Agriculture remains the principal rhythm of the Indian economy and is at the center of the socio-economic development of the country accounting around 19 per cent of the GDP and about 67 per cent of the population is reliant on the sector. With a vibrant and proactive government at the centre, India’s agriculture sector has been witnessing forceful growth with an average yearly growth rate of 4.6 per cent over the last six years. This has facilitated the agriculture and allied activities sector to put in significantly towards the country overall growth, development and food security.

The present study evaluates the effect of different embryo culture media on early embryonic developmental competence in cattle. In vitro techniques for the development of cattle embryo involves in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization, and culture of presumptive zygotes for early embryonic development. The cattle ovaries were collected from Kolkata slaughterhouse and immature oocytes were aspirated by follicular aspiration technique. After collection, these COCs were thoroughly washed in washing media before transferring them into IVM media droplets where they were cultured for 24 hours in CO2 incubator at 5% level of CO2 and at 38.5 °C with the maximum humidity. The in vitro matured oocytes were coincubated with processed and capacitated sperm for 14-18 hr. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes were washed to remove the cumulus layer surrounding the zygotes, and cultured in IVC media. Three different culture media i.e. (TCM-199, BO-IVF and mCR2aa) were used for early embryonic development.

The cleavage rate was higher in TCM-199 (74.47±9.63a) and mCR2aa (71.64±10.03a) medium as compared to BO-IVF medium (53.56±3.64b). Morula development rate was significantly higher in TCM-199 (35.39±1.467c) and BO-IVF (26.83±2.18d) medium as compared to mCR2aa (22.83±2.9d) medium. Blastocyst formation rate was observed significantly higher (P<0.05) in BO-IVF medium (14.17±2.85f) compared to TCM-199 (4.63±0.6301e) but not with mCR2aa (10.72±5.42f) culture medium. From the present study it could be concluded that all three culture media are able to produce blastocyst, but BO-IVF and mCR2aa media showed higher potential to produce blastocyst in contrast to TCM-199 media. 

The present investigation entitled “Development and process standardization of functional spread from multi-seeds” was carried out in the Department of Food Technology, Parul University of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, India. The functional spread was developed from multi-seeds like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and evaluated for their quality and storage stability. The developed product was analyzed for various physico-chemical attributes including, FT-IR technique used for ascertaining functional groups and morphology of spread. FT-IR spectra showed 3621.87 cm-1 which represent OH group, 3585.98 cm-1 are observed which showed NH2 groups present in product. 2934.21 cm-1 in which indicates the presence of aromatic carbon group present and 1639.29 cm-1 shows the presence of CO group present in the product. The developed functional spread was stored for 30 days at refrigeration (4oC) and ambient condition (18-38oC) in air-tight containers. The moisture content, ash, fat and protein was found to be 40.8 per cent, 1.5 percent, 23.46 per cent and 18.36 per cent respectively. At ambient temperature, the functional spread showed significant rise in its moisture content to 41.0 per cent. The ash content, fat and protein showed decreasing trend to 1.43 per cent, 23.40 per cent and 18.30 per cent respectively. The increase in moisture was less at refrigeration temperature i.e., 40.93 per cent. Also the fat, protein and ash content were decreased to 23.42 per cent, 18.33 and 1.45 per cent respectively. Thus refrigeration temperature could be regarded as better storage temperature as it could retain maximum amount of nutrients. The spread was best for consumption up to 30 and 15 days at refrigeration and ambient condition, respectively. The cost of production of spread was found to be cheaper than the spreads available in the market. The particular spread contains healthier ingredients without any animal fats in it. Therefore, it is recommended that the spread definitely have enhanced

nutraceutical and anti-oxidant properties and the consumption of these food items could tackle the issues related to CVD, obesity and Vitamin-E deficiency. 

The mountainous regions of Uttarakhand are home to unique ecosystems and indigenous communities. However, they also confront low capacity to cope with environmental and socioeconomic changes, resulting in increased poverty, vulnerability to hazards, and other challenges. Limited access to finance, inadequate policies, and a lack of awareness hinder the transition to a green economy. Despite these challenges, there are significant feasible opportunities to promote sustainability in Uttarakhand. Renewable energy transition, including the hydro power, can contribute to reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. Emphasizing energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries can lead to substantial energy savings. Sustainable agriculture practices, nature conservation, and responsible tourism can protect the region’s rich biodiversity and create economic opportunities. Present study provides an overview of the green economy challenges and feasible opportunities based on pair wise ranking preference in Uttarakhand. By embracing these feasible opportunities, the state can achieve sustainable development, preserve its natural heritage, and improve the well-being of its mountain communities.

