Background: Maharashtra state in India ranks sixth in area under turmeric cultivation and Sangli, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Chandrapur are the major turmeric growing districts of Maharashtra. Recently since last few years the area under turmeric crop of Washim district in Vidarbha region is increasing day by day. In Washim district of Maharashtra state, the area and production of turmeric is 1150 ha. and 23000 tones, with productivity 20 tones per hectare. There is great potential to increase production of this crop in future, if growers are oriented towards entrepreneurship and adoption of modern technology. Hence the present study was undertaken to study the adoption level of turmeric growers about recommended turmeric cultivation practices. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted in Washim district of Maharashtra state with the objective to study the adoption of the recommended turmeric cultivation practices by the turmeric growers. Exploratory research design of social research was used. In all, 120 respondents from 12 villages of Malegaon and Risod tehsils from Washim district were selected by random sampling method. The 
data were collected by person interview method. 
 
Result: Findings of the study revealed that, majority of respondents of turmeric growers (63.33%) having medium level of adoption about turmeric cultivation practices followed by 27.5 per cent of the respondents were found low level of adoption and only 9.16 per cent of the respondents were found in high level of adoption category. The selected characteristics of turmeric growers i.e. Land holding, area under turmeric crop, annual income, scientific orientation and knowledge had positive and significant relationship at 0.01 per cent level of probability with adoption. Whereas, farming experience found negative significant relationship at 0.01, per cent level of probability with adoption of turmeric growers. Age, education, source of irrigation had positive and non-significant relationship with adoption level. While only extension contact had positive and significant relation at 0.05 per cent level of probability with their adoption.

Adoption of Turmeric Cultivation Practices by Turmeric Growers

Background: Kombucha is a tea-based fermented beverage product made with the addition of sugar which is assisted by the activity of microorganisms in the form of Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) that has many health benefits.&nbsp; Honey can be an alternative substitute for sugar which offers some potential bioactive compounds that sugar does not. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of fermentation on the chemical characteristics of white turmeric and mango turmeric kombucha with various proportions of sugar and honey. 
 
Methods: This study used a Nested randomized with two factors and 4 replications. The variables investigated were type of turmeric (white turmeric and mango turmeric) and various proportions of sugar and honey (10 sugar:0 honey, 5 sugar:5 honey, 0 sugar:10 honey). 
 
Result: Results showed that the best treatment for making kombucha is using mango turmeric with proportion of sugar 0:honey 10, which contains total acid (1.29%), pH (2.96), total sugar (5,82%), total phenol (196.31 mg GAE/ml), total flavonoids (84.95 mg QE/ml), antioxidant activity (IC50 46.79 ppm) and antibacterial activity (inhibition zone) against E. coli (4.50 mm) and S. aureus (5.11 mm). This study demonstrates that the type of turmeric and proportions of sugar and honey treatment significantly influence the quality of kombucha, highlighting its potential as a basis for developing high-value functional food products.

Chemical Characteristics of&nbsp; White Turmeric (Curcuma&nbsp; zedoria Rosc.) and Mango Turmeric (Curcuma mangga Val.) Kombucha with Various Proportion of Sugar and Honey

<div>Background: Turmeric is an age old herbaceous plant belonging to the family Zingiberaceae growing in Tropical Africa and India with huge national and international demands. Conventionally, turmeric accessions are characterized using morphological and agronomical traits but less work is done in molecular characterization which is needed for thorough trait identification. 
 
Methods: The investigation was carried out during Kharif 2016-17 and comprised of thirty diverse genotypes of turmeric analyzed for genetic variability and molecular diversity which were evaluated in randomized block design with two replications. Fresh tender leaves were used to isolate DNA and PCR was performed with 9 SSR markers.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The values of phenotypic coefficient of variation were slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation. Highest heritability was observed for days to maturity, genetic advance was observed highest for green rhizome yield. Out of 9 SSR markers, primer pair 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were reported to exhibit 100% polymorphism, whereas; in terms of PIC, primer pairs 6 and 9 were found to be highly efficient ones. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.44 to 1.00 and dendogram categorized the 30 genotypes into two main clusters.</div>

Genetic Variability and Molecular Diversity Analysis in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

