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Entrepreneurship is vital for driving innovation, economic development, and sustainability in the agricultural sector, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security. Successful promotion of agri-entrepreneurship demands a nuanced approach that considers both the personal traits of entrepreneurs and the institutional factors. This study employed linear regression analysis and principal component analysis to examine the determinants of entrepreneurial success and identify factors contributing to effective interventions across three distinct entrepreneurial categories i.e., farm-based, off-farm based, and service/tech entrepreneurs. Data was gathered through structured interviews involving two hundred agri-entrepreneurs in Rajasthan and Telangana states. The regression analysis revealed that diverse psycho-personal and socioeconomic variables like marital status, income levels, and achievement motivation were of significant influence. The principal component analysis provided valuable insights into the institutional factors underpinning effective entrepreneurship promotion interventions. Technical factors like tailored project support, financial enablers including government funding and tax incentives, and robust implementation mechanisms involving stakeholder collaboration were highlighted. Operational elements such as; training institute-industry-market-entrepreneur linkages, administrative commitments, and policy consistency, collectively shaped intervention effectiveness across the entrepreneurial ecosystems. This comprehensive examination of individual and institutional determinants offered a holistic perspective on fostering successful agri-enterprises, emphasizing the need for contextualized approaches that align personal attributes with tailored institutional interventions.

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A field study was undertaken with four farming systems (FS) such as; grasses and fodders, agro-forestry, agriculture (new farming systems) and shifting cultivation (old practice), to investigate the effect of land use on the soil properties, erosion and crop productivity on a loamy acidic Alfisol. Besides crops, the livestock were also kept and their dropping were incorporated in the respective watersheds. Soil sampling was done during first week of May every year from 0-20 cm depth, with auger. A significant increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) up to 0.99%, available P up to 17.2 mg kg^-1, K up to 170 mg kg^-1 of soil, pH up to 6.3, was found after 10 years of study over their initial values of 0.46%, 2.7 kg^-1, 105 kg^-1 of soil and 4.9, respectively, in the new FS. In shifting cultivation, K status increased up to three years of study and then subsequently decreased. Diethylen etriamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) extractable Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu decreased in all the farming systems. Exchangeable Al content decreased from 117 to 37 mg kg^-1 of soil, in new FS. The study showed that about 91.1% to 99.1% rainwater could be retained depending on the vegetation cover in new FS, as against 66.3% in the shifting cultivation. New FS ameliorated the soil by decreasing exchangeable Al and Fe and enhancing soil pH. Soil and nutrient losses were significantly less and crop productivity higher in new FS compared to shifting cultivation.

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This paper reports a new addition to the national bumblebee fauna of the Indian Himalayas. The newly recorded species viz., Bombus cryptarum (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) is fully described from the Gurez Valley (Jammu and Kashmir) and Panamik (Ladakh) in the Western Himalayan range. Males of the B. cryptarum have thoracic dorsum and T2 lemon yellow without black hairs. Gonostylus with the anterior apical process with long hairs and penis valve greatly broadened and flared outwards. With the addition of a new record, the Indian Himalayan region is now represented by 57 species of bumblebees. The species diagnosis, current distributional range, and host plants of this species are also provided.

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Baetiella muchei (Braasch, 1978) is recorded for the first time from the Neeru stream of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The variability in larval characters such as size, the shape of the labrum, and the number of the sub-marginal arc of setae in the labrum differs from 12 to 22, degree of fusion of the mandibular incisors, spines on the distal margin of the tergites, distal margin of the paraproct, and the length of cerci are observed from the Indian population when compared to the type specimens. The species number of Baetiella Uéno, 1931 has now increased to six in India. A distributional map of this species is also provided.

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Dragonflies and damselflies are bioindicator species belonging to the class Insecta. The research was conducted in the Karnali River basin from April to early October 2022 to contribute and update the Odonata checklist of Nepal including documenting regional new species. From the odonatological survey, four species viz., Aristocypha spuria Selys, 1879, Pseudocopera ciliata (Selys, 1863), Aciagrion occidentale Laidlaw, 1919 and Zyxomma petiolatum Rambur, 1842 were recorded for the first time from Nepal. Besides these, Copera marginipes (Rambur, 1842), Copera vittata (Selys, 1863), Prodasineura autumnalis (Fraser, 1922), Agriocnemis clauseni Fraser, 1992, Ceriagrion cerinorubellum (Brauer, 1865), Cephalaeschna viridifrons (Fraser, 1923), Gynacantha incisura Fraser, 1935, Gynacanthaeschna sikkima (Karsch, 1891), Lamelligomphus risi (Fraser, 1922), Scalmogomphus bistrigatus (Hagen in Selys, 1854), Rhodothemis rufa (Rambur, 1842), Tetrathemis platyptera Selys, 1868 and Urothemis signata signata (Rambur, 1862) were newly recorded for western region of Nepal.

