Fresh produce's quality and shelf life frequently deteriorate during the postharvest phase due to inadequate postharvest facilities. Modern postharvest techniques, such as pulsed electric field (PEF), active packaging, vacuum impregnation, dipping, conventional heating, high hydrostatic pressure (HPP), and cold plasma, as well as biocontrol methods, have been used in recent decades to maintain the safety and nutritional value of fresh produce. Implementing these strategies after harvesting helps to address the loss of product quality caused by the drawn-out transit of goods to distant markets. New technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy, electronic noses, and image analysis are prime examples of non-invasive, contactless approaches to quality control. These methods have many benefits over conventional, damaging processes and are essential for maintaining fresh produce's freshness, cutting down on losses, and minimizing waste. This article explores the post-harvest approaches to increasing the self-life of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, edible packaging, artificial intelligence technologies including e-nose and quality monitoring also be discussed.
Triticum sphaerococcum has deep historical roots in the Indian subcontinent, where it was once widely grown and considered a distinct species of wheat. The species was particularly suited to the semi-arid conditions of the north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent. This spherical grain feature likely played a role in its cultivation in regions where drought resistance and efficient water use were important. However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, T. sphaerococcum saw a significant decline in cultivation as other wheat varieties, especially the more productive, began to dominate. The spread of modern high-yielding wheat varieties, changes in agricultural practices, and the introduction of irrigation contributed to the replacement of Indian dwarf wheat in many regions. Though its cultivation has declined over the past century due to the rise of high-yielding modern wheat varieties, this ancient species still holds immense potential. Its drought tolerance, heat resistance, and ability to grow low input agriculture make it a key genetic resource for future wheat breeding programs, particularly in the context of climate change and the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a sustainable farming approach addressing declining soil health, resource degradation, and climate change. Defined by minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diverse crop rotations, CA improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and biological activity, enhancing agroecosystem resilience (FAO, 2020; Smith et al., 2019). No-till farming and crop residue retention positively impact crop performance and soil sustainability (Babu et al., 2018). Additionally, permanently raised beds improve soil moisture, minimize waterlogging, and enhance aeration (Yadav et al., 2019). Globally practiced on over 180 million hectares, CA has been adopted on approximately 4 million hectares in India, majorly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Zero-tillage and residue management in wheat-rice systems have improved yields, water-use efficiency, and soil carbon levels. Government programs like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and advanced tools like happy seeders and laser land levelers have accelerated adoption. Despite its benefits, CA faces challenges, including high initial costs, limited farmer awareness, and region-specific requirements. Addressing these through capacity building, subsidies, and public-private partnerships can enhance adoption. With its potential to improve resource-use efficiency, mitigate climate impacts, and sustain agricultural productivity, CA offers a robust pathway for India’s small and marginal farmers. Scaling up this approach is essential for achieving climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural Research Station, Niphad recently developed a new bread wheat variety Phule Anurag (NIAW 4028) which is resistant to wheat blast as well as both stem and leaf rusts. The variety was identified and recommended by Varietal Identification Committee Meeting in 62nd AGM of All India Coordinated Research Project on Wheat & Barley held at MPUAT, Udaipur during Aug. 26, 2023 to Sept. 01, 2023. It has been released and notified by Central Sub Committee on Crop Standards, India vide Gazette Notification No. S.O.1560 (E), dated 26th of March, 2024 for cultivation in Peninsular Zone under restricted irrigation condition.
Livestock is essential to human civilisation and supplied many needs. Since ancient times, animals have provided food, power, and manure to humans. They helped humanity survive at the time. Domesticated for hunting, the animals were later employed for transportation, farming, and food. Animal energy has been utilised for ploughing, tillage, transporting agricultural produce, etc. Over time, humans developed implements to use animals efficiently. However, with advancement of technology different efficient power sources like engines and electric motors made the agricultural activities easier and less time consuming. Tractors and power tillers have almost replaced farm animals from agricultural activities. In extremely remote and hilly areas where machinery fail, poor farmers rely solely on animals. Again, small sized agricultural land and topography also affect agricultural machine efficiency. Moreover, machine overuse harms soil microbiology and fertility. In recent times, again people are more concerned about the organic products and organic farming requires animal power and dung as fertilizer. Hence, farmers are returning to old acquaintances for farming. The Indian government has also promoted indigenous cow breeds like Red Sindhi, Sahiwal, Tharparker, and others whose male offspring can be used as animal power. Considering animal ethics and cruelty, animal-friendly equipment must lessen animal pain and be efficient in agricultural activities. Animal-drawn implements developed by agricultural scientists have shown promising outcomes when used instead of machine-operated implements. There is still potential to improve animal-drawn equipment and machines' utility, efficacy, and ease of use.
