Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 4

Reviving Kalanamak Rice: A Sustainable Model for Enhancing Farmers’ Income in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

SK Yadav — 2025-09-06

Rice is one of the important cereal crops mainly grown in the kharif season and plays a very significant role in Indian food security. Kalanamak is a heritage rice of eastern Uttar Pradesh and valued for its aroma, taste and nutritive quality. The aim of the study is to improve farmers' income sustainably by developing Kalanamak rice. The chapter also details organic cultivation practices and institutional marketing efforts, which have contributed significantly to increased profitability and farmer participation. Four improved Kalanamak varieties—Kalanamak KN3, Bauna Kalanamak 101, Bauna Kalanamak 102 and Kalanamak Kiran, released in 2010, 2016, 2017and 2018 respectively—were evaluated. A field trial was laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design at three locations in Gorakhpur, Mahrajganj and Siddharth Nagar districts. Grain quality analyses were performed at NDUAT Faizabad and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. Cost-benefit was calculated taking actual data from a number of farmers using survey methods. Findings revealed that the last three varieties yield 50% more than traditional Kalanamak KN3 and mature 10 days earlier. Previously, the cultivation area of Kalanamak had declined due to its low yield, poor grain quality, and lower income compared to high-yielding varieties (HYVs). However, with the availability of better-quality variety Kalanamak KN3 and high-yielding ones like Bauna Kalanamak 101 and Bauna Kalanamak 102, those negatives have been annulled. The Normal selling price of the Kalanamak paddy ranges between Rs. 2500/- to Rs. 3500/- per quintal. Organic Kalanamak fetches a 20% premium over normal Kalanamak. Summarily compared to Rs. 17,500 / ha net profit from common HYV rice, Kalanamak KN3 will give Rs. 44,375, Bauna Kalanamak Rs. 71,500 and Organic Kalanamak Rs. 92,500 per hectare net profit, hence better net profit of the farmers is assured sustainably. These affirm that Kalanamak rice cultivation, particularly with improved and organic varieties, offers a sustainable pathway to significantly increase farmers’ income.

Impacts of Climate Change on Irrigation Water Resources in the Plain of Reeds, Vietnam

Thai Duong, PHUNG — 2025-09-06

The Plain of Reeds, a critical agricultural heartland within Vietnam's Mekong Delta, faces profound challenges from anthropogenic climate change. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change on the water resources essential for its intensive rice cultivation system. By integrating historical hydro-meteorological data (1984–2022) with future projections from an ensemble of Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, this study utilises the FAO-AquaCrop model to quantify shifts in irrigation water dynamics. Historical analysis reveals a discernible warming trend of approximately 0.2°C per decade and complex alterations in rainfall patterns, including an increase in dry-season precipitation and a strengthening of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal. Crucially, future projections indicate that despite a potential increase in total precipitation, the concurrent and more pronounced rise in air temperature will significantly elevate crop evapotranspiration rates. This leads to a projected increase in net Irrigation Water Demand (IWD) across all rice-growing seasons and emission scenarios. The Winter-Spring crop, cultivated during the driest period, is identified as the most vulnerable, with a substantial projected increase in water requirements. In response, this chapter evaluates adaptation strategies, demonstrating through model simulations that adjusting sowing calendars is a highly effective, low-cost measure. Advancing the sowing date of the Winter-Spring crop, for instance, can reduce IWD by up to 15.6% by better aligning crop growth with cooler temperatures and residual late-season rainfall. These findings provide a critical scientific basis for developing climate-resilient agricultural policies and water management strategies to safeguard the productivity and sustainability of the Plain of Reeds.

Revamping Agricultural Marketing: Sustainable Strategies for Indian Farmers

S.S. Salokhe — 2025-09-06

This study aims to identify gaps in the current Agri-input marketing and service delivery systems, as well as the environmental impact of the careless use of agrochemicals. It stresses the need for better agricultural input marketing strategies that benefit Indian farmers and ensure they receive fair returns. It also discusses how input companies can adopt responsible marketing practices. The study examines current challenges in the agricultural inputs market, focusing on issues related to accessibility, affordability, and the quality of input. The goal is to develop sustainable solutions that improve farmers' financial stability and support long-term growth in agriculture. While modern agricultural inputs should be used scientifically, the technical aspects of their application are often ignored, leading to serious environmental problems. By exploring best practices and innovative marketing strategies, the paper highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, input suppliers, and farmers' organisations. It is vital to educate farmers on the importance of using the right inputs, in the correct amounts, at the right times. Responsible marketing can be achieved through transparent product information, clear communication of associated risks, ethical sales practices, and training farmers on the proper and safe use of agrochemicals. Promoting lawful use of these products remains critical. In conclusion, the paper argues that a responsible marketing framework can empower farmers, improve their livelihoods, and ultimately support sustainable agricultural development in India.

