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Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is the principal crop of family malvaceae prominent cultivated
and consumed as vegetable during summer and Kharif season in India. The identification of
attributes that can facilitate the selection process is a constant requirement in crop breeding.
Therefore, the present research was designed during summer season 2019, using 26 different
cultivars to examine the direct and indirect effect of several traits under study towards the yield
per hectare at the H.N.B.G.U. Srinagar (Garhwal) Department of Horticulture, Uttarakhand,
India. Analysis of path coefficient was estimated which indicated that the factors viz., average
fruit weight, pedicel diameter, number of primary branches per plant, days to first fruit set,
pedicel length, fruit length, petiole length, days to first germination, and petiole diameter had a
positive direct association with yield per hectare. Combining the correlation and path analysis
showed that days to first germination, number of primary branches per plant, plant height,
number of fruits per plant, fruit length, average fruit weight and yield per plot all positively and
directly correlated with yield per hectare. Therefore, it is possible to draw the conclusion that
when selecting selection indices for okra breeding and advancement programs, decisions based
on characteristics such as days to first germination, plant height, number of primary branches per
plant, fruit length, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield per plot may be more
advantageous.

Culinary taste was observed to be important attribute towards consumption of red meat. Among
these red meats carabeef and chevon were most accepted among consumers, carabeef being
available at less than half of chevon price was widely consumed in Kerala state. With the aim of
understanding meat consumers preferences along with their level of awareness on safety and
quality of meat, the study was conducted. Socio-demography of consumers revealed that
majority of respondents were middle aged group (46.66%), had graduate and above education
(41.66%). Majority of carabeef consumers were employed in agriculture and animal husbandry
(AH) and from salaried class with the income group of Rs. 1.8 lakh to 4.03 lakh whereas chevon
consumers are from salaried class with the income group of 4.03 lakh to 6.26lakh. Fish was the
most consumed meat followed by chicken, carabeef, beef and chevon with per capita
consumption of 32.46 Kg, 16.5 Kg 7.26 Kg, 4.62 Kg and 3.66 Kg, respectively. Majority of
(58.33%) consumers had a medium level of awareness, while studying domain-wise awareness
of consumers, optimum storage conditions and consumption period for meat and awareness
about hygiene at the meat shop were the domains where consumers have high (Mean score
52.83) and low level of awareness (MS 45.18). Adopting multiple linear regressions on
understanding factors influencing consumer\’s awareness revealed that gender, education, family
size, type of family and quantity of meat consumed were the factors prompting at 5 per cent level
(P < 0.05), whereas total annual income influencing at 1 per cent level (P < 0.01).

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of botanicals and newer insecticide
molecules against red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in Jasmine. In the present study,
NSKE @ 5.0 per cent was found to be the best followed by pungam oil @ 2.0 % against red spider
mites in Jasmine. Among the acaricides, Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 0.80 g/l was effective with a
reduction of mite population by 87.58% in Jasmine. The results from the present investigation
can provide valuable information towards the development of IPM module in Jasmine and seems
to be the most significant pest management tool in IPM programme to increase the flower
production in Jasmine.

One of the major pomegranate pests is the fruit borer Deudorix isocrates Fab. A comprehensive
review of the literature found that ninety-one insects, six mites, and one snail were pests that fed
on Anar crops in India. The Anar butterfly Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates Fab., is the almost
annoying foe and can ruin over half of the fruits. Field tests were carried out to assess the
effectiveness of cyanatraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 200, 250, 300 and 400 g/ha along with two
standard checks i.e., Lamda-cyhalothrin 4.9% CS @ 500 ml/ha and Fipronil 5% SC @ 2.0 l/ha
against fruit borer of pomegranate at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jhalawar during the years 2021-22
and 2022-23. Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD showed that test product was evenly effective @ 400
and 300 g/ha to control fruit borer on pomegranate crop and better than other standard
treatments. The highest crop yield of Anar was recorded in the treatment of cyantraniliprole
10.26% OD @ 400 g/ha which was 98.20 q/ha and 109.20 q/ha during the respective year in
comparison to untreated control.

Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through work that deprives them of their
childhood, education and basic rights. It is a global issue, often driven by poverty, lack of access
to education, and economic inequality. The study was conducted using primary data collected
from 120 respondents (60 farm and 60 off farm) to analyse factors responsible for the child
labour. The findings showed that personal factors i.e. economic needs and drunken father were
the dominating factors responsible for child labour. Irregular income of the family and family
debt forced the children to earn at earlier age. Besides these, migration, which is more common
among farm respondents and large family size were contributing factor for increasing child
labour. Thus, the study suggested that government should provide avenues of vocational training
to provide better employment opportunities to unemployed parents and encourage them to send
their wards to school for education.

An On-Farm Trial was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Nindra mandal,
Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh and evaluated the efficacy of pre- and post-emergence
herbicides on blackgram productivity. The assessment revealed that the most effective treatment,
pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 30% EC (2.5 lt/ha) followed by post-emergence
application of Sodium Acifluorfen 16.5% + Cladinofop propargyl 8% EC (1.0 lt/ha) at 15-20
days after sowing (DAS), significantly suppressed weed density (23.30 and 8.80) and weed dry
matter (8.95 gm/m² and 8.35 gm/m²) at 20 and 50 DAS, respectively, resulting in high weed
control efficiency (71.33% and 27.37%) compared to the farmer\’s practice of hand weeding at
25-30 DAS. This treatment also led to significantly higher average plant height (31.6 cm),
number of pods per plant (52.8), and yield (1020 kg/ha), resulting in a higher net return (Rs.
41,825/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.59) with a lower cost of cultivation (Rs.24,877/ha)
compared to the farmer\’s practice. The increased yield was attributed to effective weed control at
critical growth stages, promoting better crop growth, development, and ultimately, a good
number of pods.

This study test the water quality of 120 samples collected during 2019 to 2021 from Block
Ellenabad, district Sirsa Haryana, regarding electrical conductivity (EC), carbonate ion (CO?²?),
bicarbonate ion (HCO??), calcium and magnesium (Ca++ and Mg++), and residual sodium
carbonate (RSC). The analysis revealed that most samples (50% on average) fell within the 0-2
dS/m EC range, indicating generally good water quality for irrigation. However, higher EC
levels (2-8 dSm-1) were present, necessitating careful water management, including mixing with
canal water to mitigate potential adverse effects on crops. The study also observed variability in
CO?²? concentrations with a trend toward increasing levels over time particularly in 2021.
Bicarbonate concentrations were predominantly in the 4-6 meL-1 range, but higher levels (>8
meL-1) increased in 2021, raising concerns about rising alkalinity. The Ca++ and Mg++
concentrations were mostly within the lower range (0-8 meL-1), but higher concentrations
became more prevalent in 2021, indicating a potential increase in mineral content in the water.
RSC values, crucial for determining water\’s suitability for irrigation, showed that 58.18% of
samples had values between 2.5 and 4.5 meL-1, suggesting moderate to severe restrictions on
their use. The study underscored the importance of regular monitoring and management
practices to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in regions where water quality may be
compromised.

The increasing trend of junk food consumption among school children become a matter of
serious concern as Junk foods severely deficit in micronutrients and high in fat, salt and sugar.
Regular consumption of junk food leads to an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases
and many other chronic health conditions. Delicious taste, dazzling presentation, packaging,
ready availability and advertisement attracts young children towards junk food. Present study
was undertaken to know the consumption pattern of junk food among the adolescent students in
Assam. It was found that majority of students irrespective gender consume junk food on regular
basis (34.3%) and only a negligible (0.7%) student never consume fast food. Most popular Junk
Food item was found to be chips (62.00%) followed by fast food (42.33%), chocolate (39.33%),
carbonated drinks (39.00%) for all students irrespective of gender. But significant differences
were observed in preferences towards items was recorded among girls and boys. Boys preferred
carbonated drinks than girls whereas girls prefer to take ice cream and chocolate than boys.
Majority of the students consume junk food due to its taste and flavour (68.67%), followed by
availability (39.33%). While boys take junk foods to satisfy hunger too while the girls were
found to be more influenced through advertisement and preferred junk food for enjoyments than
boys.

