Umesh Thapa

Rapid urbanization, climate instability, shrinking arable land, and increasing food demand are intensifying pressure on global agricultural systems. Conventional farming methods, while foundational to food production, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water depletion, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. In response, smart farming technologies, hydroponics, and vertical agriculture have emerged as controlled-environment production systems that promise land-use efficiency, water conservation, and localized supply chains. However, the environmental sustainability of these systems remains contested due to high electricity demand and embodied carbon emissions. This review critically examines the carbon footprint implications of hydroponic vertical farming compared with conventional open-field and greenhouse systems. It elaborates on greenhouse gas accounting methodologies, life cycle assessment techniques, energy-based emission modeling, and emerging sensor-based carbon monitoring systems. This review suggest that hydroponic vertical farming can significantly contribute to urban food resilience and environmental sustainability when supported by renewable energy transitions and technological efficiency improvements. Rather than replacing conventional agriculture, it functions most effectively as a complementary climate-smart production system.

Microgreens, nutrient-rich and high-value crops, are becoming essential in urban agriculture because of their quick development cycles (7–21 days), low resource demands, and considerable nutritional and health advantages. Microgreens are abundant in vitamins (C, E, K), minerals (K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg), antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates), and bioactive compounds, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects, thereby mitigating malnutrition and chronic disease risks. Their cultivation is resource-efficient, utilizing 158–236 times less water than mature crops, requiring minimum space and eliminating the need for pesticides, rendering them optimal for sustainable urban agriculture. Diverse cultivation techniques, such as cocopeat, soil-based systems, vermiculite/perlite, hydroponic/soilless approaches and alternative substrates (e.g., compost, coconut coir, rice straw), improve production, nutrient composition, and sustainability. Cocopeat facilitates accelerated development and enhances carotenoid and chlorophyll concentrations, whereas soil-based substrates with organic additions augment micronutrient availability. Hydroponic techniques, including aeroponics and nutrient film technology, diminish nitrate concentrations and increase yields, while local substrates such as sugarcane bagasse and composted waste improve cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability. Critical determinants affecting microgreen cultivation encompass light (blue/red LEDs, 12–24-hour photoperiods), temperature (24–28°C), humidity (45–65%), seed density and nutrient solutions (e.g., calcium fertigation, Hoagland’s solution). Optimized conditions improve biomass, bioactive chemicals, and shelf life. Microgreens, such as cabbage, amaranth, and basil, are versatile in various growing media and environmental conditions, rendering them a scalable and sustainable solution for urban food security and nutritional improvement with low ecological impact.

Okra a widely cultivated vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, that is valued for its significant nutritional and therapeutic properties. The current investigation was conducted with 21 F1 hybrids developed through a half-diallel mating design by using seven diverse parental lines namely, Punjab-8, Hissar Unnat, Hoshiarpur Local, Anima, Green Gold, Ajeet 121 and AKO 107 which were evaluated during the rainy season, 2022 and spring-summer, 2023 in randomized block design with three replications. Significantly highest general combining ability (GCA) effect for fruit production per plant was displayed by parent Hissar Unnat in both seasons of investigation followed by Punjab 8. These two parents have a good scope in the yield improvement program. In terms of disease resistance substantial GCA impacts in the intended direction for tolerance to bhindi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) and okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCV) were shown by the parents AKO-107 and Ajeet 121, respectively in both seasons of investigation. Both Ajeet 121 and AKO 107 were established to be ideal general combiners for disease resistance. Maximum substantial specific combining ability (SCA) impacts in the positive direction for fruit production per plant along with tolerance to OELCV and BYVMV were observed in crosses Punjab8 × Ajeet 121 and Hissar Unnat × AKO 107 during the investigation. These promising crosses, involving at least one ideal general combiner parent, offer significant potential for developing superior segregating lines. The predictability ratio confirmed the overwhelming influence of non-additive gene action for regulating all the evaluated traits.

