The present study was designed to evaluate the Pregnancy Diagnosis-Positive Rate (PD-PR) along with conception rate (CR) in an organised farm (Livestock Research Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal) to take effective management decision. One year record of Artificial Insemination (A.I.) and PD of dairy animals (N=1327; comprised 1003 cows and 324 buffaloes) was analysed. On an average, cows and buffaloes were presented for per rectal pregnancy diagnosis after 75.63 (38-119) and 76.3 (46-128) days, respectively of A.I. Overall PD-PR value of cattle was observed to be significantly higher compared to buffaloes (70.77 and 59.45%, respectively, prus symptoms as well as on CR.

Pregnancy diagnosis-positive rate and conception rate as indicator of farm reproductive performance

<div>Background: The horticulture sector in India faces a significant challenge due to the high perishability of produce, resulting in substantial losses in quantity, quality and producer returns. To mitigate these challenges, the India International Horticulture Market (IIHM) has been established in Sonipat, Haryana, as a world-class facility capable of managing large volumes of produce from auction to processing and market distribution while maintaining quality standards. IIHM will serve 17 states and provide dynamic business opportunities. The study primarily focuses on exploring business opportunities and their financial viability within the IIHM framework. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The study was structured around two primary objectives: (i) to study and analyse various revenue generation streams for the fruits and vegetables wholesale market and (ii) to identify parameters for different revenue models and prepare a business model for each combination. Data collection involved brainstorming sessions with officials from the fruits and vegetable wholesale market, analysis of detailed project reports (including the Rungis Market) and a study of Asia&rsquo;s largest wholesale spice market in Delhi. Seventeen distinct revenue generation streams were identified, which were examined under four principal revenue models: renting, outright sales, revenue sharing and collaboration. Simple mathematical and statistical tools were employed for data analysis. Calculations for the rental model were performed using input information, such as area and rate per square metre, provided by the National Council of State Agriculture Marketing Boards, applying a 1.5% annual growth rate after an initial two-year gestation period. Rates for outright sales, revenue sharing and collaboration models were determined by aiming to surpass the income generated through the rental model. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The rental model emerged as the most financially viable among the seventeen streams, while the success of outright sales, revenue sharing and collaboration was contingent on pricing structures and partnership levels. Financial projections over 12 years demonstrated significant revenue potential, exemplified by Shops and Sheds under the rental model generating Rs. 9,61,87,50,000. The findings emphasise the necessity of incorporating growth rates into lease models to ensure long-term profitability. 
&nbsp;</div>

Business Model for India International Horticulture Market in Sonipat (Haryana)

<div>Background: With the unparalleled growth in area and production, soybean has established itself as a leading oilseed crop of India. The crop is mainly grown under rainfed conditions, and the distribution of rainfall plays an important role in yield realization. The changed landform management with broad-bed furrow seed drill is gaining popularity as the system helps in in situ moisture conservation and draining out excess rainwater. A field experiment was conducted at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur. The yield advantage by adoption of broad-bed and furrow (BBF) method over flat bed was 7.06%. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1&nbsp;recorded significantly higher mean seed yield of 2804 kg ha-1 over 75, 38, 20 kg ha-1. The total benefit from adoption of BBF method recorded net returns of ₹ 53,233 ha-1&nbsp;and B:C ratio of 2.58 over flatbed planting. Seed rate of 50 kg seed ha-1 recorded the highest net returns and B:C ratio this was followed by 75 kg ha-1 seed rate. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted for three years (2017-19) at Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, situated at an altitude of 286.3 m above mean sea level at 18&deg;49&rsquo;41&quot; N latitude and 78&deg;56&rsquo; 45&quot; E longitude. Indeterminate variety of soybean ASB 22 was selected. The experimental plots (6m &times; 6m= 36m2) were laid out with split plot design with three replications. Main&nbsp; plot treatments were methods of planting: M1- Flat bed, M2- Broad bed and Furrow, and sub plot treatments were : seed rates; S1- 75 kg ha-1 (30 &times; 10 cm), S2- 50 kg ha-1 (30 &times; 15 cm),&nbsp; S3- 38 kg ha-1 (30 &times; 20 cm),&nbsp; S4- 20 kg ha-1 (30 &times; 30 cm). 
 