The present study was carried out to assess the growth performance among local breed, Aseel
and Kadaknath breed of poultry chicks. A total of 400 day old chicks were procured from local
hatchery ( 200 chicks each of Aseel and Kadaknath breed) and were provided 10 chicks each of
both breeds to 20 farmers for raising under backyard poultry system. Birds of local breeds were
procured by the farmers them selves. The body weight, egg production and net return were
recorded for 40 weeks duration and found significantly higher in Aseel breed as compared to
local and Kadaknath breed of poultry. Likewise, the acceptability and adaptability of the Aseel
breed of poultry was significantly (P<0.01) more than that of local breed and Kadaknath breed.
The incidence of disease in Aseel breed of poultry was significantly (P<0.01) less than that of
Local and Kadaknath breed of poultry

The family Lamiaceae has several significant decorative, therapeutic,aromatic plants, some of
which generate economically important essential oils that are utilised in both conventional and
contemporary medicines. World-wide distributed plants of family Lamiaceae like Leonurus,
Mentha, Nepeta, Origanum, Leucas, Salvia, Hyssopus and Ziziphora etc are frequently used to
heal wounds, treatment of various types of disorders like gastritis, infections,
dermatitis,bronchitis and inflammation. Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum, two varieties
of the basil herb that are widely available for cultivation, may be a strong contender for usage as a
plant with antibacterial properties. C. freundii and M. luteus bacterial strains were used to test the
antibacterial effects of ethanolic extracts from O. sanctum and O. basilicum. By using agar disc
diffusion tests maximum inhibition zones against the pathogenic bacteria C. freundii and M.
luteus were seen in ethanolic leaf and stem extracts of O. sanctum. O. sanctum and O. basilicum
may be suggested as easily accessible and renewable antibacterial agent source rather than
manufactured chemicals. The antimicrobial efficiency of O. sanctum leaves and stem exhibits
significant antimicrobial capabilities.

A study was carried out to compare the rooted cuttings and seedlings at regional agriculture
research station, Pilicode. Seeds were sown initially to produce seedlings. Rooted cuttings were
prepared from seedlings. Seedlings of same age and rooted cuttings were transplanted on
prepared beds. Lime and farm yard manure were applied to beds as basal dose along with
fertilisers as per package of practices recommended by Kerala Agricultural University. It was
observed that seedlings recorded the maximum plant height, number of primary branches and
secondary branches. Seedlings also recorded maximum plant fresh weight and dry weight. Yield
parameters such as number of flowers per plant (42.05), flower yield per plant (489.85g), flower
yield per plot (9.8 Kg), flower yield per hectare (29.02 t/ha) and duration of flowering were
significantly more in seedling originated plants. Plants raised from rooted cuttings required less
number of days for first flowering (8.65d), 50 per cent flowering (17.90d) and days to first harvest
(21.10d) indicating earliness. Shelf life of marigold flowers were also more (7.05) in
vegetatively propagated plants compared to that from seedlings (5.45d). Plants raised from
rooted cuttings recorded the maximum B:C (5.34 :1) ratio compared to seedlings (3.91:1).

Vegetable farming plays a pivotal role in the agricultural landscape of Chandel district, Manipur,
contributing to local consumption, economic activity, and employment. However, vegetable
farmers in the region face numerous constraints that impact their productivity, sustainability, and
income. This study was conducted in three villages of Chandel district—Lambung, Phunchung,
and Lamphou Pasana—to identify the social, economic, production, and marketing challenges
encounter by vegetable growers. A sample of 120 respondents was selected to gather primary
data through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that social and economic
constraints such as youth disinterest in farming, poor economic conditions, and lack of
institutional support were significant. In terms of production, the major challenges included pest
infestations, lack of irrigation facilities, and high labour costs. Marketing constraints, such as
low marketable surplus, inadequate transportation, and lack of storage facilities, further
exacerbate the difficulties faced by farmers. These constraints significantly hinder the growth
and sustainability of vegetable farming in the region.

Sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, threatens barnyard millet (Echinochloa crusgalli),
a nutrient-rich cereal critical for food security in India. This study evaluates eco-friendly disease
management strategies, including seed treatment, seed biopriming, and organic amendments
colonized with biocontrol agents (Trichoderma asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus
subtilis), under field conditions in Uttarakhand. The pathogen was identified via morphological
and microscopic analyses. Field trials using a Randomized Block Design assessed disease
incidence, severity, and control efficacy across 36 plots. Results showed that farm yard manure
(FYM) pre-colonized with a consortium of bioagents achieved 100% disease control efficacy,
outperforming individual seed treatments. The study highlights the synergistic potential of
bioinoculants in reducing disease incidence and severity, offering a sustainable alternative to
synthetic fungicides. These findings underscore the role of bioagents in promoting resilient, ecofriendly
agriculture in India.

