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In underprivileged communities around the world, the digital divide continues to be a major obstacle to social and economic mobility. By putting in place a comprehensive program that incorporates community-led digital empowerment initiatives, device donations, and digital literacy training, this project seeks to close this gap. Our strategy focuses on tackling the intersectional elements such as a lack of devices, internet connectivity, and important digital skills that lead to digital exclusion. By implementing well setup targeted strategies to provide affordable internet connectivity, digital devices, and customized training programs, the goal of bridging the digital divide in underserved communities is to address the significant gap in digital literacy and access among marginalized populations. Furthermore, advanced digital capabilities like social media or computer networks are frequently necessary for career progression.

Butterfly gardens are purposefully designed green spaces that attract and support butterflies by providing nectar plants, host plants, shelter and water. These gardens serve as both ecological havens and educational tools, promoting biodiversity and environmental awareness. In response to declining butterfly populations caused by habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use, butterfly gardens offer a simple yet effective conservation solution. Incorporating native flowering plants, host species for caterpillars and shelter vegetation ensures butterfly survival throughout their life cycle. Additional features like shallow water sources, basking rocks and organic gardening practices enhance garden suitability. Planting in colourful drifts and reducing mowing frequency further supports butterfly activity and diversity. Beyond their ecological role, butterfly gardens offer opportunities for learning about pollination, plant-insect interactions and sustainable gardening. They can be established in various settings from backyards to schoolyards and transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant ecosystems. By creating and maintaining butterflyfriendly habitats, individuals contribute to pollinator conservation while enriching their surroundings with natural beauty and life.

Allelopathy is a natural process where plants release chemicals (allelochemicals) that influence the growth of other plants, offering eco-friendly solutions for weed control and sustainable farming. It helps in weed management, crop productivity, pest control, and ecosystem balance, reducing reliance on synthetic herbicides. Key management strategies include residue incorporation, crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, and cover cropping to enhance soil health and suppress weeds. Future research focuses on identifying and commercializing allelochemicals, improving bioherbicides, and integrating allelopathic traits into crops. Allelopathy presents a promising, sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides, promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.

Microbial fertilization is a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, using beneficial microbes to enhance soil health, improve nutrient availability, and reduce environmental hazards. It helps combat climate change through carbon sequestration, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents water pollution by minimizing chemical runoff. By restoring degraded soils and promoting biodiversity, microbial fertilization supports sustainable agriculture while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. With advancements in biotechnology and growing global support, it is becoming a key solution for mitigating environmental hazards and ensuring long-term food security.

Mechanization needs to be encouraged among farm women as in the coming future they will play a significant role in the agriculture sector in India. Currently they are involved in vital but labour-intensive activities in agri-food system of the country. They face myriads of challenges like gender stereotypes, non-availability of ergo-fit tools, lack of awareness, lower skill set, like limited access to land ownership, credit etc. They are also limited by their low mobility and familial responsibilities. Focused research on developing gender friendly tools, increasing awareness, skill upgradation and mitigation of cultural stereotype can enhance women?s involvement in mechanized agriculture. mechanization will not only technologically upgrade but also empower women as leaders in agriculture, by bridging gender disparities, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting sustainable rural development.

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) combined with Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) offers significant benefits to rural farming communities facing the challenges of climate change. CSA helps farmers manage risks such as droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall by promoting practices that enhance productivity and income sustainably. At the same time, GKMS provides real-time, location-specific weather-based agro-advisories that guide farmers in making informed decisions on sowing, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting. These advisories are disseminated through various channels like SMS, mobile apps, and social media in local languages, ensuring they are accessible and easily understood. CSA practices also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through techniques like resourceefficient farming and conservation agriculture. The integration of GKMS further supports risk management by issuing timely weather alerts, helping farmers prepare for adverse conditions. This synergy leads to optimized use of inputs, cost savings, and improved yield stability. Initiatives like Climate-Smart Villages showcase the practical application of these strategies, empowering smallholder farmers to adapt effectively. Overall, the combination of CSA and GKMS strengthens resilience, enhances livelihoods, and supports long-term agricultural sustainability and food security.

Plastics have become a key component in modern agriculture, providing solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability. They are used in various applications such as mulching films, irrigation systems, greenhouses, seedling trays, and pest control nets. These plastic materials help conserve water, regulate soil temperature, protect crops from pests, and extend the growing season. Additionally, plastics aid in the packaging and storage of harvested produce, preserving freshness and reducing food waste. Plastics also support soil erosion control and enable efficient fertilizer and pesticide delivery. Despite the numerous benefits, the widespread use of plastics raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding waste and pollution. To mitigate these issues, sustainable practices like using biodegradable plastics, recycling, and minimizing plastic waste are crucial. As the agricultural sector continues to rely on plastics, it is essential to balance the advantages with environmental responsibility. Proper plastic management will ensure that the benefits of plastic in agriculture can be enjoyed while minimizing negative ecological impacts.

