AbstractMillets, a broad family of small-seeded grasses, are prized for their high nutritional value and health advantages, which include diabetes control, cardiovascular health, and cancer prevention. People are less familiar with millet-based items, particularly drinks. To offer this, millet drink is viewed as a chance to provide healthful drinks to individuals of various ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The purpose of this study was to develop and standardize Panch Millet Sattu, a millet-based nonfermented beverage made from roasted pearl millet, sorghum, finger millet, foxtail millet, barley, and fennel seeds. Sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis were performed, and the beverage scored more than 8.0 on a 9-point hedonic scale, suggesting excellent customer acceptability. The nutritional analysis found that the beverage had 4.38 per cent protein, 1.02 per cent fat, 24.58 per cent carbs, 2.41 mg iron, and 68.33 mg calcium per 100g. The beverage remained very acceptable for up to 30 days, but microbial growth rose dramatically by the 60th day, compromising sensory properties. The findings indicate that Panch Millet Sattu is a viable, healthy millet-based beverage with strong consumer appeal, while optimal storage conditions are required to sustain quality over time.
AbstractThis study aims to analyze the relationship between the energy crisis and family income among the selected respondents in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The present study was conducted in four villages, namely Banuri, Matehar, Pahara, and Maniyara, located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. The study was also carried out in two municipal councils, namely Nagrota (specifically in two wards: Government Senior Secondary School and Diwan Bagh) and Palampur (specifically in two wards: Janglat and Vidyrathian). The survey aimed to ascertain the perceptions of chosen families on the energy crisis scenario. A sample size of 120 participants was chosen, with 60 individuals recruited from each of the chosen villages and two from the municipal council wards, utilizing a random sampling methodology. In order to collect the required data, a comprehensive interview schedule consisting of four parts was created. The results indicate that both urban and rural individuals strongly concur that their dwellings have the potential to greatly impact energy efficiency.
AbstractCrackers were formulated by different proportions of refined wheat and pumpkin flour i.e. 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25, respectively. Prepared crackers were packed in polypropylene bags and stored at room temperature and subjected to chemical and sensory evaluation at an interval of one month for a period of 3 months. The highest mean crude protein of 8.93 per cent, crude fat of 20.97 per cent, crude fibre of 1.25 per cent, energy of 428.79 Kcal/100g and ß-carotene of 11.28 g/100g, recorded in treatment T6 (75:25:: refined wheat flour: pumpkin flour). In general, decreasing trend was observed in crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, energy and ß-carotene content while as moisture and carbohydrate content increased with the advancement of storage period. Sensory evaluation of crackers revealed that 15% pumpkin flour recorded highest mean score for overall acceptability (6.07).
AbstractRice stands as a fundamental global staple, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security worldwide. Accurate identification of key rice growth stages, including booting, heading, anthesis, grain filling, and grain maturity, holds paramount importance for agricultural decision-making. Nonetheless, a notable gap persists in leveraging red-green-blue (RGB) images for stage recognition. This research leverages cuttingedge computer vision and deep learning techniques, specifically the EfficientNetB0 convolutional neural network algorithm, to bridge this gap effectively. Demonstrating exceptional performance, EfficientNetB0 achieves an impressive overall accuracy of 82.8 percent. A granular examination of growth stages unveils varying accuracy levels, with boot leaf emerging as the most reliably detected stage at 95.1 percent, while anthesis poses the greatest challenge at 72.28 percent. Web tool based on developed EfficientNetB0 model to classify rice panicle stage has been developed using Flask framework of Python. This study marks a significant stride in automated monitoring capabilities, empowering researchers with timely insights for informed decision-making in agriculture.
