Volume 10 Number 6 (November )

Improving local farming systems in response to global climate change

Ya. Z. Kaipov, R. S. Kiraev, Z. R. Sultangazin

The purpose of the research is to identify the impact of biologized crop rotations and fertilizers on the content of organic matter - humus and grain yield in a changing climate. Field experiments were carried out in central Russia, in the steppe zone adjacent to the southern part of the Ural Mountains. The soil is medium loamy black soil. The weather conditions of the experimental work site were variable. In the first 3 years, warming was observed with an increase in the sum of effective air temperatures (SEAT) for a period of more than 100 C in the range of up to 28000 C. In the second three years, there was a cooling with a decrease in SEAT to 19000 C. In the first half of the years, precipitation of the growing season decreased to 84 and 71 mm, which is 2-2.6 times less than the long-term level. The second half of the years was characterized by an increase in atmospheric moisture up to 167-280 mm during the growing season. Under the influence of sharply changing weather conditions, crop rotations formed unstable productivity, when deviations by the years of the experiment reached 2 times or more. The greatest deviations from the average grain productivity were observed in the control grain-fallow crop rotation. Productivity changes in biologized crop rotations are 8-9% less. A moderate correlation (r = 0.55) was found between grain productivity of crop rotations and soil humus content. In the soil under biologized crop rotations, the average humus content was 0.7-1.0% higher. To increase the stability of grain productivity in the face of climate change in the steppe zone of the South Urals, it is advisable to improve the farming system based on the use of biologized crop rotations.

Maize Production and Climate Variability: Evidences from Haryana

Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Dr. Preeti Dabas, Dr. Vivek Balyan, Dr. Bandna Ranga

This paper examines the influence of climatic factors—rainfall, temperature, and humidity—on maize production in Haryana, India. The study also explores how enhancing maize productivity can contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and water conservation. Using secondary data for the last ten years and applying multivariate regression and deviation analysis, the study assesses how variations in climatic conditions affect maize yield in Panchkula district, the major maize-producing region of Haryana. The results show that among the three climatic factors, rainfall had a relatively greater influence on maize yield, though none of the factors were found to have a statistically significant effect during the study period. These findings underline that while climate variability does not directly determine yield outcomes in every season, rainfall patterns remain a key driver of maize productivity. The study suggests that adopting climate-resilient farming practices, efficient water-use technologies, and improved maize varieties can help stabilise yields and enhance farmers’ income. Such measures would also support India’s broader developmental goals by promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening rural livelihoods within the SDG framework.

Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Technology for Enhanced Environmental Sustainability: A Dual-Framework Theoretical Study

Aprajita Gaur, Rajesh Kumar Meena

Background: Environmental sustainability necessitates the incorporation of various knowledge systems to enhance resource management and bolster resilience against climate change. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), rooted on the insights of Indigenous and local people, offers a holistic and adaptable framework for environmental stewardship. In contrast, technology-driven methods employ digital breakthroughs to improve resource efficiency and enable comprehensive ecological monitoring. This theoretical study analyzes the interplay between traditional ecological knowledge and technological methodologies, aiming to elucidate their mechanisms, synergies, limitations, and possible avenues for integration. Methods: This study adopts a dual-framework methodology to bring together current literature on traditional ecological knowledge and technology-based sustainability methods. The work conducts a full conceptual mapping of both paradigms, generating comparative system dynamics diagrams, developing novel metrics such as resilience quotient and integrated stewardship score, and outlining simulation scenarios. The proposed frameworks seek to promote equitable partnerships and collaboratively design policies to improve hybrid models. This study utilizes a qualitative methodology, focusing on the creation of theoretical frameworks and the examination of scenarios to inform future empirical validation initiatives. Results: Through adaptive, place-based practices, TEK systems foster cultural cohesion, promote biodiversity conservation, and manifest enhanced long-term ecosystem stability. Systems driven by technology provide swift enhancements in the efficiency of resource utilization, enable real-time monitoring, and allow for scalable interventions; however, they may also pose risks related to infrastructural vulnerabilities and cultural disconnection. Hybrid models that combine traditional ecological knowledge with technological advancements are anticipated to yield synergistic advantages, such as improved resilience, inclusivity, and adaptive management strategies. The proposed metrics provide comparative tools for the evaluation of integrative systems. Conclusion: This dual-framework study emphasizes the synergistic functions of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and technology in promoting environmental sustainability. Through the conceptualization of integration pathways and the development of theoretical metrics, it establishes a foundation for evidence-based policy and rigorous empirical research. Future research must emphasize participatory approaches, validation of metrics, and pilot testing of hybrid sustainability models to promote equitable, adaptive, and resilient global stewardship.

