The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the dimensional, physico-chemical,
functional, and nutritional properties of white finger millet (Eleusine coracana) against black
finger millet, with a focus on the impact of various pre-treatments. These included roasting,
popping, malting, and combinations of malting with thermal steaming (TS1, TS2, and TS3).
Dimensional analysis revealed that white finger millet exhibited significantly greater width,
geometric and arithmetic diameters, surface area, and sphericity, suggesting better grain
morphology. Functional properties such as hydration capacity (1.41 g/100 seeds), swelling
index (17.57), and seed volume (3.9 ml) were also superior in white millet, indicating
enhanced cooking and processing qualities. The proximate analysis demonstrated that
malting improved the protein (11.25%) and fibre (5.15%) contents, while roasted and
steamed samples showed increased carbohydrate levels (up to 73.11%). Mineral content,
particularly calcium (up to 323.66 mg/100g), iron (5.31 mg/100g), and zinc (2.54 mg/100g),
was retained or improved through processing. Notably, anti-nutritional factors such as
phytates were drastically reduced from 148.66 mg/100g in the raw sample to 49.66 mg/100g
in the malt + TS3 sample, and tannins were eliminated across all treatments. The study
encountered challenges related to the standardization of combined pre-treatments and
ensuring uniform thermal exposure without nutrient loss. Despite these hurdles, the research
contributes valuable insights into the optimization of millet processing techniques. These
results underline the effectiveness of thermal and biological pre-treatments in enhancing the
nutritional and functional profile of white finger millet. Such improvements make it a highly
suitable candidate for value-added and health-promoting food formulations, particularly in
regions dependent on millets as staple foods. The study supports the incorporation of
scientifically optimized pre-treatment methods to boost the bioavailability and health
potential of traditional grains.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a deciduous fruit tree of the family Rosaceae and sub family
Prunoideae mostly grown in mid-hills and dry temperate regions of the country. In the cold
temperate region of Lahaul and Spiti Valley, the productivity of this crop is quite low as
compared to other apricot growing countries. The main reason for its low productivity and fruit
quality is due to its suitability to particular agro-climatic regions. Therefore, it is need of the hour
to identify the variety best suited to a particular agro-ecological condition. In this regard, the
performance study was carried out to evaluate the apricot varieties like New Castle, Kaisha,
Charmagaz, Suffiada, Nari, and Lari Selection. On the basis of evaluation studies results
revealed that the maximum leaf-length (3.60 cm), leaf width (3.51cm), leaf area (36.25cm 2 ), and
petiole length (29.00 mm) was found maximum in cultivar Lari Selection and minimum leaf-
length (2.19 cm), leaf width (2.35 cm), leaf area (29.58 cm 2 ) and petiole length (25.97cm). The
maximum fruit length (44.97 mm) was observed in cultivar Lari Selection and minimum (28.32
mm) in cultivar New Castle, fruit width (44.72 mm) was found maximum in cultivar Charmagaz
and minimum (26.28 mm) in cultivar New Castle whereas fruit weight (43.94 g) was recorded
maximum in cultivar Lari Selection, fruit firmness (6.02 kg/cm 2 ) in cultivar Charmagaz and
minimum fruit weight (28.18 g) and fruit firmness (5.31 kg/cm 2 ) in cultivar Nari. Whereas, the
maximum stone weight (2.71g) was recorded in cultivar Lari Selection and the minimum (1.32g)
in cultivar New Castle. The highest fruits (36.11 kg/tree) and productivity (24.37 t/hac) were
recorded in cultivar Suffaida while, minimum fruits (16.47 kg/tree) and productivity (10.01
t/hac) was recorded in cultivar Lari Selection. Total soluble solids (TSS) were recorded
maximum in cultivar Charmagaz (18.03°B) and minimum (15.67°B) in cultivar New Castle.
Acidity in fruit was recorded highest in Nari (1.50 %) and minimum in Kaisha (1.03 %). Total
sugars in fruit were recorded highest in Charmagaz (14.13%) and minimum in New Castle (9.06
%), highest reducing sugars were observed in Charmagaz (3.11 %) with minimum recorded in
Nari (1.70 %) and non-reducing sugars recorded maximum in Charmagaz (9.93 %) and
minimum was recorded in cultivar Nari (5.11%).

