translocation of photosynthates to numerous sinks leading to higher seed yield. Similar findings were additionally reportable by Lal and Singh (2016) in coriander. Mehta et al. (2012)also reported in cumin that the application of 4.0 tonnes/ha of vermicompost exhibited considerably play role in higher yield attributes and yield of cumin. The rise in yield could also be attributed to raised utilization of organic N, maximum biological N fixation, higher synthesis of plant growth hormones and enhanced accessibility of P within the presence of biofertilizers.Vermicompost is an important organic supply of plant nutrients, contains higher quantity of N, P and K, necessary for plant growth in easily available forms (Nagavallemma et al., 2004).

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humic acid which is responsible for stimulated to enhance number of roots, giving the plant capability to used nutrient from the growing environment for growth and development of crop(Pritam et al., 2010). If we compare between vermicompost and FYM or sheep Manure , it is clear that if vermicompost apply at the rate of 5 t/ha ,significantly enhance the vegetative and reproductive growth and seed yield per hectare over FYM and sheep manure. It is proofed fact that vermicompost improves the soil structure and enhance the physical,chemical and biological properties of soil including supply all the essential plant nutrients in proper amount for the growth and development of plants. The gradual unharness and steady availability of nutrients from vermicompost throughout the expansion and development of plants maintained by the translocation of photosynthates to numerous sinks leading to higher seed yield. Similar findings were also reported by Lal and Singh (2016) in coriander. Mehta et al. (2012)also reported that the effect of vermicompost on cumin crop , if 4.0 tonnes/ha vermicompost apply on crop ,this will give more significantly higher yield attributes and yield of cumin.

Yadav et al., (2003) reported that Plants were tallest if they treated with vermicompost,it is similar to Arguello et al. (2006) and Almulla et al. (2012) in other crops. Organic manure increase plant height due to the presence of plant hormone auxin (Muscolo et al. 1999), due to humic acid present in vermicompost , chemical and physical properties of humic acid enhance uptake of growth hormones and nutrients availability ,resulting in improved crop growth and seed yield (Arancon et al., 2005), increased soil rhizospere activity (Arancon et al., 2004b), Organic fertilizers increases soil aggregation, aeration, water holding capacity, and supply roots with an extended source of nutrients (Rani and Nishana, 2012).

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Role of Biofertilizers (PSB , Rhizobium ) In INM

Rhizobium and PSB play a very important role within the development of meristematic tissues at developing points for enhancing growth and also development of seeds in plant. The application of PSB in INM Increase root and shoot length, plant biomass ,,seed vigour, it is just because of better growth of the plant because of production of metabolites like that phytohormone and antibiotics which promotes the plant growth and seed yield (Balachandran and Nagarajan, 2002). LEGUME RESEARCH - An International Journal is also maintained that, Enhance in seed yield due to inoculation by Rhizobium and PSB has also been recorded in other crops like soybean (Saxena et al., 2001), cumin (Mehta et al., 2010) and fenugreek (Mehta et al., 2011).

Role of Poultry manure IN INM

It is reported by many researchers Poultry manure is rich source of N, P and K content comparison to other organic supply. The maximum organic matter content by Poultry Manure application can be attributed to the soil health improvement. Organic manures on decomposition solubilize insoluble P fractions through unlease of assorted organic acids and increase the accessible P status of soil. It conjointly forms chelates with essential plant nutrients and their fixation that favor availableness of nutrient to crop (Parihar and Rana, 2010). The higher Phosphorus content of PM compared to different organic source may need resulted in the higher accessible P content of the soil. The improvement in soil fertility and productivity when crop harvest because of integrated nutrient management was also recorded by Parihar et al. (2009).

Effect of Vermicompost along with Rhizobium on Nitrogen uptake ,Phosphorus uptake ,Potash uptake, Protein content and yield of Fenugreek.

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(Dubey et al.,2012) suggested that application of vermicompost 5 t alongwith Rhizobium + 40 kg N ha-1 ,increase the nitrogen content in soil and also increase uptake of nitrogen in soil .he also suggestd that Application of 10 t ha-1vermicompost along with Rhizobium+ 40 kg N ha-1. also increase phosphorus content in soil. Potassium content (seed and straw) and uptake increased with application of Rhizobium alongwith vermicompost 10 t ha-1also enhance potassium content in seed and straw as well as uptake of potassium,vermicompost in Integrated use of nutrients also increase protein content in grain yield. Azotobacter ,Azospirilliumand actinomycetes like bacteria present in vermicompost in huge amount , which are very helpful in plant growth, These type of bacteria also favoured the vegitative growth . Its observed that Poultry manure is also rich source of PSB, which is enhance microbial activity of bacteria in rhizospere zone.

(Naidu et al.,2016 ) also suggested that if in INM we used organic manure , inorganic manure and biofertilizers in combination so yield attributing characters and seed yield also increased significantly. he suggested that from his experiment results if application of 75% RDF + Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB can be suggested to farmers,so the yield and nutritional value of seed and straw is enhanced. Therefore ; an integrated Nutrient management approach with proper combination of organic manures, biofertilizers with balanced use of chemical fertilizers, enhance quality of fenugreek seed and soil health in view of fenugreek cultivation. On the basis of this study that the application of 50% RDN through VC + 50% RDN through inorganic sources observed maximum no. of pods/plant,seeds/plant,and test weight, means if inorganic and organic sources of nutrient application apply in properamount and combination ,it helps to improved in growth attributes characters. .

Effect of RDN with FYM and Biofertilizer(Rhizobium , PSB And Azotobacter) on Growth and Yield attributes of fenugreekGrowth and yield attributes.

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1.Significantly the highest number of pods plant-1 and test weight (1000-seed weight) were recorded under RDN + Azotobacter sp. @ 5 kg ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1. This result were similar with the Jat & Shaktawat (2001) and Jat et al. (2006).The maximum seed and straw yields were recorded with the application of RDF + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1. The minimum grain yield was recorded with application of Azotobacter sp. @ 5 kg ha-1 alone. The results are in close conformity with the findings of Jat & Shekhawat (2001).

(Godara et al .,2017) suggested that Application of 100 % RDF gives maximum number of pods/plant, seeds/pod, pod length, test weight and seed yield/plant, This could be due to early and abundant availability of nutrients with 100 % RDF that resulted in higher growth and yield attributes. The results is similar with Kumar et al.(2009) and Singh et al. (2010). (Godara et al .,2017) also suggested that combined use of Rhizobium and PSB was found significantly better yield attributes characters and growth of crop over their sole application. Rhizobium and PSB both are better option for improves the N and P availability of soil which are essential and basic plant nutrients . Combined inoculation with N2 fixer and PSB gives more benefits to plants than either group of organisms alone. so on the basis of Statistically data combination of 80 % RDF + dual inoculation was given relatively better bacterial activity at lower fertility level of soil. Combined inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB exhibited higher seed yield over their sole application of Rhizobium and PSB.

Effect of Poultry manure along with RDN and CF Through IPNS

(Naher et al., 2016) Suggested that application of poultry manure 4 t ha-1 along with inorganic fertilizer resulted higher protein content . its proved that application of nitrogen alone or in combination with organic manurs increased protein content in seed because Nitrogen is a basic constituent of protein. Organic manure enhance nitrogen availability to plant roots, which resulted increase protein content in seed. The results are also similar and conformity with Nagre (1991).On the basis of experiment, it is clearly observed that integrated nutrient application significantly enhance the grain yield, protein content in seed and stover by using balanced use of both organic and inorganic sources of application. Application of poultry manure @ 4 t ha-1 + CF through

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chemical fertilizers (IPNS) visualized best combination for enhancing the yield of fenugreek as well as soil fertility and productivity. (Choudhary et al., 2011) The application of 50% Recommended Dose of Nutrients (RDN) through organic source + 50% RDN through inorganic source gave maximum values of all growth attributes and yield attribute over sole application of 100% RDN through organic source and 100% RDN through inorganic source with or without Rhizobium inoculation . he also suggested thatApplication of 50% RDN through Pouitry Manure + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer recorded maximum pods/plant ,seeds/pod and test weight . The conjunctive use of organic manures + inorganic fertilizer, i.e. 50% RDN through PM + 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer givesThe highest mean seed , haulm ,biological yields and system productivity .

Effect of NADEP compost as well as liquid organics on yield and quality of fenugreek (Lunagariya et al., 2018)

Effect of solid organics

Growth attributing characters

The application of NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1 showed considerably higher plant height . The enhance in growth characters may be due to ideal C:N ratio of NADEP compost with relatively higher nitrogen content. Addition of organic manure conjointly increased soil structure that reduced the soil crusting and create appropriate soil environment for plant growth. These results is similar of Singh et al. (2015) , Naikwade et al. (2011) and Vedpathak (2016) .

Yield and yield attributes:

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Number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, test weight , seed yield and straw yield of fenugreek is significantly affected by application of solid organics viz; NADEP compost @ 5 t ha-1.

Quality: Nitrogen is that the major constituent of protein and inclusion of N made NADEP compost eincreased considerably N content in seed which could have enhanced seed protein content of fenugreek. The results are also conformed with Paikra and Dwivedi (2012) , Tak et al. (2014) and Khan et al. (2008) .

Effect of liquid organics

Growth attributing characters

Liquid organics like enriched banana pseudostem sap @ 5 L ha-1 ,the panchgavya @ 20 L ha-1 and jeevamruta @ 200 L ha-1 are used for enhancing growth attributing characters in crop. Many macro and micro-nutrients, vitamins, essential amino acids, microorganism and growth promoting substances like IAA, GA etc. are present in Fermented liquid organic manures .(Palekar, 2006; Natarajan, 2007 and Sreenivasa et al., 2010) which help in improving plant growth, metabolic activity and resistance to pest and diseases. Similar results were also finding by Gore and Sreenivasa (2011) , Satashiya et al. (2012) , Patil et al. (2013) [ and Jondhale et al. (2014).

Yield and yield attributes:

Banana pseudostem sap, panchagvaya and jeevamruta are rich source of several plant macro and micro essential nutrients due to this property of liquid organics soil application of this liquid organics provides balance nutrition to the crop, if apply in soil in liquid form. Growth hormones which present in these liquid organic ,promote root development, mineral absorptions, photosynthesis and easy assimilation of nutrients supply . Devakumar et al. (2011) also observed that both jeevamruta and panchgavya have increased the growth of nitrogen fixation bacteria if used those liquid organics with easily available organic sources like FYM.ultimately Liquid organics enhance crop growth and production .

Quality:

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In the presence of plant growth regulator, microbes, organic acid etc. in liquid organics they increase significantly protein content in seed and enhance plant growth , similar result were also reported by Kumar et al. (2012) , Patil et al. (2012) , Laharia et al. (2013) and Anuja and Vijayalakshmi (2014) . Pawar and Tambe (2012) reported that the enhanced plant vigor growth due to higher level of organic inputs which were found to be useful in increasing photosynthetic activities and there by accumulation of more carbohydrates and higher dry matter with higher levels of organic inputs. These growth attributes are also in accordance with the finding of Naikwade et al. (2011) , Kumar et al. (2014) , Agarwal et al. (2012) and Vedpathak, (2016) .

Effect of other organic module on growth of Fenugreek

(Singh et al .,2017) Data of this study further showed that fenugreek yield attributing characters were significantly affected with the application of different organic modules organic module like ; vermicompost @5t/ha, foliar spray of 5% garlic extract @ 2.0 kg/ha + 2% neem oil @ 5 litre/ha; is very effective for growth and development of crop .seed treatment with Rhizobium (100 ml/kg seed), PSB (100 ml/ kg seed) and Trichoderma (10 g/kg seed) get best results with respect to vegetative growth parameters of fenugreek crop. on the basis of this study the highest number of pods and seeds with maximum grain yield and net returns were obtained by thees organic modules .

Conclusion

The current global situation create the need to adopt eco-friendly agricultural cultivation practices for sustainable crop production. because excessive use of chemical fertilizer cause soil degradation, ground water deepletion and environmental pollution which leading to imbalance ecological condition .for control that situation the balanced nutrition practices is essential, which would be obtain by integrated application of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients because organic manures in not only supplies most of the essential plant nutrients, but it also enhance the soil structure, increase cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity of the soil. organic manures also improve the efficiencies of applied fertilizers. In intensive cultivation only use of agrochemical for long period could result in deterioration of soil productivity and quality of seed, because seed is base of agriculture production and industry

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in India. The quality seed plays important role in agricultural production as well as in national economy. Therefore, the good quality seed is necessary to enhance production and productivity. in view for better quality organic manure used in combination with inorganic fertilizers has been recommended for farmers. so INM is better option for that , More economic returns of fenugreek obtained by adopting INM on the basis of above cited literature, this review article conclude that integrated nutrient management in fenugreek ,enhance nutrient uptake like Nitrogen,phosphorus,potash uptake, increase protein content ,enhance seed yield .Organic manure (VC & CD) with chemical fertilizer (IPNS) may be alternative source of improvement of soil health as well as yield of fenugreek. (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.).

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CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE : AN APPROACH TOWARDS

AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY & GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY IN

CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIOS

Sibani Padhy

Article ID:-0050

B.Sc(Ag),3rd year,College of Agriculture, Chiplima, Sambalpur.

Orissa University Of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003.

Email: [email protected]

======

To solve tomorrow’s unprecedented global challenges against the context of threat of climate change, we must transform our farming & food production system today.

Climate change is one of the most formidable challenging issue of our age and we are at a significant moment. From shifting of weather patterns that threaten food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the influence of climate change are global in scale and unprecedented in dimension. The impact of climate change is very comprehensive but its profound effects are now clearly visible on agricultural sector, on which the global food production and food security rely. The ravages of climate change are already being experienced, in the form of increasing temperatures, weather variability, shifting agro ecosystem boundaries, invasive crops and pests, and more frequent extreme weather events. As climate change & agriculture are inextricably linked, abrupt changes in climatic conditions at such an accelerating pace has threatened the food security at global scale. The combination of advancing climate change and an already vulnerable-industrial dominated agricultural system is a “perfect storm” that threatens farmers’ livelihoods and future food security of mankind. Not only this, it will also raise humanitarian concerns as food security is deeply entwined with public health

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and will create a vicious cycle of hunger, diseases and crime affecting every facet of our lives.

It is also worth noting that the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 which would magnify the pressure in communities that already have high levels of food insecurity, environmental degradation and limited options for coping with adverse weather conditions. A growing population means more mouths to feed. Projected estimates based on food consumption pattern and population growth show that agricultural production will require enhancing by 65% to meet the need of burgeoning population by 2050. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) estimated, that by 2050 about 50 million more people could be at a risk of undernourishment because of increased prevalence of extreme events and unpredictability of weather patterns.

It is unequivocal that climate change can potentially interrupt in progress towards a world without hunger by affecting all the dimension of food security; be either availability, accessibility, utilization or system stability. Business as usual won’t protect the future of our food supply or the well-being of the farmers and communities that produce it. Therefore requiring persistent adaptation and mitigation. As we know when we are begin to suffer & see things are going from bad to worse, we are bound to adapt &need to take concrete step to tackle the upcoming challenges. Without taking serious action today, adapting to the rippling effect of climate variability in future will be more burdensome and costly.

Now it is the high time to modify agricultural practices in a more sustainable way by developing Climate‐Smart Agriculture (CSA) strategies i.e. making the agriculture smart to combat climate change for achievement of goals of sustainable agricultural development & global food security. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA), as defined and presented by FAO at the Hague Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change in 2010 is an approach to developing the technical, policy and investment conditions to achieve sustainable agricultural development for food security under climate change. CSA is, fundamentally, “smart agriculture enlightened by climate science.” It encompasses how agriculture affects and is affected by climate change, and

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aligns this integration with food security objectives (reduction of hunger and poverty, improved nutrition). CSA is not a practice or list of practices, but a continuous process that considers challenges that arise at the intersection of climate change and agriculture holistically. It is a relatively new concept which advocates better integration for adaptation & mitigation actions in agriculture to capture synergies between them & to support sustainable agriculture development for food security in this changing climate scenarios.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE

IMPACT ON CROPS

1.Effect of rising temperature & heat waves : For any particular crop, the effect of increased temperature will depend on the crop's optimal temperature for growth and reproduction. Heat wave adversely affects mineral nutrition, shoot growth and pollen development resulting low yield. The increased temperatures impacts crop pest (including insect, weed & pathogen) population by a) extension of geographical range & development season b) increased overwintering, number of generations & risks of invasions by migrant pest c) changes in population dynamics, crop pest synchrony & interspecific interactions, d) introduction of alternative and over-wintering hosts. It can also cause increased pest pressures and reductions in the efficacy of pesticides ; thus more pesticides will be required in future which also threaten human health.

2. Effect of precipitation variability & increased CO2level : Due to rainfall variability, changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers threatening global food security. Increased CO2 level reduces the quality of produce by reducing protein, nitrogen and minerals content in most plant species, including wheat, soybeans and rice; this will threaten human health.

3.IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK : Heat stress, which are projected to increase under climate change, could affects animals both directly or indirectly by increasing vulnerability to disease & causing reduction in fertility & milk

production. Pasture productivity is increased by elevated CO2 but its quality may be reduced due to high lignin concentration, low protein and digestibility.