Result: The grain yields, water productivity, harvest index and economics of soybeans under BBF method of planting (in-situ water conservation) and flatbed practices were studied. BBF method increased seasonal soil water storage by 5.37%, 5.78% and 6.20% respectively compared with flatbed planting for 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher mean seed yield of 2804 kg ha-1 over 75, 38, 20 kg ha-1. The yield advantage by adopting seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 was 16.08%, 56.02% and 67.6% over 75, 38 and 20 kg ha-1 respectively. The total benefit from adoption of BBF method recorded net returns of ₹&nbsp;53,233 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.58 over flatbed planting. Seed rate of 50 kg ha-1 recorded the highest net returns and B:C ratio this was followed by 75 kg ha-1. Broad bed and furrow method of planting and optimum seed rate in soybean will enhance the soybean productivity.</div>

Enhancement of Soybean (Glycine max L.)&nbsp;Productivity through Sowing Methods and Seed Rates in Telangana State

Foreign companies import Afghan saffron, which is considered to be best quality in the world. These companies then apply their labels and market the product under their country names. By adopting methodology required for production and market analysis, a study was conducted to determine the potential for production, export and value share. The study used techniques such as compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and decomposition analysis to determine changes in the area, production and productivity of saffron from 1991-92 to 2021-22. The findings revealed that the growth rates of area, production and productivity of saffron significantly increased by 29.61 per cent, 29.06 per cent and 0.42 per cent annually respectively. Additionally, the returns per hectare of Afghanistan&rsquo;s saffron were compared to other crops such as wheat, rice, corn and barley and the returns of saffron were found to be the highest. The export of Afghanistan&rsquo;s saffron also increased annually, providing farmers with more income opportunities.

Afghanistan Saffron and Potential for the Economy: An Overview of International Trade and Domestic Well Being

Background: Macro and micronutrients are the most limiting factors in the production of potato in most part of the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of blended NPSB fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of potato varieties in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia in 2021-2022 cropping season.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a factorial combination of five levels of blended NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and four potato varieties in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data collected on growth, yield and yield-related traits were subjected to analysis of variance.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of the study revealed that variety and blended NPSB fertilizer showed a significant effect on crop phenology, growth, tuber yield and yield components. The interaction effect of variety and blended NPSB fertilizer also showed a significant effect on most of the traits measured except for days to 50% flowering and unmarketable tuber yield. The variety Belete showed the highest marketable tuber yield and total tuber yield with the application of 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate followed by variety Gudene). In terms of economic performance, 150 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer was found to show the marginal rate of return acceptable net benefit in variety Belete. Therefore, potato-growing farmers are advised to apply 150 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer to grow Belete variety. In addition, Gudene variety at 250 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer application rate was found to show the highest marginal rate of return and net benefit can be considered as an alternative recommendation to increase the productivity of potato in the study area.

Effects of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties in Miserak Badawacho District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

<div style="text-align: justify;">Rajasthan is a major producer of pulses along with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. In 2013-14 Rajasthan had total area of 4197.7 thousand hectares under pulses with production of 2490.9 thousand tones and productivity of 593 kgs/ha. Moong and moth in kharif season and gram in rabi season are grown extensively in Rajasthan. The study is primarily based on plot-level data collected from the 600 representative households of 60 tehsils for block period (2008-09 to 2010-11) for Rajasthan under CCS scheme of Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi. The study examined the nutrient consumption level, nutrient and irrigation subsidies availed by the pulses per hectare. The net returns of various pulses to the farmer, to the society and to the environment were estimated across zones. Pea, arhar, lentil and black gram were the pulses providing highest net return to the farmer at market price. After deducting the cost of subsidies which is a cost to the society, moong and gram in arid and semiarid zones and pea and arhar in central and south eastern humid zones gave highest net return at economic price. The estimated results for technical, allocative and cost efficiency indicated that the farmers were not operating at optimal scale and there is large scope for increasing output through factors which are under control of farmers. Lentil and arhar were most technical and cost efficient pulse crops while moong is the least technical and cost efficient pulse. In most of the pulses, on an average, the overwhelming cause of inefficiency is technical rather than allocative.</div>

Returns from pulses in different regions of rajasthan at alternative price scenarios

<div>Background: The objective of this study was to assess the genetic and phenotypic parameters associated with the success rate to conception using 90-days non-return rate (NRR90F), conception Rate (CR) and number of insemination to conception (INS) traits in service bull. 
 
Methods: A total of 2590 insemination including 1776 first time insemination was carried out during the period of 2018-2020 in the Gir cattle distributed in the semi-arid region of RajasthanNRR90F and CR were analysed as binary variable and INS as multi-nominal trait. Generalized linear models were used to for the evaluation of non-genetic factors and generalized linear mixed models for genetic effects.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The average success rate of artificial insemination was estimated as 0.35 for NRR90F and 0.41 for CR. Further, cumulative logit link function was used to analyse the number of successful insemination to conception (INS) and cumulative estimates was observed as 0.95 for two number of insemination to conception. Period and season were the non-genetic factors that influenced the traits studied. Decreasing trend was observed over the period for success of insemination for all studied traits. Summer season showed highest odd ratio and estimated as 1.213 for NRR90F, 1.388 for CR and 1.440 for INS with reference to autumn season. Heritability was estimated as 0.015 for NRR90F, 0.028 for CR and 0.086 for INS.&nbsp;</div>

Genetic Evaluation of Gir Cattle for Success Rate to Conception using GLIMMIX Model

Background: Mares are seasonal breeders, active in spring and summer when daylight is longer, ensuring foals are born in spring for ideal conditions. Having more foals in a breeding season is desirable for stud owners to improve their economic returns. 
 
