Nutrient Management on Forage Yield and Quality in Fodder Cowpea

Among the essential nutrients required for optimal fodder cowpea growth, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) stand out due to their key physiological roles. The current research experiment is planned to know the nutrient management on forage yield and quality in fodder cowpea during rabi season (2024-2025). A field experiment was conducted on dryland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, to evaluate the effect of graded levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and zinc (0, 25 and 50 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹) on yield and nutritional quality of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Statistical significance was tested by ‘F’ value at 5 per cent level of probability and wherever the ‘F’ value was found significant, critical difference (CD) was worked out at 5 per cent level of probability and the values were furnished. The findings of the present experiment concluded that application of 60 kg P₂O₅ and 25 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ significantly improved the yield and nutritive value in fodder cowpea, making it more suitable for livestock feeding under dryland conditions. The lowest zinc content was observed under the control treatment (Z₀), indicating that zinc application effectively enhanced the zinc concentration in plant tissues. This improvement could be attributed to better root proliferation and nutrient uptake facilitated by zinc application

Sway of Slope Position on Soil Properties, Moisture Content Characteristics, and Soil Stability in Abak River Basin, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Mechanisms acting in the retention of soil moisture and formation of soil aggregate is influence by slope position, these features meditates many soil physical, chemical and biological processes that facilitate stable soil structure. A study was conducted to assessed slope position influence and moisture content on soil properties and aggregate stability in Abak River Basin, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Five locations were selected for the study, in each location, three slope positions were identified, the upper, middle and lower slopes, soil samples were collected from 0 – 30cm depth from each slope position, giving a total of fifteen soil samples and were taken to the laboratory for analyses. Results showed that all slope positions had moderate acidity. Bs increased down the slope, while Al did not follow a definite pattern along the different physiographic position of the Basin. Water stability aggregate for the three slope positions were not statistically different, but the seemingly least among the slope position was that of the upper slope.  Both dry and wet aggregate size distribution werer dominted by small mcro aggregate for all slope positions. Organic matter content to some extent lead to increase in aggregate stability with the most pronounced effect occurring in the middle slope. Adoption of management practices that geared towards increase in organic matter and moisture cotent of the soil for sustainable environment and crop growth are required for soil aggregate formation

Marketing of Banana Varieties in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, India

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the marketing structure, price spread, marketing costs, and marketing efficiency of Red banana and Njalipoovan (syn. Neypoovan) in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with an emphasis on understanding the factors influencing marketing decisions and economic returns across major marketing channels. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India, during the 2024-2025 agricultural year. Methodology: A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was adopted. Two major banana-producing blocks were purposively selected based on the highest production, and from each block two panchayats with the highest banana production were chosen, covering a total of 160 farmers (80 cultivating Red banana and 80 cultivating Njalipoovan) and 50 intermediaries, forming an overall sample size of 210. Data were collected through structured interviews. Major marketing channels were identified, and marketing cost, marketing margin, price spread, producer’s share, and efficiency were estimated following standard methodologies (Acharya’s and Shepherd’s methods). Results: Analysis revealed a strong preference among farmers for organized sales channels, with 40 per cent of Red banana and 42.5 per cent of Njalipoovan growers primarily marketing through VFPCK. Co-operatives and private traders were also significant, while direct retailing was relatively limited. Diversification of produce was prominent among Red banana farmers, with 18.75 per cent selling ‘kulavazha’ and 13.75 per cent engaging in sucker sales. For Njalipoovan, 20 per cent of farmers marketed both fruit and leaves, indicating notable variety-specific ancillary market potential. For both varieties, fruit sales contributed over 84 per cent to average total income, though by-product sales provided valuable supplementary revenue. Five marketing channels were identified for both Red banana and Njalipoovan. Price spread and marketing efficiency varied across channel and Channel V with fewer intermediaries (producer-retailer-consumer) demonstrated the highest producer shares (up to 84.27%) and marketing efficiency, whereas Channel I (producer-VFPCK-wholesaler-retailer-consumer) incurred the greatest marketing costs, lowest efficiency, and reduced producer share (70.38%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that reduced intermediary participation enhances farmer’s net returns and channel efficiency. Institutional and technological improvements in procurement models, such as strengthening VFPCK and co-operative outlets, implementing transparent purchase policies and leveraging digital direct marketing platforms are recommended to optimize banana marketing efficiency and income stability