Background: The current evaluation centered on phenotypic qualitative traits of okra as per DUS guidelines to assess the novelty and diversity in okra genotypes. Plant breeders may take advantage of these morphological traits to make sustainable use of the okra germplasm. Methods: This investigation was carried out at the teaching farm, extended campus of BCKV, Burdwan during spring summer and rainy seasons, in 2021 to examine the phenotypic distinctions between 50 open-pollinated okra varieties for 15 morphological traits. These genotypes were gathered from various regions of India. Result: In the current study out of 50 genotypes, 24 genotypes (48.00%) showed medium depth of leaf blade, 68 % genotypes showed light green stem colour, 68% genotypes were shown light green vein colour, 62% genotypes showed yellow petal colour, petal base colour was both sides (BS) in 72% of the genotypes, fruit pubescence was absent in 4% of the genotypes, fruit surface was concave in 62% of the genotypes, constriction of the fruit basal part was weak in 62% of genotypes, narrow acute fruit shape of the apex in 48% of the genotypes, fruit colour was the green in 60% of the genotypes, fruit locules were less than six and seed colour was green in all genotypes. Shannon Diversity H’ value varied from 0 to 1.206. The fruit pubescence character showed highest diversity (1.206) followed by depth of leaf lobbing (1.038), fruit shape of the apex (0.973) and fruit length at marketable stage (0.947). Seed colour, fruit locule number and serration of the leaf blade’s margin did not show any diversity among the genotypes.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.), an ancient crop cultivated in India since 2300 BC, is highly valued in traditional production systems for its role in alleviating malnutrition, with a rich nutritional profile comprising 9.2% protein, 1.29% fat, 76.32% carbohydrates, and the highest calcium (344 mg%) and potassium (408 mg%) content among all cereals and millets. The present experiment entitled on “A Comparative Evaluation of Various Biostimulants on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Growth and Yield in the Red Lateritic Region of West Bengal” was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Farmers’ field, Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice consisting of 6 treatments [T₁: RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertlizes) + Seaweed Extracts at 0.2%, T₂: RDF + Moringa Extracts at 2%, T₃: RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2%) T₄: RDF + Fulvic acid substances at 0.2%, T₅: RDF + Panchagavya at 3%, T₆: RDF (N: P: K- 30:15:15 kg ha^-1)]. The objective of this study is to find out the effect of foliar nutrition on growth and yield attribute of Finger millets. The grain and straw yield of finger millet as influenced by different treatments are found to be significant. Foliar spray of nutrition has resulted variable yield differences among the treatments. The highest grain yield 26.19 q.ha^-1 and straw yield 34.70 q.ha^-1 were recorded by RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2% followed by T₁ with the values of 25.12 q.ha^-1 and 31.56 q.ha^-1 respectively. From the above investigation it was evident that the foliar application of various biostimulants on finger millets had a positive impact on growth and yield, especially in nutrient-stressed soils. In this context, the present study aims to assess the feasibility and performance of finger millet cultivation with minimal nutrient input and the application of biostimulants in various combinations.

Rice (Oryza sativa), the primary food source for over half of the global population, is critical to food security but faces productivity challenges from suboptimal fertilizer use and associated environmental degradation in India. Addressing these issues necessitates innovative strategies that enhance crop performance while maintaining ecological balance. Biostimulants, known for their role in enhancing nutrient efficiency and crop resilience, offer a promising solution for optimizing fertilizer use and improving soil health. This study evaluates the efficacy of AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules on the growth, yield, and soil health of rice during the kharif season of 2023 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal. A randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications was employed, including combinations of AGMA granules with 100% and 80% recommended NPK doses. Results demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters, yield attributes, and soil nutrient availability with AGMA application. Treatments T2 and T5, integrating AGMA granules with 100% and 80% NPK, respectively, achieved the highest grain yields, with T5 showing a 19% yield increase over the control. Soil health indicators, including organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, improved significantly, while electrical conductivity decreased. The study concludes that AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules enable a 20% reduction in NPK fertilizer use without compromising yields, underscoring their potential to support sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

This scientific study aimed to determine the optimal nitrogen concentration within a hydroponic solution for the Rosa variety of cherry tomato plants cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment. The study was conducted over a period of October 2019 to April 2021. Various treatments were administered, each with distinct nitrogen concentrations, to evaluate their effects on plant growth, yield, and yield-attributing characteristics. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the application of 8 mmol/L of nitrogen (T₃) emerged as the most efficacious treatment for optimizing the growth, yield, and yield-attributing characteristics of the cherry tomato plants. These findings hold significant implications for refining nitrogen management practices in horticultural crop production, particularly for the Rosa variety of cherry tomatoes, within controlled greenhouse settings.

