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Feed processing has evolved from basic grinding and mixing toward integrated technologies capable of modifying the physical, chemical and biological properties of feed ingredients. Conventional particle-size reduction, pelleting, thermal conditioning, extrusion and ensiling remain fundamental because they improve handling, reduce segregation and waste, alter starch and protein structures, and can increase nutrient availability. However, increasing feed costs, variable ingredient quality, climate-related storage risks, mycotoxin contamination and the need for higher nutrient-use efficiency are accelerating the adoption of fermentation, enzyme-assisted processing, encapsulation, nano-enabled delivery and digital quality-control systems. This review examines the transition from conventional feed processing to next-generation platforms, with emphasis on how processing can be deliberately designed to control nutrient release, detoxify anti-nutritional factors, protect sensitive bioactives and improve animal responses. Particular attention is given to solid-state fermentation, precision fermentation, exogenous enzymes, microbial bioprocessing, microand nanoencapsulation, nano-minerals and rapid non-destructive quality assessment using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and machine learning. The review also discusses feed safety, mycotoxin mitigation, sustainability, energy and water requirements, and the translational issues surrounding scale-up and regulatory acceptance. Indian applications are highlighted because crop residues, agro-industrial by-products, variable forage quality and decentralized feeding systems create a strong need for low-cost, robust processing technologies. Recent evidence indicates that fermentation can upgrade underutilized substrates and generate functional metabolites, while modern NIR and AI approaches can shorten quality-assessment time. Nano-enabled delivery may improve stability and targeted availability of selected nutrients, but safety, residue, environmental and dose-response questions remain important. The future of feed technology is therefore not a single processing method but an integrated, data-informed manufacturing system that links ingredient characterization, processing conditions, nutrient delivery, animal response and feed safety.

Mineral and vitamin nutrition in Indian dairy cattle and buffaloes cannot be adequately described by a single national supplementation formula because nutrient supply is shaped by agro-climatic conditions, soil mineral status, water quality, crop choice, fodder species, preservation practices, animal genotype, physiological stage and the extent of concentrate feeding. Area-specific mineral mixture (ASMM) therefore provides a rational framework in which mineral supplementation is based on measured regional deficiencies and practical dietary supply rather than on indiscriminate addition of all nutrients at fixed levels. This review examines the scientific basis of area-specific mineral?vitamin nutrition, with particular emphasis on regional deficiency mapping, diagnostic approaches, trace-mineral bioavailability, mineral?mineral and vitamin?mineral interactions, organic mineral sources, antioxidant micronutrients and precision supplementation. Indian evidence demonstrates substantial heterogeneity: studies in Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka and Kashmir have identified different combinations of deficient or excessive minerals in feeds, fodders, soil and animal tissues. A recent study from the Pir Panjal region of Kashmir reported widespread deficiencies of Ca, Cu, Mn and Zn in plasma, whereas a 2025 field study in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh documented improved plasma Ca, P, Cu and Zn and reproductive hormones after supplementation of a locally formulated ASMM. In 2025/2026, a controlled study in periparturient Murrah buffaloes further reported higher milk yield and better postpartum reproductive responses with ASMM than the unsupplemented control. The review argues that the next generation of ASMM should move from static regional recipes toward dynamic, biomarker-informed formulations that consider native dietary mineral supply, antagonists, source bioavailability, seasonal changes, heat stress, production stage and the risk of both deficiency and over-supplementation. Such an approach can improve animal health, fertility, milk production, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability in Indian dairy systems.