AbstractMakhana crop is the pride of Bihar as ninety per cent of makhana production in India and eighty-five per cent of the global production comes from Bihar. The present study empirically estimates the attitude of farmers towards makhana based farming system with the help of scores of the socio-economic and socio-psychological profiles of farmers which provides essential resources in promoting favourable attitude of farmers, and making the makhana-based farming system profitable as well as sustainable. Locale of study comprised of districts Purnea and Katihar in Kosi region. One hundred twenty farmers selected randomly for the face-to-face interview with the help of a semi-structured schedule. Data were analysed with the help of statistical software 23. A scale to measure attitude of farmers towards makhana based farming system was constructed using Likert five-point continuum. It was found that the majority of the respondents possessed a favourable attitude scoring 116-140, whereas 15 per cent of the respondents possessed the most favourable attitude towards the Makhana-based farming system scoring greater than 140. 85.29 per cent of the favourable attitude category of farmers came under age category of 40-60 years. 34.1 per cent of the favourable attitude category farmers were least educated having only 1-5 years of education. 41.61 per cent of favourable attitude category of farmers were found in B.C. II cast. 79.24 per cent of the favourable attitude category of farmers were found involve in farming occupation. Among the favourable attitude category of farmers, 63.49 per cent the farmers possessed 15-25 years of farming experience. 85.91 per cent of the favourable attitude farmers were found in the annual income group of Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 1,30,000. Among the favourable attitude 74.27 per cent of the farmers found not receiving any type of training in Makhana cultivation. 47.76 per cent of the favourable attitude farmers have shown medium level of knowledge score (24-27). Knowledge was found to be positively correlated with attitude of farmers towards Makhana based farming system. Attitude is the predisposition to behave therefore favourableness of the attitude of the farmers towards makhana based farming system is precondition for enhancing production, income, and its contribution in economy of Bihar.
AbstractAthletes are individuals who compete in one or more sports that require physical abilities, stamina, and speed. Intense physical training, regular exercise, and adherence to a strict diet are all ways that athletes, keep their bodies in good shape. The primary goal of this study was to assess and compare nutritional status of vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. The study was carried out on the university grounds of the Udaipur district in Rajasthan. A total of 150 respondents were chosen, 50 per cent vegetarian and 50 per cent non-vegetarian, between the age of 18 and 25 years. The study’s findings indicate that there was significant difference in Body Mass Index (BMI), but there was no significant difference in Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) between vegetarian and non-vegetarian athletes. Mean BMI of vegetarian athletes was comparatively lower then non-vegetarian. Overall, the findings suggest that both vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets can support a healthy weight and fat distribution for athletes, although vegetarians might have a slight edge in weight management.
AbstractThe community based participatory watershed management approach adopted in India to address land degradation and to cope up with threat of water scarcity and depleting biodiversity. Watershed based approaches helped in increasing agricultural productivity and showed substantial improvements in rural livelihoods. This study was conducted to identify the indicators responsible for sustainability of community led watershed management projects in rainfed areas in the country. Data was collected from 240 respondents (farmers-200, officials- 40) taken through simple random sampling technique. Friedman test was deployed to quantify the contribution of individual factor in sustainability of community based watershed management programmes. Findings showed that all the influential factors were sub-divided under following major indicators namely; technological, economical, institutional, social and political sustainability of community led watershed management projects and then they were analyzed. Result showed that factors like cost effectiveness of technology, people’s participation, creation of awareness about the watershed, local institutions building, ethical and transparent dealing, signing of memorandum of understanding etc. are crucial factors for sustainability of watersheds. Development agencies should be keep these factors in mind before going for planning and implementation of watershed management projects which is ultimately helps in success and sustainability of community led watershed development projects.
AbstractThe current study presents the constraints faced by member farmers of Farmer Producer Organizations in Bihar. Farmer Producer Organization unites small and marginal farmers and conquers agriculture and marketing hurdles and others. The collective action empowers primary producers as it boosts profits and eliminates middlemen participation. Two FPOs were chosen from Pusa and Kalyanpur blocks of Samastipur district. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was adopted to select 30 member-farmers from each FPO which constitute 60 FPO members. A well-structured interview schedule was prepared to collect the data from 60 member farmers of FPO. Within five broad constraints rank was assigned based on frequency and percentage viz., uncertainty regarding the field-worthiness of FPOs, postponement of profit sharing, absence of adequate storage facilities and others are the major specific constraints faced by members farmers of FPOs. Friedman test results revealed the order of most severe broad constraints faced by FPO members were economic constraint (Friedman Mean Rank, FMR=4.27) was ranked first as constraint, followed by marketing (FMR=3.22), managerial (FMR=3.00), social & psychological (FMR=2.86), and technical (FMR=1.66) constraints respectively. Asymptotic significance was found 0.000 (p<0.001) with chi-square value of 88.011 having 4 degree of freedom. Significance level from Monte Carlo analysis at a 99 percent Confidence Interval (CI) indicates notable variations among the five broad constraints. The study concludes that FPOs should be strengthen with the funds provided by Bihar government as well as NABARD. So, that above-mentioned constraints can be reduced gradually.
