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The attributes of innovation encompass the qualities, traits or characteristics inherent in an object reflecting the relative benefits of a novel idea. Assessing these attributes during the early stages of innovation within farmer management practices can offer valuable insights to the scientific community, enabling the formulation of policies to expedite farmer adoption. This study examined the perceived attributes of Cation-based Mineral Supplement (C-bMS). The research findings indicated that C-bMS demonstrates a moderate relative advantage (82.49%) compared to other mineral supplements in mitigating ruminal acidosis. It is highly compatible (80.84%), easy to comprehend and utilize, readily trialable (73.75%) with observable effects of feeding (78.75%), and predictable benefits (87.92%) for dairy farmers. Feeding C-bMS helps alleviate negative energy balance, increasing feed intake which in turn boosts milk production, ultimately reducing production costs by preventing ruminal acidosis and potentially doubling dairy farmers’ income. Raising general awareness among dairy farmers about ruminal acidosis, the consequences of negative energy balance, and the advantages of feeding C-bMS can be achieved through effective extension methods such as demonstrations and exhibitions.

Agri-entrepreneurship being very important component of attracting youth to agriculture, the efforts made by different public agencies in India in this direction through various interventions and enterprises needed to be studied. Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production is one of the most popular enterprises promoted to pursue this objective throughout India. This study considered 2016–17 as the base year and 2020–21 as the assessment year. Mushroom production in India almost doubled during the assessment period (1.29 lakh tonnes in 2016–17 and 2.59 lakh tonnes in 2020–21) at a robust compound annual growth rate of 19.17%. The net agricultural income of the respondents at national level (other than mushroom income) was ₹1.25 lakh/annum during 2020–21 while their net income from mushroom cultivation was 2.48 lakh/annum. On an average 532 man-days of employment per unit was generated by the mushroom entrepreneurs at national level with considerable variation in income and employment generation across the states/UTs. Age of the entrepreneur was found having negative effect on employment generation, validating the relevance of attracting rural youth to agriculture in India. The lack of ability of resource centres for building capacity of the entrepreneurs for generating net income to the level of sizeable proportion of their annual expected livelihood was observed to be the strong reason for higher attrition rate in this enterprise. The insights suggest that redesigning of capacity building programs and institutional supports as per the current challenges in entrepreneurship development can better influence the ultimate outcomes.

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2023 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu to assess the effect of drone based herbicide application in greengram. Results showed that drones could be effectively used for spraying of pre-emergence herbicide to control weeds and increase the yield of greengram. Further, application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha with spray fluid of 60 litre/ha precisely through drones controlled the weeds effectively (WCE of 81.8%), increased grain yield, saved herbicide dose and spray fluid to the tune of 6.9%, 25% and 88% respectively than manual spray of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha with spray fluid of 500 litre/ ha. Thus, application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha with spray fluid of 60 litre/ha was considered as the optimum dosage and spray fluid for drone spray to control weeds, increase grain yield and profit in greengram, considering the reduced dose of herbicide as well as the labour scarce situation.

Present study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the Agricultural Research Station of Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan to assess the effects of conventional and conservation tillage with organic and chemical management on growth, yield attributes, yields, economics and weed dynamics in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Vertisols. Five different crop-management practices, viz. conservation tillage with organic management (CAO), conservation tillage with chemical management (CAC), conventional tillage with chemical management (CTC), conventional tillage with organic management (OCT) and package of practice (PoPs) were studied in a randomized block design (RBD) with 4 replications. Pooled data revealed that significantly higher plant height (97.7 cm), dry matter accumulation (169.24 g/0.5 metre row length), number of tillers (47.05/0.5 meter row length), chlorophyll content of leaves (2.186 mg/g), number of effective tillers (43.15/0.5 meter row length), spike length (12.86 cm), weight per spike (2.49 g), test weight (45.61 g), grain yield (5214 kg/ha), straw yield (7941 kg/ha), and net returns (` 90891/ha) were recorded under CAC practice over CAO and OCT, although it was observed to be comparable to the PoPs and CTC management practices. Comparing conservation tillage with chemical management to other crop management techniques at 60 DAS, it was found to be the most successful practice for controlling total weeds (9.40/m2) and decreasing the buildup of weed dry matter (167.21 kg/ha).