One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is an interconnected biochemical network that integrates methionine, choline, folate, vitamin B12 and related nutrients with transmethylation, remethylation, transsulfuration, phospholipid synthesis, nucleotide metabolism and cellular redox control. The system is especially relevant to dairy cattle during the transition from late gestation to early lactation, when dry matter intake often falls while requirements for glucose, amino acids, lipid transport, immune function and milk synthesis increase. Inadequate methyl-donor supply may constrain hepatic phosphatidylcholine synthesis and triglyceride export, while methionine availability also influences protein synthesis, antioxidant capacity and immune-cell function. The present review develops an Indian perspective by linking one-carbon nutrition with the diversity of cattle and buffalo production systems, fluctuating feed-resource availability, crop residues, oilseed cakes, agroindustrial by-products, seasonal heat stress and the metabolic risks observed around calving. Particular attention is given to the methionine and folate cycles, the choline-betaine pathway, transsulfuration, immunometabolism, liver lipid handling, reproduction and maternal-fetal programming. Recent mechanistic, metabolomic, molecular and metaanalytic evidence is integrated, including work published through 2026. Indian evidence from Kankrej cows, Surti buffaloes, Murrah buffaloes and Sahiwal transition cows is discussed alongside international dairy-cattle studies. The review argues that the next phase of research should move from single-nutrient supplementation toward systems-level assessment of bioavailable methyl-donor supply, rumen protection, metabolic phenotype, heat stress, breed or species effects and epigenetic outcomes. This framework could support more precise and context-specific methyl-donor nutrition for Indian dairy cattle and buffaloes.

As the global discourse on Artificial Intelligence (AI) matures beyond Large Language Models (LLMs) confined to digital abstraction, a paradigm shift is emerging from the Global South. This paper examines two pioneering AI deployments in India: ?AI Sarlaben? in Gujrat and ?Mahavistaar? in Maharashtra. I argue that generative AI inverts the cost structure of farm extension: the marginal cost of one more personalised approach zero, while fixed costs migrate to three scarce assets-verified data, institutional trust and language infrastructure. I distinguish two archetypes: a Library model (Mahavistaar), which retrieves from vetted public knowledge and cites its sources, and a Ledger model (Sarlaben), which reasons over transaction- level records generated by a cooperative market institution. This distinction determines what can be replicated elsewhere: architecture, guardrails and voice interfaces travel well: ledgers and trust do not. This article explores the architectural efficiency, historical data leverage, and socio-economic integration that make these indigenous AI models masterclasses in solving real-world,? last-mile? bottlenecks.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple cereal for a large proportion of the global population. The nutritional implications of consuming whole-grain versus milled rice are of considerable public health interest. Retention of the bran and germ in brown rice results in higher concentrations of dietary fibre, minerals and B-complex vitamins, whereas milled white rice, particularly when enriched, is more digestible and may supply greater amounts of folate and iron. This article compares the two forms in terms of processing, nutrient composition, glycemic response, association with type 2 diabetes, and potential risks such as arsenic accumulation. Overall, brown rice is nutritionally superior for most individuals, although white rice may be preferable under specific physiological and clinical conditions.

Good reproductive health is essential for maintaining healthy and productive animals. In farm animals, successful reproduction provides regular calves, lambs, kids, piglets and foals, while in pets it helps in planned production of healthy puppies and kittens. Problems such as infertility, repeat breeding, abortion and difficult birth can cause economic loss and affect animal welfare. Many reproductive problems can be reduced through simple management practices such as proper feeding, clean water, good housing, correct heat detection, healthy breeding animals and disease prevention. Reproductive care should begin before breeding and continue through pregnancy, delivery and after birth. Regular observation and timely veterinary care can help farmers and pet owners identify problems early and improve reproductive performance.

Pregnancy is an important period in the life of an animal. The care given during this time affects both the health of the mother and the development of the unborn young one. Proper feeding, clean water, comfortable housing, regular health care and gentle handling can help reduce problems during pregnancy and delivery. Cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, dogs and cats all need special attention during pregnancy, although their requirements are different. The need for good nutrition becomes greater during the later stages of pregnancy because the young one grows rapidly during this period. Animals carrying twins or triplets need still more care. Regular observation also helps the owner notice problems such as loss of appetite, weakness, abnormal discharge or difficult labour at an early stage. Simple and timely management can help improve the chances of a normal delivery and a healthy newborn.