AbstractIntellectual Property Rights (IPRs) play a pivotal role in protection innovations and creations of the human mind, encompassing products, processes, and ideas that drive human progress and commercial growth. By protecting novel things of creativity and technological development, IPRs foster innovation across diverse fields, including plant sciences. On the basis of application majority of existing IPR categories, including patents, copyrights, geographical indications (GIs), trade secrets, trademarks, and industrial designs, provide a robust framework for protecting intellectual properties. Specifically, plant breeder rights (PBRs), granted for the development of new crop varieties identified through Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization, which protect innovations meeting criteria of novelty, non-obviousness, and industrial applicability, are critical to advancing agricultural research and development. IPRs provide legal support to protect discoveries, facilitate commercialization, and promote sustainable innovation. On both national and international scales, IPRs enable effective management of agricultural and industrial advancements while addressing global challenges. In plant sciences, mechanisms like Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA), geographical indication (GI) tags, and access-benefit sharing agreements serve as vital mechanism for protecting and promoting innovations. These mechanisms ensure the equitable distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources while fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Effective IPR policies and management strategies are integral to advancing plant science, addressing food security, and sustainable agricultural development.
AbstractArtificial Intelligence has been around since 2000s in one or other form. Agriculture is undergoing a revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered systems are transforming crop and soil monitoring, enabling early detection of diseases and pests. Additionally, AI algorithms analyze vast datasets to predict crop yields, optimize irrigation practices, and recommend tailored nutrient management strategies. Furthermore, AI is facilitating the development of intelligent machinery for automated weeding, targeted spraying, and precise harvesting. Through the analysis of vast datasets, these technologies offer predictive capabilities, aiding in the optimization of planting schedules, irrigation management, and crop monitoring. Moreover, AI-driven solutions facilitate the early detection of plant diseases and pests, mitigating potential losses and reducing reliance on chemical interventions. This paper explores the multifaceted applications of AI in modern farming, its components, Initiatives based on Artificial Intelligence and their effects highlighting its potential to address traditional challenges and optimize agricultural processes.
AbstractBased on information from the National Family Health Survey, the present review compares the nutritional condition of children in different districts of Punjab, India (NFHS). Children’s nutritional health is a crucial sign of their general growth and well-being, reflecting both the socioeconomic environment and the efficacy of public health initiatives. The collected data gives an overview of the prevalence rates of underweight, wasting and stunting in Punjab’s several districts using the most recent NFHS data available. Comparative analysis of these indicators sheds light on regional differences, patterns and possible causes of childhood malnutrition. The results highlight the significance of focused interventions and policies meant to enhance children’s nutritional outcomes throughout Punjab.
AbstractIn the Jammu region, rice (Oryza sativa) is the main cereal crop cultivated on an area of 0.15 million hectare (mha) in kharif season under irrigated condition. A study was conducted in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts of Jammu region to find out the varietal diversity of rice. A sample of 240 rice growers was selected by multistage sampling technique. Majority of farmers in the sub-tropics had cultivated basmati (70%) followed by semi-fine varieties (13%), coarse varieties (9%) and hybrids (8%) in the study area. Extent of adoption of basmati rice was 100, 92 and 84 per cent in the Samba, Jammu and Kathua districts. Extent of adoption with respect to area was basmati (72%) followed by semi-fine varieties (14%), coarse varieties (7%) and hybrids (7%). Basmati varieties cultivated were Basamti-370 and Pusa-1121. Semi-fine, coarse varieties and hybrids of rice were also cultivated by the rice growers in the study area. The semi- fine variety Sharbati was cultivated by 12.5 per cent of the farmers in Kathua and Samba districts each, whereas in Jammu district 21.25 per cent of the farmers cultivated Sharbati rice. The coarse varieties Jaya and PR-113 were cultivated by 5 per cent and 33.8 per cent of the farmers respectively in Kathua district. None of the farmer in Samba and Jammu districts cultivated these coarse varieties. In hybrids, Dhanya 748 was cultivated by 11.25 per cent of the farmers of Kathua district and only 1.25 per cent of the farmers of Samba district cultivated this hybrid. Other hybrids like Dhanya 834 was cultivated by 2.5 per cent each was cultivated by Jammu and Samba districts. The other rice hybrid VNR 2355 was cultivated by 7.5 per cent of the rice growers in Jammu district. None of the farmers of Kathua district cultivated hybrid rice Dhanya 834 and VNR 2355.The mean varietal diversity of rice crop in the study area was 0.131±0.009 calculated by using Thiel’s entropy index. The mean varietal diversity index of Jammu, Samba and Kathua was 0.103, 0.127 and 0.161, respectively. The difference in mean varietal diversity index of rice between Jammu and Kathua was 0.056 which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.011). The varietal diversity in rice crop is on the lower side, especially in Jammu district. This could be due to because of the farmers predominantly cultivating Pusa-1121 and Basmati-370.