The camel is practically symbolic for western arid region of Rajasthan. This animal has the immense contribution to livelihood of the Raika pastoral community who has a long relationship with this animal. Raikas followed their own traditional practices in all aspects of camel rearing including healthcare practices since time immemorial. Therefore, the present study was designed to document and appraise ethno-veterinary practices followed by the Raika pastoral community to cure important camel diseases like trypanosomiasis, camel pox and mange. A total 120 Raika pastoralists were interviewed from the six villages of Pali and Jodhpur district of Rajasthan on an open ended interview schedule to document the ethno-veterinary practices. Quantification of Indigenous Knowledge (QuIK) was applied for participatory assessment of the identified ethno-veterinary practices. The Raikas were using total 10 ethno-veterinary practices to cure the three diseases. Use of fruit of Withania coagulans (stock) Dunal was found to be most effective among the four identified practices to control camel trypanosomiasis (surra). Accordingly, use of neem leaves and; mixture of turmeric, butter and mustard oil were perceived as highly effective to cure camel pox and mange, respectively.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the most important rabi pulse crop of Rajasthan. The intervention of chickpea frontline demonstrations (FLDs) is one of the best ways to educate the conventional cultivators about productivity potential and profitability. The present study was carried out to determine the economic viability of technology transfer and adoption of chickpea in semi-arid region of North-West plain (NWP) zone of Rajasthan. Frontline demonstrations were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, S K Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, to enhance chickpea production and improve livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Total 260 demonstrations were conducted under 65 ha area in different villages of Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan during rabi season of 2012–13 to 2019–20. The seed of newly released chickpea varieties, viz. GNG-1581, GNG-1958, GNG-2144 and GNG-2171 were provided with other production and protection inputs. Results of the study revealed that the package and practices improved the seed yield of chickpea by 17.2%. The annual increase in the yield in different seasons ranged from 12.4% to 23.4%. The average technology gap (6.6 q/ha) and average extension gap (2.5 q/ha) suggested further improvement in the extension activities. The average benefit : cost ratio was significantly higher (2.81) under demonstrated plot as compared to farmers’ practice (2.48). Economic studies of individual years over eight years indicated that adoption of improved practices fetched more profit compared to farmers’ practices.

Goat farming is a suitable option for revenue generation for small-scale farmers and tribal people as it requires meager investment. Goats can efficiently survive and sustain on sparse vegetation and extreme climatic conditions. Hence, a study was undertaken in the tribaldominated Banswara district of Rajasthan state to identify problems perceived by youths in goat rearing. A total of 73 tribal youth responded to the study. RBQ technique was employed to identify the problems in goat farming. Predators attack was identified as a major problem (87.67%), followed by lack of funding and unavailability of improved goat breeds (87.24%). So, this study recommended that to prevent goats from predators, proper housing is necessary. So, KVK should maintain follow-ups with participants and provide financial help to initiate venture after skill development. Therefore, youths’ migration from rural to urban area could be optimized intribal areas. In addition to the ARYA project, the integration of various government schemes would benefit scaling up this profitable venture for tribal youths.

Climate change combined with human activities poses significant risks to people’s livelihood especially in developing countries. Adaptation at the community level is crucial in enabling them to respond to the direct and indirect effects of changes in climate. The present study was designed to assess the adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers. So, the study was purposively conducted at the Chilika lake region of Odisha as it is the breeding tract of Chilika buffalo. A total 150 Chilika buffalo rearers were selected randomly from the cluster villages of the adjacent districts of Chilika lake. Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) was used to develop Adaptive Capacity Assessment Index to measure the adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers. They were having better physical capital (0.55) possession followed by social capital (0.48), financial capital (0.47), human capital (0.45) and natural capital (0.35). The average adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers was found to be 0.46, which was quite unsatisfactory and majority of them (62.67%) were having a medium level of adaptive capacity to cope up with changing climatic scenario. Adaptive capacity of the Chilika buffalo rearers were having a strong and significant relationship with its every component. Therefore, to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the Chilka buffalo rearers, status of each and every capital has to be improved significantly.

To ascertain the pollinator community of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and the potential pollinators for quality seed production, a field experiment was conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan for two years. The pollinator community of ajwain was composed with 34 insect species in 7 orders and 14 families. Most of insect pollinators started their foraging at 9.00 hr and reached their respective peak activity between 12.00 to 14.00 hr and ceased at 18.00 hr. Three honeybee species Apis florea, A. mellifera and A. dorsata foraged for nectar and pollen, whereas butterfly species foraged for nectar and all Dipteran flies foraged either for nectar collection or for both nectar and pollen. Ten floral visitors (Hymenoptera-5 species, Diptera-4 species and Coleoptera-1 species) were identified as most important and potential pollinators of ajwain crop for semi-arid region performed higher foraging rate and visitation frequency. The higher seed yield of ajwain (1364.13 kg/ha) was recorded in bee pollination (BP) plots with slightly lower than sugar attractant and open pollination mode, whereas lowest yield was obtained without insect pollination (WIP)-control (844.43 kg/ha seed yield) plots. Bee pollination services increased the seed yield of ajwain by 61.54% over control and also enhanced the seed test weight and essential oil of seed in term of quality.