Agronomic Response of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Varieties to Varied Sowing Windows during Late Rabi Season

The present field experiment was conducted during late rabi, 2024-25 at dryland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati Campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in spit-plot design with three sowing windows under main plots and four varieties under subplots. The greengram variety LGG 630 sown during II Fortnight of December recorded significantly higher growth attributing characters like plant height, leaf area index, number of branches, dry matter production of greengram

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Using Chemical Fertilizer and Combined Organic Sources on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), commonly known as bhendi, is a high-value vegetable crop whose productivity often relies heavily on chemical fertilization. However, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers threatens soil fertility and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) strategies involving the partial substitution of the Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) with combined organic manures to achieve sustainable okra production. The experiment was conducted under a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments and three replications, comprising T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF + FYM), T4 (50% RDF + VC), T5 (50% RDF + FYM + VC), and T6 (75% RDF + FYM + VC + Banana Peel and Eggshell Mixture). Growth and yield parameters were recorded and statistically analyzed using ANOVA followed by the Critical Difference (CD) test at P ≤ 0.05. Results revealed that the integrated application of chemical and organic sources significantly improved both vegetative growth and yield performance. The T6 treatment achieved the highest pod yield of 18.9 t ha⁻¹, which was approximately 40% higher than the full 100% RDF (13.5 t ha⁻¹) and more than double that of the unfertilized control (8.2 t ha⁻¹). T6 also recorded maximum plant height (135.2 cm) and number of leaves (28.5 per plant). The superior performance of T6 highlights the synergistic effect of combining FYM, vermicompost, and nutrient-rich organic residues with reduced chemical inputs. In conclusion, adopting a 75% RDF base supplemented with FYM, Vermicompost, and a Banana Peel + Eggshell Mixture offers a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly nutrient management strategy for maximizing okra yield while conserving soil health and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers

Comparative Technical Efficiency and Constraints in Seed and Grain Production of Chickpea Variety JAKI-9218 in Amravati District of Maharashtra, India

Chickpea is one of the major pulse crop, cultivated in Amravati. Chickpea cultivation in India covered approximately 960.84 thousand hectares, yielding 11.34 million tonnes with an average productivity of 1180 kg/ha. The present study was undertaken to conduct a Comparative Technical Efficiency and Constraints in Seed and Grain Production of Chickpea Variety JAKI-9218 in Amravati District of Maharashtra. The study aimed to identify and analyze the determinants of technical efficiency and to evaluate the major constraints faced by farmers engaged in certified seed and grain production. Amravati district was purposively selected due to its suitability and popularity for cultivating the JAKI-9218 variety. Within the district, two tehsils—Chandur Railway and Morshi—were purposively selected, as they have a larger area under chickpea cultivation. A total of 120 farmers were selected 60 engaged in certified seed production and 60 in grain production. This paper shown the factors affecting of technical efficiency and constraints faced by chickpea producers. Efficiency analysis showed that irrigation, family size, and education significantly influenced seed producers’ performance, while irrigation and landholding were key determinants for grain producers. Garrett Ranking Analysis showed that labour-related problems, especially labour scarcity during peak seasons and high wage rates, were the major constraints in both seed and grain production. Seed producers additionally faced issues like seed plot maintenance, risk of rejection, and limited credit access, while grain producers struggled with poor seed quality and high input costs. Addressing these challenges through improved irrigation, labour support, training, and access to quality inputs can further enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in chickpea cultivation

Analysis of Production Costs, Revenue and Profitability of Smallholder Oil Palm Farming in East Kutai Regency, Indonesia

Oil palm is one of the most important plantation crops. Oil palm development can increase farmer/community income, provide industrial raw materials, and generate foreign exchange through CPO exports. The majority of residents in Dusun 3, Marga Mulia Village, rely on oil palm plantations for their primary income because they are considered to have long-term prospects, high profits, and relatively easy cultivation techniques. Economic and feasibility analysis of smallholder oil palm farming is essential to evaluate the profitability and sustainability of the business. The purpose of this study was to determine the production costs, revenues, and income of smallholder oil palm businesses and to assess their feasibility using the Revenue/Cost (R/C) ratio. The study  was conducted from February to April 2025 in Dusun 3, Marga Mulia Village, Kongbeng District, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan Province.  The study used a saturated or census sampling method, resulting in a sample size of 24 farmers from the entire population. The criteria were oil palm farmers with oil palm plantations aged between 10 and 12 years. Data were collected through primary and secondary methods through observation, interviews, and literature review, and then analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis. The results show that the average production cost was IDR 15,014,749.18/ha/year, the average revenue was IDR 47,895,964.08/ha, and the income was IDR 32,881,214.89/ha/year. The smallholder oil palm business in this area is declared profitable and feasible to be developed with an R/C ratio of 3.19, indicating that every IDR 1.00 of production costs generates IDR 3.19 in income