AbstractThe present study was conducted to identify the reasons why farmers are getting trapped in vicious cycle debt in Punjab State (India). The results are based on the data collected from 200 farm families representing five agro climatic zones of Punjab namely zone I (sub - mountain undulating zone), zone II (undulating plain zone), Zone III (central plain zone), Zone IV (western plain zone) and zone V (western zone) through structured interview schedule. The study revealed that majority (67.0%) of farm families had annual income less than four lakhs. Majority of farm families had availed loan from different sources. Institutional sources primarily through commercial banks became the major source (99.9%) for rural credit in Punjab. Large majority (81.6%) of families were in debt of less than 5 lakhs. It was found that the highest percentage (40.8%) of families used agricultural loan for construction of house followed by 15.2 per cent using it for marriage of a family member. Very low percentage (5.6%) used it to purchase farm input and machinery and to pay for lease to the landlord (8.8%), whereas a negligible percentage (1.6%) used it to purchase land. Its use for purchase of livestock was made by few families (2.4%) or to start some enterprise. There is a need to create a positive financial environment with ease to borrow from the institutional sources.
AbstractThe research was conducted in 2022 in two blocks of Varanasi district of Eastern Uttar- Pradesh. The pretested interviewing method used for data collection and descriptive research design to analyze the Marketing Behaviour of Farmers in Varanasi. A total of 120 respondents were chosen for the study. Marketing Behaviour of farmers was measured by using a 3-point continuum on Likert scale with the help of 14 statements. The finding revealed that majority of (43.33%) respondents were having medium of marketing behavior followed by 41.66 per cent and 15.00 per cent of respondents were having low and high level of marketing behavior, respectively. In correlation analysis it was found that land holding size, Number of crops grown by farmers, Area under irrigation, Cost of irrigation, Price related information through cosmopolite, Price related information through mass media, Agri- related information through cosmopolite and Agri related information through mass media had strong and meaningful relationship with marketing behaviour at 1 percent level of significance while in Chi- Square analysis education, occupational details and Status of Scheme beneficiary had strong and meaningful relationship with marketing behaviour at 5 percent level of significance. Consequently, farmers in these blocks may benefit from enhanced marketing behavior to optimize their agricultural activities effectively.
AbstractThe age of information and technology (IT), commonly known as the 21st century, is currently in effect. There are scientific and technological components in every aspect of life. Every discipline is experiencing a large global flow of new information. In order to make teaching and learning successful and pleasurable for both teachers and students, the educational sector now makes considerable use of information and technology. Teachers are the cornerstone of any society that is able to function. Technology plays a significant role in teacher preparation programs. In this review the present study on five selected districts of Punjab was conducted. From each district, forty teachers were selected for conducting research. Accessibility and extent of use of ICT tools by the school teachers were measured. The data revealed that almost all the ICT tools were accessible to all the teachers in the school. Teachers had medium level of extent of using ICT tools. Maximum teachers were using ICT tools for the purpose of contacting and teaching students. Major changes were seen with the implementation of ICT tools in the school further leading the traditional education style into a modern pedagogy.
