Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grasses that are farmed all over the world as cereal crops or grains for human use and livestock. Millets are not utilized to their full potential despite their great nutritional value and ability to thrive in poor environments. Compared to wheat and rice, millets are higher in vitamins and minerals. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the trend in the production of total millet crops in India for the period 1950-51 to 2023-24. India is the world’s largest producer of millet, accounting for 43 per cent (13.5 million tons) of global production in 2024. With a total planted area of 12.88 million hectares, the country produced 17.24 million metric tons of millets with an average yield of roughly 1,262 kg per hectare. Over the past 60 years, the nation’s annual per capita millet consumption has decreased dramatically, from 30.94 kg to just 3.87 kg.
When the entire period under study is considered (1950-50 to 2023-24), the compound growth of production and productivity is positive and significant. The area of millets experienced a negative but substantial growth rate. The decomposition analysis determined that the sole reason for the rise in millet production from 2005 to 2024 was the yield effect. To accommodate the anticipated rise in demand, it is imperative to enhance the productivity of millets through the implementation of enhanced technologies, such as hybrid millet cultivation and a variety of production methods, due to the finite supply of resources.

Keywords: Compound growth rate, decomposition analysis, Millets, production

The invasion of Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) was occurred in India during second fortnight of March, 2019 to August 2020 and subsequently adequate pesticidal locust-control measures were taken by the Central and State Governments in the scheduled desert areas of India. The real time information on swarm’s roosting on trees and bushes were provided by Farmers/ Grazers/ Gram Pradhan/ Patwari through Mobile / Whatsapp calls at the Locust Circle Office (LCO) Barmer to under taken locust control operations. Reporting on the emergence of hoppers and bands formations were observed from June to August of the year 2019 and 2020. Locust Control Operation teams were reached at the reported place early morning to control hoppers. However, farmers were also observed to manage hoppers with available popular-traditional cultural and mechanical methods nearby cropped land. The ground report was made on the bases of observations along with interviews of farmers. The traditional cultural techniques were used by farmers to manage desert locust at egg-pods stage by ploughing identified eggs laid spotted fellow land prior to hatch eggs into hoppers, emerged hoppers (I to II instars) were circled with tractor drawn single furrow ridge maker (20.0 centimetre deep) and trenched (50.0 centimetres deep) with tractor to fall hoppers (III to IV instars) in it. The fallen hoppers were killed by spraying of Chlorpyriphos 20% EC with Knapsack Sprayer. The mechanical traditional technique; scattered a mixture of dry hay and green fodder in the hoppers-prone area nearby crop-lands during dusk to hopper’s roost in/on it and finally flamed aggregated hoppers with the scattered mixture. Farmers were commonly seen to run over their Tractors, Camper-jeep cars and Bikes on basking swarms nearby crop-land to make locust’s swarm fly and simultaneously other members of family were also observed to scarify locusts either basking or feeding on the crops by making loud sound such as “TidHudda….Hudda…Heeeeee” repeatedly, made sound with beating plastic/ tin containers and directly beaten locusts with local made broom to make them fly during morning hours of the Rabi and Kharif seasons. Collected adult desert locusts were also usage by farmers as food and cattle feed.

Keywords: Desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), food and cattle feed, Traditional management, Cultural management, Mechanical or physical management.

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in fostering the cognitive, social and emotional development of children. This study presents an integrated evaluation of preschool education in rural areas, assessing its impact on early childhood development. A random sample of 80 preschools were selected from rural area (40 Anganwadis) from total 7 villages and remaining 40 preschools were selected from local Parbhani city Maharashtra. Data were collected through personal interviews with Anganwadi worker, Preschool teacher, Principal from selected preschools, using a prepared checklist and observation. The study revealed that, all rural preschools (100%) were located at ground floor. Similarly, rural as well as urban area, only 42.50 and 37.50 percent of the selected preschools were seen to be adjacent, attached or in the vicinity of the primary schools. In rural preschools, almost all available equipment and materials were found to be safe, durable, colorful, attractive, lightweight and of good quality. Significant differences were noted between rural and urban preschool teachers in teacher–child ratios, qualifications, salaries, and teaching experience. Regarding nutrition, 100% of rural preschools provided snacks to children, whereas in urban preschools, children brought snacks or meals from home. Highly significant differences were also recorded in the maintenance of records and registers between rural and urban preschools. Irrespective of area, rural preschool teachers expressed that lot of time is spared in writing various reports & maintaining records and other activities like home visits, distribution of supplementary food, survey of pregnant women etc which is effect their involvement in conducting childrens activities. The findings indicate disparities in infrastructure, teacher qualifications, activity provision and record-keeping between rural and urban preschools. Strengthening rural preschool facilities, improving teacher support and enhancing integration with primary schools are essential steps toward ensuring equitable early childhood development opportunities.

