Background: The continuing adoption of the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) and indiscriminate use of inorganic fertiliser has led to a decrease in soil fertility, an increase in multiple micronutrient deficiencies, a decrease in the water table and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Indo Gangetic Plains. Adoption of crop diversification strategies, including legumes in cropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage and sustainable crop production in aforesaid ecologies. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 in a split-plot design comprising four cropping systems (CS) i.e., rice-wheat, rice-berseem, pearl millet-oats-moong bean and maize-cowpea-wheat in main plots; and four nutrient management (NM) practices i.e., 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertiliser), 100% RDF + cow urine (foliar spray), 100% RDF + PGPR (seed treatments) and 75% RDF + cow urine + PGPR were assigned in sub-plots with three replications of each treatment. Result: Investigations revealed that the significantly highest system productivity, net returns and higher nutrient availability were obtained under the rice-berseem cropping system with 100% RDF + PGPR treatment. The magnitude of increment in system productivity of the rice–berseem cropping system was 35.06, 57.87 and 87.29% over rice-wheat, maize-cowpea-wheat and pearl millet-oats-moong bean cropping system, respectively. The legume-based cropping system has strengthened and sustained crop productivity and profitability. The results of the present work confirmed that the adoption of legume-based crop diversification has significantly alleviated the crop yield of dairy-based farming systems.

The experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2021 at Farm unit 5, Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P. (India) to evaluate the effect of tillage and nutrient management strategies on maize productivity. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 2 tillage options i.e., Conventional tillage (CT) and Raised beds planting (RBP) as main plots and 5 nutrient management practices, viz. FP (Farmer practice), ST (State recommendation), STBR (soil test-based recommendation), NE (Nutrient expertTM) 6t/ha and NE 7 t/ha were assigned in sub-plots with 3 replications. The RBP recorded significantly higher yield attributes, viz. cob girth (16.8 cm), grain row/cob (16.2), grain/row (40.6), no. of grain/cob (700.1), grain weight/cob (162.7 g) over CT. Similarly, significantly higher grain (7.22 t/ha), stover (11.01 t/ha), cob (9.72 t/ha), biological yield (20.70 t/ha), total uptake of N, P and K, gross return, net return and B: C ratio was noted in RBP than CT. The yield attributes, yield parameters nutrient uptake and economics in maize were significantly influenced by nutrient management techniques. The maximum yield attributes, viz. cob girth, grain row/cob, grain/row, no. of grain/cob, grain weight/cob and yield were recorded under NE @7 t/ha. Similarly, total uptake of N, P and K, gross return, net return and B: C ratio was noted NE @7 t/ha than remaining other treatment. Overall, results revealed that growing maize on permanent raised bed along with NE @ 7 t/ha is a promising option for sustaining the productivity of maize intensively grown in Upper Gangetic Plains of India.

Present study focuses on improving maize productivity, economics, and energy efficiency in the Indo-Gangetic Plains through the integration of CA, precision nitrogen and water management. Maize grain yield significantly differed among treatments, with CA outperforming CT by 13.3%, recording the highest yield with optimal N application (N3) and irrigation at 25% DASM. The CA incurred 23.7% lower cultivation costs (₹30,421/ha) compared to CT. Gross returns and net returns were higher under CA (₹1,16,007/ha and ₹85,586/ha) with a net benefit ratio of 2.78, showcasing its economic viability. Energy efficiency was a crucial aspect considered, with CA proving to be 33.1% more energy-efficient than CT. In different irrigation regimes, CA with W2 treatment exhibited superior energy parameters. The study also highlighted the significance of optimal N scheduling (N3) in achieving higher economic returns (₹97,927/ha) compared to conventional N splits (N1) and its integration. The most effective integration involved combining CA with precision N management (75% basal, GreenSeekerTM-guided top dressing) and irrigation at 25% DASM, resulting in higher grain yield (7.21 t/ ha), gross returns (₹132,497/ha), and impressive energy output (230,831 MJ/ha). In conclusion, CA, especially when combined with optimal irrigation and nitrogen management, not only enhances maize yield and economic returns but also proves to be more energy-efficient, promoting sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices. The study recommends this integrated approach for enhancing maize productivity, energy efficiency and economic returns.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a prevalent grain crop in the dry parts of Asia and Africa. It prolongs to be a staple food and is known locally as “Ragi” in southern states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, especially in Karnataka. It serves as fodder as well as grain. Its grain is the richest source of calcium and it is utilized in a wide range of food products, including cakes, puddings, sweets, and other baked products. There are many homemade products prepared with finger millet and some of the well-known products are ragi roti, ragi dosa, ragi balls, ragi porridge, ragi upma, ragi cakes, and ragi biscuits. In addition, it is used to manufacture beer and liquor (known as arake or areki in Ethiopia), and also its different products are fed to animals. Due to its high fiber, mineral, vitamin, macro and micro-nutrient, phytochemicals contents, and its endowing ability to fight off chronic diseases. A cheap, satisfying, and healthful diet can be made by including finger millet in a regular diet.