The Raika pastoralists of Rajasthan have a large network of traditional healer and make use a large variety of indigenous plants, minerals and animal products to cure their diseased animals. Therefore, the present study was designed to document and appraise ethno-veterinary practices followed by the Raika pastoral community to treat common health ailments of sheep and goat like diarrhea, bloat, jaundice and fever. The study was carried out at purposively selected Marwar region of Rajasthan and a total 120 Raika pastoralists were interviewed from the six villages of Pali and Jodhpur district on an open-ended interview schedule to document the ethno-veterinary practices. For participatory assessment of the identified ethno-veterinary practices, Quantification of Indigenous Knowledge (QuIK) was applied. The Raikas were using total 15 ethno-veterinary practices to cure four common health ailments. Use of alum and jaggery was found most effective to treat diarrhea, whereas, they used only alum to treat fever. They also used mixture of turmeric, acidic butter, tea and black salt to manage bloat in their animal most effectively. To cure Jaundice of animal, they perceived use of mixture of lemon, baking soda and pepper was more effective ethno-veterinary practice. Hence, pharmacodynamics of these ethno-veterinary practices may be studied before further replication and use.

India is the house of the largest livestock population as well as highest milk producing country of the world. But, productivity of the large ruminant, i.e. cattle and buffalo is far below the world standard. Hence, the delivery of livestock extension services is emerging as an important priority area for enhancing and optimizing livestock production and productivity. At present livestock farming in India is at transition phase, i.e. transforming from subsistence to a commercial venture. Therefore, 100 livestock farmers and 60 commercial livestock farmers were randomly selected from the two highly crossbred populated districts of eastern Haryana to understand their demand for livestock extension services particularly livestock extension services other than the routine one. Incomplete Order of Merit Rating as Suggested by Garret was used to assess the degree of importance of the identified demand driven livestock extension services. A total 26 livestock extension services were demanded by the farmers of the eastern Haryana amongst which three services for specialized breeding services, 5 for animal feeding purposes, 7 for livestock production and management 6 for healthcare related and 5 services towards marketing and extension services. Both types of the farmers had a highest demand for conventional livestock extension services like timely AI services, vaccination services and non-conventional extension service like demonstration-cum-training programme on Azolla production and conservation. Livestock farmers were highly interested to grow as an entrepreneur, whereas, commercial livestock farmers were highly interested to strengthen their farm by securing credit accessibility. Hence, Livestock farmers' need on specialized demand driven extension services has been identified along with their degree of importance which may help in policy formulation in future for re-institutionalized public livestock extension services.

Thermal treatments at 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60±1°C for a period of 1, 2 and 3 h were evaluated against Sitophilus oryzae adult along with germination test and vigour index of wheat seeds. No mortality of insect was observed at 35± 1°C after 1, 2 and 3 h of exposure while 63.33, 73.33 and 83.33% mortality of adult insect was recorded at 40±1°C after 1, 2 and 3 h of exposure respectively. However, 100% mortality of S. oryzae adult was observed at 45, 50, 55 and 60±1°C for all time periods. Almost 100% germination of wheat seed was observed under all the temperature treatments and durations as above. No significant difference in vigour index of wheat seed was recorded at different temperatures for all the three duration of exposure.

Cenchrus species are predominant pasture grasses of India and fodder and seed production is traditionally taken during monsoon as rainfed crop. In present investigation besides monsoon, observations were also recorded during autumn and spring season for fodder and seed production for three years (2014-17). Experimental material consisted of seven genotypes of C. ciliaris and C. setigerus each. Combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences for genotype, season and their interactions for fodder and seed yield and its attributing traits. High fodder yield and tiller height were observed during monsoon while, high seed yield and more tillers/m row length were observed during spring in both the species. In C. ciliaris fodder yield ranging from 11.5 (autumn) to 51.0 q/ha (monsoon) and highest annual yield was given by IG 67-365 followed by CAZRI-75. Seed yield was higher during spring (117.0 kg/ha) and lowest during autumn (47.8 kg/ha) and highest annual seed yield was produced by IG 67-3833 followed by IG 96-414. In C. setigerus fodder yield ranging from 9.8 (autumn) to 46.3 q/ha (monsoon) and highest annual yield was given by IG 96-706 followed by IG 96-593. Seed yield was higher during spring (102.3 kg/ha) and lowest during autumn (65.3 kg/ha) and highest annual seed yield was produced by IG 97-432 followed by IG 96-401. Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber content also significantly differed among the season sranging from 5.6 (monsoon) to 8.0% (spring) and 74.0 (autumn) to 79.9% (monsoon), respectively in both the species.