White Aphids: Pose Significant Challenges to Agricultural Productivity

Bareilly its Surrounding area falls within the “Tarai Zone " where white aphids are found in abundance. These are small insects that suck the juice of the crop cycle. There are a few species of white aphids in the world, but the species found on grass, flowers, and vegetable crops create significant problems for the yield and health of the plants. They affect the ecological environment in terms of biological cycling of the soil and environmental conditions, which can be focused on along with the plants. But for the identification and management of the insects that spread on a large scale, many predator species, like maintenance and parasitoid wasps, have been considered as the experts for biological control and prevention of the effects. However, this paper, we focus on how chemical dynamic control of impacts can enhance agricultural productivity and crop protection.

Soil Carbon Sequestration in Agro-ecosystems: Mechanisms, Management, and the Role in Climate Change Mitigation

Soils represent one of the largest terrestrial carbon reservoirs, and the improved management of soil organic carbon (SOC) offers considerable potential for mitigating climate change, enhancing soil health, and improving agricultural productivity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the dynamics and mechanisms of SOC storage, key environmental and land-use factors influencing it, agronomic and chemical management strategies for enhancing sequestration in agro-ecosystems, the limitations and uncertainties in quantifying its role for greenhouse-gas (GHG) mitigation, and the policy and research outlook for scaling up soil-based climate solutions. While the potential is significant, the saturation risk, measurement challenges, trade-offs, and context-specificity must be recognized. For semi-arid and dryland systems in particular, integrating SOC-based management into sustainable intensification pathways will require region-specific calibration, long-term monitoring, and alignment with socio-economic incentives.

Evaluation of Inorganic Nutrient Sources and Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Hasandeep Singh, Hardeep Kaur, Arsdeep Singh, Raghubir Singh Uppal

A field study was conducted during the Rabi Season of 2022–23 and 2023–24 at the Department of Agriculture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib on the effect inorganic nutrient sources and organic manures on the growth, yield, and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with 14 treatments replicated thrice. Results indicated that treatment T9 (100% RDN through chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN through poultry manure) recorded the highest values for growth parameters -plant height (101.62 cm), leaf area (6.14 m²), dry matter (302.48 q ha-1 row), and number of tillers (124.33 m-1 row) and yield parameters, including grain yield (58.82 q ha-1), straw yield (74.25 q ha-1), biological yield (131.30 q ha-1), harvest index (45%), and protein content (12.18%). These were statistically at par with T2 (100% RDF), T5 (100% RDN + 25% FYM), and T7 (75% RDN + 25% poultry manure). The lowest values across all parameters were recorded in the control (T1). The study concluded that integrating organic manures with inorganic fertilizers significantly enhances wheat growth, yield, and quality over sole application of chemical or organic sources.

The Projection of Rainfall and the Effect on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Productivity until 2045 Based on the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) Scenario

