<div>Background: Agriculture plays a significant role in economic and social development in India. With the rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies, information and data can be effectively generated, stored and used by farmers to improve agricultural productivity. For this, smart farming technologies using mobile applications (apps) that help reduce costs, maximize yields and increase profits are being employed. Here, we present an overview of several mobile apps available for traceability in agricultural sectors, discuss their features, functions and how they are lacking in some domains. 
 
Methods: In this study during Aug 2019-Sep 2019, several online databases were used for the survey according to the guidelines for Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. 73 agriculture mobile apps were selected based upon the hits using keywords like &ldquo;mobile apps, agriculture mobile app, animal husbandry, etc. and with the inclusion criteria of a good review and proper up to date information. These apps were found to be used in different agriculture allied sectors in India. 
 
Result: Among these 73 mobile apps used by Indian farmers in various agricultural sectors viz. farm management, fisheries, poultry, livestock and animal husbandry, food traceability and pure agriculture sectors; the respective availability percentage of apps were 12, 14, 14, 23, 23 and 14%. These apps are discussed here in detail along with their gap analysis and a new traceability mechanism has been proposed as well.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Agricultural Mobile Apps used in India: Current Status and Gap Analysis</div>

<div>Background: Agriculture apps or Agri apps, are mobile platforms designed to assist farmers and agricultural stakeholders in managing various aspects of farming by providing essential tools, information, and services. These apps harness digital technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture. Agri output apps primarily focus on market linkages and logistics, directly connecting farmers with buyers, while Agri tech apps offer advisory services, input procurement, and data-driven solutions to optimize farming practices. 
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Methods: The present study employs an exploratory design, relying on secondary data sources such as app descriptions, user reviews, industry reports, and academic papers. Qualitative analysis is used to evaluate the selected apps based on their relevance, innovation, and user impact. The paper identifies key features, unique selling propositions (USPs), and challenges in adoption. 
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Result: It was found that Marketing strategies for these apps encompass grassroots outreach, social media engagement, and referral programs to address diverse user needs. While rural farmers are engaged through direct communication, tech-savvy users are targeted through online marketing. However, it was found that challenges such as technical issues, limited language support, order tracking difficulties, and security concerns affect user engagement and trust. By enhancing app functionality, offering multilingual support, optimizing logistics, and strengthening security measures, these challenges can be mitigated, enabling agri apps to better empower farmers with real-time updates, expert advisory services, and access to quality agricultural inputs, thereby reducing reliance on costly intermediaries and improving overall farm productivity.</div>

Marketing Strategies and Issues in Agri Output and Agritech Mobile Apps: An Exploratory Analysis

<div>Background: Joint health is very vital in canines. Immediate attention and diagnosis will help to prevent suffering in canines. This study was designed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the poly-herbal formulation Mobility Plus&reg; for arthritis, inflammation and analgesic activities in canines. 
 
Methods: A total of 18 client-owned dogs with a history of joint inflammation, hip dysplasia and arthritis were selected (n = 18) and supplemented with one tablet of Mobility Plus&reg; daily until complete recovery. The changes in assessment parameters scores, viz. lameness score, joint mobility score, pain on palpation score, weight-bearing score and the overall clinical condition score were evaluated. The results revealed that lameness, joint mobility, pain and weight-bearing scores significantly (p&lt;0.001) decreased in dogs as early as day 15; hence, the overall clinical condition score also decreased significantly (p&lt;0.001) as early as day 15 after Mobility Plus&reg; supplementation. 
 
Result: Present study revealed that lameness, joint mobility, pain and weight-bearing scores significantly (p and lt; 0.001) decreased in dogs as early as day 15; hence, the overall clinical condition score also decreased significantly (p and lt; 0.001) as early as day 15 after Mobility Plus&reg; supplementation. Supplementation of Mobility Plus&reg; has antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. Mobility Plus&reg; could be recommended for the amelioration of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis conditions in canines.</div>

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mobility Plus&reg; in the Management of Osteoarthritis and Joint Inflammation in Canines

<div>Background: Pulses in Indian agriculture hold a vital position. They are considered as a rich source of vegetable protein, vitamins, minerals and calories to the entire vegetarians in India. Due to long and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, there is deterioration of soil health and hence decrease in productivity. Nutrient mobilizers such as Rhizobium, PGPRs are biological microorganisms that help in atmospheric N2 fixation along with phosphorous solubilization hence; increase the availability of nutrients to the plants. 
 