The venous and arterial thromboembolic disorders are still be the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Now a days, the concept of &ldquo;healthy diets&rdquo; is very popular in the present lifestyle. So, the use of antithrombotic agents is of considerable interest in the role of natural food products and their bioactive components in the prevention and treatment of these disorders. Moreover, epidemiologic studies have provided evidence that foods with the thrombolytic/fibrinolytic effect could reduce the risk of thrombosis. &ldquo;Blood thinner foods&rdquo; have the antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and/or fibrinolytic properties. Natural foods that contain salicylates can mimic some of the antiplatelet effects of cardiovascular drug like aspirin. Fruits (i.e., grapefruit, guava, kiwi, pineapple, and watermelon), vegetables (i.e., alfalfa, beans, corn, potato, radish, and zucchini), and spices (i.e., chili, curry, ginger, rosemary and turmeric) are reported that they are containing salicylates compounds. &nbsp;Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a small rhizomatous perennial herb belonging to Zingiberaceae family originating from Southeastern Asia. It is a folk remedy for applying on fresh cuts to stop bleeding and for the healing of wound. Further, turmeric has been shown to possess anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its phytochemical substances are alkaloids, curcuminoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, which all of these contribute to its remedial properties. This article provides a brief overview of the antithrombotic activity of turmeric, C. longa to further provide an up-to-date review showing its importance.

Antithrombotic activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa): A review

<div style="text-align: justify;">Turmeric is the major spice crop in India. This paper attempts to estimate the cost and economic returns of turmeric cultivation among various size categories (marginal, small, semi medium, medium and large), of farmers in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, which is one of the major turmeric growing region in India. The results of the study showed that of all the size categories, the economic returns realized by large farmers were comparatively higher..Besides ensuring reasonable price to the farmers, the study suggested for value addition, like boiling, drying and grading of rhizomes in order to achieve maximum returns in turmeric cultivation.</div>

Economics of turmeric cultivation in Erode district of Tamil Nadu

<div>Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses. 
 
Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm. 
 
Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Chicken represents a valuable genetic resource and protein source, it remains a potential threat to human health as they serve as a reservoir for diseases and food borne pathogens. Diversification of the poultry production is one of the viable options to enhance the food production with less susceptibility to the threats from the emerging diseases and changing climatic conditions. Ducks are promising species suitable for the diversification and will be complimentary with an adaption potential from small to commercial farming. Majority of ducks in the country are desi type with a meagre proportion of improved duck strains.&nbsp; genetic characterization by developing duck specific microsatellite markers and designing suitable improvement program are required to be undertaken at the earliest. The microsatellite markers are extensively used for assessing genetic structure, diversity, and relationships. Information about genetic diversity of indigenous duck breeds is important to design effective improvement and conservation strategies. Therefore, the current studies aim at genetic characterization and evaluation of growth, production and reproduction traits of the crosses of local duck population besides undertaking a suitable duck improvement program. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;Spectrophotometric evaluation of DNA extraction,&nbsp; Electrophoretic evaluation of DNA extraction , microsatellite primers- Presently, a panel of 10 informative duck microsatellite markers were identified from database as reported by <a href="#alyethodi_2010">Alyethodi and Kumar (2010)</a> and <a href="#huang_2006">Huang et al., (2006)</a> and used for the studies, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) , Documentation of PCR products by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Metaphor agarose gel electrophoresis(MAGE)of microsatellites alleles, Determination of molecular size of microsatellite alleles and genotypes, Statistical analysis of population genetics data, Data on genotype of all experimental birds at ten microsatellites were compiled and analyzed using POPGENE&reg; 3.1 software (<a href="#yeh_1999">Yeh et al., 1999</a>) for their population genetics parameters. 
 