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4. IMPACT ON FISHERIES &FORESTRY : Fisheries and aquaculture are already under multiple stresses, including overfishing, habitat loss and water pollution. The increased intensity and frequency of storms, hurricanes and cyclones will adversely affect coastal fisheries, aquaculture and mangroves. Aberrant weather limits the capacity of forests to produce goods and services and also affect the people who depend on them directly or indirectly.

CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach for transforming & reorienting the agricultural systems to effectively support & ensure food security under the new realities of climate change, incorporating the need for adaptation and the potential for mitigation into sustainable agriculture development strategies. United Nations (FAO) defines CSA as ‘Agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience (adaptation), reduces / removes Green House Gases (mitigation) where possible, and also enhances achievement of national food security and development goals’. It integrates all the three dimensions of sustainable development (economical, social, environmental ) by jointly addressing the interlinked challenges of food security & climate change. The World Bank Group (WBG) is currently scaling up climate-smart agriculture. In its Climate Change Action Plan as well as its 2025 targets to step up climate action, the World Bank committed to working with countries to deliver climate-smart agriculture that achieves the triple pillars which are increased productivity, enhanced resilience, and reduced emissions.

TRIPLE PILLARS OF CSA – Climate Smart Agriculture is a pathway towards development & food security built on following three pillars:

1. Increased productivity: Aims to increasing agricultural productivity sustainably while ensuring food & nutritional security and boost the incomes of farmers without having a negative impact on the environment. A Key concept related to productivity is sustainable intensification of crop production i.e. a productive agriculture that conserves and enhances natural resources, which can be summed up in the words “save and grow”.

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2. Enhanced resilience ( Adaptation ): Aims to reduce the exposure of farmers to short-term risks like vulnerability to drought, pests, diseases and other climate-related risks and shocks; while also strengthening their resilience at multiple levels by building their capacity to adapt and prosper in the face of shocks and longer-term stresses like shortened seasons and erratic weather patterns.

3. Reduced emissions (Mitigation): Wherever and whenever possible, CSA should pursue lower emissions for each calorie or kilo of food, fiber and fuel produced, avoid deforestation and identify ways to absorb carbon out of the atmosphere which help to reduce and/or remove GHG emissions.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE

CSA is not a set of practices that can be universally applied, but rather an innovative approach for charting development pathways that can make the agriculture sectors more sustainable, involving different elements embedded in local contexts by contributing climatic change adaptation and mitigation

1. Management of farms, crops, livestock and aquaculture to balance near-term food security and livelihoods needs with priorities for adaptation and mitigation by increasing resource efficiency.

2. Ecosystem and landscape management to conserve ecosystem services that are very important for food security & sustainable agriculture development.

3. Services for farmers and land managers to enable them to implement the necessary changes for better management of risk & impact of climate change.

4. Changes in the wider food system including demand-side measures and value chain interventions that enhance the benefits of climate-smart agriculture.

CLIMATE SMART STRATEGIES

Climate smart agricultural strategies can increase prospects for effective adaptation, reduce the costs and challenges of mitigation in the longer term and contribute to climate‐resilient pathways for sustainable agriculture. Adaptation and mitigation are complementary strategies for reducing and managing the

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risks of climate change. In general, the CSA options integrate innovative and traditional technologies, practices and services that are relevant for particular location and reduce the effect of climate change and provide the opportunities to stand such changing scenario.

Figure : Summary of projected changes in crop yields, due to climate change over the 21st century. The ﬁgure includes projections for different emission scenarios, for tropical and temperate regions, and for adaptation and no- adaptation cases combined. Relatively few studies have considered impacts on cropping systems for scenarios where global mean temperatures increase by 4°C or more. For ﬁve timeframes in the near term and long term, data (n=1090) are plotted in the 20-year period on the horizontal axis that includes the midpoint of each future projection period. Changes in crop yields are relative to late-20th- century levels. Data for each timeframe sum to 100%.

I. ADAPTATION STRATEGIES : Adaptation is a key factor that will shape the future ravages of climate change on food production. Our farms and farm communities don’t have to be sitting ducks for changing climate impacts. Forward-looking farmers and scientists are finding following climate-resilient strategies for managing agriculture to produce our food:

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•Developing climate‐ready crops : Development of new crop varieties with higher yield potential and resistance to multiple stresses (biotic and abiotic) will be the key to maintain yield stability. For example, in 2010 the variety SahbhagiDhan, released and notified in India, showed a consistently good performance under transplanted low‐land conditions and rain‐fed direct‐seeded upland.

•Adaptation through transgenic approaches: Several drought‐tolerant transgenic plants, including rice, tomato, soybean, maize, barley and arabidopsis have been developed. There is an urgent need to develop salt‐tolerant varieties of crop through conventional breeding and transgenic approaches.

• Crop diversification : Major shift in terms of diversification of agriculture into crops, commodities, enterprises and cropping/farming systems is called upon to revert the process of degradation of natural resources, rejuvenations of waste lands and also to make agriculture a profitable business.

•Alteration in land‐use pattern : Change in location of crop and livestock, adjustment in cropping pattern, planting time and methods, fertilizer and pesticide use pattern, and other management practices help to reduce the risk of climate. Alternate land‐use management practices also reduce disease and pest outbreak and provide remunerative production under aberrant weather situation.

• Changing cropping season : Crop calendar provides the information about crop location and cropping pattern based on weather pattern which helps the farmer for growing crop according to the occurrence of weather events.

• Efficient utilization of resources : The resource‐efficient technologies comprises those technologies which improve resource use efficiency and provide immediate economic benefits like conservation of natural resources (water, soil, biodiversity and climate), reduce production cost, reduce environmental pollution and ultimately increase yield and income of small and marginal farmers.

• Integrated nutrient management : It is a practice which aims at achieving a harmony by efficient and judicial use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with organic manures, well‐decomposed crop residues, green manures, recyclable 7 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

waste, vermicompost, using legumes in cropping systems, use of bio‐fertilizers and other locally available nutrient sources for sustaining soil health and amelioration of environment as well as enhancing crop productivity on long‐term basis.

• Site‐specific nutrient management : Application of the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place is essential to nutrient stewardship. LCC‐based urea application can reduce GWP of a rice‐wheat system by 10.5% in LCC≤4 treatment as compared to blanket application.

• Relocation of crops : The impact of climatic variability will be varied across crops and regions. There is a need to identify the regions and crops that are more sensitive to climate changes/variability and relocate them in more suitable areas.

• Harnessing indigenous technical knowledge of farmers : There is a wealth of knowledge on the range of measures that can help in developing technologies to overcome climate vulnerabilities. There is a need to harness the indigenous technical knowledge and fine‐tune them to suit the modern situation. Ecological‐based traditional knowledge could provide insights and viable options for adaptive measures.

• Integrated Farming System (IFS) : Dependence on single enterprises not only increases the risk of crop failure but also leads to food, income and environmental insecurity especially in rain‐fed area. Integrated farming system (IFS) modules minimize risk from a single enterprise in the face of natural calamities, and diversified enterprises bring in the much needed year round income to farmers in monocropped paddy‐growing areas and improve their livelihoods and resilience to extreme weather events.

• Integrated pest management : Adaptation of integrated pest management with more emphasis on biological control, improvement in forecasting of pest using recent tools and techniques such as simulation modelling, development of location‐specific crops, cultivars and alternative production techniques that are resistant to infestations and other risks.

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• Better weather forecasting and crop insurance schemes : Weather forecasting at different spatial and temporal scales would be significant tool for adaptation in agriculture under future climate change scenario. Weather forecasting and early warning systems will be very useful in minimizing risks associated with climatic adversaries. Efficacious crop insurance schemes should be evolved to help the farmers in reducing the risk of crop failure due to these events.

II. MITIGATION STRATEGIES: Finally, whatever we do to help farmers adapt to climate change, we still face the urgent need and obligation to reduce the source of the problem as far and as fast as we can. This means bringing net emissions of heat-trapping gases down to zero, and doing it soon.

Mitigation through farming practices

1. Methane emission: The IPCC has estimated that rice cultivation is a major contribution to global warming. Rice cultivation contributes 23%

of total greenhouse gas emission from agriculture sector. CH4 emissions can be controlled by the following practices:

• Controlling production, oxidation and transport of CH4 from paddy field by alteration in water management, particularly promoting mid‐season aeration by short‐term drainage and cultivation of direct‐seeded rice (DSR).

• Improved organic matter management by promoting aerobic degradation through incorporating or composting it into soil during off‐season‐drained period.

• Use of rice cultivars with few unproductive tillers, high root oxidative activity and high harvest index.

• Improved management of livestock diet through the use of improved feed additives, substitution of low digestibility feeds with high digestibility ones.

2. Nitrous oxide emissions: Site‐specific nutrient management (SSNM), integrated nutrient management (INM), use of slow‐release nitrogen fertilizers & nitrification inhibitors, and placement of fertilizer in reduced zone helps to

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3. Carbon dioxide: Carbon sequestration is one of the best strategies to

mitigate CO2 emission, which can be done in soil through manipulation of soil moisture, temperature and restoration of soil carbon on degraded lands. Soil management practices such as reduced tillage, manuring, improving soil biodiversity & micro‐aggregation and mulching are essential.

Mitigation through transgenic approaches

Agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As indicated by researchers, there is a need to give priorities to develop new varieties of crops cultivars having ability to reduce GHG emissions. Agriculture would be revolutionized if plants can be engineered to fix their own nitrogen; this would free agriculture from synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers and significantly decouple it from the fossil fuel industry. The most practical and

rapid mitigation procedure may be to reduce the emissions of CH4 per cow through animal breeding and genetic selection for feed efficiency as it is permanent and cumulative. Other options like manipulation in diet composition, supplementation of feed additives and selection of forage plants of high quality

for breeding provide solution for reduced CH4 emission from enteric fermentation.

ACTIONS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE

Designing a climate-smart agriculture approach requires the coordination of activities of a wide range of stakeholders. Governments and partners seeking to facilitate the implementation of CSA can undertake a range of actions to provide the foundation for effective CSA across agricultural systems, landscapes and food systems.

CSA approaches include four major types of actions:

1. Expanding the evidence base and assessment tools to identify agricultural growth strategies for food security that integrate necessary adaptation and potential mitigation.

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2. Creating an enabling policy environment that required coordination of climate change and agricultural policies.

3. Strengthening national and local institutions to enable farmer management of climate risks and adaptation of context-suitable agricultural practices, technologies and systems.

4. Enhancing financing options to support implementation, linking climate and agricultural finance.

FUTURE THRUST

Climate change and agriculture are strongly co-related. The impacts of climate change on agriculture will be the key channel through which climate change will affect food security. Over the the past centuries, progress continues in the fight against hunger, yet an unacceptably large number of people still do not have enough food for a healthy life & conditions of today’s world are a far cry from the world ‘free of hunger’ envisioned at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Enhancing crop production to meet rising demands owing to the expanding population, against the threats of climate change, is an immense challenging task. This can be attained by adapting climate smart agriculture system which is in line with FAO’s vision of sustainable food and agriculture goals. Understanding the weather changes over a period of time and adjusting the management practices towards achieving better harvest are challenges to the growth of agricultural sector as a whole.

International policies on climate change and agriculture are need of the hour but implementation has to be done at the ground level. Remote sensing and satellite imaging can also help in future predictions for the vulnerable agro-ecosystems and suggesting corrective measures by involving multi-disciplinary approach. This can also help in working out responses, preparedness and planning of managing the agro-ecosystems for extreme events such as water scarcity, heat waves, floods and so on. Connecting and sensitizing farmers to sustainable technologies and activities is of utmost importance as they are the ones who can play a major role in implementation of the ecological goals. For farmers, learning to adapt to climate changes now and to prepare for climate shocks in

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the future is necessary, as without this he can never improve its so called poor life style, which rarely meets his basic needs, and will carry on surviving like this. Thus to sustain farmer's livelihood & to achieve agricultural sustainability in such changing climate scenarios, climate smart adaptation & mitigation strategies are very crucial to follow in our food production system. Now it is high time that not only farmer but also all the food security and nutrition stakeholders work together towards greater policy coordination and prepare themselves for the up-coming global food security challenges by developing such smart agricultural practices which are sustainably, economically and environmentally sound, so as to combat the impact of climate change and ensure global food security not only for humans but other living beings as well.

REFERENCES

1. https://www.intechopen.com/books/plant-engineering/climate-smart- agriculture-an-option-for-changing-climatic-situation

2. http://www.fao.org/climate-smart-agriculture/knowledge/practices/en/

3. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/climate-change-and-agriculture

4. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climate-smart-agriculture

5. https://csa.guide/csa/what-is-climate-smart-agriculture

6. https://ccafs.cgiar.org/climate-smart-agriculture-0

7. http://www.fao.org/climate-smart-agriculture-sourcebook/production- resources/module-b1-crops/chapter-b1-2/en/

8. http://www.fao.org/climate-smart-agriculture- sourcebook/concept/module-a1-introducing-csa/chapter-a1-1/en/

9.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282940339_Climate_Smart_Agricul ture_an_approach_for_sustainable_food_security

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A review article on ‘Tools for cellulose analysis in plant cell walls’

Priyadarshini Sahu

Article ID:- 0051

M.Sc(Ag),2nd year, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics

Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology

Email: [email protected]

======

Abstract

Food is the basis of life while plants are its primary producers. Plants as we know require sunlight and carbon dioxide as well as water mainly for photosynthesis. Besides providing us food, they provide cater to herbivores too. In the process, there are several attacks externally as well as internally to a plant cell such as ingression of foreign particles, evaporation loss, virus and pest attacks, etc. Cell wall is the most important structure for a plant’s integrity and structure. It has several other functions like permeability, bio fuel extraction, protection from external shock, etc. Cellulose is the constituent component of a plant cell wall which has different mechanisms and unexplored features and functions. Thus, the structure and functions of a plant cell wall require close and detailed study regarding their components, concentration of the components, formation and orientation of the components.

Keyword: - Cell wall, plant cell wall, cellulose analysis, tools for cellulose analysis

Introduction:-

Cellulose consists of ß-1,4-linked glucan chains held in place by H-bonds. The Cellulose Synthetase is also effectively characterized by the article along with details on its components and orientation. Hemicelluloses, arabinoglucans, etc. also are mentioned clearly. The article stresses on the use of transmission electron microscopy, filed emission scanning electron microscopy along with

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the use of dyes like Congo Red, S4B, etc. Several fluorescent dyes have been used in the study of cellulose orientation while the cell wall is expanding in Arabidopsis roots.

Results:-

Solophenyl Flavine (7GFE), Pontamine fast scarlet 4B (S4B), and Calcoflour were used and by fluorimetry the fluorescence of the dyes were recorded. Different factors like NaCl, KCl addition, P-buffered saline medium were tested in different concentrations. The results were recorded in nanometre and the graph was provided.

S4B staining:-

5days old Arabidopsis seedlings of Columbia ecotype were used for better results. The roots were observed with spinning disc confocal microscopy which revealed several vital orientation and structural details of the Arabidopsis roots.

- Cellulose was found to be synthesized transversely in the inner wall face during the whole process of elongation. - Time lapse microscopy of lateral root cap and epidermal cells has also been done. - The findings are clearly and succinctly described with being extra mindful about non negotiable details. - Several photographs and graphs have also been provided.

The narrowing down of the results:-

 In the columella and lateral root cap cells near the root tip, finely spaced transverse fibrillar staining were found.  Thicker, widely spaced diagonal fibrillar structures in older lateral root cap cells was seen.  Epidermal cells in the elongation and differentiation zones were shown to have a cross hatched pattern of finely spaced fibrillar staining.

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 Longitudinal fibrillar staining at the outer surface changed to a transverse or diagonal pattern at the inner surface of the wall  Left ward and rightward tilted diagonal fibres can both be found in single cell at a time.  Cellulose was seen to be synthesized transversely at the inner wall face throughout the elongation zone in roots of Arabidopsis and maize.  Fibres rotated in a transverse to longitudinal direction at an average rate of 0.16 +/- 0.11 (SD) degrees/min in a total of 9 hr and 22 minutes.  Roots of prc1-1 were seen to lack the CESA6 subunit and thus had reduced cellulose content.  Some prc1-1 trichoblasts contained multiple bright patches of S4B staining showing that there were precursors for the growth of multiple root hairs from single cells.  Root hair primordial did not stain brightly.

Effects of the experiments on the plant cells:-

 0.1% (w/v) S4B inhibited root growth.  0.01% S4B seedling roots were consistently longer.  Negative charged S4B decreases cellulose cystallinity or its interactions with hemicelluloses, allowing the cell wall to expand faster than normal.  7GFE strongly inhibited root growth at concentrations higher than 0.0001%.

The article also provides an exceptional discussion for the results thus obtained and their clear explanation.