This study was conducted to detect epistasis and importance of additive and dominance variances for seed yield and contributing traits using 27 progenies produced by crossing nine lines with three testers, viz. NPJ 112, RRN 727 and their F1 in triple test cross fashion. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of epistasis for all the traits except secondary branches/plant and oil content. Its partitioning showed higher magnitude of (i) type for days to flowering, days to maturity and primary branches and (j+l) type for siliqua length, seeds/siliqua, 1000/seed weight and seed yield. Significant MS due to sums (L1i + L2i ) and differences (L1i- L2i ) for days to flowering, maturity, plant height, seeds/siliqua, 1000-seed weight and seed yield indicated the role of both additive (D) and dominance (H) variance in their inheritance. Estimates of D and H components revealed predominance of D for days to flowering, maturity, plant height, primary and secondary branches and 1000-seed weight and H for remaining 6 traits, viz. number of siliquae on main shoot, main shoot length, siliqua length, seeds/siliqua, oil content and seed yield. Non-significant correlation coefficient for all the traits except 1000-seed weight indicated the scatter of dominant alleles between testers. Degree of dominance (H/D)1/2 indicated over dominance for siliquae on main shoot, main shoot length, siliqua length and seeds/ siliqua. Thus, epistasis was an integral component with conspicuous role of both additive and dominance variance for different characters. Therefore, the study will be helpful in deciding the breeding strategy that would enable to utilize maximum proportion of fixable as well as non-fixable genetic variation in Indian mustard.

The productivity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Mridula was examined under shade nets of different colours (Red, Black and Green) with shade intensities (Red 50% PAR, Black 50% PAR, Green 35% PAR and 50% PAR) in Abohar, Punjab over two growing seasons. To overcome the evaporation losses, use of fogger and microsprinkler was done along with Kaolin 4% and Borax 0.4% to prevent sunburn and cracking problem. An insect net (50 mesh) was also used to prevent the damage from insects especially pomegranate fruit fly. The experimental results clearly showed that photoselective nets influenced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmitted through the canopy which caused variation in average monthly temperature and humidity. The quality of the fruits was affected under the open field conditions as compared to other treatments. Maximum acidity (0.412%), Vitamin C (13.52 mg/ 100 g), total sugars (13%) and highest antioxidant activity (40.1%) were recorded under open field conditions. Whereas minimum acidity (0.206%), minimum vitamin C (5.80mg/100g), total sugars (6.8%), and total phenols (7.5%) were recorded in the fruits grown under black shade net (50%). On the other hand, the application of shade net had significant impact on the quantitative characteristics. Shading with the net (Red 50%) resulted in the significant increase in the length of the fruits (83.39 mm) along with higher fruit weight (310 g) and highest yield of 6.70 kg/plant as compared to the open field condition (3.14 kg/plant). The results, therefore, demonstrate the potency of photoselective netting (Red colour) for improving the agro-economic performance of horticultural crops especially in harsh climates and arid zones. Placing the red nets over mature plants at intermediate shade levels (35% PAR and 50% PAR) provides higher yield without any detrimental effects on fruit quality.

The study evaluates the extent, impact and determinants of labour migration in Bihar. Data were collected in 2011 from four hundred households (200 migrants and 200 non-migrants) four villages, each of rainfed ecosystem (Madhubani district) and partially irrigated ecosystem (East Champaran district). Non-linear model (Cobb-Douglas) was used to find out impact of migration on input efficiencies in rice production. Regression coefficients (β) were computed for major factors of production. Probit model employed to measure the determinants of migration. Study reveals that youngsters are more prone to migration to urban centers for non-farm activities. Migration helped in rational use of two critical inputs, i.e. labour and irrigation in rice production. Judicious use of human labour was also observed at native place due to migration of surplus labour. However, potential of land and capital (seeds, fertilizers and agricultural chemicals) are still to be exploited on both categories of households. Migrants remittance utilized for meeting consumption need, better education to children, improved housing and better health care facilities. Remittances helped in improving livelihoods of migrant households. Migration also inculcated saving habits amongst migrants. It emerged as risk-coping strategy for weaker sections of society. Allocation of remittances on agricultural inputs could have increased if proper infrastructure facilities were made available in rural areas for faster dissemination of modern agricultural technologies. Male member of lower caste having large land size and dependents is more prone to migration. Caste barrier in migration has weakened in Bihar but still persist, however, size of farm is no more taboo.