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In the present study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to estimate genetic diversity and relationships among 35 cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] genotypes. For RAPD analysis, 20 random primers were used which amplified 164 bands, 147 of which were polymorphic with an average polymorphism of 90.3%. The amplified products varied in size from 250 to 2,050 bp. For ISSR analysis, 10 primers were used which produced 105 bands, 102 of which were polymorphic (97%). The size of amplified bands ranged from 450 to 3,500 bp. The efficiency of primers in generating sufficient information for genetic diversity analysis was computed using discriminatory power (D_j), which ranged from 0.40 to 0.98 for RAPDs and 0.44 to 0.99 for ISSRs. Jaccard similarity coefficients were used to estimate the genotypic association with each other, which varied from 0.38 to 0.91 for RAPDs and from 0.20 to 0.88 for ISSRs. Cluster analysis indicated that all 35 genotypes could be distinguished by both RAPD and ISSR markers. Both of the methods (RAPD and ISSR) showed significant correlation (r= 0.69), implying their equal importance in cluster bean diversity analysis.

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 The current study assessed the climate change impacts on land productivity of major food and non-food grain crops in India. We compiled panel data for 30 years (1980-2009) using fifteen crops across thirteen agriculture intensive states. The value of production for each crop is estimated by farm harvest price (at constant prices, 1993-1994). Aggregate value of production on per hectare land is regressed with different socio-economic and climatic factors using the Cobb-Douglas (C-D) production function model. Estimates based on Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and linear regression and correlated Panels Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs) (Prais-Winsten) estimation indicate that land productivity decreases with increase in annual average maximum temperature. The study concludes that Indian policymakers need to increase more irrigation facilities and fertilizers for cultivation. Land productivity is positively associated with irrigation area, number of pump set and application of fertilizers on per hectare land. In brief, more irrigation facilities; recommended use of fertilizer; more investment in infrastructure; participation of more literate population in agricultural activities; government expenditure on agricultural and allied sectors, rural development, irrigation and flood control would be useful to mitigate the negative effect of climate change on agriculture and improve agricultural productivity (land productivity). Finally, our projected results based on simulation technique showed that climate change would cause a decline in land productivity by 48.63 percent by the year 2100 and loss of farmers’ income in India.

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The effect of tillage (conventional and zero tillage), crop establishment (raised-bed and flat-bed), and weed management practices (herbicide alone and integrated approach) was studied on productivity, profitability, nutrient uptake and physico-chemical properties of soil in soybean–wheat cropping system, at New Delhi during 2010–2012. Sixteen treatment combinations consisting of four tillage and crop establishment practices, viz. Conventional Tillage–raised-bed (CT–bed), CT–flat-bed, Zero Tillage–raised-bed (ZT–bed) and ZT–flat-bed; and four weed management practices, viz. unweeded control, herbicide+Hand Weeding (HW), herbicide combination, and crop residue + herbicide were laid out in a split-plot design. Soybean produced higher seed yield (+7.6%) under raised-bed and wheat under flat-bed (+6.2%), but the system productivity was highest under CT–flat-bed. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin followed by HW gave higher yield of soybean, while all weed control treatments were found equally good for wheat. Conventional tillage resulted in higher uptake by soybean of N (+5.0%), P (+4.4%) and K (+3.1%) than ZT, particularly under raised-bed conditions. In wheat, CT and ZT resulted in almost similar nutrient uptake under flat-bed. Total nutrient uptake of the system was similar for N and P under all tillage and crop establishment practices, while herbicide+HW gave 4.9–7.2% higher uptake than herbicide combination or crop residue+herbicide. Net benefit: cost ratio of the system was the highest (> 2.0) under ZT–flat-bed and herbicide combination. There was beneficial effect on physico-chemical properties of soil under ZT and residue application, but it is necessary to run the experiment in long-term to see the cumulative effect over time.

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In vitro pollen germination of three tropical tree species, viz. Spathodea campanulata, Bauhinia purperia and B. racemosa was done to know the effect of growth regulators and time on pollen germination. Three concentrations, i.e. 100, 200 and 300 ppm of four growth hormones (IAA, IBA, GA₃ and Kinetin) and sucrose (5 and 10%) alone were used as germination medium. The results revealed that pollen germination under control condition is very low and oscillating between 4.6±1.2 and 17.8±3.2%. The growth hormones and sucrose was found effective inducing pollen germination. IAA and IBA were found effective for both species of Bauhinia whereas GA₃ and kinetin were found suitable for Spathodea campanulata. Maximum germination was recorded in the initial 24h of setting experiment, which further declined in 48h and was recorded very less and even 0.0% after 72 hours of treatment. There was significant (< 0.0001) effect of time, hormone and species on pollen germination. Sucrose has shown good response (43 to 64%) in all selected tropical tree species. All the three tree species are cross pollinated, which depend on the variety services of pollinators. Low % in vitro pollen germination in control condition in Spathoda campanulata and Bauhinia purpurea reflects that both species are prone to pollination and fertilization failure if appropriate pollinators and receptive stigmas are unavailable to them early after anther dehiscence.