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 The increased spacing between S4B stained fibres in the xxt1;xxt2 showed that the interaction of xyloglucan may be required to maintain the normal distribution of cellulose micro fibrils in the cell wall  H-bonding of xyloglucan to cellulose micro fibrils serves to prevent excessive h-bonding of the microfibrills to each other and was inferred to facilitate cell wall expansion.  Cellulose was seen to be evenly distributed over wall surface at large scales, but was unevenly distributed at the sub micron scale.  Cellulose in the cell wall usually existed as bundles of closely spaced micro fibrils with larger distances between them rather than the evenly spaced individual micro fibrils depicted in most cell wall models.  Small scale anisotropy is the nature of cellulose synthesis: in expanding cells, multiple CESA particles move in opposite directions along single tracks, presumably generating closely spaced parallel and anti parallel cellulose micro fibrils.  Thick fibrillar structures in lateral root cap and differentiating epidermal root cells has been explained as that cellulose micro fibrils after being synthesized in a relatively uniform sheet at the inner face of the wall, associate into larger bundles as cell wall extension proceeds.  Orienting cellulose micro fibrils at a variety of angles would allow the cells to resist internal and external forces from a variety of direction

Materials and methods:-

- Dyes:- The dye used were first characterised by using standard carbohydrates such as arabinan, arabinogalactan, mannan, pectic galactan, xyloglucan, etc. 1mg/ml solutions of these carbohydrates were added to solutions containing 0.01% dye in PBS (P-buffered saline). The

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fluorescence was measured with the help of cartridge of a paradigm detection system. - Labelling of the cell wall: -prc1-1mutant of Arabidopsis plant was used. They were surface sterilised in 30% bleach in water containing SDS 0.1%. Then it was washed thoroughly with water and suspended in dark at 4˚C in 0.15% agar before 2days of planting. These were planted in MS media containing the required quantity of dyes and undertaken for further action.

Conclusion:-

This article summarizes the findings and explanation of the said authors in a compact way and supports the clarity of explanation as the exceptional material and methods used. The result thus obtained can be deemed as phenomenal.

Citation:-

Anderson C, Carroll A, Akhmetova L, Somerville C (2010) Real time imaging of cellulose reorientation during cell wall expansion in Arabidopsis roots. American Society of Plant Biologists 787-796.

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Locust: General Overview and Phase Change- Characteristic Responsible For Havoc In Agriculture

Article:-0052

Deepa Poudel

M.Sc(Ag) 2ndyear,Institute of Agricultural Sciences,BHU

Email: [email protected]

======

Threat to food security

Like most grasshoppers locust are also notorious polyphagous. Commonly they can eat up to their weight of vegetation in a day while average consumption is less than this. Adult swarm of Gregarious desert locust may consume upto 20,000 tonnes of vegetation in a day.Immature adults are most dangerous as they are most mobile and most voracious(Prior and Streett 1997).Locust do not only damage agriculture crops that may cause food insecurity for humans but also may result in shortage of food sources for animals. Swift depletion of vegetation cover may result in increment in runoff and soil erosion. Insular ecosystems are more vulnerable to such damages. Thus locust attack may pose a great threat to a overall biodiversity (Zhang et al 2019).Locust is considered to be one of the most destructive pests in the world(Lecoq 2001).

Regarding recent outbreak, first wave at end of Dec 2019 wiped out 70,000 ha crop land in Somalia and Ethiopia and 2400 km pasture land in kenya.These outbreaks can be attributed to recent climate change and various extreme weather happenings.Pointing out single event like rainfall or cyclone or temperature is extremely difficult.On the other hand non-climatic factors like political instabilities, lack of early warning systems, poor monitoring act in a butterfly effect to cause more damage(Salih et al 2020).

Climate and Habitat

The major habitat of desert locust is arid and hyper-arid regions stretched in about 16 million square kilometers area throughout Africa, the Middle east and 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

southeast Asia that includes about 30 countries It is referred as recession area while recession is time span when fewer locust mainly in solitarius phase are found without extensive infestation.For laying eggs, Desert locust prefers bare and sandy soil with sufficient moisture at 12 cm depth.They cannot lay eggs below 15 ℃.Development of egg is related with soil and air temperature.Heavy rainfall creates an optimal conditions for locust and its population increases by 16-20 times in every 3 months.So usually after a heavy rainfall large number of solitarius locust are forced to survive on limited green vegetation on deserts which leads to more physical contact.They form multiple small groups of hoppers eventually become swarms of adult,that are gregarious.These swarms are migratory in nature.Development of both hoppers and adult is function of temperature.Adults prefer 20-35℃ temperature and rainfall for proper development and breeding(Casadei and Albert 2015).

Feeding habit

Field studies have shown that quality and distribution of host plant affect the behaviour and phase of locust. Gregarization was found to be promoted by clump type of vegetation distribution in field and dilute diet in the lab (Despland and Simpson 2000).Study conducted on soliatrious adult in Sahara desert of Mauritania demonstrated that these locust move around specific different microhabitats throughout the 24 hours period.At dawn they start their feeding in ground, dwell in shurby vegetation during hot afternoon and return back to ground in late afternoon.They began the search of night roosting site around dusk and prefer trees to roost in They confirmed plant height based selection for rooting site in gregarious nymph of desert locust. They were found to use plant height as major factor for night roosting and prefer taller trees. It is considered to be defense against possible predators. In absence of taller trees migratory bands can also choose bushes that are of more than 1 m height and even night-roost behind stones. Migratory locust are very flexible regarding night roosting sites(Maeno et al 2016).

Complete life cycle

Locust goes through three stages in its 2-6 months of life span.Life cycle starts from eggs, female in large groups lay rice-grain shaped eggs in sandy soil with 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

sufficient moisture at depth of 12cm.They lay eggs in batches called 3-4 cm pods formed by spraying froth, each pods consists of less than 80 eggs in gregarious phase and 90-120 in solitariusphase. Typically female lay eggs 2-3 times with each interval of 6-11days.Egg hatches after 10-65 days into wingless nymphs called hoppers and they remain in this stage for 24-94 days(36 average).Hoppers undergo 5-6 times moulting and in final moult turns into fledgling , an winged adult.It takes average of 40-50 days from laying to fledging. These adult only became capable of sustained flight depending upon habitat nearly after 10 days when wings are hardened. Males sexually mature earlier than females(Casadei and Albert 2015).

Phase change

Phase polyphenism is an extreme case of phenotypic plasticitywhich depicts the ability of one genotype to express multiple phenotypes upon exposure to different environmental conditions. In locust, phase change leads to expression of various physiological, morphological and behavioural traits depending upon population density (Wang and Kang 2014). Phase change is the ability of locusts to change their phase between two extreme forms, non social solitarius and swarm forming gregarious phase in response to varying local population density(Simpson et al. 2001). It is reversible,continuous,cumulative process and highly complex in nature(Wang and Kang 2014).The ability to change phase is believed to core feature of locust that is central to occasional yet devastating impact on humans(Simpson et al. 2001).Process of phase change from solitary to gregarious, is called gregarization.Transiens refers to the intermediate phase when locust are grouping(Casadei and Albert 2015). Strengthening of muscles and changing of body colour from green to brown are phenotypic expressions of phase change.Gregarious locust were also found to have an advanced brain that is also 30 percent larger in proportion than solitarius one(Roychoudhury 2020).

Causes of phase change

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Mainly due food scarcity locust forage together in groups.Whensolitarios locust are compelled to be in crowd their behaviour transforms towards gregarious state (Roychoudhury 2020).

Weather and habitat structure are major factors that promote crowding. Population explosion occurs in optimal conditions mainly due to rainfall which forces individuals to be dependent upon limited host plants for shelter, feeding and basking which favours the close contact among solitarius locust( Sword et al 2010). Simpson et al. 2001 concluded that in close contact rubbing of hind femur induces gregarization but not by touch among other parts.

It is believed to be that other parts like mouth,thorax abdomen tarsi,antena are self stimulated by locust regularly while grooming feeding,walking while antennae and compound eyes aid behaviour change through reception of stimuli.On the other hand hind femora is not frequently self-stimulated during normal situation. Rogers et al 2003 also observed that solitarius locust have 30% more tactile hairs on hind femora. Such stimulation in hind femora is type of mechanosensory stimulation(Roychoudhury 2020); howeverfor the first time Rogers et al 2003 reported hat that both mechanosensory and chemosensory signals are necessary to induce gregarization. Behaviour is considered to be the most labile phase characteristic (Simpson et al 1999).

Mechanism of phase transformation

Study conducted on locust amigratoria species showed the effect of methoprene, analog of juvenile hormone on gregarious nymph locust. Upon treatment olfactory response of gregarious nymph led to repulsive behaviour. But in contrast when solitarius nymphs were injected juvenile hormone acid O-methyl transferase their repulsion behaviour decreased. (kang et al 2020).Initial researches to study mechanisms were mainly focused on the juvenile hormones and it was later concluded that Juvenile hormone is not the key driving substance for phase change ,it only contributes phase change in certain way (Amir 2019).With advancement in field of genomics and metabolomics widespread research has been conducted for understanding of molecular basis of phase change in locust. Thousands of genes metabolites and molecular pathways has been discovered which is involved in locust phase change. For 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

example Chemosensory protein chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, dopamine pathway, protein kinase A (PKA) and carnitines help to modulate behavior change; dopamine and corazonin are crucial for colour change (Wang and Kang 2014).

Study conducted by revealed that two dopamine receptors DA-Dop1 and DA- Dop2 mediate phase change differently.Dop-1 promote attraction and mobility thus modulates gregariousness while Dop-2 was found to arouse repulsion and decrease mobility thus modulates solitariousness(Guo et al 2014).Phase change does not only happen in lifespan of individual but also pile up through generations with the help of water-soluble substance added in egg froth in response to crowding(Zhang 2019).Various epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested that controls locust phase change but their functional role has not been explained.Some of such mechanisms are DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and noncoding RNAs, (Wang and kang 2014).

Conclusion

Locust, a gregarious pest has been one of the primary causes of huge destruction in agriculture since decades. Its lifestyle and feeding habits are quite similar to ordinary hoppers but its ability to change into gregarious phase has been posing challenges to humans. Gregarious phases are more adaptable to harsh environmental conditions and feed much more than normal grasshoppers. There are various reasons leading to phase and primary reasons are scarcity of food and water. Still no specific measures for control have been found for locust outbreak. Although many pesticidal recommendations are there. Active research is going on to study the Mechanism of phase transformation. Because unlocking secrets behind its mechanism of phase change seems to be only positive hope for concrete locust outbreak control in future.

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CARBON SEQUESTRATION : THE DIRE NEED OF THE HOUR.

Swetaleena Mahana

Article ID:- 0053

M.Sc(Ag),2ndyear,Department of Agronomy

Institute of Agricultural Sciences

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005.

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21stcentury is the era of modernization. Human being is advancing towards development and this development boosts human desire for luxury, comfort and fantasy. It is well said that “human want is never ending”. In order to fulfill this never ending wants, human being can just go beyond his limits and to do anything and everything. While on the way of fulfilling human desire, he forgets to care about the environment which is the basic source of living. And the result of this race is all kinds of pollution, nuclear war and environmental hazards that we are facing today. The world is in a moral crisis which is leading towards a great destruction. The trends that are shaping the 21st century world embody both promise and peril. Globalization, for example, has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty while contributing to social fragmentation and a massive increase in inequality, not to mention serious environmental damage. Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us.

Anticipated effects include increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, changing precipitation, and expansion of deserts in the subtropics. Warming is expected to be greater over land than over the oceans and greatest in the Arctic, with the continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely changes include more frequent extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, heavy rainfall with floods and heavy snowfall; ocean acidification; and species extinctions due to shifting temperature regimes. Effects significant to humans include the threat to food security from decreasing crop yields and the abandonment of populated areas due to rising sea 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

levels. Because the climate system has a large "inertia" and greenhouse gases will remain in the atmosphere for a long time, many of these effects will persist for not only decades or centuries, but for tens of thousands of years to come.

Carbon sequestration is the dire need of the hour to control global warming and mitigate climate change. Carbon capture and storage, also known as CCS or carbon sequestration, describes the technologies designed to tackle global

warming by capturing CO2 at power stations, industrial sites or even directly from the air and permanently storing it underground. Carbon sequestration describes long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming. It has been proposed as a way to slow the atmospheric and marine accumulation of greenhouse gases, which are released by burning fossil fuels.

CARBON SINKS-

Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into ‘carbon sinks’- an area that absorbs carbon.

 Natural sinks- Oceans, forests, soil, etc.  Artificial sinks- Depleted oil reserves, unmineable mines, etc.

Carbon capture has actually been in use for years. The oil and gas industries have used carbon capture for decades as a way to enhance oil and gas recovery. Only recently have we started thinking about capturing carbon for environmental reasons.

There are three main steps to carbon capture and storage (CCS)-

 Trapping and separating the CO2 from other gases,

 Transporting this captured CO2 to a storage location, and

 Storing that CO2 far away from the atmosphere ( underground or deep in the ocean).

TYPES OF SEQUESTRATION-

There are number of technologies under investigation for sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. These can be discussed under three main categories- 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

 Ocean Sequestration- Carbon stored in oceans through direct injection or fertilization.  Geologic Sequestration- Natural pore spaces in geologic formations serve as reservoirs forlong-term carbon dioxide storage.  Terrestrial Sequestration- A large amount of carbon is stored in soils and vegetation, which are our natural carbon sinks. Increasing carbon fixation through photosynthesis, slowing down or reducing decomposition of organic matter, and changing land use practices can enhance carbon uptake in these natural sinks.  Geologic Sequestration- It is thought to have the largest potential for near-term application.

Geologic Sequestration Trapping Mechanisms-

 Hydrodynamic Trapping- Carbon dioxide can be trapped as a gas under low-permeability cap rock ( much like natural gas stored in gas reservoirs).  Solubility Trapping- Carbon dioxide can be dissolved into a liquid, such as water or oil.  Mineral Carbonation- carbon dioxide can react with the minerals, fluids, and organic matter in a geologic formation to form stable compounds/minerals; largely calcium, iron, and magnesium carbonates.

Carbon dioxide can be effectively stored in the earth’s subsurface by hydrodynamic trapping and solubility trapping- usually a combination of the two is most effective.

Atmospheric concentration of CO2 at 390 ppm in 2010, and increase at the rate of 2.3 ppm/yr is exacerbating the risks of global warming, soil degradation and desertification and environmental pollution. C sequestration in soils and vegetation, with a technical potential of ~3 Pg C/yr with a drawdown of atmospheric CO2 by 50 ppm by the end of the twenty-first century, is a cost-effective option with numerous ancillary or co-benefits especially through enhancement of ecosystem services.

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CUSTOMIZED FERTILIZER- A HORIZON TO FERTILIZER REVOLUTION ARTICLE ID. : 0055 Dewali Roy1 and Swagata Malla1 Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Viswa-bharati University, Shantiniketan,West Bengal

