India’s Agriculture Budget for 2025 introduces several new initiatives aimed at strengthening food security and supporting farmers. One of the key programs is the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which focuses on direct cash transfers, technological integration, capacity building, and market linkages to improve farmer welfare. Additionally, the budget includes missions for pulses and cotton production, aiming to boost domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports.

The current study aimed to assess the effects of non-genetic parameters (stage lactation, parity order, and gender of calving) on the persistence of milk production in crossbred. The study was carried out on twenty-eight crossbreed dairy cows in the fields of the University of Khartoum educational farm under unified administrative and nutritional conditions. The cows were in different production parity orders for milk (the second season to the seven season) and physiological status. The results showed that the persistence in milk production was good in the early (99.82%) and midem (93.54%) lactation stages, the percentage of persistence peaked in the second month (102.14%). In addition, this may be attributed to the use of bulls with high breeding values for milk yield. The parity order of crossbred cows had a significant (P<0.05) effect in months two and three The highest lactation persistency (162.67 and 115.20%) was observed in primiparous cows, compared to the multiparous, which reached (140.32 and 111.86%), respectively. The calving of the gender of crossbred cows had a significant (P<0.05) effect in months two and third in the persistency of milk production, the highest lactation persistency (168.93 and 131.98%) was observed in cows giving birth to males, compared to the cows giving birth to females, which reached (126.24 and 117.72%). respectively. For optimal milk production and efficiency, cows with high lactation persistence are preferred.

Purpose: The capacity of ladybird beetles in consuming different aphid species was not clear in Chitwan district. Therefore, a study to understand the efficacy of ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata on different species of aphids was carried out. Methods: A laboratory analysis for three species of aphids namely, black bean aphid Aphis fabae, cucurbit aphid Aphis gossipii, and mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) based on feeding capacity of ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata was conducted at Agriculture

and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal during November 2014 to November. Interrelationship between fluctuating temperature and aphid consumption rate of ladybird beetles was also observed. Results: At average temperature between 17 and 23^oC the maximum feeding of aphids by the beetle was analyzed, and the ladybird beetle consumed highest numbers of mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) followed by black bean aphid Aphis fabae and cucurbit aphid Aphis gossipii during 5-35oC temperature. All the three species of aphids were consumed highest by the adults of the ladybird beetle compared with its larval instars. At any adult stage of adult ladybird beetle the consumption rate of aphid species was highest for mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) followed by black bean aphid Aphis fabae and cucurbit aphid Aphis gossipii. With increase of the age of adult ladybird beetles the capacity of aphid consumption also

increased. Conclusion: Therefore, ladybird beetle C. septempunctata have variable efficacy of aphid consumption based on the temperature parameter and species of aphids.

A comprehensive study was made to assess the agronomic, economic, environmental, and energy efficiencies of direct-seeded rice (DSR) under wet (puddled) condition as compared to the conventional farmers’ practice (FP) of growing puddled transplanted rice (PTR) across different agroecological zones in Assam during sali (kharif) and boro (rabi) seasons. The study revealed that the DSR consistently outperformed the FP-PTR in respect of grain yield, with the highest increase in Barak Valley Zone (BVZ)

by 1.65 t/ha and Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (CBVZ) by 1.35 t/ha while achieving maximum yield in BVZ (5.75 t/ha). Profitability with DSR was also found superior to that of FP-TPR, with the highest record of net profit (` 85,000/ha) in Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone (UBVZ). Agronomic traits, such as effective tillers and grains/panicle were consistently better in DSR, while biomass production ranged from 12.95 to 14.74 t/ha, surpassing that of FP-PTR. Environmental benefits of DSR were evidenced in terms of reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with lowering of total emissions by 29.5% as compared to that

of FP-PTR. Carbon dioxide (CO^₂) emissions dropped by 53.4%, whilst methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions reduced by 7.7 and 9.6%, respectively, positioning DSR as a climate-smart production practice. Energy analyses highlighted the sustainability of DSR, requiring lower input energy (13.6 GJ/ ha) than that of FP-PTR (17.8 GJ/ha) while generating higher output energy (279.2 GJ/ha) as compared to that of FP-PTR (216.7 GJ/ha). Net energy gains (265.5 GJ/ha) and energy use efficiency (20.5) were significantly higher in DSR, showcasing its economic and environmental advantages. However, energy

productivity (grain yield per input energy) showed marginal differences with DSR (18.3 kg/MJ), being slightly lower than that of FP-PTR (18.7 kg/MJ). Overall, DSR demonstrated superior performance in terms of productivity, profitability, GHG mitigation, and energy efficiencies, making it a sustainable proposition over conventional rice production system. Further research is needed to optimize zone-specific DSR production practices with moderate yield and economic gains, especially in Lower Brahmaputra

Valley Zone (LBVZ) and Hill Zone (HZ) to catalyze widespread adoption across the state of Assam.

The development of chilli hybrids which can offer the great yields and fruit quality is the current research in chilli breeding. Based on mean performance, the evaluated hybrids varied significantly for all the studied traits. On the basis of analysis of variance, significant differences were recorded for all the studied traits. The results from the present investigation on the per se performance of twelve genotypes of chilli revealed that the cross Tejaswini × VNR-145 was found superior in terms of number of fruits per plant

and fruit yield per plant followed by Tejaswini × VNR-305 which expressed superior performance for fruit width and fruit yield per plant.