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Fish Found in Waterworks Reservoir, in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Parasites that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of fish, including protozoa and helminths, are of particular concern. These parasites not only affect the health and well-being of the fish population but also pose potential health risks to humans who consume them. The Water Works Reservoir, situated in the vibrant city of Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, serves as a critical source of freshwater fish, offering essential dietary protein to the local populace. A total number of 90 samples were collected and examined from water works reservoir. Lately lots of concern has been raised in respect of consumption of fishes from fairly polluted and polluted waters. This research intends to put to rest such concerns and check the parasite available in water works reservoir. Out of 90 samples from water works 47 were male and 43 were female. Male fish tended to have a relatively higher number of infestations 22 (46.80%) while the female fish recorded 20 (46.52%). A total of 86 adult worms, larval and eggs were found in the sampled fishes investigated, out of which Ascaris eggs were 20 (23.26%), Capilaria sp. 14 (16.28%), Metacercariae sp. 8 (9.31%), Camallanus sp. 8 (9.31%) Pleurocercoid or Coradium 5 (5.82%), Astiotrema sp. 5 (5.82), Miracidium larvae 3 (3.48%) and followed by Ascaridods (2.33%) as the least parasitic infestation. The study also shows the intestine was the most infested 51 (59.3%), followed by the stomach with 35 (40.69%). The findings of this study are expected to shed light on the safety of consuming fish from the reservoir and inform strategies for preserving the health and well-being of the local population

Relationship between Leaf Area Index and Lysimetric Crop Coefficients of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) under Local Climatic Conditions of Vidarbha

The experiment was conducted to determine the crop coefficients and leaf area index of pigeonpea, using a digital weighing type lysimeters. The research was conducted under Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola for kharif season of year 2024. The meteorological data was collected from the weather station installed at the experimental site to determine the reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) using Penman-Montieth method. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was measured using water balance method by using weighing type lysimeters. Crop coefficients were determined for pigeonpea as ratio of daily ETc and ETo. Simultaneously, leaf area index was measured monthly using a leaf area meter. The study reveals that Kc values and LAI increased with crop development, reaching maximum during the mid-season stage and showed a strong positive correlation with each other with an R-square value of 0.78. The results highlight the importance of stage-specific Kc and LAI values for accurate irrigation scheduling and for improving water use efficiency in pigeonpea cultivation

From Millet’s ‘Pearl’ To Desert’s ‘Gold’: GHB 538 Improved (Maru Sona) Emerges through Genomics-assisted Breeding

Downy mildew (DM) is the most devasting disease of pearl millet caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet, remains a major biotic constraint to pearl millet production in India. Looking to this constraint, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat), in collaboration with ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics), Hyderabad, decided to improve notified popular pearl millet hybrid GHB-538 through marker-assisted backcross breeding due to which this hybrid make a comeback in as improved version. Christened Maru Sona or Desert Gold in the local language, the new version is equipped with the genes to fend off devastating downy mildew disease and was released for cultivation in Gujarat state and A1 zone dry regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana during kharif season. The pearl millet hybrid GHB 538 Improved was developed by introgression of downy mildew resistance QTLs from P7-3-P13 and 863B-P2-P7 lines in the pollen parent J-2340 of earlier released GHB-538 with marker-assisted backcross method using foreground selection and notified at state and national level for kharif season cultivation. The screening against downy mildew of GHB 538 Improved was carried out under the downy mildew sick plot, and yield trials testing work against original GHB-538 was carried out at state and national levels across different locations. In comparison to the original hybrid, Maru Sona shows markedly high resistance to downy mildew disease along with an increase in grain yield (3.5 and 1.8%) and dry fodder yield (10.8 and 1.9%); it also hallmarks early flowering (44 and 45 days) at state and AICRP testing, respectively. It also shows resistance reaction to other pearl millet diseases and possesses good quality parameters