Ninuk Herlina, Syilvia Fajriati

Rainfall is one of the factors that causes a decrease in rice productivity. The study of rainfall and productivity projections in East Java province is important because it is one of the provinces that contributes the most to rice production in Indonesia. The research aims to study the projection of rainfall and rice productivity until 2045 using the Global Climate Model in the RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 scenarios in Malang and Banyuwangi regencies. The study was conducted by examining rainfall variability and its effect on rice productivity in Malang and Banyuwangi regencies in April–May 2024 using BMKG and NASA MERRA-2 rainfall data for 1993–2022, rice productivity for 2003–2022 in Malang and Banyuwangi regencies, and the global climate model until 2045 using the linear scaling method. The results showed that the MOHC-HadGEM2-ES model has a fairly good accuracy in projecting rainfall. Rainfall projections in RCP 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios show changes in rainfall patterns and intensity, with peak rainfall in April-June, where Malang and Banyuwangi regencies have monsoonal rainfall types; in those months the rainy season should have decreased or entered the dry season. The projection of rice productivity until 2045 in the RCP 2.6 scenario shows an increase in productivity in 2045 in Malang and Banyuwangi regencies of 8.02 tons ha-1 and 6.87 tons ha-1. The RCP 8.5 scenario shows a decrease in productivity in 2045 in Malang and Banyuwangi regencies of 7.83 tons ha-1 and 6.85 tons ha-1.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Sources of Phosphorus on Soil Properties and Productivity of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Sources of Phosphorus on Soil Properties and Productivity of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)” was conducted at the Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during the Kharif season of 2024. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different organic manures and phosphorus sources on the growth, yield, and soil properties of black gram. The experiment comprised 16 treatment combinations with four levels of organic manures (FYM @ 5 t ha-¹, vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-¹, FYM 5 t ha-¹ + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-¹, and control) and four levels of phosphorus sources (100% RDP through SSP, 50% RDP through rock phosphate, 50% RDP through SSP + 50% RDP through rock phosphate, and control), arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that the combined application of FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-¹ significantly enhanced growth and yield attributes, seed, haulm, and biological yield as well as soil organic carbon, water-holding capacity, available macronutrients, compared to other treatments. Soil pH and bulk density were significantly reduced under this treatment. Among phosphorus treatments, the application of 50% RDP through SSP + 50% RDP through rock phosphate recorded significantly higher yield attributes, yield, nutrient uptake, and soil biological activities.

Plastic Waste and Pollution: An Evidence-Based review to Support WUP Policy Formation

Dr. Gladys Mangiduyos, Dr. Lucille Grace Hilario, Dr. Gener Subia

Plastic pollution is a real issue that damages the environment, animals, and humans. This research synthesizes literature from around the world to identify plastic waste issues and solutions that can help Wesleyan University Philippines (WUP) develop more effective plastic policies. The review examined over 30 studies and concluded that plastic waste increases due to inefficient waste management, the use of single-use plastics, and a lack of awareness. The Philippines is among the leading nations that contribute to plastic waste in the ocean. Effective solutions involve prohibiting single-use plastics, recycling, substituting with biodegradable products, and raising awareness to break people's habits. From the study, it is evident that plastic pollution requires collaboration between governments, businesses, communities, and schools. For WUP, this involves measures such as eliminating single-use plastics on campus, promoting reusable products, segregating waste, and educating students on plastic pollution. Through these actions, WUP can assist in safeguarding the environment and emerging as a model in combating plastic waste.

Influence of Species, Stand Age and Seasonal Dynamics on Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon in Restoring Limestone Mine

Abhishek Maitry, Gunjan Patil, Hemlata Jaiswal

This study evaluates the impacts of plantation species, stand age, and seasonal variation on soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in the restoration of degraded limestone mine soils at the Nandini Limestone Mines, Chhattisgarh, India. Four plantation species namely Dalbergia sissoo, Azadirachta indica, Tectona grandis, and Albizia procera were analyzed across three chronosequence ages (5, 15, and 25 years) and three seasonal periods (pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon) at 15–30 cm soil depth. Soil microbial biomass carbon increased significantly with plantation age across all species, with Dalbergia sissoo demonstrating superior recovery from 62.85 ± 3.71 µg C g⁻¹ at 5 years to 99.34 ± 8.03 µg C g⁻¹ at 25 years (pre-monsoon), while monsoon peaks reached 117.64 ± 4.99 µg C g⁻¹. Seasonal patterns revealed dramatic moisture-driven increases, with monsoon MBC values (70–130 µg C g⁻¹) approximately two-fold higher than pre-monsoon values (40–110 µg C g⁻¹). Three-way ANOVA analysis revealed that plantation age (F₂,₇₂ = 137.87, p < 0.001), season (F₂,₇₂ = 57.67, p < 0.001), and species identity (F₃,₇₂ = 33.75, p < 0.001) all exerted significant main effects on MBC, with plantation age accounting for 47.4% of total variance, season explaining 19.8%, and species identity explaining 17.4%. All two-way and three-way interaction terms were non-significant (p > 0.36), indicating additive rather than synergistic effects. Despite substantial improvement, MBC values in 25-year plantations (mean 100 µg C g⁻¹) remained 40% depleted relative to undisturbed reference soils (157.59–170.56 µg C g⁻¹). The model explained 84.7% of total variance with minimal residual error (12.4%), demonstrating robust predictive capacity for restoration trajectories. Results demonstrate that integrating fast-growing, high-quality litter species like Dalbergia sissoo and Azadirachta indica with moisture-conserving amendments offers a promising strategy for accelerating microbial and ecosystem recovery in degraded limestone mine landscapes.

