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IntroductionMalnutrition continues to be a significant concern at unacceptably high levels globally. There is significant potential for addressing malnutrition of human population through the biofortification of climate-resilient vegetables using strategic breeding strategies. Lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a underutilized nutrient-dense crop holds great potential in this aspect. Despite its advantageous nutritional profile, the production, research, and consumption of lablab bean are currently limited. Addressing these limitations and unlock the nutritional benefits of lablab beans needs to prioritized for fighting malnutrition in local inhabitants on a global scale.Materials and methodsTwenty five genotypes of lablab bean collected through exploration survey in Eastern India and were evaluated in 2020–2021. Among them, the nine highly diverse well adapted genotypes were again evaluated at the experimental farm of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India in 2021–2022. Horticultural important traits of lablab bean were recorded by using the minimum descriptors developed by ICAR-NBPGR in New Delhi and biochemical analysis was done by using standard protocols. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis was done used understand relationships, interdependencies, and causal pathways between different traits. The outcome was revalidated by using principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsDescriptive statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity across the traits of lablab bean evaluated. Vitamin A content showed nearly a five-fold variation, Fe ranged from 5.97 to 10.5 mg/100 g, and Vitamin C varied from 4.61 to 9.45 mg/100 g. Earliness and dwarf growth was observed in RCPD-1 (60 cm) and early flowering (41 days). RCPD-3 and RCPD-12 had high pod yield due to their high number of pods and pod weight. Pod yield was significantly correlated with number of pod per plant (NPP) (rg = 0.995) and with average pod weight (APW) (rg = 0.882). A significant positive correlation was also found between protein and Zn content (rg = 0.769). Path coefficient analysis revealed that average pod weight had the most direct positive effect on pod yield, followed by NPP and protein content. The reaction of lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease was also evaluated and significant differences in disease intensity were observed among the genotypes, with the resistant check RCPD-15 exhibiting the lowest disease intensity.DiscussionThe study highlights the substantial heterogeneity in lablab bean traits, particularly in nutritional components such as vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C concentrations. Early flowering and dwarf growth habit are desirable qualities for lablab bean, and certain genotypes were found to exhibit these traits. Positive correlations, both phenotypic and genotypic, existed among different traits, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement. Path coefficient and PCA revealed genotypes with high yield and nutritional traits. Finally, resistant and moderately resistant lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease were identified. These findings contribute to the selection and breeding strategies for improving lablab bean production and nutritional value.

Hill agriculture is different from agriculture at plains, in respect to land type, altitude and climate, in addition to lack of infrastructure and fragmented land holding. Due to lack of employment opportunities hill farmers are leaving agriculture and migrating to plains. Lack of industries and marketing infrastructure has made it more difficult for farmers to excel in farm business. Farmers Producer Company (FPC) has emerged as a new agri-business model and is working in hilly areas it too. With an intention to find out the effectiveness of hill based FPC for enhancing livelihood wellbeing and empowering women farmers in hills the present study was conducted by selecting an women farmer based Organization, Mahila Umang Producer Company (MUPC) of a group of hill rural women. An ex-post facto research design was used. Difference in difference research design was used to calculate the actual impact of FPC. To measure the livelihood wellbeing an index were prepared by following the standard protocol. The study was conducted in Almora district of Uttarakhand from 37 randomly selected members of MUPC and 20 nonmember respondents from the same locale. The MUPC was found effective in enhancing income and empowering hill women. Joining the FPC has improved the hill women’s livelihood in terms of economic, human, and political dimensions.

Farmers Producer Company (FPC) has emerged as a new business model for the rural area. Like agriculture and horticulture, it is working in poultry sector too. With an intuition to find out the impact of poultry based Farmer Producer Company on upliftment of rural people, the present study was conducted by selecting Madhya Pradesh Women Poultry Producer Company Pvt. Limited (MPWPCL) founded by a team of poor rural women. An Ex-Post Facto research design was used. Difference in difference technique was utilized to estimate the actual impact of FPCs. To measure the effectiveness of MPWPCL and its impact, two indices, viz. effectiveness index and livelihood wellbeing index were prepared. Study was conducted in Orchha district of Madhya Pradesh from 37 randomly selected poultry growers' members and 15 nonmember respondents from the same locale. The MPWPCL was found highly effective with overall effectiveness score of 71.88. Joining the FPC has improved the poor rural women's human, social and political dimensions of livelihood empowerment in addition to a significant economic gain.