Sustainable agriculture has become a global imperative, aiming to strike a balance between food production, environmental conservation, and socio-economic well-being. This article examines the multifaceted role of millet in sustainable agriculture, highlighting its potential to address these complex challenges. Millet, often considered a "forgotten crop," offers a unique set of attributes that contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Precision plant and soil health management is revolutionizing agriculture by integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to optimize resource utilization, enhance crop yields, and promote environmental sustainability. Unlike conventional farming, which often treats soil as a passive medium, precision agriculture recognizes soil as a dynamic ecosystem with complex biological, chemical, and physical interactions. Cutting-edge techniques, including soil sensors, GPS-guided planting, and variable rate technology, enable farmers to make datadriven decisions that improve soil health and crop productivity while minimizing waste. The adoption of smart farming technologies, such as drones and predictive analytics, further enhances real-time monitoring and precision in agricultural practices. By reducing excessive input usage, promoting sustainable methods like crop rotation, and mitigating environmental impacts, precision agriculture offers a path toward more efficient and resilient food production systems. However, challenges such as high initial costs, digital literacy requirements, and accessibility to technology remain barriers to widespread adoption. As advancements continue and support structures evolve, precision agriculture holds immense promise in addressing global food security and climate change challenges, ushering in a new era of sustainable farming.

Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, has gained attention in poultry feeding due to its nutritional benefits and sustainability. Rich in proteins (up to 25%), essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, Azolla is an excellent supplement to poultry diets, especially for chickens and ducks. Its high protein content makes it a valuable alternative to traditional feed ingredients like soybean and fishmeal, which are often costly.

High-Density Planting (HDP) is a modern horticultural technique that maximizes fruit yield per unit area by optimizing space. It is vital for food security and has been successfully applied in crops like mango, citrus, guava, papaya, and apple, with ultra-high-density apple orchards reaching 20,000 plants per hectare. HDP relies on dwarfing rootstocks, compact cultivars, growth regulators, and precision pruning to enhance light interception, shoot control, and resource efficiency. The benefits of high-density planting include higher solar radiation use, early yields, lower labor costs, and better fruit quality. However, challenges include high establishment costs, complex maintenance, and pest issues. HDP has transformed global fruit production, with India adopting it in guava and banana, proving its sustainability and economic benefits.

Water scarcity necessitates innovative conservation techniques for sustainable agriculture. This article highlights water-saving strategies such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), drip and sprinkler irrigation, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and conservation tillage. These methods enhance water use efficiency, reduce groundwater depletion, and improve crop yields. Implementing these methods not only conserves water but also enhances soil health and reduces environmental impact. By integrating such practices, agriculture can become more resilient to climate variability, ensuring food security for future generations.

The global population is rapidly increasing and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. To meet the demand for food security in the world we need to focus on the new technologies to reduce the hunger and poverty. Chemical fertilizers are considered an indispensable source of plant nutrition to improve the crop production. However, only about half of the fertilizer applied is use by crop and the rest, which is supposed to be absorbed by the plant, remains in the soil and might make matters worse by contaminating water, settling in the soil, or seeping into it. The major macronutrients that are applied to the soil (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) are observed to be lost at rapid rate. Nanotechnology can precisely identify and provide a certain amount of nutrients to a crop, thereby improving resource use efficiency besides keeping safety into consideration. This also reduces the adverse impact of fertilizer applicants on soil. Besides these advantages, the use of nano fertilizers minimizes the potential negative effects associated with over dosage and reduce the frequency of the application.

Leadership alongwith technology among rural women leads to empowerment of women. Keeping this in view, the scientists of ICAR-CIWA intervened mushroom technology with the women of Nimapara block under Puri district of Odisha by following the group approach. Gradually, the scientists identified the women leaders from WSHGs / WFPC and developed leadership qualities among them through various capacity building programmes. It was observed that, leadership impacted on improved access of women to homestead land, suitable technologies, research organizations, financial agencies, input dealers, government schemes, market, etc. Women were found to have better knowledge, communication skill, group cohessiveness, nutritional security, economic stability, mobility and productivity. A strong linkage was also established with different stakeholders for easy availability of inputs and marketing. Hence, leadership development is indispensable to enable farm women to take valuable decisions for an equitable society.

India, with the world?s largest livestock population, faces a critical fodder shortage that hampers productivity and rural livelihoods. Fodder grass-based agroforestry systems offer a sustainable solution by integrating trees, grasses, legumes and crops to ensure year-round fodder availability while enhancing soil fertility, reviving fallow lands and utilizing farm bunds and orchard spaces. Diverse models like silvopasture, horti-pasture and homegardens adapt well across agro-climatic zones, contributing to carbon sequestration, soil and water conservation and improved microclimates. Well-managed systems can double yields, increase crude protein content and buffer against climate extremes. The integration of alternatives such as hydroponics, Azolla, Moringa and fodder cactus further strengthens fodder security during lean periods. Beyond providing fodder, these systems support biodiversity, boost rural economies and build climate resilience. Supported by national policies and missions, fodder-based agroforestry is not just an option but a necessity for ensuring livestock sustainability. With strategic planning, farmer outreach and knowledge dissemination, this approach can transform livestock productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and promote environmental stewardship across India.

The integration of bioinformatics in plant breeding has revolutionized crop improvement by enabling efficient genome analysis, trait selection and breeding strategies. Traditional breeding methods, while effective, are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Advances in computational biology, high-throughput sequencing and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have accelerated genetic research in crops. Bioinformatics tools facilitate genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses and marker-assisted selection (MAS), significantly enhancing precision breeding. Genomic selection (GS), powered by machine learning algorithms, predicts superior genotypes based on large-scale genomic datasets, optimizing breeding cycles. Furthermore, genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, coupled with bioinformatics platforms, have enabled precise genetic modifications for improved yield, disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics in plant breeding enhances decision-making by processing vast datasets efficiently. Despite its numerous advantages, challenges such as data complexity, interoperability of databases, high costs and ethical concerns must be addressed to maximize bioinformatics? potential. Future advancements, including pangenomics, high-throughput phenotyping and blockchain-based breeding data security, are expected to further transform modern agriculture. By integrating bioinformatics-driven approaches, plant breeding can significantly contribute to global food security, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Nestled in the pristine hills of Meghalaya, Lakadong turmeric stands as one of the finest and most potent turmeric varieties in the world. Known for its exceptionally high curcumin content (6.8-7.5%) of its rhizomes, which gives it powerful medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties, this golden spice has long been a source of livelihood for local farmers and a prized commodity in global markets. However, its cultivation faces increasing threats, particularly from plant diseases that affect yield, quality, and farmer livelihoods. Fungal infections like rhizome rot and leaf spot, have become major challenges, exacerbated by changing climatic conditions and unsustainable farming practices. These diseases not only reduce productivity but also threaten the long-term sustainability of Lakadong turmeric. This article explores the disease-related challenges as well as various economic and technical challenges affecting this prized spice and highlights potential solutions. Addressing these threats through scientific research, farmer education, and policy support is crucial to preserving the legacy of Lakadong turmeric and ensuring its continued contribution to Meghalaya?s agricultural economy.

Water management is a crucial factor in sustainable agriculture, directly influencing crop productivity and resource conservation. Digital weighing lysimeters have emerged as precise tools for monitoring soil water balance by measuring real-time weight fluctuations in a soilplant system. This article explores the installation, operation, principles, and applications of digital weighing lysimeters in modern agriculture. The installation process includes site selection, excavation, and assembly of load cells, drainage systems, and soil refilling to ensure natural water flow dynamics. Operational principles rely on high-precision sensors, automated data acquisition, and real-time monitoring of evapotranspiration and percolation. Applications include optimizing irrigation, enhancing crop yields, and preventing water stress. While these systems offer high accuracy and efficiency, challenges such as cost, maintenance, and technical expertise remain. Future advancements integrating AI and remote sensing are expected to enhance predictive modelling, making lysimeter technology more accessible for sustainable water management in agriculture.

Climate change is a critical global challenge, primarily driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities. Among these gases, carbon dioxide (CO?) is a significant contributor to global warming. The concept of a carbon footprint quantifies the total GHG emissions associated with various activities, making it an essential tool for assessing environmental impact. This study explores carbon footprint calculation methods, emission trends, and potential reduction strategies. A key focus is carbon capture and utilization (CCU) within the chemical industry, which offers a pathway toward carbon neutrality. Additionally, national emission trends highlight fossil fuel dependency and the need for alternative energy sources. Strategies for reducing carbon footprints at both organizational and individual levels include the adoption of renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, sustainable material choices, and improved waste management. Understanding and mitigating carbon footprints is crucial for fostering a sustainable future and combating climate change effectively.

Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a dynamic living system that supports plant growth, maintains environmental quality, and promotes biodiversity. Healthy soil ensures sustainable agricultural productivity by facilitating nutrient cycling, improving water retention, and enhancing microbial activity. Maintaining soil health is essential for sustaining high crop yields, preventing soil erosion, and reducing the risk of land degradation. It also plays a critical role in carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change. Additionally, healthy soil supports microbial diversity, which enhances nutrient availability and disease resistance. By preserving soil health, we ensure long-term food security, environmental protection, and ecological balance. Cereal-based cropping systems, particularly rice-wheat systems, play a pivotal role in global food security. However, continuous monocropping, excessive tillage, chemical overuse, and poor residue management have led to severe soil degradation. To sustain high yields while preserving soil fertility, agronomic practices such as crop rotation, organic amendments, conservation tillage, and cover cropping are essential. By adopting these science-backed techniques, farmers can restore soil vitality, enhance sustainability, and ensure food security for future generations.