Investigation on Assessment of avoidable losses due to insect-pests in staggered sown okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench crop was carried out at Agronomy Farm, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during summer season 2021. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, with five different time of sowing ((S1- 12th February, S2- 22th February, S3- 8th March, S4- 22th March and S5- 8th April) as a main plot treatments and two levels of protection (P0 – Unprotected and P1- Protected) as a sub plot treatment with three replications using okra cultivar, GAO-5 . Protected condition registered higher yield (2260 to 12431 kg/ha) as compared to unprotected condition (1550 to 6500 kg/ha) in crop sown during different time. Avoidable loss due to insect pests was maximum (56.29%) when okra crop sown during 4th week of February (S2) whereas it was lowest (31.41%) in late sown crop i.e. 2nd week of April (S5). Hence, it is advisable to grow okra crop during the end of February month to get maximum advantage from insect pest.

Industry 4.0 otherwise called as Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, including cyber physical systems, the internet of things, cloud computing and cresting the smart factory. In the earlier three industrial revolutions, introduction of steam powered engines, steel and electricity, electronics and computers, and conversion of analoguemechanical technology to digital-automation software happened. In this fourth industrial revolution, emphasis on integration of digital technology with the new level of interconnectivity through IOT devices, cloud computing, robotics etc. is envisioned. As this Industry 4.0 concept overwhelms all walks of life, its role in modern agriculture in general and pest management in particular draws admirable attention. IOT devices in traps and other material will give an accurate data of collected pest up to date

and enhance the pest management practices as integrated in Picusan trap for managing Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. In another example, based on the wing beat frequency, optical sensor differentiates Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae with 99 per cent accuracy. Automatic count system to monitor the dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis in field level is also developed. Similarly, to monitor and trap various lepidopteran and dipteran insects, Trap view, Trap view Aura, Spensa z trap and Spensa sentinal traps are developed. GUPSY (Global Urban Positioning and Sensor system) bedbug monitoring system and RADAR (Rodent Activated Detection and Riddance) developed by Rentokil successfully embraced Industry 4.0 in pest management. Use of autonomous robots in pest monitoring and detection will give real time data there by achieving effective pest management. AI based neural networks used for image processing as done in Asian citrus psyllid monitoring and termite identification highlights the importance and practical use of this technology. 3D printed pod bug developed to release Rhinoncomimus latipes, a biocontrol agent

of Mile – minute weed using unmanned Ariel Vehicle is successfully attempted. Cloud computing is mandatory for implementing such Industry 4.0 concepts, as it involves storage and retrieval of big data for further processing by different algorithms. This seminar highlights various components of Industry 4.0 in pest management and their successful utilization with the help of salient case studies. 

This study aims to investigate the constraints faced by the rural community in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan, India, regarding the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission). The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 with the objective of achieving universal sanitation and cleanliness across the country. However, the effectiveness of its implementation in rural areas, particularly in the Hadoti region, has been influenced by various constraints. The study identifies key obstacles

including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to sanitation facilities, cultural and social norms, financial constraints, and inadequate awareness and education. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gather data from a representative sample of rural households in the Hadoti region. The study identified several key constraints that hinder the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The study found that the majority of the farmers were under constraints faced through the personal problems section most of the respondents answered with Lack of information (53.44%), Under constraints faced through social problems section most of respondents answered with Change in people’s mindset or behavior (57.19%) and Under constraints faced through administrative problems, the respondent’s data was mostly received in the lack of encouragement (42.50%). The study also revealed that the farming community of the research area faced various challenges including low education level, insufficient agricultural resources and lack of knowledge of new technology etc.

Instant rice is prepared by soaking followed by precooking and dehydration. Instant rice is rice that has been fully cooked and then dried down to below 12% moisture. Instant rice can then be recooked by the consumer in 2-5 min compared to 20 min required to cook the polished raw rice. The present research is carried out with soaking time (5, 10, 15 and 20 min) and soaking temperature (45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70o C), cooking methods (electric cooker and pressure cooker), cooking duration (4, 8 and 12 min) and drying methods (microwave oven and hot air oven) on the three varieties of long-grain, medium-grain and short grain rice. The cooking is being carried out by pressure cooker, electric for 3, 5 and 8 min and  dried by microwave oven. The cooked rice is dried by hot air oven and by microwave in such a way as to leave the desired degree of porosity and fissuring in the final product. It was observed that the rice samples of short grain variety (BPT 5204) were cooked for 8 min by both electric cooker and pressure

cooker and the reconstitution time varying from 7 min- 8 min were found to be having good texture compared to other samples. The long grain rice cooked for 8 min was comparatively of better quality when compared to the rice samples at other cooking durations of 4 and 12 min. But the reconstitution time of instant rice was observed to be more compared to other two varieties. The best quality of instant rice was found in Short grain rice (BPT 5204) followed by Medium grain rice (Sona Masuri 1768) and then Long Grain rice (NLR 145).

The experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. RPCAU, Bihar during kharif 2019 on sandy loam soil. The soil of the experimental field was calcareous in nature, testing low in Organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The experiment was done by the layout of Randomized Block Design with three replications comprising of eight treatments i.e. T1: Weedy check, T2: Hand weeding at 30 DAS, T3: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1, T4: Post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T5: Post-emergence application of imazethapyr 67.5g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T6: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + hand weeding at 30 DAS, T7: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T8: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin

@1000g/ha + post-emergence application of imazethapyr 67.5 g ha-1 at 25 DAS. The data revealed that significant increase of plant height was recorded under pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS (T7). However, application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 in pre-emergence + hand weeding at 30 DAS (T6) resulted higher Plant dry weight, Crop growth rate, Number of capsules per plant, Grain yield, Straw yield and Harvest index.

The milling studies provide important information for the research associated with rice breeding and post-harvest technology of paddy and rice. It reflects varietal character, harvesting conditions and effect of pre-processing treatments. The milling studies were conducted in the laboratory and the results obtained were compared with the data collected from the rice mill test. The objective was to determine

the milling quality of paddy varieties locally grown; BPT 5204, BPT 1768, 2716, NLR 28523, NLR 9672.

The overuse of chemical fertilisers has devastating effects on agricultural systems and the environment. Thus, environmentally friendly substitutes for chemical fertilisers are needed. The potential contribution of biofertilizer to food security and environmentally sound practises has increased its profile in the agricultural sector. Soil fertility may be improved by the use of biofertilizers, which contain

microorganisms like fungus, bacteria, and protozoa that can fix nitrogen, dissolve phosphorus, and sequester iron. Biofertilizers are made up of microorganisms that are both living and dormant and supply nutrients for plant development. Nitrogen-fixing microbes, phosphorus-mobilising and phosphorussolubilizing microbes, potassium-solubilizing microbes, blue-green algae, and azolla were just some of the biofertilizers discussed in this review, along with their applications in crop production, production processes, and examples of helpful microbes used in biofertilizer industries.

In recent years, Indian mango orchards have experienced falling growth, which has decreased production and yield. Physiological disorders are one of the main challenges to the fruit industry that cause economic losses globally, along with insects, pests and diseases. Mango growers are attempting to switch their cultivation methods from mango to other crops as a result of losing hope in and interest in mango farms. Physiological disorders include abnormal exterior or interior circumstances as well as atypical fruit growth patterns brought on by abiotic causes such as high or low temperature, moisture content, nutritional and hormonal imbalance, faulty pollination or fertilisation etc. The majority of disorders include multiple contributing causes, such as nutrition and environment, however some disorders are primarily brought on by one component. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the origin of a given problem and how to solve it using a particular management strategy. This review not only explains the physiological problems that affect fruit crops and cause significant losses for fruit growers, but it also discusses the management strategies that will undoubtedly aid the farmers in quickly resolving this issue so that they are able to obtain satisfactory financial rewards from mango cultivation.

Powdery mildew is one of the economically important diseases. It causes huge crop losses by adversely affecting quantity as well as quality of several cereals, pulses, vegetable, ornamental, fruit crops. There are certain genera of fungal domain namely species of Erysiphe, Microsphaera, Phyllactinia, Podosphaera, Sphaerotheca, Uncinula etc. The disease primarily infects the aerial plant parts and poses a negative impact on physiological activities. It can effectively be managed through the application of antagonists especially Ampellomyces quisqualis and some other means of on non-chemical nature like milk, natural sulfur, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, metal salts, oils, neem oil, sesame oil, compost tea, and involvement of genes in disease resistance event. This review paper limelight in a precise way the various aspects related to the pathogenic and its antagonist fungi. It deals with updated information of powdery mildew genera with peculiar characteristics. History, biology, infection