Keywords: Preschool education, Rural education, Integrated evaluation, Qualitative parameters, Early childhood development

Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) are important obligate symbionts in majority of cultivated plant species in colonizing roots and supporting plant growth. This study was carried out to identify and characterizee indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores in selected farms behind the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria. Three crops (cassava, maize, fluted pumpkin and Amaranth as Control) were selected for this study. Rhizosphere soil and root sub-samples were collected per crop from topsoil (0 – 15 cm) and subsoil (15 – 30 cm). The samples collected were prepared and subjected to various analysis to determine the soil physicochemical properties. Wet sieving and decanting method was employed for extraction of AM fungal spores while slide method was used for estimation of degree of colonization. Taxonomic identification of spores was also carried out by matching the descriptions provided by International Collection of Vesicular AM fungi (INVAM). Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using XLSTAT 2022 version package. Ecological Indices such as Isolation Frequency, Relative Spore Density, Shannon-Weaver Index of Diversity and Simpson’s Dominance Index were calculated. The result showed that six genera were identified as follows: Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, Entrophospora, Diversispora and Scutteslopora. The Soil pH of the entire study area ranged between 5.93 - 6.35 which falls within the suitable pH range for AMF distribution. The exchangeable cations, soil pH, available phosphorus, potassium, clay content; were among the main factors responsible for the variation in AMF community structure. The percentage root colonization among the crops ranged as follows: maize (51.94 percentage), cassava (48.46 percentage), fluted pumpkin (42.93 percentage) and control (15.63 percentage) which implies maize and cassava were more mycotropic and will respond to mycorrhizal inocula than fluted pumpkin. Generally, the root mycorrhizal colonization degree and spore density were significantly higher (P ? 0.05) in topsoil than subsoil across all identified genera. Both Glomus with isolation frequency (IF) of 66.76 and Acaulospora (IF = 53.87) were classified as dominant genera; Gigaspora (IF = 38.96), Entrophospora (IF = 39.57), Scuttelospora (IF = 34.87) were classified as common genera while Diversispora was a rare genus (IF = 2.78). The superiority of Glomus in soils may be related to its functional relevance and ease of propagation in soil ecosystem. AMF source of biofertilizer could be adopted as alternative source of soil amendment for cultivation of crops especially maize, cassava and fluted pumpkin which are staple food in the sampled location.

Keywords: Mycorrhiza, fungi, isolation frequency, spore density, colonization

Sugarcane is a labour-intensive crop. Given the current trend in workforce availability for sugarcane production, it has been observed that contemporary machinery use is unavoidable. The present study was taken up with objective to develop erect and non-lodging sugarcane plant types suitable for mechanical harvesting and to test the suitability of developed sugarcane clones for mechanical harvesting. Fifteen clones evolved from fluff supply programme were analyzed for genetic parameters which are amicable for mechanical harvesting. Results depicted that there were remarkable differences between genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed that there is a significant difference between the genotypes under study. High GCV and PCV values were depicted by Tiller population 120@DAP (000s/h), NMC, HR Brix %, Lodging resistance index,average ratooning ability and leaf angle inclination respectively. Regression analysis showed that harvesting efficiency was positively influenced by basal/middle stem ratio (+6.03), cane yield (+0.79) followed by number of millable canes (+0.50) respectively. The model explains 99.95% of the variance in harvestability. Higher Basal/Middle diameter ratio and more lodging resistance index (>2.31) improve harvestability. P values are < 0.05 for all the predictor variables indicating the significance of each variable. Harvesting efficiency mainly depends on lodging resistance index, ratio of basal to middle stem diameter, member of millable canes, optimum height, less crown weight to cane weight ratio, maximum tillering at 120 days after planting, high cane yield, low harvesting time/acre and leaf angle inclination are some of the traits where a breeder has to concentrate for the development of genotypes that are suitable for mechanical harvesting. From the study it was revealed that the new sugarcane varieties viz., 2016A642, 2016A381, 2016A385 and 2016A379 were highly suitable for mechanical harvesting in view of their mechanical amicable traits