Methods: In this paper a field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the influence of nutrient mobilizers along with recommended dose of fertilizers on productivity and nutrient uptake in blackgram.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A pronounced effect of nutrient mobilizers was observed on the yield attributing characters of urdbean. Maximum number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, maximum nutrient content and uptake in grain and straw was observed in the treatment T11 (Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + Rh+ RDF) followed by T10 (Rh + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 14.0 kg/ha + RDF). It can be concluded that nutrient mobilizers not only increase the yield attributes in blackgram but also responsible for increase in nutrient content in the grains which ultimately signals positive attitude regarding nutritional security of the nation.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Influence of Nutrient Mobilizers on Productivity and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Crop under the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the study was to investigate the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization (ERM) viz., Body weight (BW), Body Condition Score (BCS), altered BW percentage (ABWP) and altered BCS percentage (ABCSP) levels in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (60 or &gt; 60d; 46 to 60 d; and 30 to 45 d). Hybrid Napier and paddy straw, used as roughage, were supplied together with concentrate mixture; and the buffaloes were fed individually according to their requirements. The mean body weights of the group I, II and III buffaloes were 549.41 &plusmn; 4.36, 597.97 &plusmn; 6.20, and 584.54 &plusmn; 3.84, respectively. The BW, BCS, ABWP, and ABCSP levels were influenced by length of dry period, as well as pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The BW (kg) and BCS showed an increasing (P&lt;0.01) trend from the day of drying to calving with highest (P&lt;0.05) ABWP and ABCSP in traditional dry period group compared to shortened dry periods. Subsequently, the BW and BCS showed a decreasing trend (P&lt;0.01) from calving to 90 days postpartum with highest (P&lt;0.05) decrease of ABWP and ABCSP in group I. Further, 6% Fat corrected milk (FCM) production had a negative significant (P&lt;0.01) correlation with BCS at 30d postpartum, followed by positive (P&lt;0.05) correlation with BCS and BW at 60 or 90 d postpartum.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effects of shortened dry period on the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization in high yielding Murrah buffaloes.</div>

Background: Phosphatase producing bacteria (PPB) plays a major role in mineralising organic P into inorganic form. Though application of bacterial biofertilizers are practiced in agriculture, their application is very limited in aquaculture. 
 
Method: The PPB isolates were screened and isolated from rhizospheric sediment of mangrove,&nbsp;Avicennia marina&nbsp;of Ennore creek, Tamil Nadu. Their P transformation potential and the possibilities of their application in aquaculture to mineralise organic P to inorganic P were studied. 
 
Result: Twenty PPB isolates were screened in the study site and their Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity was in the range of 13.6-20.4 &micro;mol.ml-1.hr-1. Out of this, five&nbsp;Bacillus&nbsp;sp isolates were selected to assess their P transformation potential at various salinity. The P mobilizing potential of these isolates were compared with the commercial PPB following a microcosm study for a period of 14 days. During the study period, there is a significant increase in phosphorus in water as well as ALP activity and available phosphorus concentrations in sediments were observed between control and treatment tanks. Among the treatment groups,&nbsp;B. subtilis&nbsp;treatment tanks showed maximum P in water ie. 1.60mg.L-1, followed by&nbsp;B. altitudinis&nbsp;&ndash;1.49mg.L-1; B. pumilus&nbsp;&ndash;1.47mg.L-1; the soil ALP activity was in the order of commercial P products &gt; B. pumilus &gt; B. subtilis &gt; B. paramycoides &gt;&nbsp;B. altitudinis &gt; B. aryabhattai. In terms of available phosphorus content in sediments on 14th&nbsp;day, there is no significant difference observed between&nbsp;B. pumilus&nbsp;and commercial product with respect to available P content of sediment.