AbstractFor measuring the satisfaction level of the students of SKNAU, Jobner regarding Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE), a sample of 60 students from both types of colleges were selected using simple random sampling through proportional allocation method then a schedule was prepared by consulting various experts and through research reviews. Thus, this schedule included 35 satisfaction-based questions. The investigation revealed that majority of students of constituent colleges (81.67%) had medium satisfaction level whereas, 18.33 per cent students of constituent colleges were having poor satisfaction level regarding RAWE. Among different statements of satisfaction level, the statements “RAWE placement to be decided in consultation with the students” with 99.17 MPS was found to the highest level of the satisfaction of students of constituent colleges, followed by “Oral examination at the end of RAWE Programme” (98.33 MPS) Whereas the statements “ Use of ICT tools by farmers in the village” and “Placement of students every year in same village to be avoided” (75.83 and 45.83 MPS respectively) was found to the least level of satisfaction of students of constituent colleges. A significant difference was found in the satisfaction level of students of constituent and affiliated colleges regarding at most statements of RAWE. The results could be improved using the increase in sample size and the sample taken from other universities too.
AbstractIndia’s eating patterns and cooking methods have seen tremendous transformation in the last several years due to social progress, urbanization, and cultural shifts. The stress of their busy life led people to choose meals and cooking techniques that were easy, quick, and time-saving. In India, there were 261 million ready-to-eat and prepare food market in 2017 which has been increasing ever since. The current investigation had the objective of formulating MMP based RTC custard premix as consumable millet-based goods produced using conventional processing techniques provide a beneficial supplement for a more nutritious way of life. Along with a control, three test combinations T1, T2 and T3 were developed at ratio 50:50, 20:80 and 100 per cent MMP, wherein T3 premix was most acceptable. All the test combinations had moisture content less than five per cent and had no significant difference in their mean acceptable scores taken on 0th, 30th, and 60th day indicating a long shelf life.
AbstractCitrus fruits are a significant horticultural crop globally, with 10 per cent of India’s total fruit growing area, only behind bananas and mangos in terms of production. Haryana is rapidly emerging as an important player in India’s horticultural industry, with citrus cultivation gaining traction as a lucrative endeavour. Diversifying land use, providing higher returns per unit area, creating jobs, and meeting nutritional needs have all been demonstrated benefits of this sector. The article drew upon secondary information thorough a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with citrus cultivation in Haryana, as well as an assessment of the overall effect on farmer’s socio-economic welfare. Essentially, the aim was to present a thorough examination of the multifaceted aspects of citrus cultivation in India, with a special emphasis on Haryana.
AbstractA field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 in North Bihar under farmer’s field condition, to find out efficacies of neem-based pesticide and white polypropylene bunch cover for management of banana fruit and leaf scarring beetle Basilepta subcostatum (Jacoby) damaging the crop severely in the region particularly in kharif season. The study indicated that weather conditions play an important factor in the intensity of the infestation. It has been found the spray of azadirachtin (5 ml/L) and use of bunch cover were highly effective. However, covering the banana bunches with white polypropylene cover was found to be more effective in terms of mean fruit infestation (9.71%), number of scarring beetles per plant (3.45), pulp-peel ratio (3.78), and benefit-cost ratio (3.90). The findings suggested that this eco-friendly management strategy can be adopted by using bunch cover for production of quality banana fruits.
AbstractThe study aimed to assess job satisfaction perceptions among faculty members at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, examining their correlation with personal profiles. A sample of 160 faculty members across various university branches was randomly selected from compiled rosters. A tailored questionnaire, aligned with research objectives, gathered responses on a three-point continuum to gauge perceptions. Statistical analyses, including Mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient, were applied to explore relationships between variables. Results indicated that a significant portion (85) of teachers fell within the 42-57 age range, with 80.00 per cent being male, 97.50 per cent married, and 50.63 per cent holding Professor Positions. Additionally, observations highlighted specific salary brackets, service tenure, educational qualifications (Ph.D.), residential settings (urban vs. rural), and family structures (nuclear vs. joint). The findings revealed 71.88 per cent of teachers expressing moderate job satisfaction. Notably, age negatively correlated, while gender showed a positive and significant correlation with job satisfaction levels, as evidenced in the analysis. These outcomes offer insights into the nuanced interplay between personal profiles and job satisfaction among faculty members.