Rice sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, causes significant yield losses in rice crop worldwide by
damaging leaf sheaths and reducing grain quality. A field trial was conducted during kharif 2023 and 2024
seasons to evaluate the effectiveness of two fungicides namely Glo-it (propiconazole 13.9% +
difenconazole 13.9% EC @500 ml/ha) and Pulser (Thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L) in managing rice
sheath blight in variety Sabour Sampann under natural conditions. Out of two fungicides tested,
propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC @500 ml/ha was found to be the most effective in
controlling the disease. The data revealed that the percentage of disease incidence and severity were
significantly lower in crop treated with a combination (propiconazole13.9%+difenconazole13.9%EC) at
500ml/ha(63.08%and 40.76%) followed by crop treated with thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L (66.97% and
43.69%). Significantly higher grain yield (37.72 q/ha) was also observed in the crop treated with
combination product (propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole 13.9% EC) @ 500 ml/ha followed by
thifluzamide 24 SC @ 1 ml/ L (36.28 q/ha) and the lowest yield of 34.25 q/ha was recorded in the farmers\’
practice plot. The benefit cost ratio was also found higher in tested propiconazole 13.9% + difenconazole
13.9% EC(1:2.41) and thifluzamide 24 SC (1:2.32) sprayed plots compared to farmers\’ practice plots.
Hence, it can be concluded that propiconazole13.9%+difenconazole13.9%EC at a rate of 500 ml/ha,
followed by thifluzamide 24 SC at 1 ml/L, were effective fungicides in reducing sheath blight severity and
increasing grain yield.

A field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable research farm, Khanaura of Punjab
Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab during summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 with three
phyto-harmones in varying concentrations viz., Ethrel (100, 200, 300 ppm), Indole acetic acid
(100, 150, 200 ppm) and Gibberellic acid (20, 40, 60 ppm) to enhance the production potential
and reproductive behavior of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria M.) variety Punjab Komal. The
experimental results showed that foliar spray of ethrel @ 300 ppm observed to be significantly
better than control for reproductive characteristics viz., number of pistillate flowers/vine, days to
first fruit harvest, fruit set percentage, lowered sex: ratio, furthermore, the exogenous application
of gibberellic acid @ 60 ppm increased vine length at maturity and number of staminate
flowers/vine. The yield attributing traits i.e., fruit weight, number of fruits as well as total
yield/plant had also improved with ethrel @ 300 ppm. Therefore, it may be concluded that spray
of the ethrel @300 ppm at 2 true leaf stage and superimposed at 4 true leaf stage can be
recommended to enhance number of female flowers in bottle gourd ultimately producing early
and higher fruit yield.

Online food delivery services are increasingly popular among young and urban consumers who
appreciate convenience and variety. A total of 150 consumers were selected from different
localities of Guntur randomly. The data were collected from various age groups, income groups
and gender groups. To examine the factors that influence consumer online food delivery services
in the study, a set of nine statements were presented to 150 consumers and the opinions expressed
were subjected to factor analysis. Preference factors emerged as the most influential factor
obtained the highest mean score of 3.63 and securing the top rank. This suggested that the
preferences and choices of consumers play a crucial role in determining the success of the
product or service. Convenience factors were ranked second with a mean score of 3.52. These
factors likely encompass elements that drive and inspire customers to choose a particular product
or service. Motivational factors obtained the lowest mean score of 3.48 ranked third.

An experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at KVK, Jalore to observe the incidence of thrips
in pomegranate orchards and their relationship with weather parameters. A fixed plot survey was
conducted at five locations in the Jalore district. Five locations were selected for the fixed plot
survey and the weekly incidence of thrips was recorded. The data revealed that the incidence of
thrips ( Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood started in the 25th Standard Meteorological Week (18 June – 22
June) with 0.33/5cm twig/plant whereas the peak incidence of pomegranate thrips was recorded
in the third week of September (38th SMW) with 14.66 thrips/5cm twig/plant and last week of
March (13th SMW) with 14.33 thrips/5 cm twig/Plant during 2022-23. A simple correlation
coefficient was worked out between the incidence of thrips and weather parameters revealed that
temperature showed a positive and significant relationship with the population of thrips

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a major public health problem because it is widely transmitted
by Aedes mosquitos and can cause devastating symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash.
Currently, no particular antiviral medications or vaccines are available for the treatment or
prevention of CHIKV infection, highlighting the critical need for alternative therapeutic
methods. Medicinal herbs have long been known as rich sources of bioactive chemicals with a
wide range of pharmacological activities, including antiviral activity. This study will look into
bioactive chemicals derived from medicinal plants and their ability to target nonstructural
proteins of the Chikungunya virus, including nsP1, nsP2, nsP3, and nsP4 (Mainly nsP2). A
comprehensive literature study and bioinformatics analysis were used to identify medicinal
plants renowned for their antiviral activities. The bioactive chemicals found in these plants were
tested for their capacity to interact with and inhibit the function of CHIKV nonstructural proteins
using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
Preliminary results showed that some intriguing bioactive chemicals can bind to particular areas
of CHIKV nonstructural proteins, potentially affecting the enzymatic activity required for viral
replication and propagation. These compounds have high binding affinities and stable
interactions with target proteins, indicating that they could be used as lead compounds to create
novel antiviral medicines against CHIKV. This study provided insights into the use of bioactive
chemicals from medicinal plants as prospective candidates for targeting CHIKV nonstructural
proteins, paving the way for the development of efficient antiviral medicines to battle
Chikungunya virus infection.

Cotton yield production and productivity is significantly suppressed due to vascular wilt incited
by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV). The management of the wilt pathogen can be
achieved by using various biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas spp., and
Bacillus spp., and fungicides, such as carbendazim, copper oxychloride, CM75% (carbendazim
+ mancozeb), propineb, mancozeb, vitavex, propiconazole and Amistar top. Among all the
biocontrol agents, T. harzianum, P. fluorescens, T. viride and T. atroviride resulted highest
inhibition (60-74%) of the mycelium growth of FOV was observed in vitro. The complete
reduction (100%) in the mycelial growth of Fov was recorded with carbendazim, CM75%,
propineb and mancozeb even at their used lowest concentration of 50 ppm among all the tested
eight fungicides. The most significant biocontrol agents, including T. harzianum, P. fluorescens,
T. viride and T. atroviride and fungicides, such as carbendazim, CM75%, propineb and
mancozeb can be utilized in integrated disease management module for the best control of
vascular wilt disease in cotton.

The study was conducted in farmer\’s field in Bagalkote district for three consecutive years
during kharif season to assess the performance of Bhima Super over local variety. It was noticed
that the onion variety (Bhima Super) recorded average yield of 19.56 t/ha with net return of Rs.
93266/-ha as compared to farmers\’ practice, which produced average yield of 16.23 t/ha with net
return of Rs. 60958/- ha. Timely plant protection measures reduced the average bulb rotting
incidence (11.8%) in Bhima super compared to local check (21.8%), average thrips incidence
was also low in Bhima super (13.5 thrips no./plant) and in local check (19.90 thrips no./plant).
There was less incidence of purple blotch disease (21.9%) but disease incidence was high in local
variety (29.23%). The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 5.67,
2.53 and 11.50 per cent, respectively. The average benefit cost ratio was high in Bhima Super
onion (3.12) compared to local variety (2.35). On an average, 19.4% yield increase was observe
in demonstration plots over farmers\’ practice.

Different exotic mandarin cultivars imported from Israel and budded on various root stocks were
evaluated from 2017 to 2019. Kinnow scion grafted over Rough Lemon plant reached its
maximum height (3.50 m). Fairchild budded on Volkamer lemon (3.19 m) was found to be
promising in terms of average plant spread. Fairchild and Michal budded over Volkamer Lemon
and X 639 produced the largest plant volume (13.30 m3). Similarly, Michal grafted on Volkamer
lemon achieved the scion girth (26.8 m) and root stock girth (33.7 m). Pearl Tangelo grafted on
Rough lemon produced earliest bloom initiation while there was a lot of heterogeneity among the
best cultivar and root stock combinations. Daisy x Rough lemon combination proved to be the
best in terms of earliest maturity with the shortest number of days from fruit set to maturity
(222.3 d). Volkamer lemon and X-639 outperformed the other stionic combinations in most of
the criteria, indicating that they have the potential to replace the current leader Rough lemon.
Thus, it can be said that these combinations can best replace the existing Kinnow budded over
Rough lemon monoculture with nearly identical features.

