Background: Apple fruit is the major horticultural crop cultivated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla district is the largest apple producer among all districts of Himachal Pradesh. Though significant studies related to Apple fruit marketing and understanding of Apple&rsquo;s supply chain management have been conducted in the past of the state. However, there is a discernible gap in understanding the supply chain management practices adopted by apple growers in Himachal Pradesh. This highlights the need for the present study to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key determinants influencing apple farmers&rsquo; supply chain management practices, as well as the impact of supplier selection criteria and institutional support on SCM practices in the Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh. 
 
Methods: In order to meet the objectives of the study well-structured questionnaire was administered among the respondents to collect the required information. For the selection of the respondents, the non-probability sampling method, i.e., convenience sampling, was used in the study. The data thus collected was analysed through, descriptive and advanced statistical techniques such as Cronbach&rsquo;s alpha for reliability analysis, descriptive statistics and advanced statistical techniques such as multiple regression. 
 
Result: The findings of the study revealed that there is strong internal consistency across all constructs, ensuring the reliability of the instruments used. The regression analysis revealed that there is a significant and positive relationship between supplier selection criteria, institutional support and SCM practices. 
&nbsp;

Supply Chain Management Practices among Apple Growers of Shimla District in Himachal Pradesh

The Indian dairy industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world which employs millions of farmers directly and also participates more than five per cent in the economy as well. As the industry continues to expand there is a growing need to adopt sustainable practices in the supply chain to minimize negative impact on the environment and society and ensure viability. The present research aims at examining the supply chain management practices of the two leading dairy firms -Amul and Danone. The study relies primarily on secondary sources like peer-reviewed journals, authentic websites and reports. A case study-based approach has predominantly been used to compare two leading firms in the dairy industry with respect to sustainable practices across the supply chain.&nbsp; Key aspects such as the scale of dairy production, technology adoption, pricing, traditional supply chain management, artificial intelligence in sustainable supply chains and logistics management in select dairy firms have been critically reviewed for comparison purposes. The study identified the various problems and challenges being faced by the Indian dairy industry. The study found that Amul and Danone both have focused on sustainable and green practices. However, Danone&rsquo;s ability to incorporate and enable technology has helped in improving efficiency across the supply chain making the chain sustainable. On the other hand, Amul lacked the adaptation of emerging technologies across its supply chain. The study suggested the exploration of artificial intelligence that might help in achieving a sustainable supply chain in Indian dairy firms.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in the Dairy Industry: A Comparative Study of Leading Dairy Firms and Future Research Directives

Background: The loss of vegetables is immense which is accrued to its perishability and sub optimal level of post-harvest management. There is a technological gap in adoption of harvesting and post-harvesting practices by farmers. There is sparse qualitative and quantitative assessment of post-harvest losses of vegetables in Punjab. The objective of the study is to identify the operation and channel where the losses are crossing the threshold, to estimate the extent of losses and characterize them at various post-harvest operations and levels for selected vegetables in Punjab and to analyse the factors responsible for post-harvest losses. 
 
Methods: The sample in survey location consisted of all the stakeholders of supply chain network for vegetables in the state of Punjab, India. The stakeholders consisted of farmers, wholesalers and retailers. The study adopted cluster sampling technique. The clusters selected for the study were Nakodar, Malerkotla and Baba Bakala Sahib and the vegetables selected for the study were potato, pea, tomato, okra and cauliflower. Further snowball sampling technique was used to select 80 farmers from each cluster, making up a total sample of 240 farmers and one reference each for wholesaler and retailer was identified in every cluster. Then using snowball technique, 2 wholesalers and 10 retailers were selected from each cluster. Thus, making total sample of 10 wholesalers and 30 retailers were selected for the study. The instrument used for the data collection was a structured interview schedule. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey&rsquo;s Honest Significant Difference test were employed to understand the significant difference in post-harvest losses between the selected vegetables and along the supply chain. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the maximum losses were observed in tomato crop at farm level (17.71%) and retailer level (30.10%) whereas at wholesaler level maximum losses were recorded in pea (8.19%). The extent of losses at farm level has been higher as compared to wholesaler level and it was highest at the retailer level. At farmer&rsquo;s level it was observed that there have been significantly higher losses in tomato crop (17.7&plusmn;13.35). At retailer level, significantly higher losses were observed in tomato (30.10&plusmn;15.80) whereas at wholesaler level, significantly higher losses occurred in pea (12.29&plusmn;3.15). There was no significant difference in losses between farmer and retailer level. Major cause of loss reported by tomato growers (88.6%) was infestation of fruits with disease and insect. Main reason of post-harvest losses in okra and cauliflower as stated by farmers were bruises/blackening and over maturity. Since the findings reveal that the major losses in the supply chain of vegetables was due to lack adoption of harvest and post-harvest practices at farmer&rsquo;s level. It is suggested that field level training should be imparted to farmers regarding post-harvest management techniques.