Water scarcity is one of the global issues due to climate change, affecting arid and semi-arid regions, and transforming irrigated areas into rainfed ones. It is one of the principal ecological constraints that hinder agriculture?s sustainability. Now, researchers have introduced a new water-holding amendment i.e. hydrogel polymer, which constitutes a group of polymeric materials and a hydrophilic structure that renders them capable of holding large amounts of water in their three-dimensional networks. It is a new approach to water management that can absorb and retain a huge amount of moisture under plentiful rainfall and irrigation events and release it back to the soil to mitigate crop water demand when the rhizosphere zone dries up under drought conditions. Therefore, hydrogel may prove to be a practical and advantageous solution for enhancing agricultural productivity during times of water scarcity.

Global warming, driven by the rising concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), presents a critical threat to the planet's climate. Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing CO2, offers a promising solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This article explores the two primary forms of carbon sequestration?biological and geological?and discusses their role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Biological sequestration, through plants and soils, naturally absorbs carbon, while geological sequestration stores CO2 deep underground in secure formations. Despite challenges such as high costs, public acceptance, and scalability, carbon sequestration remains a key tool in global climate strategies. With continued advancements in technology and international cooperation, it holds significant potential to help achieve net-zero emissions and limit global warming, making it a crucial weapon in the fight against climate change.

Instructional design is crucial in creating effective learning experiences, with task analysis and content analysis serving as fundamental tools. Task analysis breaks down complex tasks into manageable components, while content analysis examines subject matter to determine the presence and relationships of words, themes, or concepts. Understanding and applying these tools is essential for educators and instructional designers to create engaging and effective learning experiences in our evolving educational landscape.

Sustainable soil management is vital for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. With mounting challenges like soil degradation, erosion, nutrient depletion, and climate change, incorporating innovative and environmentally friendly approaches is imperative. This paper discusses some of the sustainable soil management practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, organic amendments, crop rotation, agroforestry, and precision nutrient management. These practices increase soil fertility, enhance water holding capacity, and support biodiversity but reduce chemical inputs and soil erosion. Other new technologies like biochar application, microbial inoculants, and digital soil mapping also contribute importantly to maximizing soil health. By combining these sustainable agriculture practices, farmers can realize increased productivity, sustain soil productivity, and achieve climate resilience. This research highlights the need to embrace integrated soil conservation practices for maintaining long-term agricultural sustainability and food security.

Weed management is an important component of contemporary agriculture, having a direct influence on crop yield, soil quality, and farm productivity as a whole. Conventional methods of weed control, including manual weeding and chemical herbicides, are labor-intensive, environmentally demanding, and tend to cause herbicide resistance among weed populations. Automated weed control systems that combine artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine vision, and precision application technologies are transforming weed management by providing effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solutions. These systems employ sensors, drones, autonomous robots, and intelligent sprayers to sense, identify, and selectively eliminate weeds with high precision. Deep learning and computer vision advancements allow for real-time discrimination of weeds from crops, minimizing herbicide use and environmental disturbance. The current developments in automated weed control technologies, their benefits, limitations, and potential for the future in sustainable agriculture are the subject of this review. The implementation of these innovative systems increases the efficiency of farm operations, reduces dependence on chemical inputs, and contributes to the goal of precision agriculture to promote food security and environmental sustainability.

Organic farming in sugarcane cultivation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. By replacing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic manures, biofertilizers, and natural pest control methods, organic farming enhances soil fertility, reduces pollution, and improves crop resilience. Techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, mulching, and drip irrigation further support sustainable production. While organic sugarcane farming faces challenges like lower initial yields, labor intensity, and certification hurdles, it ensures long-term productivity, cost-effectiveness, and premium market value. With increasing global demand for organic sugar, policy support, farmer training, and innovative organic practices are essential for wider adoption. This paper explores the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of organic sugarcane farming.

Vegetable crops are highly sensitive to abiotic stresses, which can significantly impact their growth, development and yield. Factors such as extreme temperatures, drought, flooding, salinity and nutrient imbalances disrupt physiological processes, often leading to irreversible damage. Recognizing the symptoms early and understanding the natural tolerance mechanisms of certain crops are crucial for effective management. This article explores the most common abiotic stresses in vegetable crops, their symptoms and how some plants naturally cope with these challenges.

