Indian Journal of Agriculture Business

Background: Pulse chunnis are commonly used agro-industrial by-products that may serve as economical protein supplements in small ruminant feeding systems. However, their comparative effect on growth performance of growing lambs in complete diets is not well established. Aim: To evaluate the effect of incorporating different pulse chunnis in sorghum straw–based complete diets on the growth performance of growing Nellore brown ram lambs. Objectives: 1. To assess the influence of Red gram, Green gram and Bengal gram chunnis on feed intake and nutrient utilization. 2. To evaluate body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). 3 To monitor changes in body condition score (BCS) during the feeding trial. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two growing Nellore brown ram lambs (96.30 ± 2.70 days old; 13.27 ± 0.03 kg body weight) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (n = 8 per group) and reared under an intensive system for 120 days at the Sheep Unit, Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal. Treatment diets included: • R1 (Control): Complete diet without pulse chunni • R2 (RGCC): Complete diet with 15% red gram chunni • R3 (GGCC): Complete diet with 15% green gram chunni • R4 (BGCC): Complete diet with 15% Bengal gram chunni Growth performance, total feed intake, dry matter intake (DMI), body weight changes, ADG, and BCS were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed to determine treatment effects. Results: Total feed intake and average daily DMI tended to be higher in lambs fed the R2 (red gram chunni) diet. Body weight of lambs differed significantly (P < 0.01) from the 2nd to 8th fortnights, with higher weights in R2, R3 and R4 groups compared to R1. Total weight gain (kg) across treatments was: • R1: 10.65 • R2: 10.98 • R3: 10.76 • R4: 10.66 ADG was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in R2, R3, and R4 diets compared to R1. The highest overall ADG (91.46 ± 0.49 g) was observed in R2, compared with R1 (88.75 ± 0.90 g), R3 (89.69 ± 0.49 g), and R4 (88.85 ± 0.49 g). BCS remained nonsignificant during most of the experiment, except in the 8th fortnight, where R2 and R3 lambs recorded significantly higher (P < 0.01) scores. A linear improvement in BCS was observed in all groups. Conclusion: Inclusion of pulse chunnis in sorghum straw–based complete diets improved growth performance in growing Nellore brown ram lambs. Among the tested chunnis, 15% red gram chunni (R2) yielded the highest body weight gain and ADG, indicating its superior nutritive value and effectiveness as a protein supplement in finishing lamb diets.

Background: Onion markets in Karnataka have experienced significant price volatility in recent years, necessitating an examination of market integration across regional markets to understand price transmission mechanisms and validate the law of one price across different trading centers. Aims: This study aimed to examine the market integration of onion wholesale prices across six regional markets in Karnataka during 2004-2023 and assess whether these markets shared a common linear deterministic trend and long-run equilibrium relationships. Materials and Methods: Monthly wholesale price data from six Karnataka markets were analyzed using Augmented Dickey-Fuller test for stationarity, Johansen cointegration test for long-run relationships, and Granger causality test for price transmission dynamics. The analysis employed both Trace and Maximum Eigenvalue statistics to confirm co-integration relationships. Results: The Trace and Maximum Eigen-value statistics confirmed long-run equilibrium relationships among onion prices across all Karnataka markets studied. Granger causality analysis revealed bi-directional causality between multiple market pairs: Hubballi-Belagavi, Hubballi-Vijayapur, Hubballi-Kolar, Hubballi-Tumakuru, Belagavi-Vijayapur, Belagavi-Kolar, Belagavi-Tumakuru, and Mysore-Tumakuru. Hubballi emerged as the dominant price-determining market, followed by Belagavi. Conclusion: The onion markets in Karnataka demonstrate significant market integration with established long-run equilibrium relationships, validating the law of one price across the regional markets studied during the 2004-2023 period. Key Message: Strengthening market integration through improved infrastructure development and enhanced market information systems is essential to ensure price stability and support sustainable agricultural development in Karnataka’s onion marketing sector.

Background: Rural unemployment remains a key challenge in Uttarakhand, where many youths depend on seasonal farming and limited jobs. Promoting selfemployment offers a viable path to reduce migration and improve rural livelihoods. Aims: The study evaluates the effectiveness of government programmes PMEGP, MUDRA, and SVEP in generating self-employment among rural youth in Nainital district. Methods: Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 120 rural youths across hilly and plain zones through surveys and interviews. Descriptive statistics and percentage analysis were applied. Results: Only 18% of respondents were fully aware of self-employment schemes, while 49% remained uninformed. About 58% lacked vocational training, and 46% found existing programmes only moderately effective. Major barriers included lack of capital, weak infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles. Conclusion: Government initiatives can transform youth into entrepreneurs, but awareness, training, and credit access remain constraints. Localized outreach, simplified processes, and mentorship are vital for success.