ABSTRACT

In India, among the nutrients, NPK remains the major one for increased and sustained productivity. However, the development of high yielding systems will likely exacerbate the problem of secondary and micronutrient deficiencies, not only because larger amounts are removed, but also because the application of large amounts of N, P, and K to realize higher yield targets. As a result in the intensive systems, there is every possibility of a build-up of negative balance and deficiency of secondary and micronutrients. Customized fertilizers (CF) are multi-nutrient carriers facilitating the application of the complete range of plant nutrients in the right proportion to suit the specific requirements of a crop during its stages of growth (Rakshit et al., 2012). Hence, they fall under the category of environmentally friendly fertilizers (Rao and Rahman, 2011). The development of the location and crop-specific readymade customized fertilizers supported scientific principles may convince be simpler to satisfy the plant requirement and enhance nutrient use efficiency. Such an approach is also likely to boost crop yields and arrest soil fertility decline in the long-run. Thus, the present article focuses on the different aspects of customized fertilizers related to their need, production, norms, and prospects in a long run. (Keywords- Nutrient use efficiency, Customized Fertilizer) INTRODUCTION As current India’s population is around 1.3 billion and will likely reach 1.67 billion by 2050 (United States, Census Bureau, 2014), the food grain demand may also likely rise from 293 million tonnes (Mt) to 335 Mt by 2025 (kumar et al.,2012). Consequently, the national thrust has been aiming to maximize food production for the expanding population. Since there is no likely prospect of any further increase in the area under cultivation over the present 142 mha, much of the desired increase in food grain production has to be attained by enhancing the productivity per unit area. Fertilizer is one of the key inputs in augmenting 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

food grain production and contributes 55 percent towards additional food grain production (Kaleeswari, 2013). Though the efficiency of fertilizer nitrogen is only 30-40% in rice and 50- 60% in other cereals, while the efficiency of fertilizer phosphorus is 15-20% in most crops. The efficiency of K is 60-80%, while that for S is 8-12%. As regards the micronutrients, the efficiency of most of them is below 5% (Rakshit, 2002). Consequently, most of the agricultural soils of India have an overall calculated annual nutrient (N,P,K) shortfall of about 10 Mt (Prasad R. 2005). It was also estimated that this nutrient gap may widen to 22 Mt in 2025 at an overall nutrient consumption of 350 Mt (Prasad R. 2005). Intensive agriculture, involving nutrient-exhaustive crop varieties and continuous neglect of nutrient replenishment lead to the depletion of soil fertility and decline in crop productivity. India has a serious problem with nutrient mining because of extractive farming practices. Due to the imbalance in the use of plant nutrients, mining of nutrients is considered as one of the main causes for the decline in crop yield and crop response ratio. Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers already created multi-nutrient deficiencies which is calling the urgent need to adopt balanced fertilizer use. Besides, a blanket fertilizer recommendation for crops which is widely practiced in our country has several disadvantages and reduce the nutrient use efficiency (Dobermann and Cassman (2002). This involves ‘site-specific nutrient management’ (SSNM) and therefore the development of customized and value-added fertilizers, especially micronutrient fortified fertilizers (Prasad, 2012). There is a dearth need of developing new and improved fertilizers i.e., customized fertilizers based on soil-test-crop response studies for major cropping and farming systems in different agro-eco regions of the country. Reduction in pre-plant fertilizer and split applications to better match nutrient availability in the soil with the plant's nutrient demand would help reduce the fertilizer loss. In India, as the concept of customized fertilizers is still in infancy and not popular in farmers' communities. The main aim of this Article thus explores the concept, importance, few manufacturing aspects, and other issues in the marketing of customized fertilizers CONCEPT OF CUSTOMIZED FERTILIZER Customized Fertilizer may be a concept around balanced plant nutrition. The Central Fertilizer Committee has included customized fertilizers in the Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO) 1985, as a new category of fertilizers that are area, soil and crop-specific. According to FCO, customized fertilizers are multi-nutrient carriers designed to contain macro, 2 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

secondary, and/or micro-nutrient both from inorganic sources and/or organic sources, manufactured through a systematic process of granulation, fulfils crop’s nutritional needs, specific to its location, soil, and stage validated by a scientific crop model, capability developed by an accredited fertilizer manufacturing /marketing company. They are an unique and ready to use as granulated fertilizers, formulated on sound scientific plant nutrition principles integrated with soil information, extensive laboratory studies, and field research (Rakshit et al., 2012). Being a combination of macro and micronutrients it facilitates the application of the complete range of plant nutrients in the right proportion and to suit the specific requirement of a crop at different stages. CF’s can maximize nutrient use efficiency and are ultimately programmed to improve soil fertility. Hence, they fall under the category of environmentally friendly fertilizers (Rao and Rahman, 2011). Prospective manufacturers or marketers are expected to use software tools. Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer (DSSAT). Crop Model etc. to determine the optimal grades of customized fertilizer (Johnston et al.,2009). These forms of fertilizers are considered as the best available option to correct site-specific multi-nutrient deficiencies of soils so as to attain maximum crop production through improved nutrient use efficiency. The technology used in the manufacture of such fertilizers makes them high quality so that all granules fertilizers are highly uniform in physical form and chemical composition. WHY CUSTOMIZED FERTILIZER? First and foremost objective is to promote site-specific nutrient management. Usually, farmers used to apply fertilizers without knowing any requirements of the crop. CF includes the combination of nutrients through various sources based on soil test information and requirement of the crop and it can provide the desired quantity of major nutrients blended with micronutrients depending upon the nature of the crop/cropping system, nutrient requirements, and yield targets fixed.

1. CF includes 100 percent water-soluble grades as customized combination products required in various stages of crop growth based on research findings and it is readily available to crops. 2. It supplies the plant-available nutrients in adequate amount and in proper proportion, leads to the balanced application of both primary nutrients and as well as secondary and

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micro nutrients. As it is 100 percent water-soluble it can be also used for fertigation purposes thus got importance in the high-tech farming system (singh et al.,2019). 3. As customized fertilizers contain micronutrients. Therefore, the farmers don’t need to buy micronutrients separately at extra cost, thus reducing the total cost and helps the farmer to get a better B: C ratio (Rakshit et al.,2002).

4. Methods of preparing customized fertilizers (FAI-NR, 2011) a. Chemical granulation: It is also called “slurry granulation‟ or complex granulation. Here, fertilizer production starts with the basic raw materials like rock phosphate, acids, and ammonia rather than their salts like diammonium phosphate and urea. b. Bulk blending: It is the simplest and cheapest option available for the production of customized fertilizers, which involves pure mixing of solid fertilizers in a ratio required to get the desired nutrient ratio. It only requires warehouse, weighing, and mixing equipment (FAI, 2011). c. Compaction: It is also called a “dry granulation‟ process as not using any liquid binders for making it as a granule. Fertilizer material should be powdered and apply high pressure on this powdered materials to squeeze them together which results in large dust generation and the final products in the form of briquettes or flakes. d. Fluid method: Most suited method in the intensive farming system to obtain a higher yield. Two types of liquid formulations are there; clear liquids & suspension liquids. It provides a dust-free application method. A mixture of ammonia, phosphoric acid, and micronutrients gives a good homogenous liquid fertilizer e. Compound/Steam granulation: The granulated materials after Agglomeration should be dried and cooled by dehumidified air. Hygroscopic products like urea containing grades need a dehumidified bagging plant to prevent caking. This is the most suited method for the large scale production of customized fertilizers in India. 5. Customized Fertilizer Formulation: According to, Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) for basal application CF should be granular in size with a minimum of 90 percent of materials remains between 1- 4 mm. Indian standard sieve and size less than 1 mm should not exceed 5 percent and the product should

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not exceed 1.5 percent. Foliar application grades should be 100 percent water-soluble. The minimum nutrient content in the grade should be 30 units of all the nutrients combined. 6. Eligibility Criteria for Manufacture and Sale of Customized Fertilizers: (i) Permission for manufacture and sale of Customized Fertilizer shall be granted to only such companies whose annual turnover is Rs. 500 crores or above. (ii) Such manufacturing companies should have soil testing facilities with an annual analyzing capacity of 10,000 samples per annum and should have an analyzing capacity for NPK. (iii) The grade of customized fertilizer, which the company will manufacture, must be based on scientific data obtained from area-specific, soil specific and crop-specific, soil testing results. (iv) Such manufacturing companies should generate multi-locational trials(not on-farm demonstration) on different crops for a minimum of one season. 7. Grant of permission to manufacture: Subject to the fulfilment of eligibility criteria referred to in the preceding paragraphs, the permission for the manufacture and sale of Customized Fertiliser will be granted by the Joint Secretary (INM). Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, MOA, GOI. Such permission, for the manufacture and sale of a particular customized fertilizer grade, shall be granted only for the specific area and for a period not exceeding three years. 8. Major Constraints To Promote Customized Fertilizers (Majumdar et al.,2018 and Singh et al.,2019):

 The high cost of customized fertilizers. The necessity of investing heavy capital in the state of the art manufacturing facility for customized fertilizer.  Limited awareness and very low affordability of customized fertilizers among the farmers.  Uncertainty in response when fertility is restored in the field.  Absence of healthy competition among fertilizer industries to avoid indiscriminate and imbalanced use of fertilizer.  Improper allocation of raw material among fertilizer industries.

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 No long term assurance from the government to keep the policy intact throughout the years.  Segmentation and promotion in marketing and time-consuming manufacturing,

9. CONCLUSIONS Customized fertilizers present a unique opportunity to prepare us for the future. These needs proper expertise and serious manufacturers with scientific and technological capabilities. In light of this, the Government of India has made liberal legal provisions for such manufacturer to produce and market customized fertilizers. At present, balanced and efficient nutrient management with special focus on INM is being advocated through the SSNM approach. In this context, customized fertilizers could contribute to promoting SSNM in order to achieve the maximum FUE of the applied nutrients in a cost-effective manner. Future research by public-private–partnerships should address the required grades of customized fertilizers that may need to be standardized once every three years. All concerned agencies should come forward to popularize the concept. All-State Governments have to play an important and active role in encouraging fertigation liberalizing the cumbersome procedure of disbursing subsidy on micro-irrigation systems. Care must be exercised to strengthen collaboration between the fertilizer industry and national institutes engaged in developing soil test-based and site-specific nutrient recommendations to develop soil and crop-specific quality fertilizers. It is clear that customized fertilizer is not any doubt a marker in fertilizer revolution which can aggravate the scope of Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) and Precision Agriculture. REFERENCE

1. Dobermann A, Cassman KG.2002.Plant nutrient management for enhanced productivity in intensive grain production systems of the United States and Asia. Plant Soil 247:153–175. 2. FAI (2011) Fertilizer Statistics, The Fertilizer Association of India, New Delhi. 3. Fertilizer Association of India-Northern Region.2011.Fertilizer orientation course 19- 20th January.Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh.

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4. Ganesh-Kumar, A., Mehta, R., Pullabhotla, H., Prasad, S. K., Kavery, G., & Ashok, G.2012. Demand and supply of cereals in India 2010-2025. IFPRI-Discussion Papers, (1158). http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/fi... 5. Johnston, A.M., Khurana, H.S. Majumdar, K. and Satyanarayana, T.2009.Site-specific nutrient management-concept, current research and future challenges in Indian agriculture. Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science.57:1–10. 6. Kaleeswari RN.2013.Impact of customized fertilizers on yield and soil properties of lowland rice ecosystem. Madras Agric. J;100(3):150-152. 7. Majumdar, S., & Prakash, N. B.2018.Prospects of customized fertilizers in Indian agriculture. Current science, 115(2),242.doi: 10.18520/cs/v115/i2/242-248. 8. Prasad,R.,2012 Manures and Fertilizers. Curr. Sci.,102(6),894–898. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24084505 9. Prasad, R., Sustaining Indian Agriculture (Souvenir 1905–2005), Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 2005, pp. 103– 106. 10. Rakshit R, Rakshit A, Das A.2012.Customized Fertilizers: Marker in Fertilizer Revolution.Int. J Agric. Environ. Biotechnol.5(1):67-75. 11. Rakshit, A., P.B.S. Bhadoria, and B.N. Mittra.2002. Nutrient use efficiency for bumper harvest. Yojana 46:12-15. 12. Rakshit. R., Rakshit, A.,Das,A.2012.Customized fertilizers: Marker in fertilizer revolution. International journal of agriculture, environment and biotechnology,5(1), 67-75. Downloaded From IP - 14.139.224.82 on dated 15-May-2012. 13. Rao NT, Rahman MH. Customized fertilizers towards balanced plant nutrition solutions for food security and soil health. In: Bridar, D. P., Sangeetha, J., and Thangadurai, D.(eds).2011.Innovative and Modern Technologies for Agricultural Productivity, Food Security and Environmental Management, Proceedings on national workshop, Bhopal. Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal; pg.22-23. 14. Singh Har Vir, Dotaniya M L,Choudhary R L, Meena M D, M K Meena. 2019. Customized Fertilizers: Key For Higher Crop Productivity. Harit Dhara,2(1) January – June, 2019. Http://Iiss.Nic.In/Emagazine/V2i1/7 15. United States, Census Bureau, 2014;http://www.census.gov/population/international (accessed on 11 April 2016). 7 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

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FARMERS PROTEST: ANALYZING THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE BRITISH LAWS AND NEW FARMER BILL 2020 ARTICLE ID. : 0056 Shrikant Ganvir Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Viswa-bharati University, Shantiniketan,West Bengal E-Mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

At the end of September 2020, the central Government of India has approved the new farmers bill 2020 i.e., i. Farmers producer trade and commerce promotion and facilitation act 2020 ii. Farmers empowerment and protection agreement on price assurance and farm services act 2020 iii. The essential commodities amendment act 2020. The basic provisions of the proposed legislation are willing to attend and focus small and marginal farmers. These bills seek to allow farmers to sell their produce to whoever they want outside the mandis, even at their farm gates, everyone may purchase their produce. The state mandi’s and their commission agents could lose their commission and mandi fees respectively and get affected by competition and cost cutting on transport, as the result farmers will get better price by this law

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Introduction

Farmers are the driving force of the economy. That’s why; a major sum of our population is directly or indirectly involved in it. Farmers feed the entire nation but they themselves struggle for 2 square meals a day. Furthermore, every citizen of the country is dependent on the agriculture products produced by farmers.

“JAI JAWAN JAI KISAN”- A very popular slogan. Though we heard it multiple times, but how much we actually realise the value of this slogan..?? In this great pandemic of COVID 19 everything came to stand still excluding Agriculture. Nation, entire globe & living beings rushing for food only. Most of us have no idea about the ongoing farmers protest happening in national capital Delhi. But it isn’t really our fault, our media deliberately hide such issues under the Carpet. Things that should be encouraged are supressed and the rest is made into a mountain of mustard.

The three new laws that have caused controversy. According to The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation), 2020 law, farmers can sell their produce outside the mandis notified by the APMC i.e., Agriculture Produce Market Committee without paying taxes to other states.

The second law is - Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Service Act, 2020. According to this, farmers can do contract farming and market it directly. The third law is - Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. In this, apart from production, storage, sale of grains, pulses, edible oil, onions have been deregulated except in exceptional circumstances.

The third law is - Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. In this, apart from production, storage, sale of grains, pulses, edible oil, onions have been deregulated except in exceptional circumstances.

The government argues that with the new law, farmers will get more options and there will be good competition on the price. In addition, private investment in agricultural markets,

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processing and infrastructure will be encouraged. Whereas the farmers feel that their existing protection will also be lost by the new law

The current ongoing farmers protest against the recently legislated farm laws are as similar to the farmers protest held in 1907. The farmers then protested against three British laws namely

1. Punjab Land Colonization Act 2. Doab Bari Act 3. Panjab Land Alienation Act

The rally was organized by Sardar Ajit Singh (Bhagat Singh’s Uncle), Kishan Singh (Bhagat Singh’s Father), Ghasita Ram and Sufi Amba Prasad. The moment came to be known as ‘Pagri Sambal Jatta Lehar’. The moment can be related to the ongoing farmer’s agitation (Bill 2020). The British Government in 1879, constructed upper Bari Doab Canal to draw the water from the Chenab River to Lyallpur (At Present Faisalabad, Pakistan) to setup settlement in an inhabited (waste or barren land). Area and promise the allotment or free land to farmers.

Therefore, the farmers moved and settled in the new lands allotted to them. In order to those laws British Government became the Master of these Lands and denied ownership, rights of the farmers reducing them to share croppers. The new act also prohibited the farmers from building the houses or felling the trees on those lands. The law also stated that if the eldest son died before attain childhood, the land will become the property of the Government and wouldn’t be passed to the younger son. These laws resulted in the wide spread unrest against the Colonial Rulers just like ongoing farmers protest against the new farm Laws 2020.

Reason behind the Protest Against the Bill 2020

Political Parties and farm organizations such as Bhartia Kisan Union (BKU) and All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) have been protesting against the bills. The bills where all opposed by the opposition parties calling them “Anti Farmers”.

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The Farmer union believes that the laws will open the sell and marketing of agricultural products outside the notified Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Mandis for farmers. Further these bills will allow interstate trade and encourage voluntary electronic trading of agricultural produce. The new laws prevent the state government from collecting a market fee, cess or levy for trade outside the APMC Markets; This has led to farmers to believe that the laws will gradually end the mandi system and leave farmers at the mercy of corporates. Also, the farmers believe that the laws will perish their existing relationship with arhatiyas (Commission Agent who act as middle man by providing financial loans, ensuring timely procurement and promising adequate prices for their crops). Additionally, protesting farmers believe that disassembling the APMC mandis will boost the purchase of their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Hence, they are demanding the Minimum support price by the government.

The Farmers demand includes

1. Convene a special Parliament session to repeal the farm laws. 2. Make minimum support price (MSP) and state procurement of crops a legal right. 3. Assurances that conventional procurement system will remain. 4. Implement Swaminathan Panel Report and peg MSP at least 50% more than weighted average cost of production. 5. Cut diesel prices for agricultural use by 50%. 6. Repeal of Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and the adjoining Ordinance 2020 and removal of punishment and fine for stubble burning. 7. Release of farmers arrested for burning paddy stubble in Panjab. 8. Abolishing the Electricity Ordinance 2020. 9. Central should not interfere in state subjects, decentralization in practice. 10. Withdrawal of all cases against and release of farmer leaders.

New Farm Laws to bring more Liberty and better prices in India

The Global population is 7.8 billion, whereas India itself contributes 1.38 billion populations ranking second in the Globe. Now the food security is a huge challenge where India’s one

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third population is engaged and dependent on Agriculture Sector. Agriculture, with its allied sector is the largest source of lively hood in India. Still 70% of its rural household still depend primarily on Agriculture for their livelihood, where 82% farmers being small and marginal. Then “How can be a small and marginal farmer is able to sell or purchase his produce anywhere throughout the nation under one nation one market?”

The Agriculture census is carried at 5 years interval in India. According to 2011 census, Indian farmer’s count is more than 11 crores and according to central government more than 16.4 million farmers and 1, 27,963 traders and 70,904 commission agents joined the eNAM platform. Resulting, per year only two lakh farmers are linked on these portals. The eNAM scheme was launched in the year April 2016. There are 6946 regulated wholesale mandis (APMC) markets in the country as on 31.03.2018.So far as per the target 585 mandis of 16 states and 02 Union territories are linked with eNAM. That statistically concludes only 8.42 % of total mandis were connected through eNAM platform.

