<div style="text-align: justify;">India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world, accounting for about 25% of global production, 27% of consumption and 34% of food use. More than two-third area and production has been obtained from the six states of India viz., Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. India is leading importer and about 20% of the total pulses demands are met by imports only due to the stagnant production over the years. To reduce the demand-supply gap, government of India launched various programmes in pulses. However, prime attention is required to meet the food security challenges, especially in case of pulse production. These crops are only the option to cure the sick land which is ill by chemical based modern cultivation. In order to enhance and sustain the pulse productivity at high levels, the development and promotion of pulse production technology need greater attention so that technology is widely adopted by the majority of farmers. The paper addresses the present scenario, bottleneck and focus on the way forward for sustaining/improving pulses production in India.</div>

Present scenario, bottlenecks and expansion of pulse production in India: A review

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Poonch is the remotest district of Jammu, India located near to line of control with Pakistan. Poonchi chicken is the first native poultry breed of Jammu region which is being characterized and registered with National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Present study is the first study on genetic bottleneck assessment in Poonchi chicken population using recommended microsatellite markers. This study in Poonchi chicken would be of immense use in tracing evolutionary origin and formulating effective conservation strategies for genetic diversity within breeds.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Blood samples were collected randomly from Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu for DNA extraction and analysis. Microsatellite markers selected for the analysis were ADL0268, MCW0206, MCW0081, ADL0278, MCW0069, MCW0248, MCW0111, MCW0222, MCW0016 and LEI0094. To evaluate the Poonchi chicken for mutation drift equilibrium, Bottleneck software was used. Infinite allele model (IAM), two phase model of mutation (TPM) and stepwise mutation model (SMM) tests were done. Mode shift test was also used as another method of qualitative test for allele frequency.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Total number of alleles observed were 72, with the total number alleles ranged from 6 to 9. The results of all three models (IAM, TPM, SMM) in Sign test depicted the heterozygosity was more in the expected number of loci in Poonchi chicken as 5.97 (P&lt;0.05), 5.93 (P&lt;0.05), 5.90 (P&lt;0.05) respectively. Whereas for Wilcoxon rank test the IAM, TPM and SMM revealed significant values of (P&lt;0.05) deviation indicating that all the loci deviate from mutation-drift equilibrium. Mode shift test graph obtained depicted a slight shift from normal L-shaped curve indicating recent bottleneck effect in Poonchi chicken. This might have resulted in the loss of number of effective alleles which suggests a need of planning and implementing an effective breeding policy in order to preserve and promote this native breed.</p>


<p>Bottleneck Effect Analysis in Indigenous Poonchi Chicken Located Near International Border of India and Pakistan</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>An attempt has been made in this study to identify the limitations encountered by the apple farmers in production and marketing which stall its growth in the study area. The present study has been carried out in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir union territory with special emphasis on selected districts which fall under Chenab Valley, which is mostly hilly terrain &nbsp;and mountainous, as these regions had the highest area and production under apple crop.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The primary data has been collected by survey method by interviewing the apple farmers as well as different market functionaries directly through an especially prepared and pre-tested schedule. The Identified constraints of the farmers in the production and marketing of apple had been ranked by making use of the Garrett&rsquo;s Ranking Technique.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The analysis of the study revealed large number of constraints in the production and marketing of the commercial varieties of apple in a selected area, out of which occurrence of apple disease such as Stem Black, Powdery Mildew, Scab, Nectaria Twig Blight, Alternative Twig Blight, Peppery Dark/Pink Disease. Similarly, some of the common pests reported are: Woolly Aphids, San Jose Scale, Stem Borer, Root Borer, Bark Borer had been the major problem faced by the Growers, high labor cost, lack of latest technical knowledge, high cost of transportation, lack of transportation facilities and costly packing material have been identified as the major problems. In order to overcome the marketing problems of the study area apple producers should be organized as federation, cooperatives and union. The study calls for all government and non-governmental organizations to work together to expand and improve apple production and establish apple marketing hub for tackling the bottlenecks in the expansion of apple crop in the study area.</div>