Keywords: Mechanical harvesting, harvesting efficiency, principal traits, Variance analysis and correlation analysis.

Cotton, commonly referred to as “white gold,” is a prominent economic crop cultivated globally for its valued fiber. India has emerged as the world’s foremost cultivator and largest producer of cotton. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing cotton output in Gujarat and Maharashtra. This article utilizes secondary data from 2010-11 to 2021-22. The Cobb-Douglas production function was employed to observe and estimate the elasticities of specific variables influencing cotton output in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. A Cobb-Douglas production function was utilized to evaluate the impact of seed, fertilizer, manure, human labour, irrigation, bullock labour, and plant protection measures on cotton yield. The study’s results indicated that the Cobb-Douglas production function applied to cotton demonstrated that fertilizer, human labour, irrigation water, and plant protection measures were positively significant, whereas manures exerted a considerable negative effect on cotton production in Gujarat. The analysis revealed that fertilizer, plant protection measures, and manure positively influenced cotton production in Maharashtra, whereas human and bullock labour had a detrimental effect. The multiple determinations correlation (R²) for cotton crops was 0.94 and 0.83, signifying that the chosen resources together explained 94 percent and 83 percent of the overall variation in cotton production in Gujarat and Maharashtra, respectively.

Keywords: Cotton, Cobb Douglas, Gujarat, Maharashtra

The present study investigates the patterns and determinants of biofertilizer adoption among farmers in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. A total of 200 farmers across five tehsils—Chandrapur, Warora,Chimur, Mul, and Bhadravati were surveyed through structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to determine the influence of socio-economic variables on adoption. Findings revealed that 62% of respondents had used biofertilizers in the past three years, with education level, access to extension services, and farm size being significant determinants. While 78% of users recognized improved soil fertility, only 41% used biofertilizers consistently due to availability and awareness constraints. The study concludes with policy recommendations for scaling sustainable agricultural practices in Vidarbha.

Keywords: Biofertilizer adoption, Chandrapur, Sustainable agriculture, Farmer awareness, Logistic regression, Soil fertility

The study investigates the economic viability and marketing constraints of mushroom cultivation among small-scale farmers in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. Primary data were collected from 60 growers in four talukas—Chandrapur, Warora, Bhadravati, and Mul—through structured interviews. The analysis covered cost of cultivation, profitability, and marketing barriers. The results revealed that the average total cost for producing 100 kg of oyster mushrooms was ?7,850, with a gross return of ?13,200 and a net return of ?5,350. The calculated Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.68 confirms the enterprise’s economic feasibility. Major constraints included lack of cold storage (76.6%), price instability (71.6%), absence of organized markets (68.3%), and limited buyer awareness (61.6%). Despite these challenges, mushroom cultivation remains a profitable enterprise with strong potential for rural income generation. The study recommends cooperative marketing systems, improved post-harvest infrastructure, and targeted extension services to strengthen the mushroom value chain in Chandrapur district.

Keywords: Mushroom cultivation, economic analysis, marketing constraints, Chandrapur district, small-scale farmers, benefit–cost ratio.

