Farmers’ Income and the Driving Forces for the Switch from Shifting Cultivation to Settled Agriculture in Meghalaya, India

This study assesses the dependence of farmers on semi-settled (a combination of shifting and settled cultivation) and settled agriculture as a source of family income. The farmers residing in the hilly tracts of West Garo Hills mostly adopt semi-settled cultivation. Farmers are also transitioning from semi-settled to settled agriculture. This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the transition and the socioeconomic conditions of farmers practicing semi-settled and settled agriculture. The researchers surveyed 119 randomly selected households in West Garo Hills, a district of Meghalaya, India, using a structured questionnaire. Exploration of influencing factors for transitioning is important to provide insights into how factors interact, thereby facilitating the development of effective adaptation strategies and policies that will ensure farmers’ future well-being. Results showed that settled farmers generate more income and possess more land area than semi-settled farmers. Besides available land area, a stable source of income for a family is a strong determinant for abandoning shifting cultivation and transitioning to settled agriculture to boost income with less time investment and labor. The farmers found that shifting cultivation helped meet their dietary needs and some income during the COVID-19 lockdown. Alongside efforts to boost commercial agriculture, the government should also assist farmers with limited resources in transitioning to settled agriculture by building market networks for the goods produced from shifting cultivation

Utilization of Stenotrophomonas koreensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for Improving Growth, Reducing Nitrogen Fertilization and Controlling Bipolaris sorokiniana in Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a vital cereal, faces significant challenges from common root rot and spot blotch diseases caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana. This study aimed to explore the potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enhance wheat growth, reduce fertilizer input, and combat Bipolaris diseases. Two PGPR isolates, selected for their superior antagonistic properties, were identified as Stenotrophomonas koreensis RB11 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RB12. These PGPR strains displayed multiple plant growth promoting and biocontrol attributes, including phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production, nitrogen fixation and antagonism against B. sorokiniana and other fungi. Wheat seed priming with the PGPR significantly improved germination, plant growth, nutrient content and biomass carbon accumulation in the rhizosphere soil. Importantly, the application of RB11 and RB12 allowed for a 25% and 50% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer usage, respectively, without compromising the yield. RB11 and RB12 also demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on B. sorokiniana conidial germination and significantly controlled common root rot and spot blotch in wheat, similar to those observed with the fungicide Protaf 250EC. Overall, this study underscores the multifaceted roles of S. koreensis RB11 and B. amyloliquefaciens RB12 in promoting wheat growth, reducing fertilizer inputs and effectively suppressing wheat pathogens. These findings contribute to the development of PGPR-based strategies for sustainable crop production and disease control

Comparison of Different Techno-Functional Properties of Raw Lemon Pomace and Lemon Pomace Powder, and Development of Nutritional Biscuits by Incorporation of Lemon Pomace Powder

Lemon is one among the fruits of a highly respectable class known as citrus, well known for its nutritious juice and beverage products, rich with a range of micro and macro elements, and functional bioactives. After extraction of juice, the pomace left has great potential as a sustainable agricultural processing by-product, due to its vast application in the food, feed and pharma industries. Lemon pomace powder was prepared from the by-product obtained after the extraction of juice from the lemon. Dried lemon pomace powder contained fiber (60.12 g 100 g-1), moisture (10.67 g 100 g-1), protein (4.89 g 100 g-1), fat (2.17 g 100 g-1), sugar (4.81 g 100 g-1) and ash (3.21 g 100 g-1), indicating higher amounts of ash, fat and fiber contents than wheat flour. The water-holding and oil-holding capacities of lemon pomace powder were noticed 5.9 and 3.2 g, respectively. Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of powder were decreased while redness (a*) was increased in powder as compared to raw pomace. Water activity was decreased, while dry matter and pH of pomace powder were significantly increased as compared to raw pomace. Microbiological analyses revealed lower mold, yeast and total viable counts in lemon pomace powder as compared to raw lemon pomace. Dried lemon pomace powder was replaced with wheat flour at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% in biscuits. The biscuits were evaluated for chemical and sensory properties. Data revealed that the incorporation of lemon pomace powder improved the chemical and sensory properties of biscuits significantly. Highly acceptable biscuits with good sensory properties were obtained by incorporating 10% lemon pomace powder, with the potential use of promoting health

Utilization of Partially Purified Papain Enzyme in Mallika Black Soybean Tempeh Hydrolysate as Umami Seasoning

