Research Area: Food & Ag-Science Innovations
Soil Health-Human Health Nexus: Mineral Thresholds, Interlinkages and Rice System in Jharkhand, India
Abstract Understanding the role of minerals along biological pathways in the food chain (soil-crop-animal/human) is imperative to solving the global problem of human malnutrition and toxic exposure. This is especially relevant to rice (Oryza sativa L.)—a staple crop in highly populated regions, like India, that are...
Enhancing Soil Health in Rice Cultivation: Optimized Zn Application and Crop Residue Management in Calcareous Soils
Abstract Crop residue, a readily available biomass, is the largest source of organic matter in soil, and zinc (Zn) significantly influences microbial activity. Understanding the optimal Zn rates for enhanced biological activity in crop residue-amended soils is crucial. A study at RPCAU, Pusa, examined the...
Seasonal Variations in Soil Characteristics Control Microbial Respiration and Carbon Use Under Tree Plantations in the Middle Gangetic Region
Abstract Seasonal variations directly impact the biochemical and microbial properties of the soil, influence carbon and nutrient cycling within the soil system. Soils under tree plantation (TP) are rich in organic matter and microbial population, making them more susceptible to seasonal variation. We studied the...
A Data-Driven Approach for Devising and Assessing Precision Nitrogen Management Strategies Applied to Wheat Systems in India
Abstract Limiting nitrogen pollution from crop production is essential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and protecting aquatic ecosystems while maintaining food security. Precision nitrogen management (PNM) provides a conceptual framework for achieving yield goals while maintaining nitrogen pollution within planetary boundaries by matching fertilizer rates...
Agronomic enhancements in the Indo-Gangetic Plain variably improve soil health depending on tillage and residue management
Abstract Changing climates, labor markets, scarcity of water and soil degradation threaten productivity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Diversifying cropping systems, zero tillage, and residue addition can improve soil health and lead to increased system yields....
Maximizing the Impact of Kisan Call Centers
This policy brief presents the results of a TCI-supported study that assessed the impact of digital agricultural extension services in India. Researchers analyzed more than 17 million queries to India’s Kisan Call Centers, along with data on weather, crop yields, and the characteristics of farm...
The Role of Genotyping in Measuring Improved Variety Adoption and Impact: Advances, Challenges, and Policy Directions
Abstract Accurate measurement of agricultural technology adoption is critical for evaluating the effectiveness of investments in agricultural research and development. While household surveys have long served as the primary tool for tracking varietal adoption, growing evidence reveals systematic mismatches between self-reported and DNA verified varietal...
Increasing Adoption of Artificial Insemination for Livestock
This policy brief presents the results of a systematic review of existing research on the determinants of farmers’ use of artificial insemination for livestock breeding. TCI researchers examined 18 studies spanning 10 countries throughout the developing world, creating a list of factors that most heavily...
Understanding the Determinants of Farmers’ Adoption of Artificial Insemination in Livestock
Abstract Read a policy brief based on this study. The adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in livestock is a crucial factor in enhancing breeding efficiency, livestock productivity, and income opportunities for farmers. However, the adoption of AI among farmers can vary significantly, influenced by a...
Transitions to Crop Residue Burning Have Multiple Antecedents in Eastern India
Abstract Far removed from the agricultural fire “hotspots” of Northwestern India, rice residue burning is on the rise in Eastern India with implications for regional air quality and agricultural sustainability. The underlying drivers contributing to the increase in burning have been linked to the adoption...