Microminerals, also called trace minerals, are required by farm animals in very small quantities, but they have a major role in maintaining good health and fertility. Important microminerals include zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, iodine, cobalt and iron. When these minerals are deficient or unbalanced in the diet, animals may show poor growth, delayed maturity, irregular heat, poor conception, pregnancy loss or reduced semen quality. These problems can affect cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. Microminerals help in proper development of reproductive organs, hormone activity, egg and sperm production, and protection of body cells from damage. Providing a balanced mineral mixture according to the animal's needs can therefore support better reproductive performance. Farmers should also remember that giving excess minerals is not beneficial and may sometimes be harmful. Good-quality feed, adequate minerals, clean water and proper reproductive management together form the foundation of good fertility.

Embryo transfer (ET) is an important reproductive biotechnology used to multiply genetically superior cattle. A valuable cow normally produces only one calf at a time, limiting the number of offspring that can be obtained from her during her productive life. In ET, embryos produced by a selected donor cow are collected and transferred into suitable recipient cows. The major steps include donor selection, superovulation, artificial insemination, embryo recovery and evaluation, recipient synchronization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy diagnosis. ET helps in faster multiplication of superior female genetics, improvement of herd quality, and conservation of valuable cattle breeds. It can also be combined with technologies such as ovum pick-up, in vitro embryo production, sex-sorted semen, genomic selection, and embryo cryopreservation. With proper donor and recipient management, ET can be a useful tool for improving cattle breeding efficiency.

Liquid organic manures are biological inputs used in organic and low-input farming to recycle locally available resources and support soil fertility. This article describes their characteristics, preparation, functions, application methods, benefits and limitations. It covers traditional Indian formulations, including Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Panchagavya, Amritpani and Kunapajala, as well as fish amino acid, fermented plant extracts and compost tea. These preparations differ in their ingredients and intended uses: some are applied to treat seeds, while others supply soluble nutrients, provide organic compounds or stimulate microbial activity. Their potential contributions include nutrient mineralization, rhizosphere activity, plant growth and the recycling of agricultural, animal and food-processing residues. Soil application, foliar spraying, seed treatment and irrigation delivery allow their use at different crop stages. However, their nutrient and microbial composition varies with raw materials, preparation, fermentation, storage and application. Many formulations lack standardized nutrient analyses, and poorly handled animal-based preparations may pose hygiene risks. Liquid organic manures should therefore be treated as supplementary components of integrated nutrient management, alongside compost, farmyard manure, crop residues, legumes and green manures, rather than assumed to meet all crop nutrient requirements. Further research is needed to standardize preparation, characterize composition, establish crop-specific application rates, assess long-term soil effects and validate mechanisms of action.

Mushrooms are valuable sources of nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients, containing bioactive compounds such as ?-glucans, phenolics, terpenoids, sterols and ergothioneine. Species including shiitake, oyster mushroom, reishi, lion?s mane and Cordyceps militaris have shown promising nutritional, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and gut-health-related potential. However, much of the available evidence is based on laboratory and animal studies, emphasizing the need for well-designed human clinical trials. The nutraceutical potential of mushrooms is influenced by species, cultivation, processing, extraction and formulation, making standardization and quality control essential. Advances in mushroom biotechnology, sustainable cultivation and precision fermentation are creating opportunities for producing high-value bioactive compounds while utilizing agricultural residues. Overall, mushroom nutraceuticals offer promising prospects at the intersection of mycology, nutrition, biotechnology and sustainable food production.