The rising demand for marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) seeds in India, driven by large-scale
cultivation, necessitates the development of effective technologies to enhance seed yield and
quality. A study was conducted to optimize planting time and growing conditions for
marigold seed production. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with
five planting dates staggered at 15-day intervals, evaluated under open field and naturally
ventilated polyhouse conditions using two marigold cultivars, 'Pusa Narangi Gainda' and
'Pusa Basanti Gainda'. Significant effects of planting dates, growing environments, and
cultivars were observed on various seed parameters. The results revealed that planting on
10th July under open field conditions with the cultivar 'Pusa Basanti Gainda' produced
superior quality seeds, achieving the highest seed yield per plant (19.92 g) and per square
meter (171.92 g), making it the most suitable option for commercial seed production.
Additionally, both cultivars demonstrated satisfactory seed yield under open field conditions
up to August planting. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing planting time
and selecting appropriate growing environments to enhance the quality and quantity of
marigold seed production. Thus, regulating planting time under congenial growing
environment can significantly enhance the quality of seed production.

Currently, water hyacinth is a problematic weed, adversely affecting pond ecosystems and the
environment. In eastern India, including Assam, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is problematic,
rendering water bodies like ponds and lakes unproductive due to its dominance. It can be effectively
utilized as mulch in crop production. The field experiment was conducted at Assam Agriculture
University, Jorhat, Assam during the period of 2022-23 and 2023-24 with the objective of evaluating
the effect of different mulches and nutrient management practices on soil temperature, moisture
conservation, SPAD, and NDVI values and canopy temperature of maize. The experiment was
conducted in factorial RBD with 3 replications. There were three moisture conservation treatments
viz., M 1 :No-Mulching, M 2 :Mulching with paddy straw @ 5.0 t/ha, M 3 :Mulching with water hyacinth
@ 5.0 t/ha and seven nutrient management practices viz., N 1 :Recommended dose of fertilizer (60-40-
40 kg/ha N-P 2 O 5 -K 2 O), N 2 :75% NP & 100% K with foliar spray of nano-DAP @2ml/l at knee high
and tasselling stage, N 3 :75% NP & 100% K with foliar spray of nano-DAP @4ml/l at knee high and
tasseling stage, N 4 :75% NP & 100% K with foliar spray of nano-DAP @6ml/l at knee high and
tasseling stage, N 5 :50 % NP & 100% K with foliar spray of Nano-DAP @2ml/l at knee hight and
tasseling stage, N 6 :50 % NP & 100% K with foliar spray of nano-DAP @4ml/l at knee high and
tasseling stage and N 7 :50 % NP & 100% K with foliar spray of nano-DAP @6ml /l at knee high and
tasseling stage. The moisture content was recorded up to 30 cm depth (0-15 cm depth and 15-30 cm
depth). The result revealed that all the treatments with mulching had higher soil temperature, higher
soil moisture, and lower canopy temperature compared to no mulching treatment, but there was no
significant effect of nutrient management practices on these parameters. Water hyacinth mulch
treatment recorded the highest soil moisture at 10 cm depth and lower canopy temperature. The
average soil moisture recorded was 17.95% under no mulch treatment and 20.27% by weight under
water hyacinth mulching. Similarly, the average canopy temperature recorded was 24.18 o C under no
mulch treatment and under water hyacinth mulching it was 23.76 o C and the soil temperature recorded
was 19.30 o C under no mulch treatment and it was 20.02 o C under water hyacinth mulching.
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and SPAD values were significantly influenced by
mulching compared to no mulching treatment, but there was no significant effect due to nutrient
management practices. Water hyacinth mulch treatment recorded the highest NDVI, lower canopy
temperature, and higher SPAD Values. The average NDVI recorded was 0.609 under no mulch
treatment and 0.671 under water hyacinth mulching, the average canopy temperature recorded was
24.18 o C under no mulch treatment and 23.76 o C under water hyacinth mulching and SPAD values
were 34.58 under no mulching and 37.13 under water hyacinth mulching.

