<div style="text-align:justify">An assessment of livestock and poultry feed resources availability was done based on the extrapolation of secondary data from livestock census, 2012 and land utilization and crop production pattern in Telangana state. Overall dry matter (DM) availability in the state is about 19.47 million tonnes (Mt) from various feed resources. Availability of green forage, dry forage and concentrate feed resources were 2.38, 15.0 and 2.1 million tonnes respectively. Crop residues contributed to 77% of total DM supply for livestock in Telangana. Straws from paddy and maize crops are the major crop residues available in the state. The DM availability per RLU/day for the region as a whole is 6.1 kg with the values ranging from 2.8 kg in Adilabad district to 13.2 kg in Nizamabad district. Total DM availability including livestock and poultry was 84% and the deficit was around 16%. It could be concluded that there is severe shortage of green forages and concentrates to meet the requirements of livestock and poultry.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Assessment of potential livestock feed resources in Telangana State</div>

<div>Background: 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. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;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 viz. Bidri (n=28) and Nandidurga (n=48) of Karnatka and Ganjam (n=48) of Odisha.&nbsp; 
 
Result: 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>

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Goats of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States of India

<div>Background: Understanding the sociological structure of weeds in crop fields is a pre-requisite for effective management. Identification and quantification of weed species found in different crops are possible to provide strategies for weed control. The exploration studies of weeds in agro-ecosystems are meager in Telangana, so that the present study has initiated to explore the weeds and educate the local farmers about the impact of agrestals and it will be of immense helpful to control the loss of crop productivity first of its kind in the region. 
 
Methods: The inventory of agrestals was carried out in 33 districts of Telangana State during 2016-2020 in two growing seasons (kharif, rabi) and it is an overview in agro-ecosystems.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The study focuses on the documentation of weed taxa in agricultural fields and recorded ca. 249 plant taxa pertaining to 150 genera and 47 families. Cyperaceae is the predominant family with 38 plant species followed by Poaceae (33 spp.), Asteraceae (20 spp.), Euphorbiaceae (17 spp.), Amaranthaceae (16 spp.). Echinochloa crus-galli is the dominant taxon in paddy crop with its mimic, where Cyperus rotundus is a serious competitor in many cultivated crops. The present study is very climacteric for farmers, agronomists and plant breeders for cognizance, to know the intensity of weeds impact and management skills.</div>

Inventory of Agrestals in Telangana, India: Their Impact and Management

<div>Background: Ticks and tick borne diseases (TTBD) of cattle pose serious threats to the growth of dairy industry and cause a significant reduction in production. Impact of tick borne diseases on poor farming communities has been ranked very high. Considering the economic impact of tick infestation on livestock, the present epidemiological survey was undertaken.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 8872 cattle were examined from three different agro-climatic zones viz. central (Khammam, Warangal), north (Nizamabad, Karimnagar), south (Mahaboobnagar, Rangareddy) to know the influence of Agro-climatic factors and season on the prevalence of Ixodid ticks on cattle in Telangana State, India from March 2019 to February 2020.&nbsp; 
 
Result: An overall prevalence of 63.4% tick infestation was recorded in Telangana state out of which 78.05%, 71.3% and 51.9% of tick infestation was found in central, north and southern agro-climatic zones of Telangana, respectively. Among the six districts under study, highest prevalence was recorded in Khammam (79.7%) followed by Warangal (76.2%), Nizamabad (73.7%), Karimnagar (69.4%), Mahaboobnagar (55.8%) and Rangareddy (47.5%) districts. Seasonal influence showed significantly (P&pound;0.05) highest tick infestation in rainy season (71.9%), followed by summer (66.1%) and lowest in winter season (52.2%). The results of present investigation aid in planning yearlong tick controlling measures on cattle in Telangana state, India.</div>

Influence of Agro-climatic Factors on the Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks on Cattle in Telangana State, India

Background: Telangana state stands 13th position in milk production with 5.61 MT of milk production during 2019-20 as compared to 4.2 MT in 2014-15. The profitability of dairy enterprise is determined by sale price of milk and of late there is lot of uproar from farming community on lack of proper support price for milk. So having adequate data on cost of milk production in different sized farms in buffaloes will enable policy makers to arrive at a minimum support price for milk, so that the farmer will not be put to loss. 
 
Methods: An investigation was carried out to study the cost of milk production in buffaloes of dairy farmers in Karimnagar, Khammam and Rangareddy districts of Telangana. The data was collected from 240 farmers spread over 24 villages in 6 mandals in the selected districts. The 240 respondents were interviewed as per the questionnaire.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Average milk production per day per animal, sale price of milk per kg per animal per day was 8.63 lit, Rs.35.42 respectively. Cost of milk production in large, medium and small herd size was found to be Rs.26.32, Rs.26.68, Rs.27.08, respectively. Average cost of milk production per animal per day was found to be Rs.26.49. The average net income from cow was Rs.77.03. The average profit/litre of milk was calculated as Rs.8.92/lit. The average benefit-cost ratio was found to be 1.33.