<div>Bottlenecks in Production and Marketing of Apple in Mountainous and Inaccessible Areas of Chenab Valley</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The Tribal Sub-Plan (1974-79) targets tribal welfare through focused planning and resource use. Despite Odisha&rsquo;s 22.85% tribal population, outcomes remain poor. This paper highlights key implementation gaps-weak coordination, fund mismanagement, low participation and poor monitoring-and suggests reforms to enhance TSP effectiveness.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> This study used an ex-post facto design to assess Tribal Sub-plan (TSP) implementation challenges in Odisha, focusing on agricultural constraints among tribal farmers. Kendujhar and Rayagada were purposively selected for their high tribal populations. Stratified random sampling ensured representation of diverse tribal subgroups. Primary data were collected through structured interviews and FGDs with selected beneficiaries, while secondary data from official reports supplemented field findings. Constraints were ranked by respondents and converted into percent positions using the formula: Per cent Position = 100 (Rij -0.5)/Nj, then into scores <em>via</em> Garrett&rsquo;s Ranking Table. Average scores determined the severity of each constraint, enabling objective prioritization and informed recommendations to strengthen TSP in tribal agriculture.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The study identified key constraints across eight dimensions of rural development using Garrett&rsquo;s ranking technique. Among planning-related issues, improper situational analysis (mean score: 71.84) was a major challenge. In the economic domain, untimely release of sanctioned funds (74.05) and insufficient self-employment opportunities (68.13) ranked highest. In extension services, immediate field-level support (67.86) and incorrect field diagnostics (77.99) were key limitations. The most critical socio-psychological limitation was entrenched traditional value systems (78.17), a measure of resistance to change in behavior. Other limitations were poor technological adaptation, poor monitoring mechanisms and weak infrastructure. The results highlight the importance of participatory planning, timely finance, responsive extension systems and situation-specific technologies in reinforcing rural development outcomes.</div>


<p>Unveiling the Bottlenecks: A Critical Study of Tribal Sub-plan Implementation in Odisha</p>


<div>In India, mixed farming and cattle raising is an essential elements of rural life and these practices are connected with the social structure in cultural, religious and economic ways. India&rsquo;s production of fodder is very unevenly distributed and how this resource is used depends on the breed of cattle raised, the climate, the socioeconomic context and the crop-growing patterns. Fodder from cultivated regions is regularly fed to cattle and buffalo, with some harvested grasses and top feeds added as supplements. On the other hand within the land area of just 2.3 per cent, India is home to 16.8 per cent of the world&rsquo;s population and nearly 20 per cent of the world&rsquo;s cattle. India homes cattle (16%), buffalo (55%), goats (20%) and sheep (5%) of worlds total livestock population respectively. This fact makes it more cumbersome to meet the forage demand by livestock, thus shift in paradigm and opportunity in near future is about to hike for fodder crops with their potentiality in production per unit area. The present Indian scenario of fodder crops in comparison with the livestock population is being described in this article along with the net deficit and surplus availability of green and dry fodder. Further, this review also includes the opening of a new way for oats to contribute to fodder production.&nbsp; The challenges facing India for fodder production and its near opportunity to open up and evolve with various methodologies to tackle the present fodder demand by enhancing the production is described in detail in an article.</div>


<p>Forage Production in India: Bottlenecks and Opportunities by Opening up New Way with an Increase in Fodder Oats Demand: A Review</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Teressa goat is an indigenous goat breed of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These goats are mainly distributed in the Nicobar group of islands, however, sparse population is also available in the Andaman Islands. In order to understand the genetic diversity and variation among the population of Teressa goat, the studies on the molecular characterization was done by using microsatellite molecular markers.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Randomly a total of 48 blood samples were collected different areas of the Nicobar Islands representing the breeding tract of the Teressa goat. Based on the guidelines of ISAG and FAO, a total of 15 recommended microsatellite markers were selected for the microsatellite analysis study. The data were analysed to study the diversity analysis at each locus by using GENETIX software package. Bottleneck hypothesis was also studied by using BOTTLENECK 1.2.01 and F<sub>IS</sub>, F<sub>IT</sub> and F<sub>IT</sub> values were calculated and heterozygosity deficiency at each locus using FSTAT software.<br /><strong>Result:</strong> A total of 50 genotypes were observed across the 15 loci. The number of genotype varied between (MAF70; SRCRSP3) 1 and 6 (SRCRSP15). The effective number of alleles (Ne) varied from 2 to 6.98 in Teressa goat. Shannon&rsquo;s Information Index (I) value was found to be high (1.1856&plusmn;0.4369), it indicated that the level of diversity among the population of the Teressa goat is high. All the values of FIS obtained were negative which is suggestive of no inbreeding within the populations and the animals were outbred. The mode-shift test indicated the genetic bottleneck in Teressa and needs greater attention towards <em>in situ/ex situ</em> conservation. The present study provides the valuable information about the genetic makeup of the Teressa goat, however, detail study is required to carry out to study the important traits linked with production for further utilization of this breed.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Estimation of Genetic Diversity Among Teressa Goat Population of A and N Islands by using Microsatellite Markers</div>