Results: The study was conducted at College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.&nbsp; In this study, the genomic DNA was isolated and characterized microsatellite loci in crossbred&nbsp; duck (Pati x White Pekin). Ten&nbsp; microsatellites were used to detect polymorphisms in 50 cross bred ducks. A total of 28 nos of alleles were observed and all loci were polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 5 with an average of 2.6 &plusmn;0.08 per microsatellite locus. The observed and expected heterozygosity of these polymorphic makers ranged from 0.00 to 0.42 &nbsp;with an average number of 0.047 &nbsp;and 0.41 to 0.82 with an average number of 0.57, respectively. &nbsp;The Polymorphic markers consist of observed heterozygosities of loci were less than 0.50. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of 10 loci ranged from 0.32 to 0.78 with an average of 0.477. Microsatellite markers will be useful tool for constructing the genetic linkage map of the duck as well as comparative mapping with the chicken.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div>

Characterization of Microsatellite Markers in Crossbred Ducks

Background: Turmeric is a vital crop in Manipur, but its production is increasingly influenced by changing climatic conditions. Understanding the relationship between climate variables and turmeric output is essential for sustainable agricultural planning in the region. 
 
Methods: This study analyzes the causal relationship between climate factors and turmeric production in Manipur using secondary data from 2001-02 to 2020-21. Key climate variables examined include minimum temperature (&deg;C), relative humidity (RH%), wind speed (m/s), solar radiation (W/m&sup2;), and rainfall (mm). Statistical tools such as Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), mean, standard deviation, standard error, and the Cuddy Della Valle Index (CDVI) were used to assess variability and trends. Additionally, the Correlogram and Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was applied to data from 2013 to 2022 to evaluate the stationarity of climate and production variables. 
 
Result: The findings indicate high instability in turmeric cultivation area during Periods I and III, alongside moderate fluctuations in production and significant variability in rainfall and wind speed. The ADF test revealed stationary behavior in variables such as turmeric area, production, productivity, maximum RH, and wind speed. Conversely, temperature, wind direction, solar radiation, and rainfall exhibited non-stationary patterns. A strong positive correlation was found between turmeric production and factors like cultivation area, solar radiation, and maximum temperature. This study highlights the significant influence of climate variability on turmeric production in Manipur. The insights can guide policymakers and farmers in developing climate-resilient agricultural strategies to ensure stable turmeric yields in the future. 
&nbsp;

Study on Relationship between Climate Variability and Turmeric Production in Manipur; India

<div>Background: The postpartum period is crucial in dairy cows and is marked by major physiological and metabolic changes that affect milk production, immune response and fertility. Nutrition remains the most important lever for limiting the negative energy balance and its consequences on general health status in highly selected dairy cows. Therefore, the present study is design to investigate the Therapeutic efficacy intrauterine turmeric extract and ceftiofur sodium alone and in combination with micronutrients supplementation in postpartum metritic crossbred cows. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on 24 crossbred cows with history of postpartum metritis randomly divided into four treatment groups: intrauterine turmeric extract (group I), intramuscular ceftiofur sodium (group II), intrauterine turmeric extract + micronutrient supplementation (group III) and intramuscular ceftiofur sodium + micronutrient supplementation (group IV).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The mean time interval required for resumption of cyclicity was highest in gp II followed by gp I, gp III and gp IV. The group turmeric extract + micronutrients supplementation and ceftiofur sodium + micronutrients supplementation group registered a considerable higher conception rate (66.66) followed by (50%) in turmeric extract and ceftiofur sodium group.</div>

​Comparative Studies on Therapeutic Efficacy Intrauterine Turmeric Extract and Ceftiofur Sodium Alone and in Combination with Micronutrients Supplementation in Postpartum Metritic Crossbred Cows

<div style="text-align: justify;">Lassi, a popular curd based traditional fermented milk beverage of India. &nbsp;Lassi was prepared from standardized cow milk curd using 1% commercial yoghurt culture containing Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Maximum concentration of herbal extract added during processing of herbal lassi was optimized with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) @ 1% (v/v) in lassi on the basis of sensory evaluation. Total phenolic content (TPC) of turmeric extract based herbal lassi was also evaluated. &nbsp;TPC of the turmeric based herbal lassi was measured as Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) using a double beam UV- visible spectrophotometer at 765 nm. The TPC of the turmeric extract fortified lassi was found to be 0.226&plusmn;0.001mg of GAE/g and differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) with the control lassi (without any herbal extract) which showed a TPC of 0.124&plusmn;.001 mg of GAE/g. Turmeric lassi was found having high phenolic content with good sensory property and found acceptable up to 9 days when stored at 7&plusmn;2 0C in a glass bottle.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Total phenolic content (TPC) and quality of herbal lassi fortified with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract</div>