Mungbean dry root rot incited by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid is the most destructive seed and soil borne disease which appears every year and causes heavy losses in yield. Present investigation was carried out in screenhouse pot condition for histopathology of mungbean plant roots (variety MH 318) inoculated with Glomus hoi (mycorrhiza) and M. phaseolina using microscopy. In the present study, three treatments inoculated with mycorrhiza, M. phaseolina and control plant roots were observed.

Among them mycorrhizal-inoculated roots, interwoven fungal mycelium, arbuscules and vesicles were observed within cortical cells, resulting in a compacted cortex, while these structures were absent in control roots. The pericycle, located beneath the endodermis and consisting of one to two cell layers, remained unaffected by mycorrhizal colonization. The vascular bundles, containing xylem, phloem and occasional parenchymal cells, were structurally consistent in both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal roots,

indicating that mycorrhizal inoculation did not impact the plant’s vascular transport system. In contrast, pathogen-infected roots exhibited disrupted epidermal and cortical cells. These findings contribute to understanding the structural dynamics of mycorrhizal and pathogenic interactions in mungbean roots.

A field experiment carried out in Vegetable Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India follows a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest application of Sodium-Para-Nitrophenolate on growth and yield characters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. ‘Swarna Ageti’ during Kharif 2019. The treatments including various doses of Sodium-Para-Nitrophenolate i.e. 0.1% SL (T1), 0.2% SL (T2), 0.3%

SL (T3), 0.4% SL (T4), 0.5% SL (T5) and untreated control (T7) applied at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) with replications each. The results revealed that the treatment T5 viz. Sodium-Para-Nitrophenolate 0.5% SL was found to be the most effective treatment, which significantly influenced the number of primary branches per vine, vine length, days to the appearance of first male and female flower, days to 50% flowering, number of male and female flowers per plant, and sex ratio as compared to control. In

addition, treatment T5 also increased the yield parameters of cucumber such as fruit length & width, average fruit weight, yield per plot and overall yield.

Forty bread wheat varieties released by various agricultural institutes in India were evaluated under timely and late sowing with normal as well as restricted irrigation conditions for two consecutive years; 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications at Research Area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Data for average grain yield per plant was collected for all varieties under all the environments and analyzed for stability using Eberhart and Russell Model. Based on this model, varieties viz. HI 1620, NIAW 3170, PBW 676, BRW 3806, DBW 222, WH1124, HD 3298, WH 1142 and DBW 221 were found most stable for all the environments. HD 3059 with an above average grain yield and regression value greater than one was found the most suitable variety for timely sowing and well irrigated conditions. Another variety, PBW 771 with significantly lower regression than one

was recommended for areas with low water availability and late sown conditions (poor environment).

A study on morphological characteristics of 27 (Gladiolus spp.) varieties under open field conditions at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with five replications. The study revealed significant variability among cultivars. In growth parameters, Red Beauty had the highest number of sprouts per hill, Dhanvantari attained maximum plant height and Mohini produced the

longest leaf. Flowering traits also varied significantly, with Chandni showing the earliest spike emergence and last floret opening, while Red Beauty had the earliest 1st floret opening. Pink Friendship had the largest 1st floret diameter and Flevo Souvenir had the largest last floret. Snow Princess produced the maximum florets per spike, Priscilla had the longest flowering duration and Dhanvantari had the longest spike. In corm yield, Shubhangini had the highest cormels weight per hill, whereas, IIHR recorded the

maximum corms per hill and American Beauty had the largest corm diameter. These findings highlight the genetic diversity among gladiolus cultivars, aiding in the selection of high-performing varieties for commercial cultivation and market potential.

Climate change is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, with significant implications for food security, water supply, and ecosystems. In Madhya Pradesh, India, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and shifting monsoon dynamics are affecting agriculture and water resources, exacerbating vulnerabilities in both rural and urban communities. This Paper examines the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on agriculture and water resources, and local ecosystems in Madhya Pradesh, focusing on the adaptation strategies employed by communities dependent on natural resources. We explore the role of indigenous knowledge in predicting seasonal weather patterns, which helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions, such as drought or excessive rainfall. Additionally, we assess agricultural practices that have evolved over generations, such as the cultivation of drought resistant

crops and crop diversification, which enhances resilience to climate variability. The paper also discusse 

the challenges faced by forest-dependent communities due to increased forest fires, water scarcity, and degradation of natural resources. Climate change adaptation is thus crucial at the local level, where community-based approaches, including the promotion of climate-resilient crops and sustainable water management are essential for mitigating the impacts. This study emphasizes the need for integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research and policy

Precision agriculture and horticulture have been transformed by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which make it possible to precisely monitor, map, and manage agricultural fields. From crop management and irrigation to yield monitoring and soil sampling, GNSS guarantees accurate and effective resource use. Variable rate technology (VRT), nutrient management, and soil moisture prediction have advanced uses for GNSS technologies such as Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and interferometric

reflectometry. By integrating with robotics and remote sensing, GNSS improves autonomous operations and environmental monitoring in orchards and vineyards. With its unmatched accuracy, efficacy, and affordability, GNSS is also essential for land surveying and planning. Innovation is being fueled by the combination of GNSS with other technologies such as UAVs, LiDAR, and GIS, which is converting conventional farming methods into sophisticated, sustainable systems. This study emphasizes the

various ways that GNSS is used in horticulture and agriculture, highlighting how important it is to the advancement of contemporary farming methods.