Present study was conducted purposively in the central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh to assess the Credibility of Livestock Extension Service Providers perceived by women farmers. An ex-post facto and exploratory research design were used. The central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh comprises of 14 districts namely: Allahabad, Auraiya, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Raibareli, Sitapur and Unnao. Out of these, four districts: Sitapur, Lucknow, Hardoi and Unnao were selected randomly. From each selected district, one block and from each block, two villages were selected randomly. Two hundred women farmers, 25 from each of the eight selected villages were picked up randomly from the list of milch rearing family and personally interviewed to assess the credibility of livestock extension service providers. Findings of the study revealed that irrespective of the districts, Veterinary Officers as most trustworthy and technically competent person for providing the livestock extension services perceived by women farmers. Paravets were found to be second most credible person due to more safety credibility. Veterinary Officers were ranked Ist with the maximum total score of 479 followed by paravetsranked IInd and Livestock Extension Officers ranked IIIrd with the total scores 445 and 426 –respectively.

This survey aimed to assess students’ perceptions of their departments at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, focusing on academics, infrastructure, student support, and overall learning environment. Responses from students indicated a generally positive academic experience, with most students agreeing that the curriculum is relevant, teaching methods are effective, and evaluation processes are fair. While laboratory and library facilities were rated satisfactory, classroom infrastructure received lower ratings, highlighting a need for improvement. Students appreciated research opportunities and workshops, though career guidance and extracurricular support were seen as moderate. The departmental environment was viewed positively, with strong communication, inclusiveness, and motivation reported. Overall, the study concludes that students have a favourable perception of their departments, but improvements in physical infrastructure and career development services are recommended to enhance student satisfaction and learning outcomes.

Background: Traditional solar dryers suffer from inconsistent solar availability and low energy density, which limit their efficiency and reliability. Rural agroprocessing units require sustainable, low-cost, and energy-efficient drying methods to reduce post-harvest losses and dependency on fossil fuels. Aims: To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a dual-axis tracking Fresnel lens solar dryer integrated with nano-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) thermal storage for agricultural applications. Material and Methods: A techno-economic model was developed using five years of meteorological data for Indian climatic conditions. The system comprised a dual-axis Fresnel lens concentrator, drying chamber, and NEPCM thermal storage unit based on paraffin wax enhanced with graphene nanoplatelets. Economic evaluation included Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), payback period, and Levelized Cost of Drying (LCOD). Results: The integrated system achieved a thermal efficiency of 62%, reducing drying time for crops (chili, turmeric, amla) by 25–35% compared to conventional dryers. NEPCM storage enabled 4.2 hours of extended drying after sunset. The payback period was 4.1 years, with an IRR of 21.4% and LCOD of Rs. 3.2/ kg, representing ~60% savings compared to electric dryers. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the influence of PCM cost and solar irradiance on economic viability. Conclusion: The dual-axis Fresnel lens solar dryer with NEPCM storage is technically effective and economically viable. It enhances drying efficiency, reduces energy dependence, and improves product quality, making it suitable for rural agro-processing. Key Message: Integration of solar concentration with nano-enhanced PCM storage offers a sustainable pathway for reducing post-harvest losses. Wider adoption could empower small-scale farmers, lower drying costs, and contribute to lowcarbon agricultural practices.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), found in ruminant-derived food products such as meat is one of the functional food components. Manipulating rumen microbial population might be a strategy to develop the value added goat meat. In present experiment, the effect of high CLA producing Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strain 4a (bf4a) administration along with dietary oil contained linoleic acid (LA) was investigated on CLA content in meat of crossbred kids of four different groups (n=20): Control (C; basal diet); T1 (C + LA source @200 mg/L of rumen fluid), T2 (C+suspension of bf4a, 109 CFU head-1) and T3 (T1+suspension of bf4a, 109 CFU head-1). Total CLA content was enhanced by 30.0, 19.1 and 30.0%, respectively, in Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus muscle and adipose tissue thereby improving the desaturation index in bf4a along with dietary oil administered group as compared to the control. Administration of B. fibrisolvens 4a along with linoleic acid enriched dietary oil is a useful strategy to increase beneficial CLA levels in ruminant’s meat by altering the ruminal biohydrogenation pattern.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the greatest threats to crops worldwide. Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic worms that cause billions of dollars in crop losses annually. Belongs to the animal kingdom and can survive in any environment as the most important plant pathogen in agriculture, causing yield losses of crops worldwide. Nematode infection in the soil can lead to secondary infection with fungal and bacterial pathogens and even to the transmission of plantinfecting viruses. Vegetable crops are usually most susceptible to the nematodes. Plant-parasitic nematodes are small worms like transparent, bilateral symmetry, pseudocoelomate, multicellular, free-living or parasitic microorganisms which are predatory, aquatic, terrestrial, entomopathogenic, ectoparasite, endoparasite, semiendoparasite. Plant-parasitic nematodes differ in their way of life. Ectoparasitic nematodes outside the host cells feed on plant roots while endoparasitic nematodes establish within plant tissue and are divided into migratory and sedentary groups. Migratory endoparasitic nematodes are Pratylenchus spp. Radopholus spp. and Hirschmanniella are economically important. Plant parasite nematodes are identified by stylet and sub-ventral and dorsal esophagous glands which plays a significant role. Meloidogyne spp. Heterodera spp. Globodera spp. and Pratylenchus spp. are important species and widely distributed throughout the world with a wide host range. Phytonematodes suppress host immune responses for the development of feeding sites. Plant-parasitic nematodes have hollow, needle-like, protrusible stylet to probe plant tissue and release proteinaceous secretions from the sub-ventral and dorsal glands, allowing for nematode entry. The economically important species target plant roots of crops and prevent water and nutrient uptake resulting in reduced crop yields. Nematodes damage the host plants by causing wounds on the plant roots forming brown spots, changing the physiology of the host, making them more vulnerable to being infected by other pathogens and leading to environmental stresses. Once nematodes are introduced into an agricultural area, their eradication is difficult. Integrated management is recommended based on different practices to reduce soil nematode populations.

With increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, industries are shifting toward biodegradable and recyclable materials, making packaging a crucial component of both product preservation and ecological responsibility. Biobased edible films formulated from natural polymers such as starch, cellulose, and proteins have emerged as sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastics. The incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface reactivity and mechanical strength enhances the antimicrobial, barrier, and structural properties of these films, extending food quality and shelf life. However, concerns regarding nanoparticle migration and potential toxicity necessitate comprehensive evaluation models to ensure consumer and environmental safety. Green-synthesized nanoparticles derived from biological sources, such as microorganisms, plant extracts, cellulose, collagen, and chitin, offer promising advantages due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. This review provides insights into emerging bio-nano compounds and their transformative role in developing intelligent, ecosustainable edible packaging systems for safer and more durable food preservation.

Pig production is a major contributor to global animal protein supply but faces challenges of high feed costs, disease risks, and restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters. Recent advances highlight the gut microbiome as a key regulator of nutrient utilization, immune function, and overall health in pigs. This review summarizes the development and composition of the gut microbiota across life stages and its roles in digestion, energy harvest, barrier protection, and immune modulation. Nutritional interventions such as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, phytogenic compounds, organic acids, functional amino acids, enzymes, and unconventional feed resources are discussed for their ability to beneficially modulate the microbiome and enhance pig performance. In addition, emerging strategies including precision feeding, microbiome-informed biomarkers, multiomics integration, and next-generation approaches such as phage therapy, fecal microbiota transplantation, and engineered probiotics are explored. While these developments are promising, challenges remain in terms of mechanistic understanding, cost-effectiveness, regional adaptability, and standardization of microbiome-based interventions. The integration of host genetics, microbial ecology, and digital technologies holds future potential for precision and sustainable pig nutrition. Overall, feeding the microbiome represents a paradigm shift in swine production, offering avenues to improve productivity, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability in the post-antibiotic era.