India dominates global jute production, with West Bengal alone accounting for over 70% of the nation's acreage. Yet, despite this stronghold, actual farm yields fall surprisingly short of their true potential. Erratic weather, strained resources, and outdated farming methods are largely to blame. To secure the future of this "golden fibre" we need a sustainable model that bridges climate-smart cultivation with a modern circular economy. Jute is naturally hardy, but helping it handle the extreme droughts and sudden waterlogging common in rainfed regions is key to consistent harvests. Smarter farming also demands better resource management. Evidence shows that combining standard fertilisers with organic farmyard manure builds healthier, carbon-rich soil that sustains long-term fertility far better than chemicals alone. Additionally, targeted watering techniques save vital water resources without shrinking the final fibre output. The real game-changer, however, lies beyond the fibre itself. Jute sticks, once tossed aside as low-value agricultural waste, are now being transformed into valuable biochar, activated carbon, and industrial materials. This exciting waste-to-wealth approach creates powerful new income streams for rural communities. By linking climate-resilient farming, water-saving retting practices, and residue recycling, we can drastically improve farmer livelihoods across West Bengal. The blueprint is ready; the next critical step is moving these promising innovations out of the laboratory and into the hands of farmers and everyday industry.

Natural farming is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like Tripura. West Tripura district has witnessed a gradual shift toward natural farming practices due to rising concerns over soil degradation, environmental pollution and health hazards associated with chemical inputs. Recent reports indicate that Tripura has already developed over 25,000 hectares under organic and natural farming and aims to expand up to 50,000 hectares in the coming years. This article highlights the importance of natural farming, current adoption trends in Tripura, problems associated with chemical-based agriculture and sustainable solutions. It also discusses the future potential of natural farming in West Tripura for ensuring ecological balance, economic viability and improved human health.

Beauveria bassiana (Bals. -Criv.) Vuill. is widely valued as an entomopathogenic biocontrol agent in agriculture and forestry, yet it is also the causal agent of white muscardine, one of the most contagious and destructive diseases of the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori L. This short review integrates classical experimental evidence with recent molecular, microbiome and epidemiological studies to summarise how the fungus harms sericulture. Infection proceeds through cuticular penetration and gut invasion, and kills larvae within days; all developmental stages are susceptible, but late-instar larvae are the most vulnerable, with experimental larval mortality approaching 100% and median lethal concentrations falling from about 1,600 spores mL-1 in first-instar larvae to about 435 spores mL-1 in fifth-instar larvae. Cool (15-18 oC), humid (90-100% relative humidity) and poorly ventilated rearing conditions favour outbreaks, and infected moths produce far fewer eggs. Silkworm strains differ markedly in susceptibility, and host defences (cuticular proteins, serine protease inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides and mulberry-derived cuticular bacteria) offer routes to resistance. Population-genetic tracing in China found no link between silkworm outbreaks and released biopesticide strains, so the risk from agricultural use of B. bassiana near sericultural areas remains plausible but poorly quantified. We outline diagnostic and management options and identify priorities for research and policy.

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are major forms of hidden hunger, especially in populations that depend heavily on cereal-based diets. Wheat is therefore a strategic crop for biofortification, but grain Fe and Zn concentration is controlled by complex networks of uptake, chelation, transport, remobilization and storage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) provide a precise post-transcriptional regulatory layer because they repress specific messenger RNAs by cleavage or translational inhibition. Recent wheat studies have identified Fe- and Znresponsive miRNAs, including conserved families such as miR397, miR398 and miR408 and several wheat-specific novel miRNAs. These small RNAs are linked with multicopper oxidases, zinc-ion transport, transcription factors, E3 ubiquitin ligases, antioxidant defense and cellular detoxification. This review summarizes how miRNA-based targeting could complement conventional breeding, genomic selection and genome editing to increase Fe and Zn loading in wheat grain while maintaining yield and stress tolerance.

Roots are the hidden foundation of crop productivity, yet they have traditionally received less attention than the visible shoot. Root system architecture including rooting depth, growth angle, length, branching, diameter, root hairs and distribution, determines how effectively crops acquire water and nutrients, anchor themselves, interact with soil microorganisms and respond to drought, salinity, compaction and other stresses. The central role of roots in crop growth and climate-resilient agriculture. It explains how root traits influence drought avoidance, nutrient-use efficiency, rhizosphere activity, soil structure and crop establishment, with examples from rice, chickpea, maize and cereal crops. The article also discusses agronomic practices that support root development, including good establishment, reduced compaction, appropriate irrigation, balanced nutrition, residue management and suitable variety selection. Advances in root phenotyping and root-ideotype breeding are making it increasingly possible to select crops according to their below-ground performance. The central message is that productive agriculture requires a shift from managing only the visible canopy to managing the complete crop-soil system. Better roots do not automatically guarantee higher yield, but crops cannot achieve their potential without root systems capable of efficiently supplying water and nutrients under changing environmental conditions.