<p>The native pigs of North Eastern region have unique traits such as early sexual maturity and quality bristles compared with exotic/ crossbreds. An attempt was made to measure the genetic variation available within Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo pigs using 22 FAO-ISAG microsatellite markers. The analysis of microsatellite data revealed average number of observed alleles as 6.95&plusmn;0.54 (Niang Megha) and 7.18&plusmn;0.45 (Tenyi Vo) where as the effective average number of alleles were 3.55&plusmn;0.33 and 3.81&plusmn;0.41, respectively. The mean observed heterozygosities were found to be 0.61&plusmn; 0.04 and 0.68&plusmn; 0.05, whereas expected values were 0.67&plusmn;0.03 and 0.69&plusmn;0.03, for Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo pigs, respectively. Abundant genetic variations were displayed within the native pigs with the PIC values ranged between 0.41 (Sw2008) to 0.86. (S0218) for Niang Megha and between 0.45 (S0026) to 0.88 (S0005) in Tenyi Vo pigs. The mean F value was 0.15&plusmn;0.05 in Niang Megha which is more than that found in Tevyi Vo. &nbsp;There was no genetic bottleneck observed in the studied population. A total of 23 and 22 private alleles observed in Niang Megha and Tenyi Vo pigs.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Microsatellite based diversity analysis of native pigs of North-Eastern India</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The goat population of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states is about five million, respectively. The goats of these two states lack phenotypic uniformity. But it is not known whether these populations have any genetically uniform group that can be registered as a breed. The study was undertaken to explore possibility of any potential new goat germplasm.<br />
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<strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>Study was carried out at ICAR-NBAGR during 2017-19. Genetic diversity and differentiation was evaluated by using 22 microsatellite markers in three goat populations: Telangana Black (TB, n=26), Telangana Mixed (TM, n=49) and one Andhra Pradesh goat population (AP, n=45). Their genetic differentiation was compared with that of geographically closely distributed registered breeds <em>viz</em>. Bidri (n=28) and Nandidurga (n=48) of Karnatka and Ganjam (n=48) of Odisha.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The mean allele frequency observed was 6.59 (TB), 7.27 (TM) and 8.36 (AP). Expected number of alleles varied from 3.33 in (TB) to 3.69 in AP goats. Observed heterozygosity was lowest in the TM (0.474) followed by TB (0.504) and was highest in the AP goats (0.569). AP goat population had 6.3% heterozygote deficiency, whereas, both TB (15.4%) and TM (17.5%) had very high inbreeding coefficients. A total of 344 alleles were detected across the 22 loci in six goat groups. F-statistics, the pair-wise Nei&rsquo;s genetic distance, assignment test and Baysian approach suggested that AP goats are distinct from two Telangana goat populations as well as from the other geographically closely related registered goat breeds. Genetic bottleneck analysis indicated the absence of any detectably large, recent genetic bottleneck in AP population. Altogether, the study identified Andhra Pradesh (AP) goats to be a new potential goat germplasm of India.</div>


<p>Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Goats of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States of India</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> The Kachchhi-Sindhi horse is a native Indian breed, mainly found in the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of India, with an estimated population of about 4,000 horses. A comprehensive genetic assessment to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of this breed is essential for conservation strategies and for maintaining the health and vitality of the breed.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> To determine the genetic diversity and population structure of the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed, we genotyped 50 unrelated, healthy adult horses using 30 microsatellite DNA loci. The genetic data were analyzed to calculate the number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity&nbsp; and the inbreeding coefficient (F<sub>IS</sub>). We also tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium deviations and marker neutrality. We used Structure analysis to assess the admixture within the breed. Besides, population structure analysis was done with principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Alongside mode shift tests, as well as Sign, Standardized differences and Wilcoxon sign rank tests, were made for assessing signs of a potential population bottleneck recently.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>Our study disclosed substantial genetic diversity in the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed. Key genetic parameters averaged an average number of alleles of 10.10&plusmn;3.18, with an effective number of alleles of 5.15&plusmn;1.88 and observed heterozygosity of 0.90&plusmn;0.11, indicating significant genetic variation in the population. The inbreeding coefficient (F<sub>IS</sub>) was very low at -0.17&plusmn;0.19, indicating limited inbreeding. While 14 of the 30 microsatellites showed deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, most markers were considered neutral, with only four showing non-neutral behaviour, according to the Ewens-Watterson neutrality test. Population analysis by PCoA revealed a single large but fragmented population of Kachchhi-Sindhi horses. Further tests, such as the mode-shift test and M ratio value, showed no evidence of a recent bottleneck in the breed. These are crucial for guiding future breeding and conservation efforts for the Kachchhi-Sindhi breed.<br />
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<p>Genetic Diversity Analysis of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses and Repercussions for Conservation in India</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Saprolegnia parasitica infecting Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), has been a major bottleneck in the intensification and propagation of trout culture in northern Himalayas of India. Present study was to ascertain the presence of S. parasitica infections using molecular diagnostic techniques in cultured rainbow trouts collected from different hatcheries of Kashmir valley. Growth of S. parasitica at different incubation temperatures was examined. The molecular detection of fungus done by using PCR, revealed that the twenty trout specimens out of 144 collected samples were found infected with Saprolegnia parasitica with overall prevalence of 13.88%, with a PCR product size of around 750 bp. No growth of S. parasitica was reported at 4&deg;C after 48 h of incubation. S. parasitica infections were more frequent in cold water months when water temperature was recorded between 7&deg;C &ndash; 9&deg;C.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">PCR Based Identification of <em>Saprolegnia parasitica</em> Affecting Rainbow Trout Aquaculture in Kashmir Region of Indian Himalayas</div>