New Breeding Paradigms to Enhance Jute (Corchorus spp.) Production and Their Achievements

Kumar Aryan — 2025-09-06

Jute (Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius), often known as the "golden fibre," is an essential natural bast fibre crop that is important for the environment and economy, especially in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Although it is valuable but it has its own difficulties like biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as the requirement for higher fibre yield and quality to stay competitive. The history of jute, its geographical distribution, important breeding goals, such as increasing fibre yield, improving fibre quality and creating resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought and waterlogging, are all covered in this chapter. Numerous successful jute varieties such as JRC 321, JRC 212, etc., have been developed with the help of conventional breeding techniques, which include mass selection, pedigree selection, bulk breeding, hybridisation, and mutation breeding. The emphasis is then shifted to more recent developments, such as the introduction of unique traits through genetic engineering, the use of molecular markers (such as SSRs and SNPs) for marker-assisted selection, and the potential uses of genomics, bioinformatics and breakthrough tools like CRISPR gene editing. The chapter also covers some of the achievements of jute improvement- from developing high-yielding, pest-resistant varieties to developing varieties that can withstand drought, waterlogging and other climate challenges. In order to secure the sustainable and competitive future of this vital fibre crop, the chapter concludes by describing future directions of jute breeding, mainly focusing on developing climate-resilient varieties, improving fibre and implementing innovative methods like genomic selection and the study of wild relatives. The blend of traditional breeding methods and newer breeding advancements is shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for this crop.

Field Techniques for Grain Storage

Sandeep Bhardwaj — 2025-09-06

Grain storage loss is a major contributor to post-harvest losses and is one of the main causes of food insecurity for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Still in India, Grains are stored on the fields by heap methods. An improvement is required for short-duration storage in the form of cover and plinth (CAP) storage in India. CAP storage refers to the storage of stacks of bagged grain on top of wooden pallets, with waterproof low-density polyethylene sheets or tarps covering the top and all four sides. A key advantage of CAP storage is its low establishment cost—approximately one-quarter the cost of traditional godown (warehouse) storage. CAP systems are particularly useful in situations where indoor storage space is limited. The primary objective of this study is to discuss some field techniques for grain storage, with a major focus on CAP storage. The structural details of these grain storage systems for on-farm, open and short-duration grain storage were discussed. Besides CAP and on-farm storage, Bags storage of grains and their gains and benefits were also discussed. Studies show that hermetic bags are effective in controlling the insect pests for three to four months in cover and plinth storage and on farm storage. The studies demonstrate that the temporary grain storage in polyethylene bags does not lead to grain quality loss compared to conventional storage. This work was found to be at their early stage; further research is also required in terms of monitoring CAP storage health.

Performance Analysis of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Varied Farming Managements in Marginal Uplands

Jeffrey P. Villaver — 2025-09-06

This study investigates the performance of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under different farming management practices in marginal uplands. The results revealed that microbial-enriched organic fertiliser did not match the efficacy of inorganic fertilisers in enhancing sweet pepper yield and yield components. Specifically, Inorganic fertilizer significantly improved sweet pepper yield at 6,880.74 kg ha-1 (P<0.01). Additionally, cost and return analysis revealed that goat manure yielded the highest Return on Investment (ROI) at 860.79, followed closely by goat manure + IMO 3 with an ROI of 774.18. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing farming practices to enhance sweet pepper production in marginal uplands while considering economic viability.

Basic Slag: A Cost-Effective Liming Material for Acidic Red and Lateritic Soils

Manik Chandra Kundu — 2025-09-06

Soil acidity greatly restricts crop yields in red and lateritic soils common in tropical areas, such as India. Traditional liming materials are usually too costly or not suitable for use under such conditions. Basic slag, an industrial waste from the steel industry, is a potential solution as it is highly rich in neutralising value and releases essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, silicon, and phosphorus slowly. This chapter assesses the advantages of basic slag in agriculture, especially in improving soil acidity and boosting crop yields. Long-term experiments suggest that it increases the soil pH, lowers toxic aluminium contents, and increases the crop yield by supplying silicon in bioavailable form that assists in stress endurance and nutrient uptake. It also treats environmental sustainability in circular economy perspectives, and the risks associated with it include heavy metal contamination and logistics, policy, and farmer knowledge issues. In general, basic slag is discovered to be a low-cost, environmentally friendly amendment that can restore marginal soils and assist in environmental sustainability objectives.