This study, carried out at "C" Block Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, during the 2022–23 period, to find out the impact of biostimulants on the growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The primary goals include examining the significant effects of biostimulants and determining the optimal dosage of the biostimulant, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. The farm, situated near the Tropic of Cancer, exhibits coordinates of approximately 22.89°N latitude and 88.45°E longitude, with an altitude of around 9.75 m above sea level. The experimental design utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and five treatments. Results highlight that the growth and yield parameters of Okra were notably influenced by the foliar application of modulin. Specifically, applying 2.5 kg ha^-1 of Modulin spray at 25 & 40 days after sowing (DAS) along with 100% NPK demonstrated to be economically rewarding and advantageous for achieving a higher yield of Okra."

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a principal staple food, with significant production worldwide. In 2021, rice covered 161.77 million hectares globally, with India as the second-largest producer. For sustained output, rice (Oryza sativa L.), a major crop around the world, needs balanced fertilization. Overuse of fertilizers degrades the soil, requiring the use of bio stimulants as an alternative. This study evaluates AGMA Foliar (Kazuki Gold/Yoshi Gold) and AGMA Energy on rice cultivar IET 4786 (Satabdi) during the kharif season of 2021-22 at C-block farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, and West Bengal. A randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications was used. Treatments included AGMA Kazuki Gold and Kazuki Energy applied at various stages. AGMA treatments significantly enhanced plant height, dry matter, grain count, and yield. Results indicated that T3 treatment (Kazuki Gold applied twice at 25-30 and 40-45 DAT) achieved the highest plant height (93.00 cm), dry matter (983.66 g m^-²), grain count (180.05 grains panicle^-1), and grain yield (5.26 t ha^-1), with statistical significance confirmed by F-tests at 5% level. T6 treatment (AGMA Foliar (Kazuki Energy) showed comparable results. Chlorophyll content was also highest in T3. Control plots consistently showed the lowest values. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of AGMA Foliar bio stimulant applications, which significantly improve rice growth, yield, and nutrient efficiency. It highlights their potential as sustainable agricultural inputs and suggests optimal application stages for maximizing benefits.

Hydroponics, the practice of growing plants without soil using mineral nutrient solutions in water, represents a significant shift in agricultural methodologies. Modern hydroponic systems have evolved substantially since the early 20th century, with advancements in system design, automation, nutrient management, and environmental control enhancing efficiency, scalability, and applicability. This review examines recent innovations that have addressed traditional challenges and created new opportunities for hydroponic cultivation. Hydroponics offers advantages over traditional soil-based agriculture, including precise nutrient control, reduced water usage, and the elimination of soil-borne diseases and pests. These benefits are critical in addressing modern agricultural challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and the need for increased food production for a growing global population. Hydroponic systems can be implemented in diverse environments, making them adaptable solutions for enhancing food security and sustainability. Key developments in various hydroponic systems are highlighted, including the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), Ebb and Flow, Aeroponics, Wick Systems, and Drip Systems. Innovations in these systems focus on optimizing nutrient delivery, oxygenation, and integrating sensors for precise control, improving overall performance and yield. Technological advancements, such as automation and control systems, sensors, and monitoring technologies, have revolutionized hydroponic farming by enabling real-time data collection and environmental management. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart farming practices, combined with data analytics and machine learning, has further optimized system performance and decision-making. LED lighting and vertical farming techniques have maximized space utilization and improved crop yields, particularly in urban environments. Advances in nutrient solutions, disease management, and water quality have optimized plant health and resource efficiency. Economic and environmental considerations, including cost-benefit analyses and comparisons with traditional agriculture, highlight the potential for hydroponics to offer better returns on investment and reduce environmental impact. Despite the significant progress, challenges such as high initial setup costs and technical complexities remain. Future research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations are essential to address these challenges and drive further innovation in hydroponic farming.