The increase in world's population is accompanied with increase in demand for food. Climate change worsens the situation by making plants more prone to abiotic and biotic stresses. To mitigate the inevitable impacts of climate change on agriculture, improving crop resilience to these stresses is crucial. Plant growth promoting rhizospheric microorganisms (PGPR) promotes plant growth through direct and indirect mechanisms. The ability to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and develop biofilm enhances the chances of survival and amplifies the various associated mechanisms involved in promoting plant growth under stress conditions as compared to planktonic counterparts. Biofilm is a structured community of microbial cells which are often embedded in an extracellular matrix composed of EPS. Inoculation with biofilm forming microbes increases the production of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes activities, maintains ionic homeostasis, etc. However, there is a need to explore crop and soil specific biofilm forming microbes.

The increasing global demand for food necessitates improved nutrient management strategies to enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Nutrient interactions in soil and plants play a crucial role in determining nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and crop yield. This paper explores the mechanisms of nutrient synergy and antagonism, emphasizing their implications for sustainable agriculture. Synergistic interactions, such as co-enhancement of solubility, nutrient transport facilitation, and enzyme activation, optimize nutrient uptake and utilization. In contrast, antagonistic interactions, including competitive ion uptake and chemical precipitation, lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced crop productivity. The article highlights the importance of balanced nutrient application, site-specific fertilization and soil pH management to mitigate nutrient imbalances. Effective strategies such as soil testing, 4R nutrient stewardship, integrated nutrient management (INM), and precision agriculture using IoT-based technologies are essential for maintaining soil fertility and enhancing crop yields. Understanding nutrient interactions and implementing evidence-based fertilization practices will support sustainable agricultural intensification and long-term food security.

Cleome gynandra is a widely found plant that grows as a weed in barren lands and agricultural fields across India. Globally, it is utilized in various traditional medicine systems to treat numerous ailments and is also incorporated into different culinary practices due to its impressive nutritional and antioxidant benefits. In India, traditional healers commonly use it to manage conditions such as epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, and parasitic infections. The plant is rich in proteins, amino acids and minerals, making it a potentially valuable crop that can be easily cultivated for economic purposes. This review article highlights the medicinal uses of Cleome gynandra, citing its properties as an immunomodulator, antioxidant, anticancer agent, and analgesic. Given these established benefits, Cleome gynandra shows promise as a potential therapeutic option in the future.

Solar-powered hydroponics and vertical farming represent innovative solutions to address the growing challenges in agriculture caused by population growth, urbanization, and land scarcity. These modern techniques enhance crop production by integrating solar energy with resource-efficient systems like hydroponics and vertical farming. Solar integration reduces carbon emissions, conserves resources, and lowers energy costs, making the approach both sustainable and economically viable. Advanced technologies such as agrivoltaics, IoT, and automation further optimize land use and improve efficiency. By adopting these eco-friendly practices, farmers can enhance food security, reduce environmental impact, and promote a sustainable future in agriculture.

Carbon farming involves land, livestock, and soil management practices to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key practices include agroforestry, cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotation, organic farming, rotational grazing, biochar, wetland restoration, and silviculture. These methods enhance soil health, increase productivity, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Carbon farming offers prospects such as improving soil fertility, creating economic incentives through carbon credits, and boosting biodiversity. However, challenges include measurement complexity, initial costs, land management conflicts, and policy uncertainty. Overcoming these barriers can unlock the potential of carbon farming as a sustainable solution for climate change.

Nature-based solutions in agriculture offer a holistic approach that balances agricultural production with environmental preservation, fostering systems that are both productive and ecologically sustainable. These are sustainable practices that work with nature to enhance productivity, improve resilience and restore ecosystems. Nature-based solutions in agriculture aim to address climate change, biodiversity loss and food security while maintaining economic viability for farmers. In India, national programmes like NMSA, NMNF, PMKSY, IWMP, National Agroforestry Policy and Green India Mission are working on Naturebased solutions in agriculture, thus contributing in enhancing productivity and sustainability. By implementing Nature-based solutions in agriculture, we can foster a climate-resilient agricultural sector and safeguard food security for the future.

Speed breeding is an emerging innovative technique that significantly accelerates the breeding process in vegetable crops by shortening the life cycle, enhancing genetic gains, and increasing productivity in a sustainable manner. By optimizing environmental conditions, such as light intensity, temperature, and photoperiod, speed breeding allows for the rapid generation of crops with desired traits, making it a promising solution to meet the increasing global food demands and address challenges posed by climate change. This article delves into the principles, techniques, applications, and potential future directions of speed breeding in vegetable crops. We explore how it is being applied to a wide range of vegetables, including tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and cucumbers, and how the integration of CRISPR/Cas9 and other advanced technologies further enhances its potential. Recent developments in genomic tools, phenotyping, and automation are also discussed as key enablers for the successful implementation of speed breeding programs. The article highlights its promise for improving the efficiency and sustainability of vegetable crop production, which is critical to ensuring food security in the 21st century.