Development and Assessment of an Integrated Light-Acoustic-Chemical Trap for Sustainable Crop Pest Management

Kamble V. S. — 2025-09-06

In modern farming, insect traps have become an important tool for managing pests in a way that’s both effective and environmentally friendly. Instead of relying only on chemical pesticides, farmers now use a variety of traps like sticky cards, light traps, and pheromone-baited devices to monitor and control harmful insect populations. Conventional pest management relies heavily on chemical pesticides, causing environmental and ecological concerns. Therefore, eco-friendly trapping systems are necessary for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was to observe and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly designed composite light-sound-lure-based trap system for monitoring and controlling insect pests. This trap was designed to assess the efficiency of various components installed in a newly developed configuration. The primary objective of the present investigation was to assess the behavioural responses of various insect and pest species to a newly designed trap. The system integrated UV light (365 nm and 395 nm), blue light, sticky cards, an electric grid, and an ultrasonic transducer. It also uses blue and white LED lights, which make the trap more visible and attractive to several other insect species. The trap also uses chemical lures, such as pheromones or food-based scents, to draw in specific pest species more effectively. The trap has an electric grid that kills insects immediately on contact. The trap was operated for three hours, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Results indicated high attraction rates for several key agricultural pests, including scarab beetles, moths, thrips, whiteflies, mosquitoes, and leafhoppers, with blue light being particularly effective against small flying insects. The sticky surfaces and electric grid contributed to enhanced pest mortality. Notably, the ultrasonic component successfully deterred bats, thereby minimising non-target interference near fruit-bearing trees. The results indicate that UV-LED light enhances spatial congruence between predator and prey. The present composite trap demonstrated considerable promise as a multi-functional, non-toxic, and field-adaptable solution for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. Since this trap has not been previously studied in a quantitative framework, future research is possible regarding its effectiveness or insect interaction patterns.

Multivariate Analysis of Genetic Divergence among Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Inbreds Using Mahalanobis D² Statistic

I. K. CHANDANA — 2025-09-06

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an oilseed crop that offers a wide range of industrial applications. Assessing genetic variation is crucial for identifying genetically distinct individuals and plays a vital role in plant breeding programs for developing improved cultivars adapted to varying environmental conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the genetic diversity among different inbred lines of castor. The investigation was carried out during kharif, 2024, at the Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India. Using the Mahalanobis D² Statistics, 40 castor inbred lines were examined to determine the extent of genetic diversity for 12 traits. According to Tocher's technique, the total genetic resource set was divided into six unique, non-overlapping clusters, indicating the presence of an ample amount of genetic diversity. Cluster I was the largest one, comprising 32 genotypes, followed by cluster II with three genotypes, and cluster V with two genotypes. Whereas clusters III, IV, and VI were monotypic, indicating a high degree of heterogeneity among the lines. Clusters IV and VI had the greatest inter-cluster distance between them, showing that these genetic resources could be used in inter-varietal hybridisation. The trait with the highest contribution to overall divergence was effective primary spike length followed by number of capsules per primary spike, total seed yield, final plant stand, and 100 seed weight, demonstrating the potential of the material for further improvement through those traits.

Brown Manuring: A Sustainable Strategy for Growth, Physiology, and Yield Improvement in Direct Wet-Seeded Rice

Samyuktha C — 2025-09-06

Brown manuring has emerged as a promising, eco-friendly strategy to address weed infestation and improve crop productivity in direct wet-seeded rice systems. The present study was conducted during the kharif season of 2024 at the International South Farm, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, to evaluate the influence of brown manuring on crop growth, physiological performance, and yield of rice. A field experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with ten treatments and three replications, involving rice alone and rice in association with dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) under different management practices.