Analysis of Yield and Quality of Rice Varieties in Chau Phu, An Giang, Vietnam

Nguyen Thi Lang, Nguyen Trong Phuoc, Bien Anh Khoa, Le Nguyen Thanh Ngọc

Yield and yield components of the varieties differed statistically. 17 high-yield rice varieties were recorded (4.03-8.90 tons ha) higher than the control variety. The total number of grains showed that HATRI 04 had the highest, with values of 122 and 127.3 grains/panicle, respectively. The weight of 1000 grains: of the lines/varieties had an average weight of 24.8-28.2 gr. For short-grain high-yield rice, the softness and fluffiness of the rice depends mainly on the amylose/amylopectin content in the starch component of the rice grain. The determination of amylose content in the endosperm of rice fluctuates from 18-24 %, in which varieties such as HATRI 722, HATRI 10, Nang Hoa, SR 24 has low amylose content. In addition, gel strength is related to the softness of sticky rice. The aroma of level 2 varieties such as HATRI 10, HATRI 722 and HATRI 25, level 1 varieties for AG1, HATRI 22, SR 24, . The high head rice ratio fluctuates from 41.5-53.40%. The HATRI 62 variety has the highest ratio and the lowest is OM8. The HATRI 10 and HATRI 190 varieties have good resistance to brown planthopper and blast disease. Analysis of 4 molecular markers recorded with RM223, RG 28 and Wx and RM42: the results recorded the assessment of the genetic purity of aroma achieved varieties such as: Nang Hoa 9, Dai Thom 8, HATRI 10, OM4900, HATRI 62, HATRI 22. Seven varieties have low amylose content is Nang Hoa 9, OM18, ST24, HATRI 10, OM4900, HATRI 25, HATRI 22.

Evaluation of the shelf-life of biocontrol agents enhanced with additives for use in tomato cultivation

Shilpa Sharma, Pardeep Kumar, Twinkle, Akshay Pathania

This study investigated the shelf life of biocontrol agents amended with additives and their efficacy were evaluated on growth parameters and wilt incidence in tomato. Under in vitro conditions 13 biocontrol agents were evaluated for their efficacy against Ralstonia solanacearum using the agar well diffusion technique and it was observed that Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf 3) and T. koningii (DMA -8) were most effective in inhibiting the growth of R. solanacearum. Talc based formulations were prepared for biocontrol agents and it was observed that treatments with 2 per cent tryptone and 2 per cent peptone supplemented with 2 per cent glycerol enhanced the shelf life of Pf 3 and treatments with 2 per cent yeast extract and tryptone supplemented with 2 per cent glycerol increased the shelf life of Bacillus spp. (Bc) in the formulation. Biocontrol formulations were also evaluated in the greenhouse and their effect was studied on the wilt incidence and growth parameters. It was revealed that the combined application of Bc1+Pf 3 enriched with 2 kg FYM significantly reduced the wilt incidence and R. solanacearum population density and also increased the shoot length, number of branches/plants, number of fruits/plant and yield of tomato.

Community Analysis of Soil Nematodes from five Wildlife Sanctuaries of West Bengal (Ballavpur, Bethuadahari, Bibhutibhushan, Raiganj, Ramnabagan), India

Pavel Dutta, Ritika Datta, Anjum Nasreen Rizvi

Soil nematode community analysis was carried out in five Wildlife sanctuaries (WLS) of West Bengal, namely, Ballavpur, Bethuadahari, Bibhutibhushan, Raiganj and Ramnabagan. The study documented a total of 53 nematode genera belonging to 11 orders and 27 families. In terms of taxonomic diversity, the order Tylenchida exhibited the greatest variety at Ballavpur, Bethuadahari and Ramnabagan WLS. In contrast, the order rhabditida was the most diverse at Bibhutibhushan and Raiganj WLS. In terms of trophic composition, bacterivores represented the highest generic diversity at Ballavpur, Bibhutibhushan, Raiganj, and Ramnabagan, except for Bethuadahari, where plant parasites represented the highest generic diversity. In terms of trophic groups, bacterivores were the most abundant at Bethuadahari, Bibhutibhushan and Raiganj WLS, whereas plant parasites were the most abundant at Ballavpur and Ramnabagan WLS. The Shannon-Weaver (H’) diversity and Maturity Index (MI) were highest at Ballavpur WLS with values 1.58 ± 0.01 and 2.62 ± 0.01, respectively. The MI value indicates the study areas are less disturbed. The food web indices, Channel Index (CI), Enrichment Index (EI), and Structural Index (SI), indicate that the study area supports a resource-rich and well-organized soil ecosystem. The present study serves as a preliminary analysis of soil nematodes from these WLS, and this data will be helpful for future long-term ecological monitoring.