The present study was taken to compare the physical and chemical characteristics of three
composts namely normal compost, swift compost and Phospho-sulpho-nitro (PSN) enriched
compost during Rabi of 2023 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Research farm, Lawngtlai district,
Mizoram. The treatments consisted of T Control (normal compost), T (Swift compost) and T 0 1 3
(PSN enriched compost). The design followed was RBD and replicated thrice. The result
revealed that there is no much physical difference among the three composting processes,
however, the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus content in PSN enriched compost was
significantly higher than the other treatments with least CN ratio. Therefore, enriching compost
by following Phospho-Sulpho-Nitro composting method could be recommended for farmer\’s
practice.

Agriculture being the primary occupation of the tribal of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha state still
belongs to main livelihood option. But they prefer for other profitable vocations due to the reason
that most of them have unproductive and uneconomic holdings, lack of irrigation facilities,
traditional skills and primitive implements along with land alienation indebtedness. Majority of
cultivators use land only in kharif season. The present study has been carried out with the
objectives to study the present status of the occupation of the tribal people and preferences on
vocations along with the extension support required for checking the occupational mobility
from the agriculture to non-agricultural activities. On the basis of the finding it was suggested the
development of infrastructure in agriculture and allied fields must be emphasized for checking
mobility to non-agriculture sector. The extension officials must be pro-active to suitable
extension strategies and implementation of the different development programme in the field of
agriculture and allied sectors to make it more profitable and attractive through intermediary
monitoring and evaluation

The role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) on dissemination and adoption of technologies for
remunerative and sustainable farming is becoming increasingly important. The farmers visiting
the KVKs benefitted in different aspects and empowered by receiving appropriate technological
advisory or inventory. A study was conceptualized with an objective to to know the time and
purpose of farmers visits to KVK. The respondents of the present study were sampled purposely
of all the farmers visiting the KVK, Srikakulam. The majority of farmers (16.54%) visited the
KVK during the November month with the objective to get seeds, seedlings and planting
material (39.09%). It was evident from the observation that KVK are effectively creating impact
on the livelihoods of farmers and farm families. It gained the trust of farmers and maintaining the
data on frequency, time and purpose of their visits help the KVKs to forecast the demands of
inputs and advisory needs.

The present study was conducted in the northern cotton-growing zone of India, comprising the
states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, to evaluate resource utilization and the economics of
cotton cultivation. It also examined the challenges faced by cotton growers in production and
marketing. Primary data for the year 2021-22 were collected from a sample of 120 farmers. The
recommended doses of nitrogen and phosphorus was followed by only 40.83 and 22.50 per cent
of farmers, respectively. Overuse of potash in Rajasthan highlights inefficiencies in fertilizer
application. The average profitability of cotton cultivation has been worked out at Rs. 45087 per
ha. Among the states, the profitability of cotton cultivation was Rs. 40153/ha, Rs. 47771/ha and
Rs. 47329/ha, in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, respectively. Major issues confronted by
cotton growers include poor-quality inputs, price fluctuations, unstable productivity,
contamination of cotton, shortage of skilled labour, and limited technical knowledge.
Addressing these issues through the supply of high-quality cotton seeds, development of pestresistant
varieties, integrated pest management strategies, and strict regulation of oil mills and
ginneries to control the hibernating pink bollworm in seed cotton could significantly enhance
cotton cultivation and increase the area under production.