According to eNAM a farmer can sell his produce in any part of the country by using pan India electronic trading portal.Since from the launching date of eNAM within these 4 years only 14% (less than 2 crores) farmers where able to connect with eNAM going by this data. Now the question arises “Does every farmer in the country is connected to Mandis? Does every Mandis are connected to eNAM? Does every farmer know the use of eNAM? Does this platform is acquainted with each part of the country?” If YES then again, the question still remains same.

The protest stem from false allegations that the new laws mean that the Central and state government have wiped out MSP and procurement. The new legislation gives farmers right to sell their products anywhere in India. It is not appealing profession to farm. According to a report of The Hindu business line on 21stJanuary 2020, Government of India has no clue how many farmers are there in India. According to the Agriculture census 2015-16, Uttar Pradesh has the highest landholdings followed by Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other remaining states. In 2015-16 the new one was finished and contrary to that, in Bihar, for example, only 52.5 lakh farmers have been tracked by the state government and data given to centers against the 1.64 crores framer families that

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the census says. Just the 86.7 lakh farmers were on record in case of Maharashtra, were the census said that there are 1.5 crores active land holdings and so on with the other states. Nobody can earn a respectable income from such small farms or land holdings.

The Current Condition of the Farmers

Farmers are the backbone of our nation. But the farmers are committing suicide because of the debts and burden of guilt that they can’t feed and provide a prosperous life to their families. Many of the farmers are migrating to cities to find a more stable source of income that can provide their family with a proper food supply.

But, if the condition of farmers’ suicide and migration continues than India will again become a food importer rather than exporter. Due to large scale campaigning and the issue of farmer’s suicide is highlighted. But are these efforts enough to save our Annadata (food provider) that the question which we should ask our self?

Besides, the relentlessness of the problem could be judged by the fact that every year hundreds and thousands of farmers commit suicide. The main reasons for their suicide are the repayment of loans which they are unable to repay due to various reasons. In addition, the maximum number of farmers is forced to live below the poverty line. Above all, they are forced to sell their produce at a cost lower than the MSP (Minimum Support Price).

Conclusion

The bills have accompanied the advantages and disadvantages talking about the positive aspect as it includesexpulsion of licence necessity for buyers changes in market expenses and levis for farmers; greater adaptability to built up exchange territories, offices for interstate trade and provision disputes. Sadly, the bills are gravely lacking to achieve any extreme changes in the lives of greater part of farmers. They have missed the ground real factors of poor empowering conditions which are requirement for making markets proficient. Best case scenario, the bills are probably going to formalize previouslyexisting practises. Both the

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government and farmers have shockingly missed addressing to the main problems looked by greater part of farmers. The fear in the mind of farmers that they would lose their lands as it already happened in 1907 is similar as like as the fear in the minds of ongoing protesting farmers2020. These farmers also have fear about the minimum support price (MSP) and about the mandi market system. Capitals CM Honourable Arvind Kejriwal said that let the discussion be held between the government and Kisan union leaders in front of the whole nation so as to get output how these newly formed bills are hazardous for farmers also, he said that “Dudh ka dudhpani ka pani ho jae”.

The centre and farmers union reached some common ground on 31st Dec 2020 to resolve the protesting farmers concern over rise in power tariff and penalties for stubble burning. The main issues of the three farm laws and a legalguarantee for MSP price, however, remains.

The centre has agreed to exclude farmers from the law to curb pollution, the commission for our quality management in national capital region and adjoining areas ordinance 2020. Farmers will also continue to get power subsidy for irrigation and the centre has withdrawn the draft of the electricity (Amendment) bill, 2020

Similarly, the people from the whole world are supporting farmers. Germany, Australia, Italy and many other countries are supporting farmers. Because if there are no farmers, there is no food. In conclusion, we have passed a long way since independence but still, we need to do a lot. Also, the villages and farmers and villagers still after doing this much for the economy still spend there in misery. But, if we take the matter seriously and try to resolve the problems of farmers then soon a day will come to the villages will become prosperous as the cities.

Discussion on the 3 farm laws and MSP are continuing and will continue in the next round of talks on 4th Jan 2021.

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ADDING A WIDE ARRAY OF NUTRITION THROUGH MICROGREENS ARTICLE ID. : 0057 Nitish Sharma1, Utkarsh Singh Rathore2, Nikita Nehal* 1Assistant Professor (Crop Physiology), Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Deva road, Lucknow (U.P.) 2 Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.) *Assistant Professor (Crop Physiology), School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior (M.P.) E-Mail: [email protected]

What are microgreens?

They are simply the first true leaves/ young vegetables that are produced from a seedling of vegetables and herbs which is about 2-3 inches tall. They are baby plants and are not confused with the sprouts or shoots and are falling somewhere in between a sprout and fully grown vegetables. They the green vegetables which are harvested just the cotyledon leaves have developed. They occur in a variety of colors & textures with an aromatic flavor & concentrated nutrient. Depending on the variety microgreens vary in taste that can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter.

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Why Microgreens?

It has been known that traditional agricultural practices have depleting the soil fertility and thereby reducing the nutrient status in food grains that has caused malnourishment and unprecedented increased number of chronic disease patients worldwide.Data suggest that adding vegetables in daily diet can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and as far as the guidelines from U.S. Department of Agriculture & the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are concerned they recommend that depending on the age, daily consumption of 1–4 cups of vegetables for males and 1–3 cups of vegetables for females could be beneficial for them as per their health point of view. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at the University of Maryland, College Park, found that they contain considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids - about five times on an average - than that of mature leaves of the same plant. Such elevated levels of nutrients help to lower the risk of chronic diseases and reducing the major health problems. They are ideal for all who were struggling with health issues related to nutrition. Some of the main reasons, for growing it at home are:-

 They are convenient to be grow and can be grown in a variety of locations including outdoors, in greenhouses and even on your windowsill.

 Quick to harvest

 Packed with flavor

 Loaded with essential nutrients

 Popular Microgreens: Crops of the following plant families are most popular microgreens that can be produced using different types of seeds. Popular microgreens are:  Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula  Asteraceae family: Lettuce, endive, chicory and radicchio  Apiaceae family: Dill, carrot, fennel and celery  Amaryllidaceae family: Garlic, onion, leek  Amaranthaceae family: Amaranth, quinoa swiss chard, beet and spinach  Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber and squash

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 Sometimes, Cereals like rice, oats, wheat, corn and barley, as well as legumes like chickpeas, beans and lentils, are also grown as microgreens.

 Health Benefits of microgreens: It looks like a superfood and researchers are taking it as a nutrient rich food with which they can provide major nutrients in a practical way. Some of the health benefits of microgreens are:

1. Rich in nutrients: Microgreens are very rich source of nutrients and have four to five times more nutrient content than their fully mature plants. It provides vitamins, minerals and fiber contents and these nutrients can help in:

a) Reducing a number of diseases b) Maintaining body weight c) Improving mental and physical health. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams (g) of kale microgreens provides only 29 calories.

Several other researchers have also indicated that Brassica microgreens including kale is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and the minerals such as calcium and potassium.

A 100 g serving of sunflower and basil microgreen mix will provide:

 28 calories

 2.2 g of protein

 4.4 g of carbohydrate

 2.2 g of fiber

 88 milligrams (mg) of calcium

 15.9 mg of iron

 66 mg of magnesium

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 66 mg of phosphorus

 298 mg of potassium

 11 mg of sodium

 0.7 mg of zinc

 6.6 mg of vitamin C

 79.6 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A

 66 mcg of folate

The greens also contain selenium, manganese, and a range of B vitamins.The same size serving of sunflower and beet micrograms contains similar amounts of each nutrient but provides 23.9 mg more iron.

Researchers while studying the nutrient contentsin 25 different microgreens in 2012 found that the highest concentrations of four different vitamins and carotenoids in the following items:

1. Red cabbage 2. Green daikon radish 3. Cilantro 4. Garnet amaranth They have found the varying key benefits in each microgreen. For example: Red cabbage microgreens were rich in vitamin C but low in vitamin E. Green daikon radish microgreens were rich in vitamin E but relatively low in lutein in comparison with cabbage, cilantro, and amaranth. So, eating a variety of microgreens will supply more of these helpful nutrients.

2. Contains Polyphenols:

Polyphenols are important natural chemicals found in many foods and contain powerful antioxidant properties, which helps to prevent the formation of harmful free radicals that are highly reactive compounds form in the body and can cause damage as well as development of number of chronic diseases.

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3. Antioxidant content: Natural body processes and environmental pressures, such as pollution can generate the unstable free radicals in the body and that may cause cell damage eventually this damage leads to development of many kinds of chronic diseases, such as cancer in the human body. Natural defense mechanism of the body can remove these free radicals, but they still can be accumulated. Antioxidants from foods can help to remove more of them which results in prevention of the diseases.

4. Reducing chronic health diseases: It has been known that the microgreens are very rich in polyphenols and antioxidants which are actively involved in detoxifying the free radicals that are generated in the body due to various metabolic processes and environmental pressures. So, they can be used in reducing the risk of chronic health diseases like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Many researches are done in confirmation to this and found that microgreens can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

5. Specific groups:

Providing the microgreens to the specific group of people, by tailoring them with the desirable nutrients. Researchers have been working on it and one group of scientists got succeeded in this and they have produced chicory & lettuce microgreen with lower levels of potassium and higher levels of nutrients than that of their fully mature counterparts and this can be useful for those specific group of peoples struggling from kidney diseases. Tailored microgreens could also be beneficial for people who will follow a raw food diet and the persons dealing with issues of cost, availability and health.

6. Sustainability in microgreens:

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 How to grow them:

They are quite easy and convenient to grow as they do not require much equipment and time. They can be grown throughout the year, both indoor as well as outdoor.

Here’s your requirement:

 Viable seeds.

 Growing medium- A good growing medium such as a container or tray filled with potting soil or homemade compost or any other soil media. Alternatively, you may use a specifically designed mat for growing microgreens.

 Adequate light- either sunlight or ultraviolet lighting, ideally for 12-16 hours per days can be suitable for its growth.

Procedures:

 Fill the container with soil or compost or any other soil media and make sure that you don’t over-compress it.

 Evenly spread the seed of your choice on top of the soil.

 Sprinkle water 2-3 times daily to maintain the moisture and cover your container with a plastic lid.

 Check the growth regularly and sprinkle water as needed to keep the soil moist.

 After the germination of seeds, you may remove the plastic lid to expose them to light.

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 Sprinkle light water once a day while your microgreens grow and gain color.

 They attain a height of one to three inches, usually in between 7 to 14 days after germination, depending upon the type of plant and can be harvested by cutting greens above soil line with the help of scissors and ready to be consumed in different ways

 Now you are ready to plant another batch. You may either remove roots or simply dump the tray entirely and restart with fresh soil.

 Summary: They are versatile, healthy and easy to grow and contain a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and antioxidants than that of their mature counterparts and are effective in reducing the risk of many chronic health diseases. These tiny greens can be grown throughout the year and are flavorful and can easily be incorporated into your diet and may add a wide array of dishes that are loaded with excellent vitamins and minerals. They are the most cost-effective way to boost nutrient intake without spending much on large quantities of vegetables. You can follow these simple steps given above to harvest your own microgreen crop.

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IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON AGRICULTURE AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ARTICLE ID. : 0058 Ms. Sonam Sharma1 Assistant Professor, IAS, Sage University, Indore (M.P.)

INTRODUCTION The agricultural value chain in India has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 crisis and the resultant lockdown. Agriculture remains a central pillar of the Indian economy. The sector serves the food consumption needs of the whole country, while also placing among the top exporters of agricultural produce in the world. The sector has been facing its share of challenges in recent years, but few have been as severe as the domestic and international travel restrictions during Covid-19.

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CHALLENGES DOWN INTO TWO DISTINCT CATEGORIES:

Labour scarcity and exports. Northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana are among India’s agricultural powerhouses, although farming work in these states is mostly carried out by migrant labour from East India.

When India’s nationwide lockdown was announced in March, the knee-jerk reaction was a mass exodus of migrant labour back to rural hometowns, as workers moved to wait out the lockdown while at home. The harvesting process, which usually starts in mid- April, was thrown completely off balance, resulting in major liquidity issues. The June crop is among those that has been particularly hard hit the labour scarcity has also affected the supporting infrastructure around India’s agriculture sector. For instance, storage units and milk processing plants are understaffed. Shackled operations in the manufacturing sector have affected the development of irrigation equipment in India, with irrigation-relation manufacturing currently operating at 30% of its potential capacity.

Then there is the transportation sector. Movement across state borders has been heavily restricted, which has blocked the movement of crops and consequently their sale. Add to this a lack of machine repairs mechanics and other such support staff, and one gets the picture of a sector in trouble a number of measures to mitigate labour scarcity issues. For starters, the available labour should be put to use. Workers should be given unemployment allowances, while district authorities should deploy the available labour to the most critical areas, given how crucial the current harvesting season is the government to set up a specialised committee that will look to the mechanisation of farming in India, to reduce reliance on manual labour. Using machinery for critical sowing and harvesting operations can minimise similar risks in the future.

Outside of these domestic woes, the experts point out the range of export challenges unfolding. Lockdowns in major economies across the globe have caused delays and backlogs in supply chains. Currently, around half a million tonnes of Indian rice is locked up in the supply chains, while perishable crops are not being transported at all for fear of deterioration in delayed transit.

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CONCLUSION:

Emergency measures such as opening up lines of credit for exports, a cut in air freight charges, and a focus on essential goods. In the long term, the firm suggests that the government develops more robust export infrastructure, changes policies to allow for a bigger focus on processed foods and reduces the government buffer volumes.

Recent weeks have seen restrictions across the globe being lifted gradually. Economic activity in India is also up and running, while travel restrictions are being imposed in real time to try and strategically contain the virus. These new conditions might help the agriculture sector get back to its feet, although the sector has lost crucial sowing and harvesting weeks to the lockdown.

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INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF CERCOSPORA LEAF SPOTS IN COWPEA ARTICLE ID. : 0059 Pramod Kumar Fatehpuria* and Rajni Singh Sasode Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior, (M.P.) 474002, India. *Corresponding author: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Cercospora leaf spot is a fungal disease. It has a widespread distribution. It causes leaves to fall off and serious yield losses of up to 40% in cowpea. There are many resistant varieties but also susceptible ones, so care is needed in identifying suitable varieties for farmers. The disease occurs on other legumes, including closely related plants such as mung bean, ‘true’ beans (Phaseolus) and soybean. The disease is not seed transmitted but carried over to the next growing season on alternative hosts, as well as crop remains.

Causal organism: Cercospora canescens and C. Cruenta

DISTRIBUTION AND IMPORTANCE:

Both pathogens are widespread in warmer regions, occurring on various legumes. They are reported from Fiji, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand (Saxenaet. al., 1998). C. canescens has been found more prevalent in Ibadan area of Nigeria whereas C. cruenta has been found more prevalent in north central India (Chandrashekharan and Rangaswamy, 1960).

Symptoms

The symptoms are prominent on the leaves alone. However, the fungus has been isolated from infected seeds which are symptomless. Symptoms found on various plant parts viz., leaves, pods and stem. The lesion are sub circular to broadly irregular spots having pale tan to grey center surrounded by dark brown or reddish margin. The spots coalesce to form

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round lesions which are brown and necrotic with dark, and slightly depressed edges. C. canescens produces circular to irregular cherry-red to reddish brown lesions, upto I0 mm diameter. C. cruenta begin aschlorotic spots (yellowing) on the leaf upper surface which becomes dotted with spots of dead tissue and enlarges until the whole lesion area becomes necrotic. On the lower leaf surface, C. canescens lesions are red. Whereas the Iower surfaces of leaves infected by C. cruenta have areas of profuse sporulation in which the masses of conidiophores (structure bearing spores) appear as downy grey-black mats.

Host range:

Although the disease occurs mainly on cowpeas and on grain legumes, other major and minor hosts have been identified. The major hosts, Amaranthus (grain amaranth), Glycine max( soybean) , Lablab purpureus (hyacinth bean), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Phaseolus (beans), Ricinus,vicia (vetch), Voandzeiasubterranean (bambara groundnut). Other hosts obtained from artificial inoculations are: Crotalaria juncea (sunn hemp), Psophocarpustetragonolobus, (winged bean), Vignaangularis (adzuki bean), Vignamungo (black gram) and Vigna radiate (mung bean).

Biology and spread

Cercospora canescens

Conidiophores are in tufts, loose to dense, fasciculate, pale to dark brown in colour, measuring 3.75-50.0 x 40-207 µm in size. The conidia are obclavate to cylindrical, straight to

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curved with blunt tip, hyaline with 5-18 septation and 2.5 – 5.0 x 30.0-20.8 µm in size (Vasudeva, 1963).

