Khulna Agricultural University

The convergence of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining animal nutrition by enabling precision feeding systems that are individualized, data-driven, and sustainability-oriented. This review synthesizes recent advances in multi-omics technologies, sensor-based monitoring, and machine learning applications across feed formulation, health surveillance, and production optimization. Precision feeding in pigs has been shown to reduce production costs by more than 8

Environmental decision-makers increasingly confront non-stationary systems where predictive models fail, yet management actions remain urgent. Conventional approaches assume sufficient data and stability for forecasting, but these assumptions are often violated in data-limited contexts of the Global South. We present a diagnostic forecasting framework that acknowledges irreducible uncertainty and provides decision-support tools for adaptive governance. Rather than pursuing complex models that may produce misleading precision under irreducible uncertainty, our framework emphasizes diagnostic capacity: understanding system state, identifying stressors, decomposing uncertainty, and preparing for plausible futures. Applied to a 35-year wetland fisheries dataset from Bangladesh, model selection uncertainty contributed 40

Heavy metal (HM) contamination and climate-induced abiotic stresses have emerged as interconnected global challenges that threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Industrial emissions, agrochemical misuse, and wastewater irrigation contribute to the accumulation of toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury in soils, where they disrupt nutrient cycling and impair plant metabolism. Simultaneously, drought and salinity, exacerbated by climate change, alter soil moisture and ion balance, enhancing metal bioavailability and toxicity. The combined effects of these stresses intensify oxidative damage, inhibit photosynthesis, and reduce crop yield. Plants employ multifaceted defense mechanisms, including activation of antioxidant enzymes, osmolyte accumulation, and regulation of metal transporters, supported by hormonal and transcriptional networks. Recent studies also highlight the role of stress memory and epigenetic regulation in enabling cross-tolerance and long-term adaptation. Sustainable mitigation strategies integrate biological, chemical, and genetic approaches to reduce HM uptake and enhance resilience. Phytoremediation, biochar amendment, and the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria improve soil quality and stress tolerance, while molecular breeding and CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing accelerate the development of dual-resistant crop varieties. This review consolidates current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying HM uptake, toxicity, and plant adaptation under concurrent abiotic stresses, emphasizing the need for integrated, climate-smart, and biotechnological interventions to ensure sustainable crop production and ecosystem restoration in contaminated agroecosystems.

This study evaluates seasonal variations in surface water quality and heavy metal contamination in the southern coastal region of Bangladesh, specifically in Amtali and Kalapara. Water samples were collected during summer, monsoon, and winter to assess physicochemical parameters, Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), and heavy metal concentrations (Cd, As, Cu, Pb, and Cr). The updated WQI and IWQI values indicate that seasonal changes influence water quality and irrigation suitability. Monsoon samples exhibited the best water quality with WQI values ranging from 17.88 ± 6.37 in summer to 46.04 ± 16.96 in winter at Amtali, and from 26.45 ± 17.73 in summer to 60.51 ± 31.47 in winter at Kalapara, reflecting shifts from “good” to “unsuitable” conditions. The IWQI, however, remained in the “excellent” to “good” range across all seasons, with mean values of 22.27 ± 19.02 during the monsoon and 41.36 ± 7.59 in winter at Kalapara, indicating suitability for irrigation. Heavy metal concentrations were highest in winter, with Cd levels rising from 1.20 µg/L in summer to 2.15 µg/L in winter, exceeding WHO limits. Arsenic ranged from 0.10 to 0.50 µg/L, well below the WHO threshold of 10 µg/L. Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) also showed elevated concentrations in winter. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted that rock-water interactions, evaporation, and anthropogenic inputs were significant contributors to seasonal variations in water quality. This study concludes that the monsoon and pre/post-monsoon seasons are the most favorable for crop irrigation in the region, minimizing the risk of heavy metal accumulation and salinity. It provides critical baseline data for sustainable water management and agricultural planning in coastal Bangladesh with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables present a major challenge in developing countries due to limited infrastructure and widespread use of synthetic chemicals, leading to food waste, economic decline, and health hazards. Plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils have emerged as promising, eco-friendly options for preserving and improving the quality of horticultural crops after harvest. This overview consolidates current knowledge on the chemical diversity, functional applications, and cellular mechanisms of plant extracts in preventing spoilage, slowing ripening, and maintaining the nutritional and sensory qualities of fruits and vegetables. Comparative analyses in selected developing nations highlight the seriousness of postharvest losses and the necessity for environmentally sustainable solutions. The review examines recent advancements, practical applications, and challenges like performance inconsistency, standardization, and scalability related to the use of botanical extracts. Future outlooks focus on integrating plant extracts with emerging technologies and ensuring these solutions reach smallholder farmers. Overall, plant extracts offer a sustainable route to environmentally friendly and safer postharvest management, which can bolster food security and foster responsible agriculture in the developing world. To unlock their full potential, further research should aim to develop standardized extraction techniques, optimize formulations, and enhance policy and technological support for large-scale implementation in developing countries.