Preparation of Silage from Sweet Pea (Grass Pea – Lathyrus sativus L.): Methods, Nutrient Composition, and Practical Applications

Raghvendra Singh, Kartikay Bisen, Ravikesh Kumar Pal, Mandeep Kumar, Ashish Srivastava

  • Pages: 1-5

Vermicompost Preparation: Step-by-Step Methods, Nutrient Composition Analysis, and Applications in Sustainable Agriculture

Raghvendra Singh, Aneeta Yadav, Jitendra Kumar, Vinay Silash

  • Pages: 1-6
  • <h2>Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, biologically active organic fertilizer produced through the joint action of earthworms (primarily Eisenia fetida) and microorganisms. It improves soil structure, enhances nutrient availability, and promotes plant growth while serving as an eco-friendly solution for organic waste management. This article details standard preparation methods (bin, pit, windrow, and continuous-flow systems), optimal conditions, and a comprehensive analysis of macronutrient and micronutrient composition from diverse feedstocks. Data compiled from multiple studies show vermicompost typically contains 1.2&ndash;3.2% total nitrogen (N), 0.2&ndash;0.8% phosphorus (P), and 0.5&ndash;2.5% potassium (K), with variations depending on raw materials. Benefits for crops such as citrus, vegetables, and field crops are highlighted. The process is cost-effective, scalable for home, farm, or commercial use, and supports sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical fertilizer dependency.</h2>

PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (PES): AN EMERGING WAY FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURAL

Vinay Joseph Silas, Jitendra Kumar, Syed Mohd Quatadah & Ashish Srivastava

  • Pages: 1-4

Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Bioinformatics for Next-Generation Precision Agriculture Systems

Ravikesh Kumar Pal, Mandeep Kumar, Raghvendra Singh, Aneeta Yadav and Vinay Joseph Silas

  • Pages: 1-10
  • <p>Precision agriculture has emerged as a transformative paradigm aimed at improving agricultural productivity, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Bioinformatics has significantly advanced precision agriculture by enabling data-driven, predictive, and adaptive management systems. AI facilitates real-time analysis of large-scale agricultural datasets through machine learning, deep learning, and decision-support systems, while bioinformatics provides insights into plant genomics, molecular biology, and soil microbiome dynamics. Together, these technologies enable site-specific crop management, precision breeding, and sustainable intensification. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution, principles, technologies, applications, and future prospects of AI and bioinformatics in precision agriculture, highlighting their critical role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and resource degradation.</p>

Assessment of genetic variability and character association in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) diverse genotypes for yield and its component traits.

Syed Mohd Quatadah, Aneeta Yadav, Jitendra Kumar, Ravikesh Kumar Pal, and Vinay Joseph Silas

  • Pages: 1-13
  • <p>The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate genetic variability, mean performance, and genetic parameters for yield and its component traits in chickpea using sixteen parental genotypes and their fourteen F? crosses. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all thirteen characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability and scope for selection. Significant variation was observed for phenological, growth, and yield-attributing traits, confirming the reliability of the experimental material for genetic improvement. Mean performance analysis of parental genotypes showed wide variability for key traits, with early maturity in AAUC-3 and superior yield performance in Vaibhav. Yield-contributing traits such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and hundred seed weight exhibited considerable variation, highlighting their importance in yield improvement. The F? hybrids generally outperformed the parental means for several traits, particularly number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant, indicating the presence of heterotic effects. Notably, the cross DPC 92-3 &times; BGD 72 exhibited superior performance for multiple traits including pods per plant, seed yield, biological yield, and hundred seed weight, demonstrating strong heterotic potential. Estimates of genetic parameters revealed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, suggesting some environmental influence; however, the narrow differences for several traits indicated substantial genetic control. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating the predominance of additive gene action and effectiveness of direct selection. Moderate heritability and genetic advance were recorded for traits such as number of pods per plant and hundred seed weight, while low heritability for seeds per pod and number of seeds per plant suggested limited response to direct selection.Overall, the study identified seed yield per plant, biological yield, number of pods per plant, and hundred seed weight as key traits for selection. The superior performance of specific crosses, particularly DPC 92-3 &times; BGD 72, highlights their potential for further exploitation in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding and stable chickpea varieties.</p>

Climate-Resilient Agronomy: A Sustainable Approach for Future Agriculture

Mandeep Kumar, Ravikesh Kumar Pal, Raghvendra Singh and Sarvesh Kumar

  • Pages: 1-7
  • <p>Climate change is increasingly threatening agricultural productivity through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These changes disrupt crop growth, reduce yields, and threaten global food security. Climate-resilient agronomy focuses on adaptive and sustainable farming practices that enhance resource use efficiency and reduce environmental risks. By integrating modern technologies, improved crop varieties, and conservation practices, this approach strengthens the resilience of farming systems. This paper highlights key principles, strategies, and future prospects of climate-resilient agronomy in ensuring sustainable agricultural development.</p>

Cost–Benefit Ratio of Potato Cultivation in India: A Review of Current Scenario

Ashish Srivastava, Aneeta Yadav, Vinay Joseph Silas

  • Pages: 1-4
  • Potato is one of the most significant commercial crops in India, contributing substantially to agricultural income and food security. This paper reviews the cost–benefit ratio (CBR) of potato cultivation under the current economic and climatic scenario. The study synthesizes findings from recent literature, government reports, and empirical studies to assess cost structures, returns, and profitability trends. Results indicate that although potato cultivation remains profitable (CBR ranging from 1.3 to 1.8), increasing input costs, price volatility, and climate risks have reduced income stability. Policy interventions and technological adoption are essential to sustain profitability

Ergonomical Evaluation of Shredder cum Briquetting Machine

Sarvesh Kumar

  • Pages: 1-6
  • The increasing demand for sustainable waste management and renewable energy has led to the development of shredder cum briquetting machines for converting agricultural residues into compact biofuel briquettes. However, the ergonomic suitability of such machines remains a critical factor influencing operator efficiency, safety, and long-term usability, especially for small-scale and rural applications. This study presents the ergonomical evaluation of a shredder cum briquetting machine designed for small and marginal users. The evaluation was conducted by analyzing physiological, biomechanical, and subjective parameters such as heart rate, energy expenditure, postural stress, and perceived exertion. The results indicate that while the machine significantly improves productivity and reduces manual drudgery, certain ergonomic issues related to posture, vibration, and repetitive motion persist. Recommendations for design improvements are proposed to enhance operator comfort, reduce fatigue, and ensure sustainable adoption.