Cercospora cruenta

Conidiophores are in tufts, fasciculate, erect, geniculate, subhyaline to pale, olivaceous brown, alternated, measuring 3.0-5.0 x 20.0-51.0 µm in size. The conidia are obclavatocylindric, straight to curved, with acute tip, hyaline to subhyaline, olevaceous brown in colour with 3-9 septa and 3.0-4.0 x 28.0-103.0 µm in size. Abundant fruiting bodies on the lower surface of the leaf formed. Most conidia are formed at 28°C, while at 24°C and 32°C less conidia are formed. The presence of light increases the number of conidia (Mulder and Holliday, 1975). Sources of primary infection are infected seed, alternate hosts and infected debris. The disease is favoured by humid weather. The spores are spread by wind and water splash. Pant (1989) studied the ability of its survival in plant debris and concluded that fungal conidia did not loose their germinability where the plant debris was buried at 1.5 cm depth. The natural soil environment was more conducive to conidia survival.

Management:

 Destruction of diseased debris is essential to avoid perpetuation of the pathogen.

 To reduce infection through seed borne inoculum, disease free seed from healthy plants should be used.

 Seed treatment with Thiram @ 2.5 g/kg or thiram + carboxin @ 3 gm / kg seed is most effective.

 Both the pathogens can be completely controlled by fungicidal field sprays of Benomyl (0.2%), Dithane M-45 (0.25%) or Dithane Z-78 (0.2%) at fortnightly intervals in the field during active growth (Gupta et, al., 1998).

 Use of foliar spray of chalrothalonil 75 WP @ 0.2% proved to be most effective for the management of cercospora.

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 Use of resistant varieties like PCP 0306-1, Pant lobia 3 and Phule CP 05040

REFERENCE

1. Saxena, M., Saxena, D.R., Bhale, M.S. and Khare, M.N. 1998. Diseases of cowpea and their management. Pages 239-252. In: Diseases of Field Crops and their Management (ed. Thind T.S.), National Agricultural Technology Information Centre, Ludhiana, India. 2. Chandrashekharan S. and Rangaswamy, G. 1960 Studies on cercosporaCruenta occurring in VignaCatjong. Indian Phytopath., 13: 96-99. 3. Vasudeva, R.S. (1963).Indiancercosporare, ICAR, New Delhi, Indian,245pp.

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IOT IN AGRICULTURE ARTICLE ID. : 0060 Subhashree Jena1 M.Sc.1st year, Department of Plant Pathology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalay, Raipu

What is IOT in Agriculture-

IoT (Internet of things) in an agricultural context refers to the use of sensors, cameras, and other devices to turn every element and action involved in farming into data. Weather, moisture, plant health, mineral status, chemical applications, pest presence and much more can all be turned into large data sets that allow big data engineers to draw out insights about the farm at varying levels of granularity via software algorithms. As Alpha Brown emphasizes,IoT is not a product or particular tool, but a famil,y of technologies.

Agtech companies offering IoT products to farmers have only scratched the surface of a market worth $4 billion in the US, which could be down to a lack of awareness and understanding of what’s available to them, according to a new report. The Agriculture IoT Solutions report from research firm Alpha Brown estimates that 10% to 15% of farmers are using IoT solutions on the farm across 3.1 billion acres and 250,000 farms, and collectively

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they’re spending around $960 million. The aim of most agriculture IoT products is to enable farmers to use these insights to make operational decisions around planting, irrigating, harvesting and more.

What is the need of IOT in Agriculture sector-?

With the exponential growth of world population, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the world will need to produce 70% more food in 2050, shrinking agricultural lands, and depletion of finite natural resources, the need to enhance farm yield has become critical. Limited availability of natural resources such as fresh water and arable land along with slowing yield trends in several staple crops, have further aggravated the problem. Another impeding concern over the farming industry is the shifting structure of agricultural workforce. Moreover, agricultural labor in most of the countries has declined. As a result of the declining agricultural workforce, adoption of internet connectivity solutions in farming practices has been triggered, to reduce the need for manual labor.

1. Lua- Smart IoT based Planter

A design team came up with a smart planter that can indicate 15 emotions.The emotions are derived from the sensors placed in the planter.The device is not in production yet but you can order it through a crowd funding campaign. If most plants you buy for your house tend to wither and die no matter how hard (or little) you try to take care of them, a technological solution may be in order. Mu-design, a design team from Luxembourg, came up with a smart planter that features 15 different emotions and can tell you definitively if it's not getting enough light or water. The "lua" device uses sensors to trigger various emotional responses that are displayed on the 2.4 inch LCD monitor at the front of the planter. The facial expressions are based on measurements of the moisture in the soil, the amount of light and the temperature. Lua essentially turns your plants into pets similar to Tamagotchi, blending the physical with the virtual. If the plant needs water, it will show a panting face. If it's too hot, a sweating face will appear. If you want to see its chattering teeth, make the plant cold. If there's way too much light for the plant's liking, you'll see its vampire face – an effect that may be creepily

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augmented by lua's another built-in sensor that allows it to track motion with its eyes. And if that wasn't enough, the plant can even communicate with you through an app. The planter comes in several colors designated as "eggplant," "sunflower" and "agave" by the designers. The device is currently available through an Indiegogo campaign. It already far surpassed its goal, raising 238% more than it intended, with nearly 600 backers. 2. Irrigation monitoring by smartphone and sensors.

Monitoring Of Irrigation Using Smartphones and Sensors:

Fruit and vegetable farmers in the USA rely on irrigation to produce high-value crops. Though drip irrigation is perceived to be efficient compared to other forms of irrigation, mismanagement can result in excessive water applications with water migrating through macropores (worm holes, cracks, root channels) to below the root zone. Previous experiments have demonstrated that water used for irrigation can be detected in a pan lysimeter within 20 min of drip irrigation initiation on tomatoes [1]. When the water used for irrigation migrates below the root zone, there may be associated leaching of fertilizer and pesticides [2]. Efficient irrigation scheduling requires that farmers manage the timing and duration of irrigation in a manner that maintains yield and quality, while efficiently using water. Many irrigation scheduling methods exist including: the water balance (WB) method, soil moisture monitoring, hand feel and soil appearance, and crop phenology observations. Water balance- based irrigation scheduling relies on reference (ETo) measurements to estimate water losses from a given area.

3. Smart controlling of greenhouse

Our Smart Greenhouse solution provides advanced microclimate control and energy optimization. Let’s take an example of a tomato crop growing in our Smart Greenhouse. Growers can monitor and control the parameters mentioned below to ensure better growth rate of the crop:

a) Luminosity

b) Temperature

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c) Soil moisture

d) Humidity

Growers can monitor the following parameters to understand the plant growth cycle and take proactive measures if any of the factors are affected:

a) Nitrogen monitoring to measure the puffiness of the produce

b) Phosphorous deficiency to measure soil fertility

c) pH Value

d) Lycopene monitoring to get insights on the color change of the produce.

Multiple wireless sensors are set up within the Smart Greenhouse. Temperature, humidity, lighting intensity, and carbon dioxide levels are measured through electronic and environmental sensors and data collected are exported to an edge computer. Furthermore, this data is also stored in Cloud. Up until now, a single computer controlled each equipment and multiple environmental conditions were managed individually. Because each equipment was wired, there were limitations on its position and number. However, in a Smart Greenhouse, a single computer can control multiple equipment, minimizing the number of wiring, and all data are automatically collected to the edge computer through a wireless network. There is no need to go back and forth to the greenhouse, since each setting for the cultivating environment to watering the crops are automatically controlled based on a predetermined formula

4. Block chain Technology in Food safety.

A block chain is a ledger in which agents take turns recording information on the process of generating, transacting and consuming a product or service. The ledger is collectively managed by all participating parties typically through a peer-to-peer network. A new record must be verified by the network before adding it to the blockchain. Any alteration to the recorded data should fol

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5. Monitoring Of Irrigation Using Smartphones and Sensors:

Fruit and vegetable farmers in the USA rely on irrigation to produce high-value crops. Though drip irrigation is perceived to be efficient compared to other forms of irrigation, mismanagement can result in excessive water applications with water migrating through macropores (worm holes, cracks, root channels) to below the root zone. Previous experiments have demonstrated that water used for irrigation can be detected in a pan lysometer within 20 min of drip irrigation initiation on tomatoes [1]. When the water used for irrigation migrates below the root zone, there may be associated leaching of fertilizer and pesticides [2]. Efficient irrigation scheduling requires that farmers manage the timing and duration of irrigation in a manner that maintains yield and quality, while efficiently using water. Many irrigation scheduling methods exist including: the water balance (WB) method, soil moisture monitoring, hand feel and soil appearance, and crop phenology observations. Water balance- based irrigation scheduling relies on reference (ETo) measurements to estimate water losses from a given area.

Conclusive Remarks:

The transformation from intuitive farming to data based farming is best carried out by making use of cutting edge technologies. One such technology is the Internet Of Things (IoT). This plays a pivotal role in transforming to data based curated farming techniques. All such methods enumerated above have been carefully chosen to indicate a wholesome approach that IoT can provide for the major transition to analytics based farming. Ranging right from smart planters to irrigation monitoring it helps us to closely monitor the growth and proliferation of a plant like a human being. This also gives the much needed emotional connect that people need to have with plants to enhance their feeling of belongingness.

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RNAi TECHNOLOGY: A BIOLOGICAL PROCESS DRIVEN BY RNA MOLECULES ARTICLE ID. : 0061 Sanjay Singh1 Assistant Professor, Scientist of Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur – 482004, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA E-Mail ID: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

The word silencing comes from the Latin word silentium which means "being silent". Thus, gene silencing describes as cellular machinery whose expression turned off under normal condition, this can only happen when there is a hindrance in the normal central dogma of cell which means either the gene merely prone to inactivation or transcriptional blockage and induce no mRNA formation or mRNA unable to produce protein through translation. This classifies gene silencing into transcriptional (TGS) and posts transcriptional (PTGS) silencing.

RNA INTERFERENCE TECHNIQUE

RNAi process comprises of two important types of RNA molecules- small interfering RNAs (si-RNA) and micro RNAs (mi-RNA). As we all know that eukaryotic cells have complex gene expression. In this complicated environment of the cell, the mechanism needs to be precisely targeted to obtain a desirable result. There is a group of mechanism that uses small RNA molecules to direct gene silencing. This is called RNA interface gene silencing.

CHRONICLE OF RNAi TECHNOLOGY

In 1998, Andrew Fire and Prof. Craig Mello experimenting on the same organism C. elegans, discover a new phenomenon of RNAi interference, for which he was awarded the Noble prize in 2006. Thereafter many new modifications occur in these gene silencing techniques and also we are now able to unveil the actual mechanism of their working

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Andrew Fire and Prof. Craig Mello experiment in 1998- Injection of antisense or sense RNA into the C. elegans germline to shut down expression of the par1 gene and assess its function. Extension of above experiments of following phenotypic effect was observed of ss RNA and ds RNA, unc 22 encoding muscle protein introduced into the gonad of C. elegans :-  Worms displayed peculiar twitching movements when double-stranded RNA containing both sense and antisense strands are used.  While complete lack of functioning gene for the muscle protein observed when sense and antisense strand are utilized individually.

The result- Double-stranded RNA activates biochemical machinery which degrades those mRNA molecules that carry a genetic code identical to that of the double- stranded RNA. When such mRNA molecules disappear, the corresponding gene is silenced and no protein of the encoded type is made. Thus, the RNA interference machinery is unraveled. Fire and Mello published their findings in the Journal Nature on February 19, 1998, and were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for uncovering the mechanism of RNA interference in 2006.

In 2001 Tuschi et al found a unique small interfering RNA(siRNA), whose induction silence the small specific genes without activating interferon response. They showed that siRNAs are duplexes of 21- nucleotides of small pieces of RNA, which could be designed to silence the gene of our interest. The whole experiment was conducted in mammalian cell culture and concluded that, through siRNAs, scientists could potentially silence many undesirable genes causing diseases and irregularity in the human genome. The method is highly predictable, reproducible, and inaccurate fashion (Ernie H., 2004). Gregory Hannon along with his colleagues identified, an enzyme that breaks down the double-stranded RNA into siRNA and RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) and named it the "Dicer" enzyme. This dicer mediates the degradation of homologs mRNA which ultimately results in gene silencing (Ernie H., 2004)

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THE CORE CONCEPT BEHIND THE TECHNOLOGY

Inside the nucleus, most genes that encode protein are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. The primary RNA transcript is processed by splicing and forms a mature messenger RNA (mRNA). The messenger RNA is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Here, ribosome catalyzes translation of the messenger RNA to form polypeptide chains that fold into protein. But this is also where some small RNA molecules have their silencing effects. There are several types of regulatory small RNA or small interfering RNA known as si-RNA, are derived from longer double-stranded RNAs, that either produce in the cell itself or are delivered into cells experimentally. The introduction of si-RNA or double- stranded RNA is widely used to manipulate gene expression.

Micro RNA is another type of small RNA. Most micro RNAs come from RNAs that are transcribed in the nucleus, which then fold and processed, before being exported into the cytoplasm as double-stranded precursor micro RNAs. The double-stranded precursors of micro-RNA and si-RNA bind to Dicer, which is an endonuclease protein that cuts RNA into short segments. Most si-RNA and micro-RNA are approx 21 nucleotide sequences. The short ds-RNA then binds to an Argonaut protein. One strand of the RNA is selected and remains bound to Argonaut. Thus is called the guide strand. The combination of the RNA and Argonaut, along with other proteins, is called the RNA-induced silencing complex or RISC. Si-RNA directs RISC to bind to specific mRNAs. The targeting is precise because it determines by the base pairing between the si-RNA and the target messenger RNA. Si-RNA often has perfect complementarily to their target sites, once bound Argonaut catalyzes the cleavage of mRNA, which will then be degraded. Micro-RNA also guides RISC complex to mRNA. Usually only a part of a micro-RNA, pair with a target mRNA. This imprecise matching allows micro-RNA to target hundred of endogenous mRNA. Targeting via micro- RNA brings about mRNA degradation and translation is prohibited. Argonauts and their small regulatory RNA code factors are found in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria, and their importance in a multitude of biological processed and as tools continue to be revealed.

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Fig 01:- RNAi interference gene silencing

APPLICATION OF RNAi TECHNOLOGY

There is the various application of this technology of keen interest in the modern era of molecular.

1. The technology imparts its part in developing resistance towards disease and pathogens and releases the varieties carrying the inert natural potential to fight against the foreign warrior harmful for cell. Its usage is in the prevention of viral infection, inhibit expression of viral antigen, suppress transcription of its genome, block its replication, silence viral accessory gene, defense against infection by a virus. 2. Male sterility genes in many species create a problem in breeding and obtaining seeds due to weak pollen production. Thus, delivering the synthetic RNA with male sterility sequence information help in silencing it specifically. This would decrease the duration of developing fertile progeny from sterile ones through non-conventional breeding. 4 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

3. The functional genomics of plant reveals the production of toxic and harmful biochemical, which makes them unsuitable for human consumption. So, the precise selection and suppression of a particular gene would draw attraction and enhance its economical value. REFERENCES

1. Ernie Hood. 2004. RNAi: What's All the Noise About Gene Silencing? Environ Health Perspect. 112(4):A225-A229. 2. Fire, A., Xu, S., Montgomery, M.K., Kostas, S.A., Driver, S.E., and Mello, C.C. 1998. Potent and specific genetic interference by mRNA-Directed DNA Methylation and PTGS 2301 double-stranded RNA in Caenorhabditis elegans.

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SILENCING OF GENE IN A NEW BIOTECHNOLOGICAL ERA ARTICLE ID. : 0062 Tiwari S1 & Sharma A1 Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur – 482004, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Gene silencing (GS) is described as a molecular process causing the down-regulation of specific genes, and probably evolved as a genetic defense system against viruses and invading nucleic acids (Brigneti et al., 1998; Voinnet et al., 2000; Waterhouse et al., 2001; Wassenegger, 2002). The changing era has advanced every sector of Science, one such sector is Biotechnology. This area added up immense emerging tools and technologies since the 1970s, which thrown back genetic research into gear of experimental evolution. Amongst many of them, the two approaches can alter the genotype of any organism developed i.e., gene adding and gene subtracting or gene silencing. The main aims of this technique are to reduced or eliminate the production of unnecessary protein corresponding to the gene. The word silencing comes from the Latin word silentium which means "being silent". Thus, gene silencing describes as cellular machinery whose expression turned off under normal condition, this can only happen when there is a hindrance in the normal central dogma of cell which means either the gene merely prone to inactivation or transcriptional blockage and induce no mRNA formation or mRNA unable to produce protein through translation.

There are two phenomena through which undesirable gene effects can be terminated, knock out and knockdown. Gene silencing works on principles of knockdown, which is better than knock out, because the knock-out mechanism, disrupts the coding region by cutting the segment of DNA. On the other hand, the knockdown phenomenon suppresses the gene expression by inactivating the transcript. The two distinct processes examined come under different sectors; the former comes under Gene silencing while the latter is named Gene editing.