Present study focuses on improving maize productivity, economics, and energy efficiency in the Indo-Gangetic Plains through the integration of CA, precision nitrogen and water management. Maize grain yield significantly differed among treatments, with CA outperforming CT by 13.3%, recording the highest yield with optimal N application (N3) and irrigation at 25% DASM. The CA incurred 23.7% lower cultivation costs (₹30,421/ha) compared to CT. Gross returns and net returns were higher under CA (₹1,16,007/ha and ₹85,586/ha) with a net benefit ratio of 2.78, showcasing its economic viability. Energy efficiency was a crucial aspect considered, with CA proving to be 33.1% more energy-efficient than CT. In different irrigation regimes, CA with W2 treatment exhibited superior energy parameters. The study also highlighted the significance of optimal N scheduling (N3) in achieving higher economic returns (₹97,927/ha) compared to conventional N splits (N1) and its integration. The most effective integration involved combining CA with precision N management (75% basal, GreenSeekerTM-guided top dressing) and irrigation at 25% DASM, resulting in higher grain yield (7.21 t/ ha), gross returns (₹132,497/ha), and impressive energy output (230,831 MJ/ha). In conclusion, CA, especially when combined with optimal irrigation and nitrogen management, not only enhances maize yield and economic returns but also proves to be more energy-efficient, promoting sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices. The study recommends this integrated approach for enhancing maize productivity, energy efficiency and economic returns.

India, supporting 17% of the global population, from limited land (2.4% of the world's total) and freshwater resources (4%), faces severe water scarcity issues. The country experiences heightened challenges due to a monsoon climate leading to floods and droughts. Irrigation efficiency in India is 35-40% and irrigated area ~48.9%. To meet the demands of a large or growing population in limited land and water resources, climate-smart irrigation practices (CSIPs) are imperative. These practices not only increase yield but also precisely supply water, reduce water application volume, and enhance soil health under changing climate conditions. Precision water management technologies includes; advanced agro-techniques, micro-irrigation, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. Micro-irrigation, encompassing drip and sprinkler systems, emerges as a critical solution for efficient water use. Techniques like Surface Drip Irrigation and Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SSDI) not only save water but also enhance nutrient transport and reduce labor costs. The automation of micro-irrigation through sensors and wireless communication revolutionizes traditional practices, ensuring precise water management and boosting agricultural productivity. In addition, advanced agro-techniques, including laser land leveling, furrow-irrigated raised beds, aerobic rice cultivation, system of rice intensification, ground cover cum rice production system and Saguna rice technique have good potential to save water and improve water productivity. Implementing these advanced agro-techniques not only conserves water but also contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving overall water productivity, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing crop productivity. The integration of conservation agriculture (minimum soil disturbance, crop residue cover and crop diversification), integrated farming systems (combine diverse agricultural activities synergistically), and water harvesting is imperative for sustainable water management. This review paper systematically compiles climate-smart irrigation practices, including precision water management, combined with conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. This review paper offers researchers a comprehensive understanding of different CSIPs, assessing their impact on water conservation, increased crop and water productivity, and sustainability amid climate change. Farmers can gain practical understandings of CSIPs, while policymakers obtain essential information for addressing national water mission goals.

Changing climate aggregates, the problem of weed management by rapid weed flora shift and resistance development. In these conditions, the best option is to use new herbicide molecules with a diverse mode of action and a wider application time window. Thus, an herbicidal trial was conducted during the Rabi 2019-20 at Agricultural Research Farm, BHU, Varanasi. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with 8 treatments viz., control (W1), aclonifen 600SC @ 1.05 kg a.i./ha PE (W2) and early POE (W5),aclonifen 600SC @ 1.2 kg a.i./ha PE (W3) and early POE (W6), pendimethalin 30% EC @ 1.25 kg a.i./ha PE (W4), sulfosulfuron 75% WG @ 0.025 kg a.i./ha POE (W7), Farmer practice-2 hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS (W8) and replicated thrice. Among different treatments aclonifen 600 SC @ 1.25 kg a.i./ha as pre and early post-emergence applied treatments recorded minimum weed density, weed dry matter production, highest weed control efficiency and crop persistence index. The same treatments registered better crop growth performance, and profitable yields.

A field experiment was undertaken during the rabi season of 2019-20 at the agricultural research farm, BHU, Varanasi with an aim to determine the appropriate time and amount of a new broad-spectrum herbicide molecule aclonifen 600SC for effective control of Phalaris minor in wheat. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments replicated thrice. Among different chemical options tested, aclonifen 600 SC @ 2.4 kg a.i./ha application both as pre and early post-emergence (PE-W4 and EPOE-W8) resulted in lower density and dry matter accumulation by Phalaris minor and resulted in enhanced control efficiency. Next to it, the application of aclonifen 600 SC as PE (W3) and EPOE (W7) at rates of 1.2 kg a.i./ha recorded better results without affecting crop growth and grain yields of wheat, and these treatments were superior to leftover three doses of aclonifen 600 SC applied both as PE and EPOE. From these results, it is clear that aclonifen @ 1.2 a.i./ha applied as pre and early post-emergence (up to 15 DAS-days after sowing) effectively controls Phalaris minor (Retz.) Pers. in wheat, which resulted in enhanced productivity and profitability.

Conventional chemical fertilizers, notably urea, have long been employed globally to meet the increasing demands for food production. However, the use of conventional urea has raised environmental concerns, including nitrate leaching, global warming, ozone layer depletion, and groundwater pollution. Additionally, there is an overburden on the government in the form of import expenditure. As the global population grows and arable land diminishes, the demand for chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogen intensifies. Urea production, responsible for a significant portion of the global nitrogen fertilizer demand, contributes to environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Researchers advocate for reducing urea demand through energy-efficient fertilizers to address these issues. Nano-fertilizers, characterized by nano-dimensions and slow-release properties, offer a potential solution. They serve as efficient nutrient carriers, minimizing losses through leaching and emissions. Nano-urea, developed by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), stands out with nanometer-sized particles, prolonged shelf-life, and reduced environmental impact. Its adoption holds promise for sustainable agriculture, reducing agro-chemical use and enhancing soil health. Comparing nano-urea to conventional urea reveals higher efficiency, reduced environmental impact, controlled nutrient supply, and economic benefits. Nano-urea's nanotechnology-based innovations offer a transformative approach to crop nutrition, promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and increased profitability for farmers. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute's experiment revealed that basal nitrogen application at 75% with prilled urea, full phosphorus and potassium, and nano-urea + nano-Zn sprays achieved yields comparable to 100% N + full P and K doses. Embracing energy-efficient novel fertilizers, such as nano-fertilizers, is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and meeting global food demands while mitigating environmental impacts.

Present investigation reveals the farmersapos; preferences for trees in agroforestry and relationship between age, land holding of the farmers with trees preferences. The total numbers of trees available with the respondent farmers are 2950 trees. Out of which 880 trees are planted. On an average every farmers has 46.83 trees. The average numbers of planted and natural trees are 4.67 and 35.08 respectively. Shisham is the first preference of the farmers. Teak, Neem are the second and third choice respectively. It was found that the respondent of age group 21–40 years (young), Shisham is the first preference, while Sagon, Neem and Subabul are second, third and fourth choice, respectively. For respondent between 41–60 age group, (middle age) the choice of MPTS is more or less similar to young respondents. The older respondent (61–80 years) preferred Shisham, Sagon, Siris and Butea as their preferences in descending order. The overall preference of MPTS in relation to age was found as Shisham-first, Sagon-second, Neem-third and the Sirisis as fourth choice. The marginal farmers preferred trees in descending order as Shisham, Sagon, Subabul and Eucalyptus. For small farmers the preferences are as Shisham-first, Neem- second, Eucalyptus- third and Teak-fourth. For older farmers the preferences are as Shisham-first, Teak-second, Eucalyptus-third and Neem as fourth choice. The overall preference for MPTS reported as Shisham-first, Teak-second, Eucalyptus-third and Neem as fourth choice. It is found that there is positive correlation (0.95) between holding size of the farmers and the availability of trees at their field. It indicates that higher holding size promote more number of trees with farmers.