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees with crops and livestock, offers a sustainable land-use system that delivers multiple environmental, social, and economic benefits. Among its many advantages, agroforestry plays a significant role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. By capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO?) and storing it in plant biomass and soils, agroforestry systems act as natural carbon sinks. Various studies from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have demonstrated that agroforestry systems such as Silvipastoral systems, boundary planting and tree-based intercropping exhibit high potential for carbon storage. Species selection, management practices, and system design greatly influence sequestration rates. Beyond climate benefits, agroforestry improves biodiversity, soil health, and farmers' livelihoods, making it a viable solution for sustainable agriculture. Scaling up agroforestry practices can significantly contribute to global efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing environmental resilience.

Climate change poses significant threats to agriculture, affecting food security and sustainability worldwide. Sustainable nutrient management integrates innovative practices such as precision farming, organic amendments, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and watersaving technologies to improve soil health and optimize nutrient use. Advanced solutions like biochar, nanofertilizers, and microbial inoculants enhance resilience against climate stress. In India, initiatives like National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) support sustainable nutrient management to mitigate climate impacts. By adopting sustainable nutrient management practices, we can promote sustainable agricultural productivity, reduce environmental degradation, and ensure long-term food security with changing climate.

With the global population increasing and the demand for nutritious food intensifying, enhancing the nutritional quality of crops has become a critical focus of agricultural research. Genetic modification (GM) of vegetables presents a promising solution to address deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This paper explores the potential and challenges of genetically modified vegetables to improve their nutrient profiles. Through the introduction of specific genes into crops, scientists have successfully enhanced the nutrient density of vegetables, offering a sustainable approach to address malnutrition and food insecurity globally. The paper reviews key studies on genetically modified vegetables, highlighting successes in increasing vitamin A, iron, folate, and antioxidants. However, it also discusses the concerns associated with GM crops, including safety, environmental impact, and ethical considerations. Recent advancements and ongoing research in the field indicate that genetic modification has the potential to play a central role in global efforts to combat malnutrition.

Incursions of highly destructive pest?s causes damage which have catastrophic effects to the agriculture crops, plants and native ecosystem. It explores various aspects of pest management and plant biosecurity focusing upon different response strategies for early detection, rapid response and risk assessment based upon advanced technologies like remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). Pest Risk Analysis includes Pest Risk Area (PRA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) which guides decision making and resource allocation accurately. Biosecurity frameworks at national and international levels makes easy to co-ordinate responses among different areas. Rapid responses imply different strategies like containment (quarantine) and control (chemical/biological, prioritizing Integrated Pest Management ? IPM) and timely communication between locals, regional, state and central government agencies, academia is crucial to protect ecosystem in plant health emergency situations. All these emergency pest response strategies certainly face challenges which include interagency coordination gaps, pesticide resistance, and climate change impacts. Future directions involve genetic pest control, advanced detection methods (AI, molecular diagnostics) and strengthened international cooperation for more effective, sustainable, and resilient pest management.

Herbicide formulations are crucial for effective weed management, enhancing application efficiency, stability, and safety while minimizing environmental impact. With global food demand rising and weeds causing an average 34% yield loss, herbicides?accounting for 1,732.3 thousand metric tons of global pesticide consumption in 2023?play a key role in modern agriculture. Formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates (EC), water-dispersible granules (WDG), and microencapsulated herbicides (ME) improve herbicide performance, reduce drift, and enhance crop safety. Selection depends on factors like target weed species, application method, and environmental impact, with granular (G) and WDG formulations posing lower human exposure risks. However, challenges such as herbicide resistance, environmental contamination, regulatory restrictions, and volatility issues persist. Advanced research in controlled-release and eco-friendly formulations is crucial for sustainable weed management and future agricultural productivity.

Agriculture is increasingly challenged by climate change, nutritional insecurity, shrinking land resources and a growing population, further aggravated by soil degradation. Among several ways to address these issues, the most prominent and cost-effective means is to adopt an integrated farming system (IFS). This approach promotes efficient waste recycling by connecting different components, thereby reducing environmental pollution. Additionally, combining livestock with crop production enhances the supply of eggs, meat and milk, ensuring better nutrition and a stable income for farmers. Therefore, developing a sustainable, eco-friendly and economically viable IFS model is essential.

Carbon negative farming is an agricultural approach that removes more carbon dioxide (CO?) from the atmosphere than it emits, helping to mitigate climate change. This is achieved through regenerative practices such as agroforestry, cover cropping, no-till farming, biochar application, and holistic grazing management. These methods enhance soil carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, minimizes the carbon footprint of farming operations. By adopting carbon-negative farming, promoting sustainable food production while restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.