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TABLE 1: COMPARISON BETWEEN THE GENE EDITING AND GENE SILENCING TOOLS Properties Gene Editing Gene Silencing Target Mainly Genomic DNA Specifically mRNA Type of loss in function Knock out Knockdown Transgenes Cas9 and sgRNA, 2 siRNA, shRNA TALEN Phenotype time (design to Medium or long Short (oligo delivery) validation) Medium (vector delivery) Off-Target effect Low High

HISTORY OF GENE SILENCING

The history of gene silencing was initiated long back with the introduction of the key to hidden mysteries of life in 1900 by Professor Jorgensen and he comes out with the conclusion of Co-suppression. Further, Quelling in his experiment in Neurospora crassa revealed some findings, which are currently related to Post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Then, in 1995 Guo and Kemphue working on C. elegans articulated the concept of antisense technology, whose mechanism remained puzzled in that century. In 1998, Andrew Fire and Prof. Craig Mello experimenting on the same organism C. elegans, discover a new phenomenon of RNAi interference, for which he was awarded the Noble prize in 2006. Thereafter many new modifications occur in these gene silencing techniques and also we are now able to unveil the actual mechanism of their working. The few possible experiments of scientists are mentioned below, who had added milestones to the journey of present gene silencing techniques.

1. Sir Richard Jorgensen Experiment – The history of gene silencing begins with an experiment conducted in 1900 by Professor Jorgensen, a plant scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He tried to make purple petunia flowers, a deeper shade of purple by

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injecting them with the gene for pigment coloration i,e. chalcone synthase. But nor could, he had anticipated that his petunia observation would become the basis of one of the most promising weapons in the war against viruses and cancer.

2. Quelling experiment in Neurospora crassa- Quelling work on fungus, Neurospora crassa and attempted to boost production of orange pigment produced by the gene aL1 of the fungus. 3. Guo and Kemphues experiment in 1995 - Injection of antisense or sense RNA into the C. elegans germline to shut down expression of the par1 gene and assess its function.

4. Andrew Fire and Prof. Craig Mello experiment in 1998- Extension of above experiments. Following phenotypic effect was observed of ss RNA and ds RNA, unc 22 encoding muscle protein introduced into the gonad of C. elegans :-  Worms displayed peculiar twitching movements when double-stranded RNA containing both sense and antisense strands are used.  While complete lack of functioning gene for the muscle protein observed when sense and antisense strand are utilized individually.

5. Thomas Tuschl in 2001:- Tuschi et al found a unique small interfering RNA (siRNA), whose induction silence the small specific genes without activating interferon response. They showed that siRNAs are duplexes of 21- nucleotides of small pieces of RNA, which could be designed to silence the gene of our interest. The whole experiment was conducted in mammalian cell culture and concluded that, through siRNAs, scientists could potentially silence many undesirable genes causing diseases and irregularity in the human genome. The method is highly predictable, reproducible, and inaccurate fashion (Ernie H., 2004).

6. Gregory Hannon:- He along with his colleagues identified, an enzyme that breaks down the double-stranded RNA into siRNA and RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) and named it the "Dicer" enzyme. This dicer mediates the degradation of homolog’s mRNA which ultimately results in gene silencing (Ernie H., 2004)

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The year 2002 provides information about the role of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) in gene silencing. The shRNA is the modified version of siRNA, produces a more stable and heritable knockdown effect as compare to siRNA which is administered transiently in their silencing effect. Endogenous siRNAs It generates endogenous siRNAs within cells and thus provides stable, heritable gene silencing (in contrast, administered siRNAs are transient in their silencing effect). This small RNA molecule that makes a tight hairpin turn effect was named "short hairpin-activated gene silencing" or SHAGging.

TYPE OF GENE SILENCING Gene silencing can occur through numerous manner in plants and animals, therefore based on the level at which silencing arises, it is classified into two classes – when gene repression occurs at the transcriptional level through genome imprinting, transgenic silencing, transposon silencing, paramutation, position effect, and RNA directed methylation, while when the expression of gene knockdown or mRNA degradation took place at the post- transcriptional level, through antisense RNA technology, non-sense mediated decay and RNAi technology

TRANCRIPTIONAL POST-TRANCRIPTIONAL GENE GENE SILENCING SILENCING

Promoter is silenced Promoter is active

It Causes gene silencing by It Causes gene silencing by hypermethylation in PROMOTER region. hypermethylation in CODING region

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Among all of the method mostly, RNAi and Antisense RNA technology are being utilized in most of the plant biotechnological applications.

REFERENCE

1. Brigneti, G., Voinnet, O., Li, W., Ji, L., Ding, S., and Baulcombe, D.C. 1998. Viral Pathogenicity Determinants are Suppressors of Transgene Silencing in Nicotiana Benthamiana. The EMBO Journal. 17: 6739–6746. 2. Wassenegger, M. 2002. Gene Silencing. International Review of Cytology. 219: 61- 113. 3. Waterhouse, P.M., Wang, M.B., and Lough, T. 2001. Gene Silencing as an Adaptative Defense Against Viruses. Nature. 411: 834- 842. 4. Woodhouse, M.R., Freeling, M., and Lisch, D., 2006b. The mop1 (mediator of paramutation1) mutant progressively reactivates one of the two genes encoded by the MuDR transposon in maize. Genetics. 172: 579–592. 5. Vaucheret, H., Béclin, C. and Fagard, M. 2001. Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing in Plants. Journal of Cell Science.114: 3083-3091.

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ORGANIC FARMING: THE DIRE NEED OF THE HOUR ARTICLE ID. : 0063 Rajendra Kumar Ojha1 M.Sc(Ag) 2nd year, Department of Agronomy Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,Pusa,Bihar Email: [email protected] INTRODUCTION

In the ancient time, agriculture was practiced without the use of artificial chemicals. The use of artificial chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides came into picture during the mid-19th century. This kind of agricultural practice was causing harm to the environment. With the rapid change in farming practices, organic farming came into existence in the 20th century. It made use of environment friendly practices by avoiding the use of artificial chemicals and making use of organic matter to raise crops. Organic food is beneficial to human health and the practice of organic farming keeps the environment clean

Green revolution technologies played a great role in alleviating hunger but have also resulted in some adverse effects on our natural resources. Due to these adverse effects, stress is being laid on alternate forms of agriculture that are more sustainable. Organic farming, a holistic way of farming, is one of these alternate forms that are aimed at sustainable agricultural production. It relies on crop rotations, green manures, organic manures, biofertilizers, composts and biological pest management for crop production excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, plant growth regulators and livestock feed additives. No doubt, the advantages of organic farming outweighs its disadvantages but in practical it has several constraints viz. threat to national food security, limited availability of organic manures, profitability to farmers and affordability of organic produce by consumers. Thus, a complete shift to organic farming is neither desirable nor possible in high input use areas which are the major contributors of food grains to central pool. Systematic phasing out of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers in these areas may be a step in right direction. ‘Towards organic’ (integrated crop management) approach for input-intensive areas (food hubs) and ‘certified organic’ approach by integrating tradition, innovation and science in the de-facto organic areas (hill and rainfed/dryland regions) will be better option for national food security, higher household income and climate resilience. 1 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Key words: Constraints, Organic farming, Pest management, Productivity, Prospects, Quality, Soil health

Organic Farming

As per the definition of the USDA study team on organic farming “organic farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection”.

In another definition FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using onfarm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.

Organic Farming World-Wide

More than 24 million hectares of land is farmed organically - over 40 percent of this is in Oceania and almost a quarter respectively in Latin America and Europe. However, more than half or the area farmed organically world-wide is concentrated in just three countries - Australia, Argentina and Italy - that account for the lion's share of the respective continent. In Australia alone, a share of around ten million hectares is accounted for by extensive pastureland, just like the almostthree million hectares in Argentina. Owing to this high share of pastureland, less than half of the area farmed organically world-wide is cultivated arable land. Among the countries of the South, the European champions are followed by Ecuador (3.1%), Argentina (1.7%), Chile (1.5%),Uganda (1.39%), Belize (1.3%) and Bolivia (1%). Thus they are all well above the share of organically farmed land in the USA, which is just 0.23%.Currently, organic agriculture is commercially practiced in 120 countries, representing 31

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million ha of certified croplands and pastures (~ 0.7 percent of global agricultural lands and an average of 4 percent in the European Union) and 62 million ha of certified wild lands for organic collection of bamboo shoots, wild berries, mushrooms and nuts (Willer and Youssefi, 2007).

1905 to 1924 - Organic Agriculture Begins in Central Europe & India

Organic agriculture began more or less simultaneously in Central Europe and India. The British botanist Sir Albert Howard, often referred to as the father of modern organic agriculture, works as an agricultural adviser in Pusa, Bengal, (now in Bihar), where he documents traditional Indian farming practices, and came to regard them as superior to his conventional agriculture science. In the United States, J. I. Rodale begins to popularize the term and methods of organic growing, particularly to consumers through promotion of organic gardening.

1939 - First Use of the Term "Organic Farming"

The first use of the term "organic farming" is by Lord Northbourne. The term derives from his concept of "the farm as organism", which he expounds in his book, “Look to the Land” (1940).Influenced by Sir Albert Howard's work, Lady Eve Balfour did first scientific, side-by- side comparison of organic and conventional farming.

Basic Steps and Components

Organic farming involves steps like:

i. Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management. ii. Management of entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and sustainability of the system. iii. Crop protection with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs. iv. Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and cultural means and by biological control system. v. Maintenance of live stock in tandem with organic concept and make them an integral part of the entire system. 3 | Page VOLUME 01 ISSUE 01: JANUARY 2021

Principles of Organic Farming

These are the four principles of organic farming are mentioned below.

i) Principle of health: organic agricultureis intended to produce high quality food without using mineral fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.

ii) Principle of ecology: organic agriculture should fit the cycles and balances in nature without exploiting it by using local resources, recycling, reuse and efficient management of materials and energy.

iii) Principle of fairness: organic agriculture should provide good quality of life, contribute to food sovereignty, reduce poverty, enhance animal well-being and take future generations into account.

iv) Principle of care: precaution and responsibility have to be applied before adopting new technologies for organic farming and significant risks should be prevented by rejecting unpredictable technologies, such as genetic engineering.

The Important Goals of Organic Farming are:

1. A sufficiently high level of productivity 2. Compatibility of cultivation with the natural cycles of the production system as a whole 3. Maintaining and increasing the long-term fertility and biological activity of the soil 4. Maintaining and increasing natural diversity and agro-biodiversity 5. Maximum possible use of renewable resources 6. Creation of a harmonic balance between crops and animal husbandry 7. Creation of conditions in which animals are kept that correspond to their natural behavior 8. Protection of, and learning from, indigenous knowledge and traditional management genetic engineering.

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Prospects in India

India, with a total area of 142 million ha under cultivation, has 68% area under rainfed cultivation which spreads to 177 districts covering 86 million ha. In these areas, the use of synthetic fertilizers not only increases water demand of crops but also reduces water holding capacity of already light soils (Farodaet al., 2008). The rate of fertilizer application, due to erratic rainfall, is very low (36.4 kg/ha) as compared to national average of 76.8 kg/ha (FAI, 1998). The farming systems are highly diversified with crops, trees, animals, grasses etc and on an average there are 10-30 trees per ha and each family has 2-5 farm animals. Thus, low fertilizer use and diversified farming systems make a strong point in favour of going organic in these areas which is also not likely to affect the national food security. Rich traditional wisdom in these areas for restoration of soil fertility and for pest control further strengthens and provide strong infrastructure for organic system (Sharma and Goyal, 2000). Diversified cropping systems are pre-requisite of organic farming systems and thus organic farming has the potential to diversify ricewheat in green revolution region but on a small scale. The shrinking fossil fuel reserves and associated price escalation of agro-inputs associated with withdrawal of subsidies will certainly make a positive case for influencing a conventional farmer towards organic farming provided organic food markets with premiums on organic produce are established. However, keeping in view the contribution of food grains to central pool, complete shift to organic farming is neither desirable nor possible in high input use areas. Systematic phasing out of use of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers may be a step in right direction. This can be achieved by adopting the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) but the limitation is that the farmers do not get any financial benefit by adopting GAP. So there is a need to have a certification mechanism such as India GAP certification so that the farmer may get small premium on this certified food and consumer safe food at affordable price.

Farmers’ perceptions: -

A study conducted in Madhya Pradesh revealed that 67% of respondents had positive perception towards organic farming (Patidar and Patidar, 2015). The farmers were interested in converting to organic farming in the near future due to the low cost of production in Madhya Pradesh and due to the price premium and health benefits in Tamil Naduand Uttarakhand. Low

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yields and pest control were the major concerns. However, organic farms in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced yield increases because most of the farms were in the post- conversion period, while the farms in Tamil Nadu were in the conversion period andexperienced yield reduction (Panneerselvamet al., 2011b).

Fig 1. Area (mha) under organic cultivation in India

Table 4: Status of organic farming in India (2015-16)

Total area under organic farming 5.71million ha

Cultivated area under organic farming 1.49 million ha

Wild forest area under organic farming 4.22 million ha

Number of organic producers (2013) 6,50,000 (Highest in the world)

States having highest area under organic farming Madhya Pradesh

Organic production 1.35 million ton

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Organic exports 2,63,683 ton (298 million USD)

Topmost exported organic item Oilseeds

Largest contributed organic product in global market Cotton

Consumer perceptions and preferences

Consumer, worldwide, is becoming health conscious and is concerned about nutrition. AC Nielsen, a leading market research firm, recently surveyed about 21,000 regular internet users in 38 countries to find their preference for functional foods- foods that have additional health benefits. The survey revealed that India was among the top ten countries where health food, including organic food, was in demand by the consumers. A study by Ragavan and Mageh (2013) in Chennai city (Tamil Nadu) shows that perceptions towards organic food product depict the strongest relationship with buyers’ intention to buy organic food product followed by the buyers’ belief that consuming organic food product is contributing to preserving the environment. It seems that perception towards organic food and belief that organic food is environment friendly are not independent from each other. Besides, the availability of product information is also supporting the consumers’ intention to purchase organic products. The perception towards organic products, beliefs about product safety for use, belief about product friendliness to the environment and availability of product information are the major determinants for the consumers’ purchase intention towards organic products. The results indicate that about 15.3% of the consumers are regular buyers of organic products followed by occasional buyer (14.7%), started again buyer (8%) and non-buyer (62%). Hence, it is inferred that just more than one third of consumers are buyers of organic products.

A study by Radhika et al. (2012) clearly indicates that 53% of the respondents agreed that they liked the organic but it was expensive, however 41% were neutral and 7% disagreed that it was expensive. While buyers of organic food like to try new categories, they are yet to feel convinced enough to completely overhaul their purchase patterns. The typical product categories that they prefer to purchase are usually perishable goods– fruits & vegetables and

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dairy products (Technopak, 2012). This pattern hints towards consumers’ concern regarding the quality of regular varieties currently available in these categories– as fresh products. The need for ‘freshness’ and ‘quality’ is paramount in consumers’ minds.

Advantages of Organic Farming

1. Nutritional, poison-free and tasty food: The nutritional value of food is largely a function ofits vitamin and mineral content. A major benefit to consumers of organic food is that it is free of contamination with health harming chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Several studies indicate that 10-60 percent more healthy fatty acids (like CLA’s) and omega-3 fatty acids occur in organic dairy (Butler et al., 2008). In crops, vitamin C ranges 5-90 percent more and secondary metabolites 10-50 percent more in organic. Also, less residues of pesticides and antibiotics are present (Huber and van de Vijver, 2009). Heaton, (2002) reported that organic food contains higher minerals and dry matter and 10-50 percent higher phytonutrients. Decreased cell proliferation of cancer cells was observed on extracts of organic strawberries (Olsson et al., 2006). 2. Lower growing cost: The economics of organic farming is characterized by increasing profits via reduced water use, lower expenditure on fertilizer and energy, and increased retention of topsoil. To add to this the increased demand for organic produce makes organic farming a profitable option for farmers. 3. Enhances soil nourishment: Biodynamic farms had better soil quality: greater in organic matter, content and microbial activity, more earthworms, better soil structure, lower bulk density, easier penetrability, and thicker topsoil (Reganold et al., 1993); agricultural productivity doubled with soil fertility techniques: compost application and introduction of leguminous plants into the crop sequence (Dobbs and Smolik, 1996; Drinkwater et al., 1998; Edwards, 2007). 4. More energy efficiency: Growing organic rice was four times more energy efficient than the conventional method (Mendoza, 2002). Organic agriculture reduces energy requirements for production systems by 25 to 50 percent compared to conventional chemical-based agriculture (Niggli et al., 2009).

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5. Carbon sequestration:German organic farms annually sequester 402 kg Carbon/ha, while conventional farms had losses of 202 kg (Clark et al., 1999; Küstermann et al., 2008; Niggli et al., 2009). 6. Less water pollution:in conventional farms, 60 percent more nitrate are leached into groundwater, over a 5-year period (Drinkwater et al., 1998). 7. Environment-friendly practices: The use of green pesticides such as neem, compost tea and spinosad is environment-friendly and non-toxic. These pesticides help in identifying and removing diseased and dying plants in time and subsequently, increasing crop defense systems. Organic farms’ biodiversity increases resilience to climate change and weather unpredictability (Niggli et al., 2008). Organic agriculture reduces erosion caused by wind and water as well as by overgrazing at a rate of 10 million hectare annually (Pimentel et al., 1995). 8. Organic farming is a source for productive labour: Agriculture is the main employer in rural areas and wage labour provides an important source of income for the poor. Thus, by being labour intensive, organic agriculture creates not only employment but improves returns on labour, including also fair wages and non-exploitive working conditions. New sources of livelihoods, especially once market opportunities are exploited, in turn revitalize rural economies and facilitate their integration into national economies.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

1. Lower productivity: An organic farm cannot produce as much yield as a conventional or industrialized farm. A 2008 survey and study conducted by the UN Environmental Program concluded that organic methods of farming result in small yields even in developing areas, compared to conventional farming techniques.