The findings revealed that growth and physiological attributes did not vary significantly among treatments at 30 DAS. However, at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, the weed-free check (T₉) consistently recorded superior plant height, tiller density, no. of leaves, dry matter production, leaf area index, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate. Grain and straw yields were also highest under T₉(6046 and 10801 kg ha^-1, respectively), but were statistically on par with T₆ (pretilachlor 50% EC at 1.25 L ha^-1+ knockdown of dhaincha using 2,4-D 38% EC at 1 kg ha^-1 at 30 DAS). In contrast, the unweeded control (T₁₀) produced the lowest growth and yield parameters.

This study confirms that combining brown manuring with selective herbicide use effectively suppresses weeds, improves crop vigour through dhaincha residue decomposition, and enhances yield in direct wet-seeded rice. These findings position brown manuring as a promising, sustainable practice for integrated weed and nutrient management in resource-efficient rice systems.

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as an Organic Fertilizer and Biopesticide for Improving Soil Fertility, Foliar Pest Suppression, and Okra Growth

Adams Sadick — 2025-09-06

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a vital vegetable crop grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra provides a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and amino acids. Conventional reliance on chemical fertilisers, while enhancing soil fertility, is costly and contributes to land degradation. Additionally, global interest in biorational pesticides (botanical and microbial) is increasing for the sustainable management of pests. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a rapidly growing tree from the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and it has traditionally been used in agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent studies, however, have not explored the promising impact of neem as a basal and foliar organic fertiliser and pesticide. This study was conducted to investigate and examine the use of neem as a basal organic fertiliser and pesticide alternative for environmental and consumer safety. The purpose was to assess the efficacy of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against nematodes and insect pests of okra during the primary growing season of 2022. Using a randomised complete block design with three replications, the study evaluated seven treatments, including neem leaf paste (NLP), neem leaf extract (NLE), synthetic fertilisers (NPK), and controls in 5×4 m plots. A total of 42 (21 samples each) soil samples were taken from the study area, bagged, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the organic IPM module (NLP × NLE) significantly improved soil health parameters by increasing organic matter content by 53% compared to the control, while reducing the C/N ratio. The treatment also showed remarkable pest suppression, decreasing root-knot nematode populations by 89% and maintaining beneficial insect numbers. Neem-treated plots experienced a 40% reduction in foliar damage from Podagrica spp., resulting in a yield increase of 296% compared to the control. These findings demonstrate a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation, thereby offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly solution for smallholder farmers. The result of this study presents a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation by offering cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for smallholder farmers. The organic IPM module 3 is therefore recommended for improving soil fertility, reducing soil and foliar pest pressure, and enhancing crop yield safely and sustainably.

Intercropping and Organic Nutrient Management Effects on Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Yield in South Gujarat, India

J. M. Kokani — 2025-09-06

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Mill sp.) is an important food legume of the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. It occupies a prominent place in Indian rainfed agriculture. Enhancing the productivity of the crop assumes specific significance in India, mainly to combat protein malnutrition, as it is the main source of protein to the predominant vegetarian population. During recent times, organic agriculture has emerged as an economically viable option of farming because of the growing demand for organic products worldwide. This study was conducted to study the effect of intercropping system and nutrient management through organic sources on yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea crop (Cajanus cajan L.) under south Gujarat conditions. An experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at Rambhas Farm, Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, Dangs, Gujarat, during kharif season of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with factorial concept having two factors with twenty-four treatment combinations and three replications. Yield attributes, viz., number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod of pigeonpea were recorded significantly higher under treatment I₄ (sole pigeonpea) during both years and in pooled analysis, which was at par with treatment I₃ (pigeonpea + drilled paddy). Significantly higher seed yield and stalk yield of pigeonpea were recorded in sole pigeonpea (I₄) during both years of study and in pooled analysis. The higher stalk yield under sole pigeonpea might be due to lack of competition because of intercrops, as the plants have to face neither nutrient nor moisture stress conditions in sole cropping, which reflects in improvement of growth and yield attributes of pigeonpea crop and finally in terms of stalk yield. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod, seed yield and stalk yield of pigeonpea were noted with application of 10 t/ha FYM + Three spray of 2 % Enrich banana pseudostem sap (N₄) which remained statistically at par with treatment N₆ (5 t/ha vermicompost + Three spray of 2 % Enrich banana pseudostem sap) and N₁ (10 t/ha FYM) during both the years and in pooled analysis. From the findings, it can be concluded that Drilled paddy or little millet as an intercrop in kharif pigeonpea at a 1:2 row proportion is found more feasible for higher yield and profit than finger millet under south Gujarat conditions. Additionally, the application of farmyard manure along with multiple sprays of enriched banana pseudostem sap to the pigeonpea–nutri-cereal intercropping system (1:2 row ratio) can enhance profitability and yield