Characterization of Post-harvest Losses along the Supply Chain of Vegetables in Punjab

<div>The present study was purposively conducted in native tract of Gangatiri cattle in Uttar Pradesh. The information were collected from 108 respondents, who were rearing Gangatiri cattle for their livelihood. It was observed that most (53.70%) of the respondents practicing 6-10 hrs grazing of their Gangatiri herd. All the farmers were providing natural service to cows in estrus, maximum number of them (54.63%) between 12 to 16 hrs after detection of estrus and 53.70 per cent of them with bulls available in village surroundings. Maximum number of respondents (35.20%) initially used indigenous knowledge for disease treatment and after that consulted with veterinary doctor/ stockman. Major diseases prevelant in the area include FMD, HS, BQ and mastitis. Gangatiri cows were found to be more resistance to the diseases and heat tolerant as compared to crossbred cattle. Majority (81.48%) of respondents kept their cattle on kachcha floor in good sanitary conditions. About 70.37% respondents made cattle shed as a part of their houses. Majority (59.25 %) of the cattle owners were using knuckling method of milking, which may be a cause of mastitis in animals. It can be concluded that there is need of awareness programmes on scientific cattle rearing practices and interventions like supply of semen of bulls of high genetic merit under AI programme or bulls of good genetic merit for natural breeding, adequate grazing land and inputs for health management practices are needed to make the Gangatiri cattle rearing more beneficial.</div>

<div>Management Practices for Rearing of Gangatiri Cattle in Native Tract</div>

Background: The increasing demand for organic legume products has raised concerns about the validity of supply chains. This research explores the integration of blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as a robust solution for ensuring the accuracy of organic legume products in supply chains. Leveraging the immutable and transparent nature of blockchain, the study establishes a decentralized ledger to record and validate each stage of the supply chain, from crop husbandry to distribution.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are used in tandem to examine data points and identify irregularities that can signal the existence of fake goods. Through the integration of various technologies, the research aims to offer an advanced and flexible system that can anticipate and detect any risks to the validity of the product. Smart contract implementation on the blockchain enables automated verification procedures assuring, adherence to organic norms and laws. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Through case studies and empirical evidence, this paper demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed blockchain and AI integration in mitigating the risks associated with counterfeit organic legume products. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of blockchain and AI applications in supply chain management, offering a novel approach to fortify the integrity of organic food supply chains.

Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Ensuring the Authenticity of Organic Legume Products in Supply Chains

Background: Cereal-legume cropping system is considered to be one of the better alternatives for sustaining soil fertility and increasing the yield. At present maize-groundnut cropping system is gaining importance under both rainfed and irrigated situations. Maize, being an exhaustive and weed-sensitive crop, is supplied with large doses of fertilizers and new herbicide molecules.Since maize is exhaustive and weed sensitive crop, there was a usage of excessive fertilizers and new herbicides. There is a need to assess the carry over effect of fertilizers and new generation herbicides in leguminous crops like groundnut. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 on sandy loam soils of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Maize hybrid DHM -117 was sown and maintained with general cultivation practices except for nitrogen and weed management methods was raised after harvest of maize in undisturbed layout to study the residual effect of different nitrogen and weed management practices imposed in maize. 
 
Result: Residual effect of nitrogen and weed management practices imposed in preceding maize did not exert any significant influence on germination percentage, phytotoxicity and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) values but efficacy of herbicide residue found to be significant with weed management practices. Growth parameters, yield attributes pod yield, haulm yield and economics were higher in groundnut with brown manuring, which was however, in parity with hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS, pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of topramezone 30 g ha-1 and pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of tembotrione 120 g ha-1 and lower with unweeded check and it was remained in parity with application of parthenium water extract15 lha-1 twice at 15 and 30 DAS, application of sunflower water extract 15 lha-1 twice at 15 and 30 DAS, pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of parthenium water extract 15 lha-1 and pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of sunflower water extract 15 lha-1 in the order of ascent.&nbsp; None of their interaction effects were found to be significant during both the years of study and in pooled mean.

Residual Effect of Nitrogen and Weed Management Practices in Maize on Succeeding Groundnut

<div>Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have created unprecedented emergency and sudden distress on all sectors in India including the livestock sector. Among livestock sectors, dairy farming is more sensitive due to the handling of an essential and perishable commodity of milk. 
 