In a study set of forty seven genotypes of common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol) were evaluated over four years during 2007-08 to 2010-11 to assess the stability of these genotypes for yield and its contributing traits over years and environments. Analysis of variance of stability with respect to 12 traits revealed highly significant variance due to environment for all traits which indicated differential effect of different seasons. The variance for genotypic effect was highly significant for all traits indicating thereby differential response of all the genotypes. Genotype×environment (linear) interaction was also significant for flag leaf length, flag leaf width, peduncle length, grains per spike and 1000-grain weight indicating substantial amount of predictable G×E interaction. Environmental indices indicated that performance of genotypes over four environments varied apparently and environment E2 showed highest favourable impact on grain yield. Varieties K 9107, UP 2382 and PBW 443 were found to be stable across the environments for grain yield and NW 1076 was the highest yielding stable variety in which superior yield was resulted from high mean values of six contributing traits, while variety LOK 1 was the only variety showed stable performance for all 12 traits. The stability of different yield contributing traits varied in compensating manner in different genotypes imparted grain yield stability. The varieties HD 2824, UP 2382, NW 1076, DBW 16, DBW 39, GW 173, HUW 234, NIAW 917, LOK 1, HD 2851 and PBW 154 have shown higher mean values, desirable regression coefficient and non-significant deviation from the regression coefficient for yield and its contributing traits. Based on stability parameters these varieties can be considered as stable performers and may be utilized for hybridization programmes to improve wheat yields.

Twenty four varieties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), developed by different centres which located at diverse eco-geographical origins of the country, were undertaken in present investigations to determine divergence for seed yield and its 10 component traits. Tocher method of hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group the varieties. Varieties were grouped into four clusters. All varieties were grouped in four clusters that showed narrow genetics base of Indian varieties. Intra-cluster distance was highest in cluster III followed by cluster II, IV and I. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between clusters III and I are 17.91 and 3.86 respectively. The varieties in cluster I were Hisar Sugandh, Hisar Anand, RCr-20, RCr-435, RCr-436, RCr-446, RCr-684, Swathi, Sadhana, Sindhu, Sudha, Rajendra Swati, GCr-1, GCr-2, CO-1, CO-2, CO-3, CO-4. The variety falling in cluster II is JD-1.The varieties falling in cluster III were NRCSS ACr-1, RCr-41and Azad Dhania-1. The varieties falling in cluster IV were Hisar Surubhi and Pant Haritma. Among the 10 characters studied for genetic divergence, days to 50% flowering contributed the maximum accounting for 49.64% of total divergence, followed by test weight (17.03%).

Two genetic variants (A and B) and three genotypes (AB, BB and AA) were found in studied sheep breeds. The average frequency of A and B allele was (0.59) and (0.41) respectively. The A allele was more frequent among the studied breeds except Patanwadi and Kendrapada breeds. There was no clear cut predominance of any of the genotype. The Patanwadi, Malpura, Dumba, Kendrapada and Chokla populations were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These results suggested the presence of β-LG gene polymorphism and predominance of β-LG A type in majority of the studied breeds. From the above findings it may be concluded that the native sheep breeds depicts variation in β-LG exon II locus. Further, genotype and allele distribution pattern in different breeds may be due to different characteristic of milk of these breeds. The contrasting pattern of variation observed in present study compared to previous study in native sheep breeds also highlight the need for further studies using large number of animals from different geographic regions. The relationship between β-LG genetic variants and traits related to milk and cheese production characteristics in rest of Indian sheep breeds need to be explored.

Forty seven released varieties of common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were evaluated during rabi 2007-08 to 2010-11 for four years under irrigated conditions at Directorate of Seed Research, Mau. Analysis of variance on 12 quantitative characters was carried out and pooled analysis was conducted over the seasons. The mean, range, phenotypic, genotypic and environmental variance, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were calculated. Path coefficient analysis was carried out using correlation coefficients to establish the inter-relationship and direct and indirect contributions of component traits towards grain yield. Analysis of variance revealed the considerable amount of genetic variability in genotypes for all the traits. High genetic advance (GA) coupled with moderate to high heritability for grains/ spike and 1000-seed weight indicated the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Number of grains/spikelet, grain yield/spike and effective tillers/m2 were positively associated with grain yield. Similarly, effective tillers/m2, number of grains/spike and grain yield/spike had higher phenotypic and genotypic direct effects on grain yield/m2, revealing that indirect selection for these traits would be effective in improving the grain yield. The higher direct and indirect contribution of grains/spike, tillers/m2, 1000-seed weight, spikelets/spike and grains/spikelet towards total grain yield would be of great use for indirect selection for yield improvement.