Millets are group of small-seeded “Nutri-Cereals” that are grown as food crops in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. The value chain approach aims to identify and strengthen the linkages between different players’ activities involved in production & marketing of millet products, in order to increase efficiency, competitiveness and profitability. In traditional supply chain, millet farmers were not getting remunerative prices, but farmers as Producer Organizations (FPOs) or collectives can increase the farmers share in consumer rupee by playing the middlemen role in the market. FPO as a cluster can focus on processing and value addition of millets and target the customers directly by B2B and B2C. ICAR-IIMR acts as CBBO for 41 FPOs in four states (Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka & Madhya Pradesh) and they established primary processing unit in collaboration with KVKs at FPO farm gate i.e., Aland, Hulsoor, Shorapur, Vizianagaram, Anantapur, Vishakhapatnam for strengthening the millet value chain by engaging FPOs/ SHGs/ rural women/ unemployed youth in preparing value added products and delivering them through GeM portal, ONDC, SFAC and online platforms. Primary processing and value addition technology adoption by FPOs are key sources to generate better income and assured markets to millet growers. Millet value chain is facing many challenges but the overall adoption of improved technologies, better market linkages and increased investment in infrastructure are key strategies to enhance the competitiveness of the millet value chain, increase farmers’ income and improve food security and nutrition.

Sangappa^*

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

D. Rafi

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

E. Charishma

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

C. Tara Satyavathi

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India

Aquaculture plays a vital role in enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring food security, especially in regions such as Tripura, India, where fisheries significantly contribute to the socio-economic landscape. This study examines the adoption of aquaculture technologies among 60 artisanal fish farmers in the Gomati district, delving into socio-economic factors, adoption trends and prevalent challenges. A comprehensive evaluation of a 10-item aquaculture technology package categorized adoption levels into low (<0.33), medium (0.33-0.66) and high (>0.66). Findings reveal that nearly half of the respondents (48.33%) exhibited low adoption levels, primarily due to limited resources, financial constraints and insufficient technical knowledge. Key practices, including feeding, pond maintenance and fish preservation, were notably underused. ANOVA analysis indicated that land ownership, income and experience significantly influenced the levels of adoption, while education and family structure did not show a significant correlation. Quadrant analysis categorized practices based on their adoption frequency and associated challenges, highlighting priority areas for intervention. High-adoption practices such as pond preparation and harvesting can serve as a foundation for promoting additional technologies. To tackle these challenges, policy-driven interventions are essential. These should include strengthening extension services, improving access to low-interest credit and promoting resource-efficient technologies like biofloc systems. Tailored programs aimed at young farmers, women and marginalized groups can enhance inclusivity, while developing market infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) can mitigate uncertainties and improve profitability. By integrating financial support, capacity building and sustainable practices, policymakers can facilitate greater adoption of aquaculture technologies, resulting in increased productivity, income and rural development in Tripura.

Sourav Debnath

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Biswajit Debnath^*

ICAR-KVK, South Tripura, Birchandra Manu, India

Bhautik Savaliya

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Jasmine of the family Oleaceae constitutes a group of plants, which are commercially grown for their fragrant flowers and essential oil production. Though it propagates through soft wood stem cuttings, due to difficult in root induction in cuttings, there is a need to find a solution for multiplication at commercial scale. Hence, the present experiment was conducted with soft wood stem cuttings with different number of nodes along with different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) growth regulators and their combinations. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with two factors and three replications. The results revealed that three node cuttings with IBA 1000 ppm took less number of days for root initiation (8.12 days), the combination of four node cuttings with IBA 2000 ppm resulted more number roots per cutting (12.86). The three node cuttings with IBA 2000 ppm interaction resulted maximum root fresh weight (0.84 g) and root dry weight (0.76 g) and highest rooting percent (89.12%).

Santhosha H.M.

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Haveri, Karnataka (581 115), India

This research was carried out to determine the slenderness coefficient and Physiognomic Characteristics of Tree Species in Kano Zoological Garden. The area was stratified in to four strata. Fourteen (14) temporary sample plots of size (30×30 m²) were laid at random covering all stratum. Trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10cm were identified, measured and recorded. Individual trees were grouped in to species and families. The results revealed diameter class 21-40 exhibits the highest cumulative values for DB, DM, DT, TH, SLC, BA and SV indicating that trees within the 21-40 cm diameter range contribute the most to the overall size, height, slenderness, basal area and stem volume. Trees in the 81-100 cm diameter range have the lowest cumulative values, suggesting they are relatively smaller and contribute less to the overall forest dimensions. Height Class (21-30) recorded the highest values for all parameters indicating that trees in this height class have the largest diameters, slenderness coefficient, basal area and stem volume. SLC, BA and SV are significantly higher compared to other height classes. The 41-60 m height classes show lower values representing smaller or less mature trees. The "1-69 Low" trees have a slightly tapered but balanced form and more stable to wind-throw. The "70-99 Moderate" trees exhibit a more pronounced taper in their shape while the ">100 High" trees have a tall and slender form with a significant taper making them vulnerable to wind-throw compared to the moderate and low classes. Positive correlation was observed between all the variables with the exception of SLC which display negative relation with all the variables signifying inverse relationship.

Dantani, A.

Dept. of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria