Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghatkhed Amravati

Introduction Millets are recognized as “crops of antiquity” due to their resilience to drought, resistance to pests and diseases, and high nutritional value. Often referred to as “nutri-cereals” or “wonder cereals,” they contribute to food, fodder, health, livelihood, ecological, and economic security while maintaining a low water footprint. In India's North Eastern Region (NER), millets have long been integral to tribal food systems and ethnobotanical practices. However, post-Green Revolution factors such as dietary shifts, urbanization, expansion of cash crops, and increased reliance on subsidized rice have led to a substantial decline in millet cultivation and consumption. Methods This study adopted a systematic evidence-based research design combining extensive literature retrieval, screening, and thematic synthesis. Data were collected from scientific databases, government reports, and institutional publications focusing on millet diversity, ethnobotanical uses, cultivation practices, and nutrient management in the NER. Selected studies were analyzed to document traditional uses and assess constraints and opportunities for expanding millet cultivation under changing climatic conditions. Results The analysis revealed that millets hold significant ethnobotanical value among tribal communities, being used for food, beverages, fodder, and traditional medicine. Despite their importance, a considerable decline in cultivation area and consumption patterns was observed over recent decades. Major constraints include soil acidity, limited access to quality seeds, weak market linkages, declining traditional knowledge, and institutional neglect. The findings also indicate that millets offer economic benefits for small and marginal farmers, including reduced livestock feed costs and improved livelihood resilience. Discussion Reviving millet cultivation in the NER presents substantial opportunities to enhance nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Integrating indigenous knowledge with improved nutrient management practices, policy support, and value chain development can facilitate the expansion of millet-based farming systems. The study highlights the need to prioritize conservation of diverse millet species, strengthen research on their nutritional properties, and promote policies to mainstream millets within regional agricultural systems.

Foam mat drying is a new and very effective process for converting liquid into stable fruit powders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of microwave drying parameters on the foam-mat drying behavior and quality of mandarin juice powder. The research findings are based on the production of a high-quality, color-retentive, and energy-efficient fruit powder. Mandarin juice was foamed with guar gum as an emulsifier (0.45 g 100 g −1 ), soy protein isolate (3.30 g 100 g −1 ), and sugar (10 g 100 g −1 ) and whipped for 6 min. The prepared foam was dried under different microwave power levels (from 180 to 900 W) with varied foam thicknesses of 2, 4, and 6 mm. The combination of raised power from microwaves with reduced foam thickness in layers leads to a faster rate of moisture evacuation. The eleven drying models were fitted, and among all models investigated, the Midilli model best represented the drying curves under all conditions studied. The moisture diffusion varied between 0.041 × 10 −9 and 3.29 × 10 −9 m 2 s −1 , and the corresponding energies of activation were found to be 19.68, 19.29, and 18.94 Wg −1 for 2, 4, and 6 mm thicknesses, respectively. The light-yellow hue (L value) of the mandarin powder was found to be between 51.57 and 38.61 at microwave power levels ranging from 180 to 900 W. Ascorbic acid retention rose as microwave power climbed from 180 to 540 W (24.45 mg/100 g to 29.02 mg/100 g), but declined when microwave power increased from 540 to 900 W. Water activity ranged from 0.40 to 0.57. The findings of this study will be valuable to the food processing industry, particularly in the creation of an efficient foam-mat drying process for citrus products. Under these optimum conditions, large-scale productions of good-quality mandarin powder may be achieved, retaining more nutrients, with improved color and increased shelf stability, appropriate for usage in beverages, confectionery, nutraceuticals, and instant food premixes.

This research presents a comprehensive investigation into cost-effective optimization strategies for yarn sizing, with a primary focus on enhancing process efficiency and reducing operational costs within the textile manufacturing sector. Through a combination of field surveys, in-depth interviews with industry professionals, and comparative analyses of both traditional and contemporary sizing methodologies, the study systematically identifies the critical factors influencing sizing performance and fabric quality. Key parameters under scrutiny include the selection of sizing materials, size pick-up percentage, viscosity of sizing baths, and the uniformity of application, all of which directly impact yarn strength, smoothness, hairiness, and weaving efficiency. The research further evaluates the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics in optimizing sizing processes. These technologies are shown to enable more precise control over process variables, reduce waste, and support data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement. In addition, the study explores sustainable alternatives to conventional sizing agents, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of adopting eco-friendly materials and reducing chemical consumption without compromising yarn performance. Findings demonstrate that optimizing sizing formulations and process parameters can significantly enhance weaving efficiency exemplified by a notable reduction in machine stops and warp breaks while simultaneously lowering production costs and minimizing environmental impact. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for textile manufacturers to adopt advanced optimization strategies, leverage AI and automation, and integrate sustainable practices into their sizing operations. These insights provide a roadmap for future research aimed at further improving textile manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.