Evaluating Mechanical Weeding as a Sustainable Technique for Weed Management in Aerobic Rice Systems in South Gujarat

Darpana Patel — 2025-09-06

The experiment entitled Weed management in aerobic rice cultivation in South Gujarat, India was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2020-2022 at the Main Rice Research Centre, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat. The experiment was carried out with the goal to provide an efficient, environmentally friendly method and substantially reduce the cost of weed control for rice production. The different ten weed management treatments, viz. mulching with paddy straw @ 5 t/ha at the time of sowing; mulching (paddy straw @ 5 t/ha) at the time of sowing + bispyribac sodium 10 % SC, 10 ml/10 lit water at 20 days after sowing (DAS); mechanical weeding using weeder; chemical weed control (pre-pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha at 2-3 DAS and post- bispyribac sodium 10 % SC, at 20 DAS); mechanical weeding + bispyribac sodium 10 % SC, at 20 DAS; pre emergence herbicide (pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha) followed by one mechanical weeding at maximum tillering stage of crop; Intercropping in rice with sesbania (incorporation after 1 to 1.5 month of sowing); raised bed system of cultivation with application of bispyribac-sodium @ 200-250 ml/ha at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds at 20-25 DAS; weed free and weedy check were evaluated under randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that total weed density-grasses, sedges and broad-leaved weed and dry weed biomass was affected by different weed management practices as compared to unweeded practices. Broad-leaved weeds were the top ranking weed types with the highest degree of weed infestation compared to grasses and sedge types of weeds. Total weed density and dry weed biomass were significantly lower with mechanical weed management practices than the unweeded check, which was heavily infested with weeds. The higher weed control efficiency of 61.49 and 43.97 (%) was recorded with weed-free and mechanical weeding practice as compared to the rest of the weed management treatments. Weed index (7.88) was also found to be lower with mechanical weeding practices. Yield attributes like number of panicle (per m²), panicle weight (gm); grain and straw yield (kg/ha) of rice were recorded significantly higher with weed-free and mechanical weeding practice and found equally effective. Looking at the economics, further mechanical weeding practice was found with a higher net return and benefit cost ratio. Thus, among different weed management practices, the mechanical weeding method was capable of avoiding the use of herbicides without any losses in weed control efficacy and yield. Further, this method found to be sustainable, efficient, non-chemical and eco-friendly in the aerobic system for rice production in South Gujarat.

Data Driven Approach for Modeling and Forecasting of Maize Yield in India

Manish Kumar — 2025-09-06

The demand for food grain crops is increasing at a rapid rate worldwide. To meet the global food demand, efforts are needed for the enhancement of crop yield through improved varieties, policy support, subsidies, resource allocation, market development, and farmers’ motivation towards the cultivation of profitable crops. However, the yield of agricultural crops is influenced by several extraneous factors like climate change, pest attacks, resource scarcity, and land acquisition for construction and urbanisation. This study deals with modelling and forecasting of maize yield in India. The study encompasses temporal data from 1954 to 2023, allowing for a data-driven analysis of trends in maize yield over the years in India. The methodology involved the fitting of several conventional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. The accuracy of the fitted models was evaluated using model fit statistics criteria viz., akaike information criterion (AIC), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The best-fitted model was ARIMA (2,1,0) with drift, having an AIC value of 894.95, an RMSE value of 148.05, and an MAPE value of 7.71%. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of the conventional fitted models was made with the automated model, viz., ARIMA (1,1,2) with drift, which was o.btain.d on using function in R-studio. The diagnostic checking of residuals of the generated models was made using the Ljung-Box test. It was revealed that the Ljung-Box test statistic (Q) achieved a p-value greater than 0.05 for residuals of each fitted model, which indicated the acceptance of the null hypothesis (H₀), i.e., the residuals of the various generated models were uncorrelated. The analytical results revealed that ARIMA (1,1,2) with a drift model slightly outperformed ARIMA (2,1,0) with a drift. The forecast values of maize yield for five successive years (viz., 2024-2028) were obtained with 80% and 95% prediction intervals utilising ARIMA (1,1,2) with drift model. The outcomes of the analysis reported a significantly rising trend of maize yield over the recent years, which indicated a favourable sign for policymakers and scientists regarding the formulation of strategies related to agricultural trade and nutritional security.