Poultry farming generates large quantities of waste from hatcheries, farms and processing plants creating environmental and public health concern when improperly managed. Poultry waste including hatchery waste, litter, feather and byproduct, contains valuable nutrients such as protein, fat and essential nutrients. Proper processing and recycling can convert this waste in to animal feed, organic fertilizers and renewable energy through biogas production. Such waste-valorization practices reduce pollution, recover valuable resources, and decrease dependence on synthetic fertilizers and conventional feed ingredients. Effective poultry waste management can contribute significantly to sustainable and economically efficient poultry production throughout the year.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful and innovative tool in modern food systems, offering significant advantages in enhancing food quality, safety, shelf life, and nutritional value. Applications such as nano-enabled packaging, nutrient delivery systems, and nano sensors have revolutionized the food industry by improving preservation, bioavailability, and real-time monitoring of food quality. These advancements highlight the immense potential of nanotechnology in addressing global challenges like food security, malnutrition, and food wastage. However, alongside these benefits, growing evidence indicates serious concerns regarding the potential health and environmental risks associated with nanoparticles. Due to their extremely small size and high reactivity, nanoparticles can easily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure, leading to toxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, and disruption of gut health. Their tendency for bioaccumulation in vital organs further raises the risk of long-term health complications. Additionally, the release of nanoparticles into the environment can disturb ecological balance, affect soil and water quality, and impact biodiversity. A major challenge lies in the lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks, standardized safety assessment methods, and long-term human studies. Current knowledge gaps create uncertainty regarding safe exposure levels and the overall impact of nanoparticles on human health and ecosystems. Therefore, a cautious and balanced approach is essential. In conclusion, while nanotechnology holds great promise for transforming the food sector, its safe and sustainable application requires rigorous risk assessment, strict regulations, continuous research, and increased consumer awareness. Ensuring a balance between innovation and safety is crucial to fully harness the benefits of nanotechnology while minimizing its potential risks.

Nitrogen is a key input for kharif crops such as rice, maize, cotton and fodder, but is highly prone to losses through leaching, volatilization and runoff. Excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers has degraded soil health, polluted groundwater and raised cultivation costs, a concern sharpened by the ongoing fertilizer supply disruption in India. Drawing on Punjab Agricultural University recommendations, this article outlines integrated nitrogen management through organic amendments - farmyard manure, poultry manure, pressmud, gobar gas slurry, green manures, crop residues and prali char - combined with need-based fertilizer use guided by the Leaf Colour Chart. These practices can save 16-25 kg nitrogen per acre while improving soil organic carbon, structure and microbial activity, offering a practical path to profitable and sustainable kharif crop production.

Chronic wounds are difficult to heal, and typically need periodic debridement and infection management. A strange but hopeful alternative is the use of therapeutic fly larvae, sometimes known as maggots, to debride and assist the healing of such wounds. Larval treatment, in particular using Lucilia sericata, utilizes the natural capacity of the larvae to feed on dead tissue, eliminate harmful microbes and biofilms, and produce enzymes and antimicrobial compounds that may aid tissue healing. Although loose larvae may be challenging to utilize due to escape and patient acceptance, modern enclosed systems such as BioBag? provide a more practical and regulated alternative. Recent case experience has shown this strategy to be helpful in the elimination of necrotic tissue and moving toward wound healing. The development of larval delivery technologies and an increased knowledge of their biological properties have made larval therapy a promising approach for the treatment of difficult-to-heal chronic wounds.

Agriculture is undergoing a new era in which digital technologies are becoming more prevalent in the crop production and pest management practices of traditional farmers. Although insect pests are still considered as a major problem to agricultural productivity there is a concern over excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides which can pose environmental, economic and ecological issues. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable framework and is based on monitoring pest populations and making decisions about action on pests using a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical methods. Digital agriculture can support this framework with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), computer vision, geographic information systems (GIS) and digital decision-support systems. These technologies provide the ability to identify pests quickly, monitor them automatically, estimate population levels, provide early warning, map their location and take targeted action. The fusion of AI, field sensors and remote sensing may also have the potential to bring about a paradigm change in pest control, transitioning from reactive and calendar-driven approaches to timely, site-specific and information-driven interventions. Some constraint issues with data quality, model accuracy, infrastructure, cost, connectivity and field validation still exist, however. Finally, the smart crop protection of the future relies on the combination of digital technologies, pest ecology, economic thresholds, use of biological control, and farmer knowledge. Well-validated digital tools can be an important component of sustainable and precision-based IPM. This will be useful for anyone involved in digital agriculture or precision crop protection, as well as those interested in integrated pest management and AI in precision agriculture.

North East India produced 7.88 million tonnes of cereals in 2024-25, just 2.4% of the national harvest against a 3.8% share of population or about 407 g per person daily versus 645 g nationally. Using NEDFi/DA&FW data, 2025 population projections and two consumption scenarios (250 g and 400 g per day), the article estimates state-wise demand gaps. Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim fall short under both while Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh show surpluses whereas Assam and Manipur depend on diet assumptions. Falling cereal area and low yields are the concern. Recommendations include closing yield gaps, using rabi and summer crops, dietary diversification and stronger logistics.

Edible oils are a crucial part of the human diet because they provide energy and necessary fatty acids. In addition to their main fat component, triacylglycerols, oils contain smaller quantities of useful substances such as vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and phospholipids. Although present in relatively small amounts, these compounds can have a significant effect on oil?s nutritional value, flavor, aroma, shelf life, and performance during cooking. 

The composition and quality of edible oils differ according to the plant source, growing conditions, extraction method, refining process, and storage environment. It includes the nutritional, sensory, and functional properties of regularly consumed oils, including mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, olive oils commonly used by people.

Traditional foods are progressively being reconsidered within the context of gut health. This is because many of them naturally combine dietary fibre, polyphenols, bioactive compounds, resistant starch and growth of beneficial microorganisms in fermented foods. These components create a complex relationship between food, microbial metabolism and host physiology. As poor diet is the major factor for contributing to diseases, understanding multidirectional interrelationship between food and the gut microbiota is essential for public health viewpoint. This article explores how traditional foods influence the gut microbiome reminding us that healthier health may begin with healthier gut.

Efficient utilization of fibrous agricultural residues is essential for sustainable livestock production, particularly in smallholder production systems where high-quality feeds are limited or expensive. Crop residues generally have low nutritive value because of their low protein and energy concentrations, poor digestibility and lignification of plant cell walls. Various approaches, including physical, chemical and biological treatments, strategic supplementation, complete feed blocks and ration balancing, can improve their feeding value and nutrient utilization. Rumen-modifying strategies such as ionophores, organic acids, exogenous fibrolytic enzymes, direct-fed microbials and plant bioactive compounds have also been investigated for improving rumen function and reducing enteric methane production. This article reviews important nutritional and rumen-based approaches for improving fibrous-feed utilization while reducing methane emission intensity. An integrated approach combining feed treatment, strategic supplementation, ration balancing and appropriate rumen-modifying strategies can support sustainable livestock production.