Assessment of Phosphorus Mobilizing Capacity of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Mangrove Rhizospheric Sediment and its Potential Application in Aquaculture

Background: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the operation, achievements and challenges of MVUs in the Hindol Block of Dhenkanal, Odisha. Drawing upon primary field data and 10 years of secondary operational records, the research addresses two core objectives: (1) Evaluation of the performance and achievements of MVUs with respect to access to animal health care and extension services; and (2) Investigation of key constraints faced by MVUs in service delivery, offering policy-relevant recommendations for improving the mobile livestock health system in rural Odisha. Primary data was collected from villages as per the advance tour programme (ATP) prepared and approved by the Chief District Veterinary Officer, Dhenkanal In the next level, 150 farmers/ beneficiaries were selected from among those villages, who had availed MVU&rsquo;s services. To obtain the perspective from the supply side, 30 members of veterinary sector officials were also considered for the study. Yearly Secondary data on performance of MVU in Hindol block (both target and achievement) for 10 years from the year 2014-15 to 2023-24 was also deliberated for the study. 
 
Methods: Total weighted mean score (TWMS) Analysis methodology was employed to analyze the study. 
 
Result: The study revealed that limited frequency of MVU visits, inadequate manpower, insufficient diagnostic facilities and lack of follow-up services were the major constraints perceived by farmers, whereas Service providers identified staff shortages, inadequate availability of quality medicines and vaccines and limited diagnostic support as key operational challenges. &lsquo;Strengthening of staff in MVU activity&rsquo; was given the first rank by the veterinary professionals, followed by &lsquo;Quality vaccine and Medicine in adequate quantity&rsquo;, &lsquo;Less Diagnostic Facility&rsquo; and &lsquo;Frequent visit to the same Village&rsquo;. 
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An Analytical Study on Mobile Veterinary Unit (MVU) Access to Animal Health Care and Livestock Extension Service Delivery in Hindol Block of Dhenkanal District, Odisha

Background: An in vitro study was carried out under controlled environmental conditions in the Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Agronomy, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, to assess the impact of duration-dependent seed priming on the mobilization of food reserve based on amylase and protease enzymes during seed germination and seedling growth of pea (Pisum sativum L). 
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Methods: The present study was laid out in a complete randomized design (CRD) comprising three priming durations and four seed priming agents. Wherein the duration of seed priming ranged from 5 to 15 hours, while the deionized water (T1), Magnesium Nitrate 7.5 mM (T2), Calcium Nitrate 7.5 mM (T3), Potassium Nitrate 15 mM (T4) and biopriming with Rhizobium (T5) were used as a priming agent. 
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Result: Results indicated that among the priming durations, 10 hours was the most effective in terms of seed germination, speed and uniformity of germination, compared to 5 and 15 hours. Additionally, the activity of key enzymes viz., amylase and protease, was also markedly enhanced at 10 hours, reflecting the optimum activity. Among the seed priming agents, Hydro-priming with deionized water was noticed to be the most effective for the evaluated parameters at 5 h priming duration, followed by Magnesium Nitrate (T2)&gt; Potassium Nitrate T4&gt; biopriming with Rhizobium (T5) and Calcium Nitrate (T3). Conversely, Potassium Nitrate (15 mM) proved to be the most effective priming agent at 10 hours of priming, followed by Magnesium Nitrate (T2)&gt; Calcium Nitrate (T3)&gt; Hydro-priming with deionized (T1) and biopriming with Rhizobium (T5). However, similar trends with fewer magnitude were observed at 15 hours of seed priming, A percent increase or decrease analysis over control clearly indicated that 10 hours of priming with Potassium Nitrate resulted in the maximum percent increase in seed germination (27.8%), germination index (GI, 38.8%), vigour index (VI, 49.6%), amylase activity (45.1%) and protease activity (44.8%) along with the reduction in time to 50% germination was (-16.7%). The findings of the results suggest that the use of 10 hours of seed priming with Potassium Nitrate (15 mM) significantly triggers the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, thereby promoting faster seed germination and vigorous seedling establishment in pea.&nbsp;

Duration-dependent Seed Priming: A Strategy to Trigger Amylase and Protease-mediated Food Reserve Mobilization during Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Pea (Pisum sativum L)

Background: The study has a bifold objectives, firstly to determine the concentration of iron (Fe) in the soil and pond water within the vicinity of a historical gold mine region located in the Kolar Gold fields (KGF), Karnataka, India. Secondly, the study seeks to investigate the process of bioaccumulation of the heavy metal, iron in the muscles of Zebrafish inhabiting the same area. 
 
