A large part of the world has nutrients-deficient soil, where chemical fertiliser application is cost prohibitive. Plants with superior root system architecture perform better in such soils by virtue of their superior mineral assimilation potential. Earlier we showed that seed pre-treatment with nano-pyrite (FeS2/Py) results in improved root architecture in chickpea, Sesamum, carrot and beetroot. Here we have developed a root-priming strategy for crops requiring transplantation. As a case study, roots of 28-days-old chilli and marigold seedlings were primed for 3 h in an aqueous suspension of nano-pyrite (@100 µg/ml), prior to transplantation, resulting in significant increase in the fruit and flower yield respectively. Chilli yields for control (without nitrogen, phosphorous, potash (NPK) or root priming), with NPK application only, with nano-pyrite root-priming only, and with nano-pyrite root-priming along with NPK application were found out to be 1327.60 ± 85.15, 1966.46 ± 11.15, 2118.23 ± 67.69, and 3322.43 ± 109.89 (mean (kg/ha) ± standard deviation, n = 3 replications) respectively. Mean marigold flower number per plant for control and nano-pyrite root priming were found to be ~ 13 and ~ 27, respectively (n = 30). We validate these results by proposing an ionic model explaining the observed root-priming effect. Temporal pH measurement during 3 h of root priming; elemental analysis of roots after 3 h priming and 30 days of transplantation after priming; and root system analysis after 30 days of transplantation were further conducted to firmly establish the role of nano-pyrite in redesigning the root architecture. This study is one of its kind in establishing, that application of a nano-material can modulate root architecture and thereby, influence the overall performance of the plant.

The use of fertilizers has been the cornerstone in ensuring the global food security. However, the continuous use of excess fertilizers is polluting the water resources and damaging the fragile ecosystem. The key question is ‘how farmers could use lesser fertilizers without reducing crop yields?’ This is a challenge for the sustainable agriculture. Here we showed, in rice crop, seed dressing with nano-pyrite (FeS2), without any addition of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous and potash) fertilizer, resulted in a comparable yield as obtained following standard fertilizer application. The total grain yields from control (no fertilizer application), standard NPK fertilizer application, ‘FeS2 seed pre-treatment only’ without any application of NPK, NPK + FeS2 treatment were recorded as 1.32 ± 0.0, 1.61 ± 0.1, 1.63 ± 0.1 and 1.68 ± 0.1 [mean (in kg) ± SD], respectively. Interestingly, simultaneous application of FeS2 seed pre-treatment plus fertilizer did not show any significant additive effect. Thus, nano-pyrite seed pre-treatment opens up an ‘NPK equivalent’ strategy for rice production, which could setup a new sustainable paradigm for rice growers.

Background: Low use of maternal care services is one of the reasons why child mortality and maternal mortality is still considerably high in India. Most maternal deaths are preventable if mothers receive essential health care before, during, and after childbirth. In India, the eight socioeconomically backward states referred to as the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states; lag behind in the demographic transition and low utilization of maternal health care services. Addressing the maternity care needs of women may have considerable ramifications for achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG - 5). Aims & Objectives: To explore the prevalence, trends and factors associated with the utilization of maternal care services in Empowered Action Group States, India (1990-2006). Material Methods: Data from three rounds of the round of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), known as the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of India were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate-pooled logistic regression model were applied to examine the utilization of the maternal and child health care trends over time. Result: The results from analysis indicate that the full ANC and skilled birth attendant (SBA) has increased from 17% and 20% to 25% and 35% respectively during the last one and half decade (1990-2006). Conclusion: Various socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with the utilization of maternal care services in EAG states, India. Promoting the use of family planning, female education, targeting vulnerable groups such as poor, illiterate, high parity women, involving media and grass root level workers and collaboration between community leaders and health care system could be some important policy level interventions to address the unmet need of maternal and child health care services among women. The study concludes that much of these differentials are social constructs that can be reduced by prioritizing the needs of the disadvantaged and adopting appropriate policy change options in EAG states in India