Seaweeds broadly classified as brown, red, and green algae, are rich in proteins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, along with bioactive polysaccharides such as laminarin, fucoidan, carrageenan, and ulvan. These compounds exert diverse biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and immunomodulatory functions, thereby improving gut health, feed efficiency, and overall productivity of ruminants. of particular importance is their ability to mitigate enteric methane emissions. Certain red seaweeds, such as Asparagopsis species, contain halogenated compounds like bromoform, which inhibit methyl-coenzyme M reductase, the key enzyme in methanogenesis, leading to significant reductions in methane output while redirecting hydrogen toward propionate formation, an energetically favorable pathway. This dual role of enhancing nutrient utilization and reducing environmental burden underscores their significance. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including variability in nutrient composition across species and seasons, presence of recalcitrant polysaccharides that hinder digestibility, risks of heavy metal accumulation, excessive iodine levels, and nutrient instability during processing. Addressing these constraints through standardized harvesting, processing, and supplementation strategies will be critical for large-scale adoption. Overall, macroalgae hold great promise as a renewable, nutrient-dense, and ecofriendly feed additive and their inclusion in ruminant diets can improve animal health and productivity, reduce reliance on conventional feed resources, and contribute to global efforts in climate change mitigation and sustainable livestock production.

A study was conducted on Raipur GP and village, Sriniketan block, Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. With 200 respondents. Agriculture is an ancient profession that has played a crucial role in human civilization and has provided sustenance for millions of people throughout history. However, it is important to recognize that agriculture can also be a hazardous occupation, particularly in regions where safety regulations and standards are lacking or not adequately enforced. The tribal farm women of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, face significant risks and vulnerabilities related to their involvement in agriculture. Total 18 variables are considered for the study in which 13 are Independent variables and 5 are Dependent variables. After performing all the studies the outcomes which we are expecting are a comparative picture can be revealed of the physical and mental status of tribal farm women of present day and of the era of drastic manual labor. Beside that Analysis of change in trends of farming can be done as far as the mechanization of agriculture is concerned. And also A Preliminary Idea would be generated on the occupational hazards, suffered by tribal women while farming.

Natural behaviour is a key indicator of animal welfare, reflecting an animal’s ability to express species-specific patterns essential for survival and wellbeing. This review outlines the principal natural behaviours of domestic goats (Capra hircus) and their relevance to farming systems. Goats demonstrate adaptive feeding strategies, complex social structures with clear dominance hierarchies, and notable cognitive abilities including long-term memory and problem-solving. They show strong preferences for elevated areas, shelter, and hiding spaces, which can reduce aggression and social stress when incorporated into housing design. Maternal and neonatal behaviours, particularly early bonding and timely suckling, are critical for offspring survival. Overall, enabling goats to express their natural behaviours through appropriate management and housing is fundamental to improving welfare and productivity.

Pulses are annual leguminous crops and one of the most important food crops globally due to their high protein content and rich sources of dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. Legume crops belong to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Its contribute approximately 20–25% of the protein consumed in the form of dal as an source of plant-based protein in the human diet. The crop residues viz., leaves, pod coats, and bran are used as dry fodder for livestock. Mung bean plants are also utilized as green manure, improving soil health and enhancing nutrient. Pulses crops maintaining soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, their root nodules harbor Rhizobium bacteria in a symbiotic relationship. The bacteria receive carbohydrates such as sugars and starch from the host plant. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into nitrates. Each nodule remains functional for about four weeks before decomposing and releasing nitrogen into the soil. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world. Major pulse crops grown in India include chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), urad bean (Vigna mungo L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and various other beans. Pulse crops are cultivated during the Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid seasons. However, pulse production is constrained by several biotic and abiotic stresses, including diseases, insect pests, drought, water logging, salinity, and other environmental stresses. Among these, diseases significantly reduce crop yield. Legumes are susceptible to a wide range of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Major diseases of legumes include rusts, powdery and downy mildews, Ascochyta blights, Botrytis grey mould, anthracnose, root rots, collar rots, wilts, viral diseases, bacterial blights, and nematode infestations. These pathogens are transmitted through air, soil, and seed, posing a major constraint to yield. Seed serves as the primary source of inoculums for many pathogens. Seed-borne diseases of pulses include Ascochyta blight, Botrytis (grey) mould, Stemphylium blight, anthracnose, Alternaria leaf spot, bacterial blight, and mosaic diseases, all of which require effective management strategies. Among major pulse crops, chickpea is affected by Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri), blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes), and rust (Uromyces ciceris-arietini). Pigeon pea suffers from wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum) and sterility mosaic disease. Pea is mainly affected by powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) and rust (Uromyces viciaefabae), along with several other minor diseases.