Bamboo is one of nature?s most versatile and rapidly renewable resources, with immense potential to contribute to ecological security, rural livelihoods and sustainable development. Often referred to as ?green gold? and ?poor man?s timber,? bamboo has traditionally been used for housing, handicrafts, agricultural implements, fencing, furniture, food and numerous household products. Its importance, however, extends far beyond traditional uses. As a fast-growing member of the grass family, bamboo can provide renewable biomass within a relatively short period while its extensive rhizome and root system helps bind soil, reduce erosion and support soil and water conservation. Bamboo-based agroforestry systems offer opportunities for income diversification, food security, employment generation and restoration of degraded lands. Bamboo also contributes to climate-change mitigation through carbon storage and can provide renewable alternatives to conventional timber and other materials. In India, the rich diversity of bamboo and the traditional knowledge associated with its utilisation provide a strong foundation for developing a modern bamboo-based bioeconomy. World Bamboo Day provides an opportunity to recognise bamboo not simply as a traditional forest product, but as a resource linking agriculture, forestry, livelihoods, ecological restoration, climate resilience and innovation. The future of bamboo lies in combining traditional wisdom with scientific research, sustainable management, modern processing and value addition.

Agricultural labour is a critical input in Indian farming, particularly for labour-intensive crops such as paddy, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, vegetables, and horticultural crops. In recent years, farmers have faced increasing difficulties in securing adequate labour at the required time and affordable wages. Rural-to-urban migration, expanding non-farm employment, rising wages, seasonal labour demand, physically demanding farm operations, and changing preferences among rural youth have contributed to this challenge. Labour shortages increase cultivation costs and can delay farm operations, affecting productivity, crop quality, and profitability. This article examines the causes and consequences of agricultural labour shortages and discusses strategies to reduce dependence on manual labour. Agricultural mechanization, Custom Hiring Centres, FPO-based machinery banks, small-scale machinery, skill development, agricultural service entrepreneurship, crop diversification, drones, and mechanized harvesting are important interventions. Improving labour productivity through appropriate technology, institutional support, and human-capital development can enhance farm efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen farmers? profitability.

Computational eco-dynamics has emerged as a useful umbrella for integrating hydrochemistry, microbial ecology, source-tracing, and predictive analytics into a single environmental decision framework. In the Indian context, this convergence matters because major river basins and connected aquifers are shaped by dense human settlement, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, monsoon variability, and rapidly changing land use, all of which create strongly coupled surface-subsurface pollution regimes that cannot be understood through single-discipline methods alone. A growing body of literature now shows that machine learning can improve microbial classification from metagenomic data, identify high-information environmental predictors, and strengthen water-quality assessment and source apportionment when combined with geospatial and hydro chemical evidence. At the same time, microbial profiling studies from the Ganga-Yamuna system demonstrate that polluted stretches contain distinct taxonomic and functional signatures, including taxa and protein domains associated with biodegradation, metal transport, and xenobiotic transformation.

Plant diseases pose a direct threat to the food security of any nation. Numerous plant pathogens are responsible for substantial yield losses in major food crops. Pathogens belonging to diverse groups possess specialized mechanisms of infection and can affect multiple crops under favourable conditions. In severe cases, pathogen infection can result in crop losses of up to 100%. Fungal pathogens are particularly notorious for causing destructive diseases. Several bacterial pathogens are also well known for causing serious infections in plants. Historically, major plant disease outbreaks have contributed to famines, causing widespread crop failure and severe disruption to human populations. Thus, plant diseases remain a major challenge to crop production, food security, and agricultural sustainability.

Aquaculture is expanding rapidly, but infectious diseases continue to threaten production, profitability, and animal welfare. At the same time, CRISPR technology is evolving beyond its original role as a programmable DNA-cutting system. Base editing and prime editing enable increasingly precise genetic modification. Meanwhile, Cas12- and Cas13-based systems offer new possibilities for pathogen detection and RNA targeting. This broader technological landscape is sometimes described as ?CRISPR 3.0?. However, the term is conceptual rather than a formally standardized scientific classification. For aquatic animal health, its importance may lie not only in genome editing, but also in rapid pathogen diagnosis, functional investigation of host-pathogen interactions, precision breeding and future pathogen-targeted interventions. CRISPR-based assays have already been demonstrated for important shrimp pathogens, and recent work has extended multiplex detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP) to rapid, fieldoriented formats. Researchers are also investigating genome editing for disease-related traits in fish, while more advanced approaches such as prime editing and RNA targeting are emerging. However, most applications beyond diagnostics remain experimental and face challenges involving delivery, editing efficiency, ecological safety, animal welfare and regulation. CRISPR is therefore unlikely to replace conventional biosecurity and disease management practices. Instead, its greatest potential may be as one component of an integrated precision-health framework for aquaculture.