Sixteen superior recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and two commercial varieties viz., Anagha and ArkaVikas were evaluated for growth, yield and quality parameters in tomato in randomized block design with three replications. The line COHBT-29 recorded highest plant height at 60 DAT (93.77 cm), 90 DAT (106.13 cm), number of branches per plant at 90 DAT (10.20). COHBT- 49 recorded highest average fruit weight (90.73 g), equatorial fruit diameter (6.21 cm), number of locules per fruit (5.44) and least number of days for first flowering (29.87 days). Highest number of flower clusters per plant (10.40), fruits per cluster (4.87) and fruits per plant (35.67) are recorded in COHBT-65. COHBT-1 recorded highest fruit yield per plant (1.81 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (43.09 t). COHBT-18 recorded maximum fruit pH (4.53) and highest TSS was noticed in COHBT-29 (5.89). These findings will help to select the best superior RILs for further breeding programme.

Keywords: Tomato, superior RILs, Growth, Yield, Quality

Sixteen superior recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of F6 generation, bacterial wilt resistant check Anagha and susceptible check ArkaVikas were screened for bacterial wilt disease resistance under sick pot condition. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. The results of screening showed that 6 superior RILs including resistant check Anagha are resistant, 4 moderately resistant, 3 moderately susceptible and 3 superior RILs including susceptible check ArkaVikas are susceptible to bacterial wilt disease.

Keywords: Bacterial wilt, resistance, recombinant inbred lines

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of vermiwash, vermicompost and NPK on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. VRO 6 to find out the optimum nutrient treatment with combination of Vermiwash for better growth and yield of okra. The experiment was conducted with 13 treatment combinations of NPK, Vermicompost and Foliar spraying of Vermiwash in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Seeds of Okra, cv. VRO.-6 were sown on plot size of 3.6m X 3.0 m. The row to row and plant to plant spacing was maintained at 60 cm and 30 cm, respectively hence each plot accommodated 60 plants. The observations were recorded treatment wise by selecting 5 random plants. The treatment T5 (Rec. NPK + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1 week interval after 30 DAS) recorded maximum plant height (16.10cm., 115.40cm. and 163.19 cm.) at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, nodes per plant (19.66), internodal length (6.04cm.), leaves per plant (23.66) at 90 DAS and branches of 2.46 and 4.13 per plant at 60 and 90 DAS respectively. The earliest flowering in 35.58 days was recorded under treatment T10 (Vermicompost @ 5t/ha + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1week interval after 30 DAS) and late flowering was recorded with treatment T13 (Rec. NPK 150:80:100). The treatment T10 (Vermicompost @ 5t/ha + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1week interval after 30 DAS) recorded the maximum 4.93 nodes to first flowering. Days taken to 50 % flowering (43.50days) and first picking (45.23 days) was observed in T10 (Vermicompost @ 5t/ha + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1week interval after 30 DAS) showed earliness. Number of flowers (19.66) and fruits per plant (18.66) was recorded in treatment T5 (Rec. NPK + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1 week interval after 30 DAS). The maximum fruit length (17.96cm), fruit girth (17.03mm) and fruit weight (18.16g) was recorded with the application of Rec. NPK + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1 week interval after 30 DAS. The significantly maximum fruiting span 48.86 days as well as maximum fruit yield (144.66g/plant), and 80.47q/ha) was obtained under T5 (Rec. NPK + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1 week interval after 30 DAS). The maximum net return of Rs 38484/ha was found in treatment T11 (Rec. NPK + Vermiwash (soil treatment)+3 foliar spray at 1 week interval after 30 DAS) and cost benefit ratio is 2.01. On the basis of present investigation it is concluded that the okra cv. VRO-6 responded well in terms of growth, yield and net profit to application of Rec. NPK + Vermiwash 5 sprays at 1 week interval after 30 DAS. It produced tallest plant, having more number of nodes, internodal length, number of leaves as well as maximum number of branches per plant. The same treatment having the potential to produce higher fruit yield q/ha. Therefore, it is recommended that such technology can be adopted for commercial cultivation in the farmer’s field.

Keywords: okra, Vermiwash, Vermicompost, NPK.