Agricultural distress has been a major cause of farmer suicide in several nations, including India,
the United States, Australia, and France. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports
that 11,290 farmers committed suicide in 2022 across the country. One of the most neglected and
vulnerable populations in rural communities are the left-behind wives of farmers who
committed suicide. A number of variables, including demographics, social inclusion, and
financial stability, affect their economic status. These widows frequently find themselves forced
into informal labour or dependent on insufficient government compensation due to their
economic struggles, which include debt burden, limited access to credit, restricted ownership of
property rights, and loss of household income. The present study was undertaken with specific
objective of understanding the socio-economic characteristics of left-behind wives of farmer
who committed suicide. This study explores the socio-economic and psychological distress of
farmer widows in Punjab, based on a primary survey in Bathinda, Mansa, and Sangrur. Using
snowball sampling, data were collected from 240 households across 77 villages through
structured interviews and case studies. The study highlights the socio-economic distress of
farmers\’ widows in Punjab, with 42.08 per cent illiteracy, 79.17 per cent from Jat Sikh, the
majority of respondents belonged to the marginal (50.42%) and small (36.67%) farming
households. Early marriages were more common among the respondents. Over 55.83 per cent
became household heads, and 87.09 per cent belonged to marginal and small farming families
with an average of 1.06 ha operational land holding. Agriculture (62.28%) remained the primary
source of income. The findings underscored the need for financial stability, land security, and
income diversification to support these left-behind wives of farmers.

The studies on biology of mulberry silkworm on V1 variety of mulberry were carried out under
laboratory conditions from March 2024 to April 2024. The durations of life stages were recorded
from egg hatching till emergence of adults . Female laid eggs singly, that were round, ellipsoidal,
with a flat ventral side and a tiny depression in the centre that consist of sticky substance with
164±43.18 eggs per female. First instar larvae known as chawki worms have yellowish-brown
body coloration and no markings on their bodies. The second to fifth abdominal segments were
marked with two circular brown spots on both second and third instar larvae. The larvae in their
fifth and fourth stages were entirely white. After four moults, the larva reached full maturity in
23.5±2.08 days. After that, the pupal stage lasts for 9.75±1.70 days. Before emerging as an adult,
the pupa secretes an alkaline fluid that is brown in colour. This fluid softens the end of the cocoon
and causes the silk strands to break down. Female moth lived longer as compared to male moth.
The dimensions for length and breadth of the male and female moths were 1.412± 0.21cm and
1.846± 0.21cm and 0.532± 0.12cm and 0.592± 0.06cm, respectively. Thus, this study helps to
understand the biology and economic benefits of rearing silkworm in the South-Western Punjab

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), belonging to the family Malvaceae, is commonly known as
Lady\’s finger, as well as by several vernacular names, bhindi, okura, quimgombo, bamia,
gombo, and lai long ma, in the different geographical regions of its cultivation. Keeping in mind
the importance of Handicraft and large production of Okra in the plains of Uttarkhand ,the
indigenous technologies of making handicraft products was blend with okra fiber and beautiful
products were made. One hundred and fifty women from different villages namely Charba,
Atenbag, Sherpur, Bhood and Dhalipur from two blocks of Dehradun district who were already
exposed to indigenous technology of handicraft products making of other fibers like Rambaans,
Bheemal and Nettle, were given training about the extraction and making of handicraft products
of okra fiber. The okra plants were bundled comprising of 70-100 plants. Each of these bundles
was immersed in a concrete tank containing soft water and the stalks of the plant were tapped
slightly with wooden hammer for removal of soft pulp, the fibers were separated thoroughly
from the pulp, washed, combed and exposed to sunlight for two days until the odor was
removed from fibers and used for handicraft making. Different parameters for acceptance and
further adoption were studied so that further strategies could be planned to popularize among the
farming communities. and it was observed that majority of the respondents learned this craft
from elder family member (52.00%). Interest in craft and also to utilize free time were the two
common reason for learning the craft of handicraft product making. Quality and fineness of okra
fiber as fully accepted by majority of the respondents. The obstacle faced while adopting
handicraft as occupation were also studied so that future strategies could be made after rectifying
the problems.

An effort was made to explore the efficacy of microbial formulations against sheath blight
(Rhizoctonia solani) of rice. Efficacy of nine microbial formulations viz., Jawahar Azotobacter,
Jawahar Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Jawahar Blue Green Algae (BGA), Jawahar
Mycorrhiza, Jawahar Azospirillum, Jawahar Acetobacter, Jawahar Tricoderma, Jawahar
Pseudomonas, Jawahar consortia were tested. The Jawahar Pseudomonas microbial
formulations was recorded minimum disease incidence in both years and were found very
effective as compared to control. The maximum disease incidence was observed in Jawahar Blue
Green Algae (BGA