Rice production faces challenges due to biotic stresses influenced by climate fluctuations. Brown
plant hopper (BPH), being a major biotic stress in rice, significantly impacts yield. It is a major
insect pest that causes 10%–30% annual yield loss in Asia by direct phloem feeding and
transmitting viral diseases like rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) and rice grassy stunt virus
(RGSV). With an objective of BPH resistance integrated with yield, two cross derivatives in
BC 2 F 1 generation were developed by crossing susceptible, high-yielding, slender grain rice
variety, Telangana Sona (TS), with two resistant parent’s viz., 10-3 and M229. These
backcrosses were studied to investigate genetic variability, correlation, and principal component
analysis for yield and yield-related traits. Both crosses exhibited high GCV, PCV, and high
heritability coupled with high genetic advance for productive tillers per plant and single plant
yield, indicating a preponderance of additive gene action. Correlation analysis demonstrated a
significant positive association of single plant yield with plant height, productive tillers per plant,
and filled grains per panicle in both crosses. PCA revealed a cumulative variance of of94.72%
and 77.23% from plant height, productive tillers per plant, kernel breadth, days to 50 %
flowering, days to maturity, kernel length, and filled grains per panicle in TS X 10-3 and filled
grains per panicle, 1000 seed weight, kernel breadth, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity,
kernel length/breadth ratio and panicle length in TS X M229 respectively, indicating their
substantial contribution to variability. Consequently, the selection of backcross-derived lines
based on these traits would be the most appropriate strategy for yield improvement.

The tomato is highly sensitive to very hot, humid and cold conditions and it is directly or
indirectly affecting the production and productivity of tomato. Due to increase in temperature
there is more incidence of viral diseases as well as problem in pollination and fertilization
This experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) having seven treatments
and three replications. Treatments consist of different levels of NAA (T 1 @10 ppm, T 2 @ 20
ppm, and T 3 @30 ppm), GA 3 (T 4 @50 ppm, T 5 @100 ppm, and T 6 @150 ppm) along with
control (T 7 @ sprayed only with distilled water). These different concentrations of NAA and
GA 3 were sprayed on the crop at 25, 50, and 75 days after transplanting to study the different
parameters at all successive stages of crop growth. The result revealed that the morphological
parameters were greatly affected by the different levels of NAA and GA 3 at all the successive
growth stages except 25 days after transplanting. Treatment T 3 (NAA@30 ppm) produced
maximum plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of leaves per plant which
were at par with treatment T 5 (GA 3 @100 ppm) at 50 and 75 days after transplanting
respectively. All the flowering, physiological and yield-attributing parameters were also
greatly influenced by the application of growth regulators (NAA and GA 3 ). It may be
concluded that in the subtropical climate, farmers face flower and fruit drop problems due to
high temperatures in the Kharif and late Kharif season. To overcome this problem, plant
growth regulator GA 3 @100ppm can be used to increase the flowering, fruit set, and fruit size
and control the fruit drop.

In the present scenarios of changed climatic condition, the crop should thrive in challenging
environments and should have lower carbon footprints to establish climate resilient
agricultural system. Keeping in mind, a field experiment was conducted during kharif season
of 2022 and 2023 to find out the effect of plant population and fertility level on GHGs
from rainfed pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in the research farm of Bihar Agricultural
College, Sabour, Bihar. There were nine treatment combinations comprised of three levels of
plant population (M 1 – cm, M 2 – cm and M 3 – cm) in the main plot and three fertility levels with
N:P:K (S 1 – 90:45:45, S 2 – 120:60:60 and S 3 – 150:75:75 kg N: P 2 O 5 : K 2 O/ha) as sub-plot
treatments. The experiment was laid out under a split-plot design with three replications.
Significant changes were recorded in the greenhouse gas emission pattern of pearl millet with
the variance of treatments. The optimum spacing ensured adequate sunlight and nutrient
access for individual plants and balancing fertilizer application helped to mitigate greenhouse
gas emission by promoting healthier growth of the plant. It was experienced that CO 2
emission was enhanced as the plant population and fertility levels increased. Meanwhile, N 2 O
gas emission was decreased with higher planting density but increased with increase in
fertility levels irrespective of all the observed stages. The most threatening factor global
warming potential was also higher with wider plant spacing and high fertilizer
application.Therefore, the optimum plant population of 45 X 20 cm along with the nutrient
level of N 120 P 60 K 60 kg ha -1 would be recommended for climate-enduring pearl millet cultivation
under rainfed condition. By agronomic intervention of optimizing spacing and fertility level
would make the pearl millet to be the part of sustainable crop diversification opportunity.