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Digital inclusion is a way to empower people through Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), but the existing digital divide due to differential access to ICT tools, low digital literacy and lack of sustainable usage is the greatest hindrance to digital inclusion. Considering these facts, this study aimed at finding a suitable location specific strategy to bridge the digital divide. The study was conducted in Nasik and Varanasi districts of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. Thirty stakeholders were selected from both districts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) or Farm Science Centers and line departments having frequent interaction with clientele and basic knowledge about ICT tools and services useful in agricultural information delivery. Strategic statements were prepared using previous literature, experience from different programs in India and abroad, and expert suggestions. These were graded into hierarchies and stages and were compared pairwise. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used as a decision making tool to select best alternatives to bridge the digital divide.
 

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Present study aimed to assess the efficacy of Paclobutrazol (PBZ) in mango in terms of vegetative growth, leaf nutrient status, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. Moreover, residual dynamics of PBZ in soil and plant parts was also assessed. Studies were conducted under tropical hot and humid climatic conditions of eastern India during 2013-2017 on 15-year-old trees of mango var. Arka Neelachal Kesari. Paclobutrazol was applied at 0.25–1.0 gram active ingradient (g ai m^-1) canopy spread in soil during September. Results indicated that PBZ significantly reduced Trunk Cross Sectional Area (TCSA), shoot length, and leaf area. There was a reduction in leaf N and K contents, whereas the levels of Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn were increased in PBZ-treated plants. PBZ advanced floral bud break and increased flowering intensity, percentage of bisexual flowers, fruit yield, and yield efficiency. Higher concentration of PBZ aggravated shoot and panicle compaction. PBZ tended to increase Total Soluble Solids (TSSs) but pulp content and pulp/stone ratio were unaffected. PBZ residues in soil persisted for 9 months at higher rate of application, whereas at lower rate residues reached non-detectable level within 5-6 months after application. Fruits were free from PBZ residue, irrespective of dose. Application of PBZ at lower dose (0.25 g ai m^-1 canopy spread) was not only efficacious in enhancing flower induction and yield without affecting plant growth but also exhibited high rate of depletion in soil.
 

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Seed priming can restore age-induced loss of seed viability or longevity; however, these invigoration responses may vary with priming agents and seed aging duration. The present study investigated the effect of two potassium salts (K-salts) individually and in combination (1:1) on different lots of muskmelon genotype, MS-1 seeds stored for four consecutive years, from 2013 to 2016 under ambient conditions. The combination of K-salts significantly enhanced the percent germination of seeds stored for two years (from 2015 to 2016). Further, it also improved root morpho-traits of 10-day-old seedlings. The storage duration had significant effect on the seed surface bacterial and fungal populations. A significantly higher cfu mL^-1 microbial counts were recorded for 2013 harvested seeds on three different agar-based media compared to 2014 to 2016 stored seeds. Further, the Scanning EM and FT-IR study revealed the surface microbiological status and functional groups variations, respectively. Thus, aging-related seed coat microflora is responsible for deterioration of the seed coat. Osmo-conditioning cannot restore viability of seeds stored under ambient conditions for more than two years.
 

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Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important dual-purpose crop in drought and famine prone areas as it is used as human food as well as livestock feed and fodder. However, the variation for forage quality traits of grass pea remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of grass pea collections from Africa, Asia, and Europe, and identify genotypes for superior agronomic and forage nutritional quality traits. The principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components from nutritional quality parameters viz., NDF, ADF, cellulose, lignin and ash percent, and from agronomic traits viz., plant height, nodes per plant, leaf area, green and dry biomass accounted for the majority of the total variation. In addition, a total of 59 polymorphic alleles were detected at 11 SSR loci with an average of 5.36 alleles per locus and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.49 to 0.76. Three accessions (IF1872, IF2177 and IF2156) with higher biomass than the check and four accessions (IF1327, IF1312, IL-10-76 and IF1307) with excellent nutritive value in both green forage as well as straw were identified. The present study revealed high genetic variation for biomass and nutritional quality traits in grass pea collections that could be useful for development of high-yielding, nutritionally rich, and dual-purpose varieties.

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The objective of the current investigation was to examine the effects of botanically induced resistance against the Bipolaris sorokiniana causing spot blotch disease in susceptible barley cultivar (PL 426). Different concentrations of botanical extracts prepared from leaf, fruit and bark of Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula were tested against B. sorokiniana using poisoned food approach. The ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts resulted in more than 70% mycelial inhibition of B. sorokiniana. The foliar spray of promising doses of botanical extracts was done 2 days prior to inoculation under in-vivo conditions. The physiological and biochemical variations were recorded after treatments from 1 to 7 Days After Treatment (DAT). Foliar spraying of botanical extracts resulted in an increase in total phenol content in inoculated barley plants from 1 to 7 DAT. The malondialdehyde content was significantly lower in plants treated with botanicals as compared to inoculated and un-inoculated controls. The activity of peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase was significantly higher in all plants sprayed with botanical extracts as compared to the controls. Furthermore, botanicals reduced the percentage of disease severity in the treated plants while increasing the percentage of yield increase. Plants treated with T. chebula fruit extracts had the highest yield increase, followed by T. bellerica fruit extracts. From the present study, it can be concluded that the fruit extracts of T. chebula and T. bellerica are a promising approach for the eco-friendly management of spot blotch.