Methods: Hormonal treatments with hCG and GnRH analogs can enhance fertility of mares inducing ovulation in follicles measuring over 35 mm in diameter, helping to synchronize and improve breeding. In the present study 100 indigenous mare breeds were selected from Khyber Pukhtunkhwa and Punjab province during February to October 2024-time period. They were divided in to 4 experimental groups based upon the hormone treatment given i.e. GnRH, HCG, GnRH and HCG combination and control groups. 
 
Result: The pregnancy rate owing to treatments used was significantly higher than the control group (p&le;0.05), as determined by Chi-square analysis. The pregnancy rates were 60%, 68%, 72% and 32% for GnRH, HCG, GnRH and HCG and control groups respectively. No significant difference was observed between the first three treatment groups. Uterine edema was analyzed for its influence on pregnancy outcomes. The analysis using Spearman&rsquo;s correlation revealed a correlation coefficient of -0.043 with a p-value of 0.691. This indicates statistically non-significant relationship between the degree of uterine edema and pregnancy outcomes between the treatment groups. These findings suggest that hormonal treatments may offer a promising approach to enhance fertility and conception rates in mares, particularly in indigenous breeds of Pakistan.

Impact of Various Exogenous Gonadotropins and Their Combination on the Enhancement of Conception Rate in Equines

<div>Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important pulse crop produced after dry bean and peas in the world. Amongst pulses, chickpea is the major crop in India but for international market the quality of this crop has to be improved which may be possible by evaluation of different planting techniques. No systematic research and adequate technologies have been reported in Punjab on intercropping of different crops in chickpea. The current study aimed to find out the effect of different intercrops on growth and yield of bed planted chickpea based intercropping systems. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of bed planted chickpea based intercropping systems.The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design consisting of four replications with thirteen treatments. 
 
Result: Results showed that sole chickpea recorded highest seed yield and it was statistically at par with seed yield that obtained under chickpea + oats fodder (2:1), chickpea + oats fodder (4:1) and chickpea + linseed (4:1) intercropping systems. However, oilseed rape and barley as intercrops showed adverse effect on yield and yield attributes of chickpea. Chickpea + oats fodder in 2:1 row ratio recorded highest chickpea equivalent yield of 24.07 and 24.77 q/ha and system productivity of 15.96 and 15.60 kg/ha/day during 2017 and 2018, respectively. Higher net returns (Rs. 63098 and 70924/ha), benefit cost ratio (1.47 and 1.63) and production efficiency (417.9 and 446.1 Rs/ha/day) were also recorded in chickpea + oats fodder (2:1) intercropping system over sole chickpea (Rs. 44862 and 53769/ha and 1.21 and 1.41) during both the years. Chickpea + oats fodder (4:1), chickpea + linseed (2:1) and chickpea + linseed (4:1) also recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio as compared to sole chickpea.</div>

<div>Production Potential and Economic Returns of Bed Planted Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as Influenced by Different Intercropping Systems</div>

Background: Indigo is a key ingredient in the natural dyeing of fabrics. However, the conventional use of chemical fertilizers in indigo cultivation has led to an increase in production costs and soil degradation. Low-fertility soils further compromise the growth and yield of indigo plants. To address these challenges, employing manure is recognized as a sustainable approach for indigo cultivation. The use of manure enhances soil nutrient levels, improves soil structure and mitigates production costs. In this study, our objectives were to compare different rates of cow manure in relation to indigo growth, yield and the effect of cow manure rate on the value of indigo blue color. 
 
Methods: The experiments were carried out at the Plant Science Field from June to October 2022. Employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the study featured four treatments with four replications each. The treatments included: Treatment 1: no fertilizer (control); Treatment 2: cow manure at a rate of 3,125 kg/ha; Treatment 3: cow manure at a rate of 6,250 kg/ha; and Treatment 4: cow manure at a rate of 9,375 kg/ha. Data collection included plant height, canopy width, number of branches, plant weight, indigo blue weight and indigo blue color value. The CIE color system (Commission International de l&rsquo;&Eacute;clairage) determined the color value. 
 
Result: The application of cow manure at a rate of 9,375 kg/ha resulted in the highest plant height and canopy width, with the corresponding number of branches of 150.73 cm, 46.45 cm and 31.73 cm, respectively. As compared to the other treatments, these values were statistically different. The color that was associated with the indigo finished product was dark blue and the yield; plant weight and indigo blue weight were recorded as 15,663.44 kg/ha and 2,540.44 kg/ha, respectively. The color value of indigo blue showed that the L* values of 24.94, a* -9.32, b* -2.44 and C* 9.63 were not significant but h* 194.66 was statistically significant.