Post-harvest management and sustainable utilization of surplus horticultural produce are vital for
addressing food security, reducing agricultural waste, and promoting environmental
sustainability. Fruits and vegetables, being highly perishable face significant post-harvest losses
impacting economic stability and environmental health. With a growing global population and
strained natural resources, innovative strategies are essential to extend shelf life, minimize waste,
and create economic value. This review focuses on two objectives: first, assessing current post-
harvest management practices including advanced storage technologies, packaging innovations
and treatments to maintain quality and reduce losses. Techniques such as cold storage, modified
atmosphere packaging, and chemical/biological treatments are examined. Second, it explores
sustainable approaches to transform surplus produce into value-added products like processed
foods, bio-based materials and industrial goods. Emerging technologies, including edible
coatings, nanotechnology and precision agriculture, offer promising solutions to minimize losses.
The review highlights critical research and practice gaps, emphasizing the need for integrated
approaches that consider environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, scaling
these technologies faces persistent challenges, including economic barriers, infrastructure gaps,
and technical limitations in resource-constrained regions. Furthermore, achieving optimal trade-
offs between treatment efficacy, safety compliance, and consumer acceptability of novel
solutions remains scientifically and commercially challenging. Effective post-harvest
management and surplus utilization enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste and contribute to a
sustainable agricultural system. Investments in research, infrastructure, and policy frameworks
are crucial to improving post-harvest systems and fostering a circular economy in horticulture,
driving innovation, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability for economic and
environmental benefits.

An investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on the
growth, yield and economics of Indian mustard for three consecutive years (2019-20 to 2021-22) at
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal under rainfed condition.
Nutrients have paid dividends in yield revolutions in agriculture and will continue to contribute
significantly to future food security. Pooled data from three years reveal that different nutrient
management treatments had higher growth and yield attributes of Indian mustard over control.
Application of 30:30:15 kg NPK/ha (inorganic) + 30 kg N/ha (through FYM) recorded a
significantly higher number of primary branches per plant and siliqua per plant over control. Yield
attributes viz. siliqua length, numbers of seeds per siliqua, and 1000-seed weight were not
significantly influenced by different nutrient management treatments. Application of 30:30:15 kg
NPK/ha (inorganic) + 30 kg N/ha (FYM) recorded significantly higher seed yield (18.74 q/ha) of
mustard compared to other treatments except 60:30:15 kg N P K/ha and 25:25:12.5 kg NPK/ha
(inorganic) + 25 kg N/ha (FYM). Highest net returns (Rs. (₹) 53,695 /ha), B:C ratio (2.50), and
rain-water use efficiency (18.28 kg/ha-mm) were also recorded with the application of 30:30:15 kg
NPK/ha (inorganic) + 30 kg N/ha (FYM). Available NPK kg/ha in soil at harvest were significantly
higher under 30:30:15 kg NPK/ha (inorganic) + 30 kg N/ha (FYM) over control. Oil content,
nitrogen content and protein content (%) in seed do not differ significantly under various nutrient
management treatments but oil yield of mustard was significantly higher with the application of
30:30:15 kg NPK/ha (inorganic) + 30 kg N/ha (FYM) and remained statistically at par with
60:30:15 kg N P K/ha. Our studies suggest a paradigm shift in nutrient management practices and
strategies for attaining higher yield, nutrient use efficiency, economic profitability with lower
environmental footprints.

This research utilized various statistical tools to analyze and predict the area and production of
pomegranate crops in Himachal Pradesh, India. The secondary data on the area and production of
pomegranate in Himachal Pradesh were collected from Directorate of Horticulture, Shimla, for the
period 2001-2023. To analyze trends, various regression models including linear, non-linear, and
time-series models were employed. The statistically most suited regression models were selected
based on adjusted R 2 , RMSE, significant regression co-efficient, and Theil’s inequality. The annual
growth rate were was analysed analyzed using the linear and compound models, which indicated an
increasing growth rate in both area and production. Appropriate time-series models were fitted after
judging the data for stationarity. The statistically appropriate model was selected on the basis ofbased
on various goodness of fit criteria viz. AIC, BIC, RMSE, MAPE, and MAE. The cubic model was
found to be the best fit for predicting both the area ( 2 = 0.99) and production ( 2 = 0.91) of pomegranate.
In exponential smoothing the Holt’s linear trend models is the best fit for both area (AIC = 274.42)
and production (AIC = 348.41) of pomegranate. The ARIMA models were also applied to forecast
pomegranate area and production. ARIMA (0,2,0) and ARIMA (0,1,1) models were obtained as ideal
models for forecasting area (AIC = 236.51) and production (AIC = 344.63), respectively.