Methods: To achieve the objectives, the study employed Thermo Scientific&rsquo;s Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ICP-AES using Iteva software to evaluate and statistically analyze the distribution of iron in the soil, pond water and muscles samples. Four soil sample sites (A, B, C and D) were selected based on their proximity to residential area. Soil samples were examined from January to December, 2022, while pond water samples were analyzed between April and October, 2022 following a southwest monsoon rain. 
 
Result: During the study, the analysis of soil samples taken from the four mine landfills revealed elevated levels of heavy metals, with the highest mean concentration of 41915.17 mg/kg found in Site A. In the pond water, sample site B exhibited an exceedingly high Fe concentration during October with 5.56 mg/L followed by sample site D, A and C with 4.89, 3.89 and 3.54 mg/L, respectively against 0.98 mg/L in the control site. The concentration of Fe in the muscles was exceedingly high in the sample site B with 10457 mg/Kg on day 30 of October to that of 8219 mg/Kg on day 30 of April month, which is far above the threshold value of 100 mg/kg as per the regulatory bodies <a href="#who_1993">(WHO 1993)</a>. The outcome of this experiment will facilitate the assessment of surface soil contamination levels and the likelihood of contaminants entering the aquatic environment, resulting in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the aquatic organisms.

Spatial Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Iron in Soil, Pond Water and its Mobility into the Muscles of Zebrafish using ICP-OES

Background: In peninsular India, the frequency of climate-related risks is significantly lowering agricultural productivity and farmers&rsquo; standard of living. Reducing losses in the agriculture sector requires precise and timely weather information, weather based advisories on crop production, protection and post-harvest. Disseminating agromet advisories directly to the farmers using ICT tools allows farmers to adopt appropriate corrective measures, minimize loss and ensure climate resilient agriculture.&nbsp; In this sense, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University established an Automated Agromet Advisory Web cum Mobile App (TNAU-AAS) in 2018, which sends location, crop and stage specific agromet advisories directly to farmers&rsquo; mobile App.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: TNAU-AAS App was evaluated in pulse crops as &ldquo;Piloting pulse produce support system through ICT enabled services&rdquo; between 2019 and 2021 in three TNAU centers under three different eco systems namely irrigated (Coimbatore), rice fallow (Aduthurai) and rainfed (Kovilpatti). Pulse growing farmers were registered in this smartphone application for agromet advisory based response farming.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Result: The TNAU-AAS App had delivered approximately 10-12 advisories to each farmer, tailored to their unique crop and stage during the cropping period.&nbsp; Survey results inferred that the farmers received timely notifications on their mobile phones, 2-3 days in advance, which assisted them in preplanning. Occurrences of pests and diseases were well aligned (68-83%) with TNAU- AAS recommendations and the climate vulnerability of non AAS farmers is more than AAS farmer. According to partial budget analysis, the irrigated, rice fallow and rainfed black gram farmers have gained Rs. 2800, Rs. 2300 and Rs. 1900 per ha, respectively. It is concluded that the ICT-enabled agromet advisory system guarantees timely alerts, boosts labor and land productivity, lowers input loss and shields crops from weather-induced pests and diseases as well as climatic variability risk.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Agricultural Mobile Apps used in India: Current Status and Gap Analysis

Marketing Strategies and Issues in Agri Output and Agritech Mobile Apps: An Exploratory Analysis

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mobility Plus® in the Management of Osteoarthritis and Joint Inflammation in Canines

Influence of Nutrient Mobilizers on Productivity and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Crop under the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Effects of shortened dry period on the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization in high yielding Murrah buffaloes.

Assessment of Phosphorus Mobilizing Capacity of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Mangrove Rhizospheric Sediment and its Potential Application in Aquaculture

An Analytical Study on Mobile Veterinary Unit (MVU) Access to Animal Health Care and Livestock Extension Service Delivery in Hindol Block of Dhenkanal District, Odisha

Duration-dependent Seed Priming: A Strategy to Trigger Amylase and Protease-mediated Food Reserve Mobilization during Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Pea (Pisum sativum L)

Spatial Evaluation of the Heavy Metal Iron in Soil, Pond Water and its Mobility into the Muscles of Zebrafish using ICP-OES

Piloting Pulse Producer Support System Through ICT Enabled Services for Enhanced Climate Resilience