Aeroponics is the technique of growing plants that are suspended on the air and grow in a humid environment under controlled conditions without soil. The basic principles of aeroponics is based on the possibility of cultivating plants whose roots are suspended and are not inserted into soil or a substratum , but in chambers filled with water and essential nutrients. With this technique the humidity, pH, temperature, water conductivity can be controlled under closed growing conditions like poly house. Since the roots are suspended on the air, it is possible to plant practically anywhere and cubic space can be used, and therefore, aeroponics can be applied in many different ways. The ideal conditions for moisture and oxygenation can be found by the roots in these chambers. These conditions enable more balanced and improved plant nutrition absorption, which leads to faster plant development. As the plants are kept apart, suspended in the air, and their roots are not submerged in soil or water, the aeroponic system is easier to utilize. Many food crops, including lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, and some green vegetables, are grown commercially using aeroponic systems (Boddu et al., 2024).This technique has many advantages as compared to conventional cropping, crop harvesting is also easy.

The management of agricultural crops at a spatial scale smaller than the entire field is known as site-specific management (SSM), or precision agriculture. The economic benefits of SSM practices must be considered before they can be widely adopted by farmers. For SSM to be justified, three requirements must be met: (1) there must be significant within-field spatial variability in the factors influencing crop yield; (2) the causes of this variability must be identified and quantified; and (3) the data from these measurements must be utilized to adjust crop management techniques in order to boost revenue or lessen environmental impact. This paper's goal is to examine the situation of SSM at the start of the new millennium and make some predictions about where it might go. The review is structured according to the fundamental elements of SSM mentioned above, which include measuring spatial variability, evaluating the information gathered from these measurements, applying the knowledge gathered to modify management procedures, and assessing whether the benefits generated outweigh the expenses.

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix, which can form on both living and inert surfaces. These biofilms provide protection to microbes against various environmental stresses, such as extreme pH, temperature, antibiotics, and radiation. The matrix, primarily composed of exopolysaccharides, facilitates microbial adhesion and promotes communication between cells. While biofilms are essential for microbial survival, they can pose significant challenges in industries like food processing, where they contribute to contamination by harmful pathogens. Biofilms can be formed by a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Despite their negative implications, biofilms also have beneficial roles in natural processes and applications such as wastewater treatment. Understanding their formation, structure, and control is crucial for managing their impact in both beneficial and harmful contexts.

The global agricultural sector faces a critical challenge: an ageing farmer population and a declining interest among youth in pursuing agricultural careers. This trend threatens food security, rural development, and the sustainability of agricultural systems. However, the 21st century offers unprecedented opportunities to engage young people in agriculture through innovative extension education programs. This article explores strategies to attract youth to agriculture, emphasizing the role of extension education in inspiring the next generation of farmers. It examines the barriers to youth engagement, such as negative perceptions of agriculture, limited access to resources, and a lack of tailored educational programs. The article also highlights successful case studies and innovative approaches, including digital extension services, agriprneurship training, and experiential learning. By leveraging technology, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating inclusive programs, extension education can transform agriculture into an attractive and viable career path for young people, ensuring the future of sustainable food systems.

Seaweeds are rich in bioactive compounds like amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which offer various health benefits, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their well-balanced nutritional profile makes them a promising source of functional ingredients for food products and nutraceuticals, promoting health, preventing diseases, and supporting therapeutic interventions. As such, seaweeds are emerging as an important resource for the development of health-promoting foods and supplements.

Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.), an essential fiber crop, to develop and produce at its full potential, for weed control is essential. The bio-efficacy of several herbicides on Tossa jute fiber yield, crop growth, and weed control is assessed in this study. Pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides, such as pendimethalin, quizalofop-ethyl, and imazethapyr, were used in a field trial to compare them to hand weeding and an untreated control. Weed density, weight when dry, and weed control efficacy were all strongly impacted by herbicide applications. In comparison to the control, the most successful treatment displayed superior weed obliteration which boosted height of plants, biomass accumulation, and fiber yield. Higher quantities of the different herbicides, however, showed phytotoxicity.

Jeevamruta is a traditional organic bio-fertilizer used in natural and zero-budget farming to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable agricultural practices. It is prepared using locally available ingredients, including cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil, which undergo a fermentation process to create a nutrient-rich, microbe-packed solution. This organic stimulant is known to improve soil microbial activity, enhance nutrient availability, and boost plant growth and productivity. When applied to crops through soil drenching or foliar spraying, Jeevamruta enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, facilitating better nutrient uptake and strengthening plant resistance to diseases. It supports sustainable agriculture by reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, improving soil structure, and fostering ecological balance.

Soil erosion is a major environmental concern that leads to land degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and water pollution. One of the most effective and sustainable strategies for controlling soil erosion is the use of cover crops. These non-cash crops, planted during fallow periods or between main crop cycles, help protect the soil by improving its structure, increasing organic matter, reducing runoff, and minimizing the impact of raindrops and wind. This article explores the mechanisms through which cover crops prevent soil erosion, highlights their environmental and agricultural benefits, and discusses best practices for their implementation.