This article examines the structural and socio-economic transformation of fish vendors at the Bhandewadi, Mangalwari and Mayo Fish Market hubs in Nagpur. By analyzing the shift from the survival tactics of the COVID-19 era to the formalized infrastructure projects of 2026 and examining vendor income, product loss rates, hygiene practices, and digital adoption over six years, the study highlights how urban planning and national schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) are reshaping the informal food economy. Ultimately, it shows how smart city planning and modern cold-chain facilities have helped stabilize incomes and improve quality.

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have traditionally been incorporated into livestock diets to improve growth and feed utilization, through their effects on the microbial population of the gastrointestinal tract. However, their prolonged and routine use has contributed to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, current efforts are focused not only towards finding suitable substitutes for AGPs but also towards minimizing the dependence on antibiotics in animal production. Plant-based products have received considerable attention as potential alternatives. Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) include herbs, spices, essential oils and various plant extracts containing biologically active compounds. Research conducted in different animal species indicates that these substances may exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may also influence feed palatability, intestinal health and gut development. But the precise biological mechanisms responsible for many of these effects are not yet completely understood.

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a promising approach for addressing the interconnected challenges of soil degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and declining resource-use efficiency in agricultural systems. This review examines the concept, importance and core principles of regenerative agriculture, with particular emphasis on its relevance to sustainable Indian agriculture. The approach extends beyond conventional sustainability by focusing on the restoration of soil health, ecological functions and resilience through practices such as minimizing soil disturbance, diversifying crops, maintaining continuous soil cover and living roots, and integrating livestock. These practices contribute to improved soil fertility, nutrient cycling, water management, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, while reducing dependence on external inputs and enhancing farm resilience. The review also highlights emerging policy support in India through initiatives such as the National Mission on Natural Farming, PRAGATI and the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture. Case examples from Karnataka and the Chandigarh-Panchkula region demonstrate the practical potential of regenerative and permaculture-based approaches for resource restoration and livelihood sustainability. Overall, regenerative agriculture offers a holistic pathway towards productive, climate-resilient and ecologically sustainable farming systems in India.

Vitamins are indispensable micronutrients in dairy nutrition, influencing productivity, reproduction, and animal health. Despite their minute quantitative requirement, vitamins play critical roles as cofactors, antioxidants, and regulators of metabolic processes. In practical dairy rations, however, the efficiency of vitamin supplementation is influenced by rumen microbial activity, dietary composition, feed preservation, and management factors. This review critically examines the physiological importance of vitamins in dairy cows, evaluates the potentials of supplementation strategies for optimizing productivity and health, and identifies constraints limiting their efficacy under field conditions. An understanding of these dynamics enables evidence-based formulation of vitamin-inclusive rations that support sustainable dairy production systems.

Molecular docking is a computational method widely used to identify potential drug candidates through virtual screening. It predicts the most favourable binding position between a small molecule or ligand and receptor and the scoring functions help to identify the most promising molecule. Some common tools for molecular docking are AutoDock, AutoDock Vina, GOLD, MP-Dock, Cluspro, HADDOCK etc. It involves three basic steps; protein/receptor preparation, ligand preparation, and protein-ligand docking. The docked complex can then be visualized with tools such as PyMOL or UCSF chimera while 2D interaction and the hydrogen bond length can be obtained using programs like LigPlot or DimPlot. Therefore, in silico screening through docking prior to experimental validation can save time and resources.