2. Requires skill: An organic farmer requires greater understanding of his crop and needs to keep a close watch on his crops as there are no quick fixes involved, like pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Sometimes it can be hard to meet all the strenuous requirements and the experience to carry out organic farming.

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3. Time-consuming: Significant amounts of time and energy are required to execute the detailed methods and techniques that are required for a farm to be called an organic farm. Failure to comply with any of these requirements could result in loss of certification, which the farmer will not be able to regain in up to three years.

4. More labour intensive: It can be more labor-intensive. For organic farming considers biological, cultural and mechanical responses to production challenges. It focuses on plant and soil health through proper aeration, drainage, fertility, structure and watering. So there's more above and below ground grunt work involved.

5. Organic farming methods aren't as established and widespread - yet - as conventional production. So, organic control by botanicals such as pyrethrin can be more expensive than conventional controls by the longer established, more available, and wider ranging artificial, commercial, synthetic chemical pesticides.

6. Organic farming also requires a lot more inputs and more red-tape than conventional farming because certain practices must be met in order for a farm to retain the organic label. If anything slips, then the farm looses organic certification just like that.

Future prospects

The movement started with developed world is gradually picking up in developing countries. But demand is still concentrated in developed and most affluent countries. Local demand for organic food is growing. India is poised for faster growth with growing domestic market. Success of organic movement in India depends upon the growth of its own domestic markets. India has traditionally been a country of organic agriculture, but the growth of modern scientific, input intensive agriculture has pushed it to wall. But with the increasing awareness about the safety and quality of foods, long term sustainability of the system and accumulating evidences of being equally productive, the organic farming has emerged as an alternative system of farming which not only address the quality and sustainability.

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Conclusion

The adverse effects of modern agriculture are not because of the modern agricultural technologies rather heir misuse. The overuse of agrochemicals, in gross violation of the recommendations, of research institution resulting appearance of pesticide residues in agricultural produce. There is need to modify agricultural practices byrns, but also ensures a debt free, profitable livelihood option. Adoption of environment friendly practices, like integrated crop and pest management to conserve and enhance the ecological foundations such as soil, water and biodiversity essential for sustained advances in agricultural productivity and profitability (Swaminathan, 2010). Organic farming systems are very much native to India as traditionally crops and livestock have been reared together and even as of today also, they are present in more than 85% of the farm households. However, it may not be feasible to sustain high level of production to meet the food grain supply for the ever-increasing population (Tarafdaret al., 2008). Out of the total organic resources likely to be available in 2025, the considerable tamable potential of nutrients (N+P2O5+K2O) from human excreta, livestock- dung and crop residues has been worked out to be only 7.75 million ton. Moreover, the human excreta are not allowed on organic farms. Thus, integrated approach of crop management (‘towards organic’) would be appropriate in the states contributing major share to the national food basket.

Organic production of niche crops (crops having high yield potential under organic management and market demand) can be considered in the hilly and rainfed areas. Total factor productivity (TFP) growth score prepared by National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research has revealed that technology-driven growth has been the highest in Punjab and the lowest in Himachal Pradesh. It implies that some of the states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and north-eastern region of India have not been influenced much by the modern inputs of agriculture like chemical fertilizers and pesticides and can be the potential areas for organic farming. However, organic farming technologies need to be fine-tuned and updated to further enhance the crop yields. Farmer friendly certification policies and supply-demand chain management is essential for the growth of organic farming in the country. Integration of tradition, innovation and science in the defact

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organic areas (hills) and rainfed/dryland regions will contribute to safe food security besides increasing the farm household income and climate resilience. This differential region specific approach will contribute positively to the cause of human, livestock and eco-system health.

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ANCIENT INDIAN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ARTICLE ID. : 0064 Sunny Thakur1 M.Sc. (Ag.) Plant Breeding & Genetics College of Agriculture, Jabalpur Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.) Email: [email protected] INTRODUCTION

Homo sapiens evolved around 200,000 years ago after the cognitive revolution. Neanderthals became extinct and Homo sapiens started expanding their boundaries outside of the African continent. Our hominine ancestors foraged for their survival. They were dependent on whatever they could find, collect and gather. Although we love to see our ancestors as great hunters, they were just mere scavenger waiting for their opportunity to feed on the remains, after the predators have left the scene. They used to wander from place to place in search of food. Their movements were governed by the movements of animals, changing seasons, and the availability of food in the area. Our ancestors were forced to lead the life of nomads. Then, around 12,000 years ago, Agriculture came into existence which marked the start of the Neolithic revolution. Agriculture anchored human civilization to lead a settled life. Agriculture and animal domestication began in the "Fertile Crescent" of the Mesopotamian civilization. The first civilisations flourished around the banks of rivers such as the Nile of Egypt and the Yellow river of China. One such civilisation was The Indus valley civilization on the north- west Indian frontier. There are shreds of evidence to support the idea of flourishing agriculture in the ancient Indian subcontinent. Evidence is also found in the Vedic literature. Vedas being one of the oldest scriptures describe a lot about ancient Indian agriculture.

Ancient Indian farmers developed agricultural practices that ensured ecological balance. India developed a holistic agricultural knowledge based on scientific intellect. A lot of ancient agricultural practices are recorded in the classical texts related to agriculture. Kautilya's Arthashastra, Patanjali's Mahabhasya, Krishi-Parashara, Varahmihira's Bharat Samhita, and Surapala's Vrikshayurveda are some of the ancient texts that throw light on agriculture during the Vedic time period. Agriculture in ancient time had much of a religio- social importance, and the ancient agricultural practices were developed for all the adjuncts from soil, crop management, Irrigation and even weather forecasts.

Farming requires cultivable fertile soil. The ancient Indians classified land on the basis of fertility and later based on the suitability for a particular crop. Maintenance of soil fertility was necessary and manures were important for this purpose. Rigveda recommends cow dung for fertility restoration. Kosambi in his ancient text along with Kautilya in the Arthasastra recommended crop rotation with restorative plants. Varahamihira in 6th century AD also recommends green manuring with the husk of barley. In Krishi-Parashar, it is stated that crops grown without manures would not provide a good yield. Manuring was recommended with cow dung, animal bones and liquid manures from animal waste such as dung, urine, bones, skin, flesh to provide macro and micronutrients.

Indian agriculture revolves around rainfall since the very beginning. Thus, systematic studies were conducted for predicting and measuring rainfall by various people in the history.

We find such studies of Varahamihira (600 AD). People have been using "Panchangs" to predict rainfall for a long time and have proved itself effective. Rainfall is viewed to be the blessing of the gods thus we find records of offering and prayers to deities and absence of rains were thought to be the results of sins. In Yajurveda, the importance of sacrifices for rains has enhanced. There is a correlation between the crops and seasonal variation and the amount of rainfall. However, Vedas does not provide an idea about the crops of various regions as the cropping patterns were generally affected by the regional soil and climate.

Ancient farmers were aware of the importance of seed quality. In Manu Smriti we find a Sanskrit phrase "Subijam sukshetre jayate sampadyate" which translates to good seed in good soil yields abundantly. Barley was the earliest domesticated cereal and is referred to as "yava" in Vedas. Seed treatment of barley with ghee (clarified butter) and honey as a pre- sowing ritual is found in the late Vedic period. Parashar recommends proper seed drying, physical purity of seed and proper storage to protect from storage grains pests. Seed treatments with cow dung and panchgavya were done to ensure good germination.

Plant protection is yet another aspect of farming. Some old practices for management of plant diseases are present in the Vrikshayurveda. There is an ancient copy of Surupala's Vrikshayurveda preserved at the Oxford University, UK. It gives information about factors that help in spreading diseases such as detection of underground water, plant spacing, seed treatment, nutrient management and some other relevant facts. Apart from diseases we also find a mention of pests like birds and rats and even abiotic stresses like heat, frost, waterlogging. The treatments were based on prayers and mantras. To control disease emphasis was given to proper seed selection and crop rotation. Fumigation with smoke and sprinkling decoctions of liquid manures and panchamula was a common practice. The diseases were thought to be caused by three doshas i.e. Vaata, Pitta and Kapha and each dosha had a different treatment methodology. Vata dosha required fumigation with a mixture of ghee, hair of horse or fat of a wild boar. Kapha dosha needs to be treated with strong decoctions of panchamula, while Pitta dosha affected plants needs to be watered with a mixture of milk and honey. Each remedial agent used as plant protectant had a specific role. Honey is an antimicrobial and milk has various amino acids which induce resistance in the plant. The plants used for the preparation of panchamula like bael, goksura etc. are antifungal, nematicidal, antiviral in nature.

Organic farming was the core cardinal principle of ancient agriculture. It is very evident that the ancient techniques were dependent on natural inputs and were in harmony with the natural processes. Homa farming is a form of Vedic organic agriculture that utilizes the healing fire, holy ashes and sounds of the Vedic mantras to awaken the plants, promote peace and health of plants and all those who eats them as chanting mantras remove the negative vibration from the surrounding. It is complete organic farming and restores the quality of produce. It reduces the incidence of pest and diseases.

Studying all the ancient texts about agriculture we can find sense of harmony with nature. Ancient farmers utilized waste material and turned it into gold by decomposing it to make manures to improve soil fertility. They understood the soil, seasonal variations and other minute aspects of farming. Ancient knowledge of agriculture that is present in our Vedas and manuscripts needs to be revived. All the practices emphasize on the conservative nature of

farming. Conservation agriculture that we promote today is present in the very roots of ancient Indian agricultural practices.

References

1. http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/106088/12/12_chapter4.pdf 2. https://www.slideshare.net/pardeepPardeepkumar6/dr-pardeep-kumar-ancient- agriculture 3. Roy, M. 2009. Agriculture in the Vedic Period. Indian Journal of History of Science, 44.4 (2009) 497-520

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Co-operative Farming: Boon for Enhancing Farmer’s Income

Dr. V.K. Tripathi1, Ankit Singh Bhadauria2, Anushi3 and Vineet Awasthi3

1Professor Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, CSAUA&T Kanpur, UP.

2Ph.D Scholar, (Fruit Science) CSAUA&T Kanpur, UP.

3M.Sc Horticulture (Fruit Science) CSAUA&T Kanpur, UP.

Why Cooperative farming?

Because it gives following benefits/advantages/potential:

1. Economies of scale:

 As the size of farm increases, the per hectare cost of using tube-well, tractor comes down.  Small farms and some land are wasted in forming the ‘boundaries’ among them. When they’re combined into a big cooperative farm, we can also cultivate on that boundary land.  Overall, Large farms are economically more beneficial than small farms.

2. Solves the problem of sub-division and fragmentation of holdings.

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3. Cooperative farm has more men-material-money resources to increase irrigation potential and land productivity. Members would not have been able to do it individually on their small farm. 4. Case studies generally point out that with cooperative farming, per acre production increases.

History of Co-operative in India:

 Co-operative movement in India is more than 100 years old.

 Co-operative movement in India started with enactment of "The Co-

operative Credit Society Act 1904"

 Sir Frederic Nicholson is known as father of the co-operative movement

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 Main objectives were to make farmers free from the clutches of money

lenders.

Co-operative farming: It refers to farming practices where farming operations are conducted co-operatively. In this type of farming, small individual holdings are merged into a common unit herewith collection and purchase of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, equipments and machineries is managed on cooperative basis.

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Types of Co-operative farming:- On the basis of the ownership of land and agricultural operations method, co-operative farming has the following four systems:

S.N. Co-operative farming Ownership of Agricultural land operation method 1. Co-operative Better Farming Individual Individual 2. Co-operative Joint Farming Individual Collective 3. Co-operative Tenant Collective Individual farming 4. Co-operative Collective Collective Collective Farming

Co-operative farming help farmers, to procure all important inputs of farming,

sell the products at the most favorable terms and help in processing of quality

products at cheaper rates. In India, more than 80% of farmers have own land

holding which is less than 5 hectare. Moreover, 86% of these farmers cultivate

land less than 2 hectare. 75 to 80% farmers borrow money informally. Because

farmers are too small for tapping scale economics, small scale pooling becomes

important. A member of farmers group in the form of a co-operative society by

pooling in their available resources voluntarily for more efficient and profitable

farming with the help of using all the resources in a proper way. Individual

farms remain intact and farming is a matter of co-operative initiative. Recently,

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60,000 women farmers in Kerala formed co-operative. They pooled labor,

sharing cost and expenses. It has been found that their annual value of output

per hectare was 1.8 times of input and their net returns per farms related to

individual (family) were 5 times. We have seen same examples in Bihar, West

Bengal, Telangana, Gujarat etc. where they have pooled electric pumps for drip

irrigation. These farmers were food secured during Covid-19.

Recently, the Government has brought “The Farmers Produced Trade and

Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020” in which it has promoted

agricultural co-operative society (farmer producer organization). The new

legislation could create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy

freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agriculture produce. Thus, ending the

monopoly exercised by traders and other intermediaries resulted in full

realization of the price.

To meet this challenge the government has been promoting localized

storage with Warehouse Deposit Receipt that enables farmers get cash or credit

based on the agricultural product stored and provide an option to sell them

when prices are remunerative. The recently announced agricultural

infrastructure fund is the step in this direction. The fund will encourage the Co-

operative Societies, Farmers Producer Organizations and entrepreneurs to

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develop storage facilities that are WDRA complaint and provides services to

farmers at highly concessional charges.

Co-operative movement originated over a century ago and has been

successful in many western European countries like Denmark, Netherlands,

Belgium, Sweden, Italy etc. In Denmark the movement has been so successful

that practically every farmer is a member of a co-operative. It’s now call for

India to indulge in Co-operatives and help farmers to double their incomes.

Agriculture Co-operatives in India

In India Co-operatives have done tremendous job in the field of agriculture and some of the successful example are given as under:

S.N. Co-operative Established Function 1. Indian Farmers Fertilizers 3 To produce and Co-operative Limited November manufacture of different

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(IFFCO) 1967 chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers. 2. Krishak Bharati 4 May1980 Manufacturing of different Co-operative chemical fertilizers and bio- Limited(KRIBHICO) fertilizers. 3. National Fertilizers’ 1 To produce and manufacture Limited (NFL) September of different chemical 1979 fertilizers and bio-fertilizers. 4. Co-operative Rural 9 October To provide education and Development Trust 1978 training to farmers on (CORDET) various aspects of crop production. 5. National Agricultural Co- 2 October To promote and develop operative Marketing 1958 marketing, processing and Federation of India storage capacity of (NAFED) agricultural produce. 7. National Co-Operative 13 March Planning, promoting and Development Corporation 1963 financing programmers for (NCDC) production, processing, marketing, storage, import- export of agricultural produce. 8. National Bank for 12 July Providing investment and Agriculture and Rural 1982 production credit for Development (NABARD) promoting the various developmental activities in rural areas.

Challenges in cooperative farming

Maximum farmers are still doing traditional cultivation, which was being done ten years before. So, in terms of production, capacity, and income decreases. Due to this, the fertility of soil also decreases. As farmers are continuing

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agricultural practices individually in their small area of land, they are not getting more profitability. If they try to start SRI (System of rice intensification), in which less use of seeds, water, and inputs are required.

Collective farming in India faces problems in the formation of organizational structure regarding training and capacity building. If we broaden the topic, the farmers residing in the remote region of the Eastern and Southern state are being deprived of proper training and demonstration regarding the latest development in the field of smart agricultural practices.

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Through collective farming, there can be an aggregation of farmers from a particular area, but the grant from the state government cannot be accessed as a collective because the government officials are reluctant to release such a huge amount of money in favor of farmers. If at all, the government decided to give farmers of the state a nominal sum of subsidy, the officials involved from the government indulge in corruption for smooth channelization of funds from the government treasury to the farmer’s beneficiary account.

Due to transportation problems as well as sub-standard infrastructure, farmers are not getting proper marketing facilities for their hard gown Agri products. So, the interest of cultivation decreases among farmers, and new young farmers are facing various issues.

Due to individual farming, farmers are unable to get financial assistance from the government for adopting new technologies and equipment in terms of buying tractors, harvesters, etc. through subsidized rates. So, production affects a lot.

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# E M P O W E R I N G T H E A G R I C U L T U R E C O M M U N I T Y

“WHEN A COUNTRY HAS THE SKILL AND SELF-CONFIDENCE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST ITS BIGGEST PROBLEMS, IT MAKES OUTSIDERS EAGER TO BE A PART OF IT.”

T H A N K Y O U

C O L L A B R A T E I N O U R I N I T I A T I V E T H R O U G H S U B S C R I B I N G A N D S U B M I T T I N G A R T I C L E A T W W W . A G R I M E E T . O R G