Women are essential to agriculture, making major contributions to rural economics, livestock management, and food production. Nevertheless, in spite of their efforts, they encounter significant obstacles when trying to obtain agricultural data, which restricts their economic prospects and production. In addition to examining important issues including gender bias in extension services, restricted access to technology, land ownership restrictions, and sociocultural restraints, this article also addresses the crucial role that agricultural knowledge plays in empowering women farmers. Targeted solutions, like gender-inclusive agricultural training, increasing digital and mobile-based advising services, enhancing women's access to financial resources, and fusing agricultural education with domestic duties, are required to close this knowledge gap. Successful programs that have improved women's access to agricultural information are illustrated by case studies from Bangladesh, Kenya, and India.

Modern agriculture's overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has sparked worries about human safety, soil health deterioration, and environmental destruction. An environmentally friendly substitute that increases crop yields while maintaining soil fertility and lowering pollution is offered by biopesticides and biofertilizers. Their varieties, modes of operation, benefits, drawbacks, and possible contribution to sustainable farming are all covered in this essay. These bio-based solutions have the potential to contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable agriculture system as awareness and technology grow.

Accurate estimation of tree biomass and volume is crucial for forest management, carbon sequestration studies, and ecological research. Traditional methods, such as harvesting and weighing trees, are destructive and impractical for large-scale assessments. Non-destructive methods provide an alternative approach by utilizing allometric equations, remote sensing technologies, and ground-based measurements. Techniques such as laser scanning (LiDAR), photogrammetry, and ground-based dendrometric measurements (e.g., tree height, diameter at breast height, and wood density) enable precise biomass and volume estimation without damaging the tree. This paper reviews various non-destructive methods, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and applications in forestry and environmental monitoring.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. is a staple crop with a complex tetraploid genome, making conventional breeding for desirable traits challenging. Genome editing using CRISPR-Cas technology has emerged as a powerful tool for precise genome editing in potatoes, enabling targeted modifications for disease resistance, stress tolerance, and quality improvement. CRISPR and its related tools have really zoomed into helping to remove genes that make something vulnerable and to tweak metabolic pathways, and to generally beef up traits important to farming without throwing in DNA from other places. Compared to traditional methods of change, CRISPR and Cas are a lot finer, more efficient and considerably reduce regulatory worries too. This review explores recent advancements in CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing in potatoes, detailing its applications, challenges, and future prospects. Key aspects such as delivery methods, target genes, and regulatory considerations are discussed. While CRISPR-Cas revolutionizes potato improvement, challenges such as off-target effects, low editing efficiency in polyploids, and regulatory frameworks need further refinement. Future innovations will enhance its applicability in sustainable potato breeding.

Phytonematodes are parasites of plants that mostly affect the roots and a few on the aerial parts. These plant-parasitic nematodes are gaining essential economic importance as they are a threat in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, forestry and their respective allied sectors. They are comparatively easy to be managed with minimum infestation and nearly impossible to completely eradicate once they occur in a field. Recent research has been reporting the emerging threat of nematode infection on various crops throughout the country. Root knot nematodes are expanding their host range and occurrence of new Meloidogyne species in citrus plantations and prevalence of adverse effects and complete crop failure in protected cultivation are being reported. Other nematodes, like potato golden cyst nematodes, nematodes affecting flower crops, and mushroom cultivation, are becoming a major threat.

The need for food is rising in tandem with the population's rapid growth. Farmers were unable to meet these standards using their existing ways. As a result, drone technology and other automated techniques were presented. In addition to meeting the world's food needs, these new techniques gave billions of people jobs. Drone technologies reduce the need for excessive amounts of water, pesticides, and herbicides, preserve soil fertility, aid in the effective use of labor, increase productivity, and enhance quality. This paper's goal is to examine how drones are used in agricultural applications. According to the literature, drones can be used for a wide range of agricultural purposes. We employed a thorough evaluation of previous studies conducted worldwide as part of our methodology. The present state of drone technology for agricultural applications, such as crop health monitoring and farm activities including weed control, evapotranspiration estimation, spraying, etc., is compiled in this paper. In order to improve agricultural production, the research article's conclusion is that more farmers invest in drone technology.

The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a central sector scheme aimed at empowering women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them with drone technology for agricultural services. This initiative seeks to modernize farming practices, improve productivity, and create new income opportunities for rural women. By integrating drone technology, the scheme enhances agricultural efficiency through precise pesticide and fertilizer application, crop health monitoring, and resource management. The initiative also promotes sustainable farming by reducing chemical overuse and minimizing environmental impact. To ensure accessibility, the government provides 80 per cent subsidies on drone costs and offers lowinterest loans to SHGs. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative plays a key role in women?s empowerment, positioning them as leaders in technology-driven agriculture. It fosters entrepreneurship, equipping women with the skills needed to contribute actively to modern farming practices. With government backing and community engagement, the Namo Drone Didi Yojana ensures that women are not just beneficiaries but active drivers of agricultural transformation.