Tempeh made from Mallika black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. var. Mallika) can be fermented for up to 4 days and can be further optimized by adding partially purified papain enzyme obtained from California variety papaya leaves (Carica papaya (L.) var. California). Enzyme can be added to the hydrolysates to degrade protein into short-chain peptides and free amino acids, contributing to umami taste sensory attributes. The study aimed to determine the best ammonium sulfate fractionation of crude papain enzyme and the best physicochemical characteristics of black soybean tempeh protein hydrolysate. The addition of ammonium sulfate fractionation used was 0% to 80%; fermentation time was 2 to 4 days; and the concentration of enzyme added was 0%(w/v) to 1.5%(w/v). The results showed that the 40% fractioned papain enzyme gave the highest protease activity value (0.98±0.04 U ml-1) and most of the papain enzyme was precipitated in this fraction leaving impurities. The black soybean tempeh hydrolysates with 4 × 1% showed the best physicochemical characteristic because it produced the highest umami substance. The best characteristics were moisture content (17.97±0.46%), glutamic acid content (171.58±5.72 mg g-1) that was caused by a transamination reaction, dissolved protein content (470.66±19.50 mg g-1), degree of hydrolysis (43.64±1.99%) and lightness (46.02±0.97). The umami substance’s amino acids are high in content, such as glutamic and aspartic acids (59.89±0.31 mg g-1 and 26.47±0.09 mg g-1). Sensory evaluation showed that treatment 4 × 1% demonstrated no significant difference in umami intensity with MSG (monosodium glutamate)

Identification of Morpho-Physiological and Yield Traits of Sweet Corn Hybrids at Various Shade Levels

The selection of shade-tolerant sweet corn under intercropping conditions is necessary to provide adaptive superior cultivars for agroforestry systems. Until recently, there have not been many reports of superior varieties of sweet corn tolerant to low light. This study aimed to determine the differences in the morphological, physiological and production responses of 25 hybrid sweet corn genotypes to low light intensity. This study used a nested design with three replications. The factors tested were the shade level (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) and the genotype of hybrid corn. The results showed that most of the hybrid corn genotypes tested showed an increase in production at 25% shade, while at 50% and 75% shade, they showed a decrease in production. Based on relative production at 25% shade, the genotypes can be split into three groups: sensitive, moderate and tolerant. The tolerant genotype including F1 T8-2A x SM12-2 (G6); Exotic (G13); Talenta (G15); Golden boy (G16); F1 SM12-2 x T9-2 (G20) provided the highest increase in morpho-physiological characters and yields compared to the moderate and sensitive. In all genotype groups, morphological variables (number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter and relative growth rate), physiological variables (stomata conductance, photosynthetic rate, and total dissolved solids (TDS)), and yield variables (length, diameter, number, weight and unhusked weight of ears) were significantly higher in the no-shade than in the shaded conditions. These findings can be used as a basis for sweet corn planting recommendations under shade condition areas such as in agroforestry systems

Influence of Leaf Extract of Lantana camara Integrated with Maize-based Coating on the Quality of Fresh Talinum triangulare and Telfairia occidentalis Leaves

Fresh Talinum triangulare and Telfairia occidentalis leaves have a short shelf life; therefore, there is a need to enhance their shelf life using natural antimicrobials to maintain their freshness. The effect of an ethanolic extract of Lantana camara leaf (10% w/v) integrated with a maize-based edible coating on fresh T. triangulare and T. occidentalis leaves was studied. Fresh T. triangulare and T. occidentalis leaves were evaluated for quality (pH, total carotenoid content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, fungal load, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids and browning potential) using a centered second-order polynomial (quadratic) model over a 9-day period. The pH values, browning potential, total soluble solids, and fungal loads of T. triangulare and T. occidentalis treated with the ethanolic leaf extract of L. camara integrated with maize-based coating had higher values than those of T. triangulare and T. occidentalis without treatment. Meanwhile, the total carotenoid content, ascorbic acid, total phenolic acid, and total antioxidant capacity of T. triangulare and T. occidentalis treated with the ethanolic leaf extract of L. camara integrated with maize-based coating had reduced values compared to T. triangulare and T. occidentalis without treatment. The disparity in the quality parameter values indicates bioactivity in L. camara integrated with a maize-based coating. This study shows that the integration of the ethanolic extract of the leaf of L. camara with the maize-based coating could be used as a biopreservation agent to improve the shelf life of T. triangulare and T. occidentalis

Exploring Agricultural Resilience in Volcano-Prone Regions: A Case Study from Mount Merapi, Indonesia

Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, experienced a devastating eruption in 2010, causing numerous fatalities and widespread damage to homes and land, especially in areas vulnerable to the volcano’s activity. Despite the inherent risks, many farmers continue to cultivate the region’s land. This study examines the resilience of farmers in the Mount Merapi area in light of the persistent volcanic activity. Employing a qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews and field observations, the research reveals that farmers’ resilience is shaped by their individual experiences and the contributions of government, private sector, and community actors. Long-term residence in the area has equipped farmers with the knowledge and confidence required to navigate the risks and hazards associated with the volcano. Farmers prioritize their safety but also focus on safeguarding their livestock and other essential resources, which are integral to their livelihoods. The local community is instrumental in supporting farmers and residents in disaster-prone zones, while external organizations offer additional advantages to farmers’ lives. The study proposes that a collaborative effort among all stakeholders is essential for maintaining farmers’ livelihoods in areas susceptible to volcanic activity

Role of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai Basil) Aqueous Extract Treated with Yeast Suspension in Enhancing Tomato Plant Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most popular vegetable crop in the world. It is grown almost all over the world. The biggest challenge in producing this crop is diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum. In developing eco-friendly antifungal selective substances for controlling Fusarium diseases, the role of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai basil) aqueous extract against stimulated F. oxysporum was studied in vivo. The presoaked tomato seeds with yeast-treated and untreated O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extracts were cultivated in F. oxysporum-infused soil. This part investigated the recovery role of these botanical extracts against the Fusarium infection on tomato plants, especially on its growth and biochemical traits. The research showed that the vegetative and floral growth parameters of plant decreased significantly due to F. oxysporum infection. The pigment contents, including carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene in tomato fruits, were also passively affected by fungus infection at variance to phenolic and flavonoid content. Moreover, the O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extract presoaked seeds remarkably enhanced the growth parameters of plant and the fruit pigment content. There was no significant difference in fungus infection recovery between infected plants that got yeast-treated extract and infected plants that got yeast-untreated extract. However, the pathogen inhibition percentage with extract from yeast-treated Thai basil plants in vitro increased. This research showed that utilizing O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extract to control F. oxysporum infection of tomato plants was possible and available

Utilization of Cassava-Jicama Composite Flour in Making Gluten-Free Biscuits with Different Types of Fats

Biscuits are a commonly consumed bakery product typically using wheat flour as a primary ingredient, rendering them unsuitable for gluten-intolerant consumers. Using cassava as a gluten-free alternative for composite flour in bakery products has been proven effective. Furthermore, jicama, which has high total dietary fiber contents, including inulin, can enhance total dietary fiber content. However, high-fiber ingredients can often produce a tough texture. To address this, fats such as butter and margarine are typically used to enhance the texture of baked products, although the use of shortening still needs to be explored. Both margarine and shortening are vegetable-based, making them more widely consumable. The production of jicama flour and gluten-free biscuits was the focus of this study. This study uses a completely randomized design with two factors: the ratio of composite flour (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40) and the type of fat (margarine and shortening). Analyses were performed on the gluten-free biscuits to determine the total dietary fiber, inulin, fat, moisture, spread ratio, color and hardness. Results indicated that biscuits made with shortening with a flour ratio of 90:10 of cassava to jicama flour are the best formulation, yielding 2.54±0.00% inulin, 6.50±0.10% total dietary fiber, 19.88±0.17% fat, 2.20±0.10% moisture content, 10.03±0.20 spread ratio, lightness (L*) value of 52.53±0.37, °Hue value of 66.78±0.51, and 869.88±16.07 g hardness. This study shows that jicama flour can be an alternative to producing composite flour for gluten-free products. Shortening, which is not commonly used in biscuit making, may be considered an alternative fat source

Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Fermented Manure as a Fertilizer to Support Azolla microphylla Growth Rate

Azolla (Azolla microphylla) is a potential livestock feed due to its fast-growing and relevant nutrient content. Quail farming generates manure as a by-product that can be used as fertilizer to support plant growth. This study aims to determine the dose effect of fermented quail manure on the growth rate of Azolla, as well as the nutritional content of the resulting Azolla biomass. The data were obtained through observation in 20 Azolla culture ponds according to the design method throughout the research for the Azolla growth rate parameters and laboratory tests to analyze manure and Azolla proximate content at the end of the study. The results showed that treatment of 50, 100 and 150 g m-2 of quail manure gave similarly good effects on the Azolla growth parameters, indicating that the application of quail manure can significantly increase the production of Azolla biomass in culture ponds. The resulting Azolla biomass from all treatments gave a value of 93% to 95% moisture content, 18% to 19% ash content, 36% to 42% protein, 20% to 37% fiber, 2.8% to 4% fat and 5% to 6% carbohydrates. Looking at the big picture, therefore, 100 g m-2 manure treatment is considered the most optimal among the rest. Based on the result obtained, this study can provide an overview of the dose of quail manure that can be used to support the growth of Azolla