Advancing Sustainability in Indian Banking: A Study of Initiatives and Sectoral Impact

Prof. Ragini Agrawal, Saksham Agrawal

Environmental degradation and climate change have made sustainable finance a priority across nations. A strong and dynamic sustainable banking system is vital to integrate the climate related and societal challenges in the financial system for inclusive growth of the economy. The concept of sustainability in banking involves aligning financial services with environmental protection, social equity, and responsible governance. Research on sustainability issues within the banking industry has become an increasingly important field of inquiry. Scholars and practitioners are paying closer attention to how banks integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations, recognizing that financial institutions play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable economic transitions. By examining these issues, researchers provide valuable insights for policymakers and regulators to strengthen ESG adoption and align financial systems with long-term development and climate goals. The study observes that in recent years, the research and development in this field is more planned, intensive and deliberate. A few latest research papers and studies are mentioned in the literature review. These researches highlight the importance of financial decisions in promoting sustainability. The paper outlines the regulations, guidelines given by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), mandates from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the major instruments which are being used in the banking sector to develop a roadmap for the transition towards a sustainable economic and financial model. The study focuses on the initiatives taken by leading banks to promote the sustainability in the banking system of India. The paper identifies the different types of benefits of sustainable banking in banking operations in India. Despite significant progress, Indian banks continue to face structural and operational hurdles in embedding sustainability across governance, lending, and reporting frameworks. The issue of sustainable banking is in a transitional phase. There is a need to focus on the sustainability objectives by regulators, policymakers and financial institutions, to ensure the growth of a resilient and inclusive sustainable financial ecosystem in India.

Profitability and Value Addition in Wheat Supply Chain in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India

Girish Mahajan, Kshitij Mandial

Wheat is a critically important crop in the Kangra district, serving as a primary source of food security and livelihood for a large portion of the population. The need to analyze its processing costs, returns, and value addition stems from the necessity to improve farmer incomes and make the local agricultural economy more resilient. Thus, an attempt has been made in this research script toanalyse the costs and return from processing of wheat and degree of value addition at each stage of the supply chain in wheat in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed that processing of wheat in the study area incurred both variable and fixed costs, which influenced the overall cost structure. Study indicated that raw material (grain), energy expenses, labour and packaging costs, staff salary were the important components of variable costs which accounted to Rs. 2,619,95 per quintal while, interest on term loans and depreciation were the constituents of variable costs which amounted to Rs. 135.68 per quintal. As a result, the total processing cost was Rs. 2,755.63 per quintal. The returns from processing in the study area showed processing add value to the final product. The processing unit was functioned at a utilization capacity of 0.96, which means the unit is operated at 96 per cent of its capacity. The gross return was Rs. 3400 per quintal. After deducting processing and marketing costs from gross return, the net revenue was Rs. 494.37 per quintal. The degree of value addition in wheat differs across the different supply chains. According to the results, at processor’s stage, the degree of value addition in channel III was highest which was worked out to be 23.79 per cent and lowest at trader’s level which was found to be 4.9 per cent. Consequently, the highest degree of value addition was exhibited in the processing channel i.e. channel III. In channel II, the intermediaries added 5.50 per cent value at retailer level to 7.28 per cent value at secondary wholesaler level whereas in channel III, it varied from 4.90 per cent at traders stage to 23.79 per cent at flour millers stage before reaching to retailer and then to ultimate consumers. This suggested that longer marketing chain involving traders and processors exhibited higher degree of value addition in wheat in the study area. Therefore, farmers can and should be encouraged to directly link with processors or flour mills so that they can take part in value added activities that can augment their returns and revenues by effectively capturing value along the chain.