The nexus between land tenure systems security and smallholder farmers’ investments in adaptation strategies in the changing climate is not well understood. This is a call to investigate the relationship between land tenure systems, security and climate adaptation strategies in northern Ghana. The land tenure system security employed for this study includes perceived tenure security, land use duration, land transfer, use, and exclusion rights. The study uses a three-stage sampling procedure to select 2934 farm households in northern Ghana. Using multivariate probit and Poisson models, the results reveal that smallholder farmers’ perceived land tenure security is positively and significantly correlated with five (5) climate adaptation strategies. Land use/ownership duration, land use right, transfer right, and land exclusion right have a heterogeneous significant relationship with individual adaptation strategies. Notwithstanding, the land tenure systems’ security has a significant positive relationship with climate adaptation intensity, except for land use duration and transfer rights. Policymakers should design context-specific land tenure reform policies that reflect local socio-economic realities to enhance farmers’ land rights for effective investment in sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Climate adaptation, Ghana, Land tenure systems, Multivariate probit model, sustainable land management

The biochemical analysis was taken in the laboratory of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, WB with the different leaves of Piper betel (betelvine) cultivars. Remarkable variations were observed in all the biochemical characteristics tested. Kalipatti possessed highest reducing sugar (557.40 mg/100 g) among all the varieties followed by halisahar sanchi (441.00 mg/100 g), gangarampur sanchi (347.96 mg/100 g) and simurali sanchi (303.06 mg/100 g).April was the best for total carbohydrate which possessed maximum (2439.68 mg/100 g) while July possessed minimum (686.21 mg/100 g) carbohydrate concentration throughout the year.The maximum protein contents were found during July (19.07 mg/g) and minimum found during January (11.14 mg/g).Among kapoori cultivars, swarna kapoori possessed significantly more phenol content (422.86 mg/100 g) as compare to all the remaining kapoori varieties. The lowest phenol concentrations were observed in kapoori dodhipatla (361.10 mg/100 g) among all the varieties. The period of October to January was the best for proline increment throughout the year.The comparable observations were recorded with respect to vitamin C contents in kapoori chinacheppali (111.52 mg/100 g), kapoori pedacheppali (116.34 mg/100 g) and kapoori dodhipatla (118.41 mg/100 g). Interaction between cultivars and time was found significant in all the biochemical characteristics.

Keywords: Betelvine, Biochemical, Month, Kapoori, Sanchi.

During the 2025 Kharif season, soybean-growing regions of Chandrapur district experienced an exceptional outbreak of root rot caused primarily by Rhizoctoniasolani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Field surveys across Warora, Chimur, and Bhadravati revealed extremely high incidence levels (58–82%). The study documents epidemiological patterns, soil–environment relationships, and the pathological dominance of the two major necrotrophic fungi. Environmental factors such as elevated soil temperature (25–35°C), low organic carbon, and high soil moisture were strongly correlated with disease intensity, continuous soybean monoculture contributed significantly to disease development. This research provides a tehsil-specific, pathology-centered understanding of the dual pathogen system affecting soybean root health in Chandrapur. This study provides a comprehensive pathological assessment, updated epidemiological observations, and field-level data for disease forecasting at the regional scale.
 

Keywords: Soybean root rot, Kharif 2025 outbreak, Soil–environment interactions, Chandrapur district. Pathogen dominance, Disease forecasting

Hot pepper, Capsicum species, is the most widely cultivated and economically important crop in Ethiopia, particularly in Western Oromia. Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major factor and constraint to hot pepper production and yield losses in Ethiopia. The research was conducted at Bako Tibe in 2023. The treatments consisted of three hot pepper varieties (Local variety, Bako local, and Marako fana), different frequencies of insecticide application, and three different insecticides (Pyriban 48% EC, Karate 5% EC, and Sivanto energy 85 EC). The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Insect infestation parameters were assessed from 10 pre-tagged plants per plot. The results revealed that the frequencies interacted significantly (P ? 0.05) with differences in yield and insect-infested pod per plant. The result of variety, chemical, and frequency indicated that the application of Sivanto Energy EC 85 on Marako fana (0.01) and Bako local (0.03) two times significantly managed bollworm on hot pepper pod infestation. However, the Mareko fana with Sivanto Energy EC 85 repeated two times gave the highest yield per hectare. Therefore, the application of Sivanto Energy EC 85 on Mareko Fana with two applications is recommended for hot pepper production in the study area and food security in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Frequency, Hot pepper, Helicoverpa armigera, Insecticides, Variety, Yield.