Rainfed agriculture in the scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh is heavily dependent on small ruminant farming, where traditional sheep housing systems often suffer from poor hygiene, ammonia accumulation, higher disease incidence, and low productivity. To address these constraints, the present study evaluated the economic performance and sustainability of an elevated duplex housing systems integrating with sheep and poultry demonstrated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The study was conducted during 2023–24 at three locations in Nandyal and Kurnool districts using uniform duplex sheds (50 × 32 ft; 1600 sq. feet) constructed with three material combinations: (i) Taddy (Borassus flabellifer) logs with wooden flooring, (ii) Taddy logs with plastic slatted flooring, and (iii) Galvanized iron structures with plastic slatted flooring. Economic analysis included fixed and recurring costs, returns from sheep, poultry, and manure, and depreciation and interest on capital. Performance was assessed using benefit–cost ratio and normalized indices such as Net Return Index, Cost Efficiency Index, Integration Efficiency Index, Livestock Survival Index, and Housing Sustainability Index. Results showed that the duplex system substantially outperformed the traditional system. Construction costs ranged from Rs.384 to Rs.503 per sq. feet, with taddy log–based housing being the most economical. Net annual income after deductions ranged from Rs.3.36 lakh to Rs.32.70 lakh under duplex systems compared to Rs.1.92 lakh in the traditional system. Benefit–cost ratios (1.58-1.92), higher NRI (0.22-0.44), lower CEI (0.020-0.024), IEI values above unity (1.06-1.11), and higher livestock survival (94-97.4%) confirmed superior economic and biological efficiency. The elevated duplex housing system emerges as a profitable, space-efficient, and climate-resilient solution for integrated sheep–poultry farming in rainfed regions.

Sewage water and sludge provide a viable option to meet crop water and nutrient demands in the face of rising climatic stress. Thus, a 2-year field study (2018 and 2019) was conducted to evaluate the effect of sewage water and sludge on soil properties and the growth response of green chili. The experiment comprised nine treatment combinations involving three types of irrigation water: normal water (I 1 ), treated sewage water (I 2 ), untreated sewage water (I 3 ) along with three soil amendments: farmyard manure (FYM) at 25 t ha −1 (SA 1 ), sewage sludge at 25 t ha −1 (SA 2 ), and a mix of sewage sludge at 12.5 t ha −1 + FYM at 12.5 t ha −1 (SA 3 ). Soil-available nutrient status of N, P, and K increased by ˜10%–15%, ˜14%–20%, and ˜13%–18%, respectively, in I 3 and SA 2 . Sewage water and sludge application further improved soil microbial populations, which included actinomycetes, fungi, and bacteria. Concurrently, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) demonstrated a positive influence of irrigation and soil amendments on soil properties. Across both study years, I 3 and SA 2 recorded a higher mean green chili yield, with an improvement of approximately 25% over I 1 and SA 1 . Hence, the findings reveal the feasibility of harnessing sewage water resources as sustainable inputs, advancing both resource efficiency and short-term agricultural sustainability in the region.

Abstract Sustainable growth has emerged as a central objective of global development policy in the face of climate change, resource depletion, and widening socio-economic inequalities. Emerging technologies are increasingly recognized as critical enablers of sustainability by enhancing resource efficiency, promoting inclusive growth, and reducing environmental externalities. This paper examines the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, renewable energy systems, blockchain, green technologies, biotechnology, electric mobility, and digital platforms in fostering sustainable growth. Using a systematic review of thirty national and international studies, policy reports, and institutional publications, the paper synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies thematic trends, and highlights key challenges in technology adoption. The study finds that while emerging technologies significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, issues related to governance, digital divide, cost, and ethical concerns remain major barriers. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for integrating technological innovation with sustainability objectives, particularly in developing economies such as India. Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Sustainable Growth, Green Innovation, Digital Transformation, Inclusive Development

A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the seasonal incidence of major sucking pests of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (mungbean)and their correlation with meteorological parameters under eastern Uttar Pradesh conditions. During the experimental period, incidence of sucking pests of Mungbean was recorded. Studies revealed that incidence of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) was from 31st Standard Meteorological Week (SW). The highest incidence of whitefly was recorded at 37th SW (14.6 whitefly/cage). The incidence of Jassid (Empoasca kerri,) was recorded for the first time on 31st SW and peak incidence was recorded at 36th SW (6.30 jassids/cage). Thrips (Caliothrips indicus) was first time observed during 34th SW. The peak incidence of jassid was recorded at 35th SW with 3.6 per 10 flowers. White fly population had non- significant negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and non-significant and positive correlation with sunshine, relative humidity and rainfall. The correlation between population of jassid and weather parameters revealed that among all the weather parameters only sunshine (r = 0.692*) showed significant positive correlation. Thrips showed a non-significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and relative humidity. There was a positive and non-significant correlation between thrips population and maximum temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours. The findings bring out the influence of specific weather variables on the dynamics of some key sucking pests in mungbean. They bring out the importance of integrating climatic data into pest monitoring and forecasting systems for sustainable crop protection.

The present study investigates the dual impact of microbial biofertilizers on the phenotypic performance and rhizosphere microbiome composition in an onion crop. A pot experiment was conducted with seven treatments of microbial inoculants, such as Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Piriformospora indica, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and control treatments with and without chemical fertilizers. The growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of onion were assessed alongside rhizospheric soil microbiome profiling using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. Significant enhancement in plant height, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and antioxidant enzyme activity with low leaf temperature was observed in plants inoculated with Azotobacter and Azospirillum. Notably, the Azotobacter treatment yielded a significant enhancement in the bulb phenol content. Rhizosphere metagenomic analysis revealed 17 dominant phyla, with Actinobacteria (25.3%), Proteobacteria (22.2%), Firmicutes (12.8%), and Chloroflexi (11.02%) comprising over 70% of the total microbiome. Alpha and beta diversity metrics indicated that microbial inoculation, especially with Azospirillum and PSB, enriched the soil microbial community structure. Distinct clustering and correlations with specific microbial taxa such as Candidatus Nitrososphaera and Pseudomonas were observed in response to individual biofertilizer treatments. This study highlights the potential of biofertilizers not only in enhancing onion growth and development but also in modulating beneficial rhizosphere microbial communities. Integrating biofertilizers into onion production systems could reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable crop management.