Methods: Under this pandemic situation, the aim of the study to know the constraints confronted and management practices followed by dairy farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The study was conducted in July 2020 in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. Thirty dairy farmers were selected randomly and data were collected by a personal interview method through a well-structured interview schedule. Socio-economic data were analyzed by statistical methods&nbsp;viz. percentage, mean and standard deviation. Constraints of dairy farming were analyzed and ranked by Mean Weighed Score method and percentage analysis was used for analyzing and ranking management practices. 
 
Result: Socio-economic characterstics revealed that more than 86.66 per cent of dairy farmers were belonged low to medium groups and utilized different mass media tools for retrieving information. The constraints analysis revealed that high cost of concentrate feed foremost constraint with Mean Weighed Score of 50.00 were ranked first. Dairy farmers expressed difficultly in the procurement of concentrate, shortage of wheat bran supply and elevated wheat bran cost (MWS 44.44) second important constraints. Dairy farmer&rsquo;s made alterations in the concentrate feed composition, consulted veterinary doctors over the phone and direct selling of milk as management practices to manage the pandemic situation.</div>

<div>Constraints and Management Practices of Dairy Farming during COVID-19 Pandemic Situation</div>

<div>Background: Field pea (Pisam sativum L.) has high yield potential and is grown for food, feed and vegetable. To meet the need of pulses in human diet, the use of integrated crop management practices is indispensable. Therefore, integrated crop management practices are the only option for increasing the field pea production and sustainability. The current study aimed to study the effect the different crop management practices on growth, seed yield and economics of field pea crop. 
 
Methods: In this field experiments were conducted during rabi 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Research Farm of Pulse Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment consisted of eight crop management practices viz. control, NM (Nutrient Management): RDF (20:40 kg NP ha-1), WM (Weed Management): Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS), PM (Pest Management): spray of quinalphos 25 EC one litre per ha in 250-300 litres of water as and when required, NM + WM, NM + PM, WM + PM, NM + WM + PM was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. 
 
Result: Our investigations under field study revealed that significantly taller plants and higher plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight, seed and straw yield were recorded under integration of NM + WM + PM being at par with that of integration of NM + WM over remaining crop management practices either singly or in combinations of both or control. Integration of NM + WM + PM recorded lower weeds dry weight (42.9 kg ha-1) at harvest and higher weed control efficiency (92.2%) compared to all other crop management practices. The practice of integration of NM + WM + PM gave highest net returns of `49196 ha-1 compared to other crop management practices.</div>

<div>Effect of Integrated Crop Management Practices on Growth, Seed Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisam sativum L.)</div>

<div>Background:&nbsp;Rice is most important staple meal for more than half of the world&rsquo;s population. The conventional method of rice production uses a lot of water, requires a lot of labor and has a negative impact on soil and environmental health. Besides, unbalanced nutrient supply leads to low growth and development of plant, soil deterioration and poor environmental health.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;The field experiment was conducted with rice variety PR-121 using 4 establishment methods (transplanting, system of rice intensification, direct seeded rice and wet-direct seeded rice) and 5 nutrient management practices (100% RDF, 75% RDF+FYM (equiv. to 25% N), 150% RDF, RDF (LCC based N application) and RDF+5 t FYM) in split plot design with three replication.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;Results revealed that the highest value of plant height was recorded under transplanting method while the maximum value of number of tillers m-2, dry matter accumulation crop and relative growth rate was found under direct seeded method of rice establishment over other establishment methods at all the stages of crop growth during both the years of study. Application of 150% RDF recorded the highest value of plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and relative growth rate on most of the crop growth stages during both the years of study compared to remaining nutrient management practices but found statistically on par with application of RDF+5 t FYM.</div>

Influence of Different Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management Practices on Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

<div style="text-align: justify;">In Ethiopia, farmers are practicing animal husbandry under different production systems. However, the production and reproduction performance of dairy cows are very low due to the reasons such, the low genetic capacity of the indigenous cow for milk production, substandard feeding and poor health care. By considering this, the paper is aims to review the status of production, reproduction and management practices of indigenous and crossbred dairy cow. A number of research works have been done since two last decades to evaluate and improve the production and reproduction performance of indigenous and crossbred dairy cow in the country. On this basis, the average milk yield was not being exceeded 2liters per day for indigenous dairy cow. On the other hand, the average age at first service was ranged between 18.7 and 24 months for crossbred dairy cow. Further, the average age at first calving was being extended to 48.9 and 37.95 months for indigenous and crossbreed dairy cow, respectively. Regarding management practices, more farmers are using separate house for their dairy cow and they haven&rsquo;t experience of record keeping in different parts of the country. Moreover, stall feeding was the primary feeding method which has been reported by many authors. Therefore, it should be emphasized to enhance improved management practices by the dairy farmers.</div>