Study of Milk Cost Production in Buffaloes of Telangana State

Background: Wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris in chickpea remains a persistent threat, leading to substantial losses in both quantity and quality. A roving survey was undertaken during rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 to assemble information on chickpea wilt affected areas of Telangana state, India. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Wilt incidence of chickpea was calculated in each field by using the quadrant mode. The coordinates of surveyed fields were additionally recorded with the help of GPS and disease incidence was calculated. 
&nbsp; 
Result: 14 villages in 7 districts namely Gadwal, Naryanpet, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Siddipet and Ranga Reddy districts were surveyed. Maximum (41.92% and 44.24%) wilt incidence was recorded in Basar village of Nirmal district, followed (31.92% and 35.31%) by Mudhole of Nirmal. Wilt incidence was minimum (16.47% and 20.21%) at Hindupur of Naryanpet. Overall incidence level of wilt in seven districts indicated that Nirmal had maximum level of disease incidence ranging from 19-44% followed by Gadwal (19-44%), Nizamabad (19-35%), Ranga Reddy (19-35%), Siddipet (16-25%), Mancherial (16-25%) respectively. These findings highlight the widespread presence of Fusarium wilt in chickpea crop growing regions of Telangana. Consequently, it is essential to explore effective management strategies to address this issue, as chickpea is a remunerative pulse crop suitable for cultivation in black soils during early rabi. 
&nbsp;

Assessment for Chickpea Fusarium Wilt in Telangana

Background: Telangana, known as India&rsquo;s seed hub, hosts around 400 seed companies, including multinationals. These companies leverage high processing capacities, extensive storage, strong research networks and a favourable climate for rice seed production, positioning the region as vital for agricultural advancement. Given the importance of rice seed business potential in Telangana, understanding the economic viability and institutional framework within the rice seed value chain is crucial for optimizing production, enhancing seed quality and maximizing stakeholder benefits. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: This study used different sets of data to examine the rice seed value chain in Telangana. Data were collected from 104 seed growers, 60 seed organizers, 10 company representatives and 10 seed distributors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of value chain dynamics. Additionally, 30 focus group discussions provided qualitative insights into stakeholder roles and perceptions. The research highlighted the essential roles of public and private institutions in varietal development and seed quality, specifically analysing how contractual arrangements among stakeholder&rsquo;s impact yield outcomes and overall productivity. Furthermore, the cost and returns were analysed at each stakeholder level within the rice seed value chain. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Findings indicated that education, cooperative membership and technical assistance positively correlated with rice seed yield, while larger family sizes and excessive irrigation negatively impacted productivity. Seed growers incurred a production cost of ₹13,910 per tonne and received a gross price of ₹19,820 per tonne, resulting in a net benefit of ₹5,910 per tonne. Seed organizers earned ₹1,200 per tonne, while companies faced total costs of ₹31,520 per tonne, selling to cultivators at ₹35,000 per tonne for a net benefit of ₹3,480 per tonne. Overall, stakeholders in the rice seed chain received total benefits of ₹15,590 per tonne, with seed growers accruing the largest share (37.91%).

Economic Viability and Institutional Framework of the Rice Seed Value Chain in Telangana, India

Background: Agriculture remains the principal source of livelihood in rural India, with over half of the population dependent on it. Among tribal communities, who traditionally practiced hunting and food gathering, there has been a historical transition to shifting cultivation and eventually to settled agriculture. Today, agriculture constitutes the primary livelihood for most tribal groups. In Telangana, where diverse tribal communities such as the Lambadi, Gond, Koya, Kolam and Chenchu reside, agriculture continues to be central to their sustenance. However, these communities experience unequal access to agricultural resources, leading to disparities in livelihood outcomes. 
 
Methods: This study investigates the nature and extent of disparities in agricultural practices among tribal communities in Telangana, as well as the underlying causes and socio-economic consequences of these disparities. The research is based on primary data collected from five tribal communities through a mixed-methods approach. Data was gathered from 400 surveyed households, 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) and several key informant interviews conducted across selected tribal regions. 
 
Result: The study reveals substantial inter-community disparities in agricultural access, practices and outcomes. These disparities are driven by factors such as landholding patterns, irrigation access, government scheme implementation and socio-political marginalization. The consequences include rising indebtedness, distress-driven land sales and an increasing shift toward alternative and migratory livelihoods. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to address structural inequalities and enhance agricultural sustainability for tribal populations. 
&nbsp;

Agricultural Disparities among Tribal Communities in Telangana: Causes and Consequences

The Rythu Bandhu Scheme (RBS), initiated by the Government of Telangana, India, on February 25, 2018, provides financial assistance to farmers across all categories. Its primary objective is to prevent farmers from succumbing to debt and to improve their financial stability. By enabling them to procure essential inputs like fertilizers, seeds, machinery, and labour, the scheme aims to enhance effective agricultural practices. However, it falls short in addressing critical environmental and social challenges in agriculture, including soil degradation, water pollution, climate change and food security. This paper proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance the Rythu Bandhu Scheme (RBS), ensuring its long-term sustainability and inclusivity for Telangana&rsquo;s agricultural sector. The following strategies are crucial for achieving these goals:&nbsp;To enhance soil health and reduce erosion, encourage practices like minimum tillage, crop rotation and cover cropping. Livestock rearing provides supplementary income, valuable manure and draught power, diversifying farmers&rsquo; livelihoods. Address environmental and health concerns related to chemical fertilizers by recommending organic or bio-fertilizers. Utilize crop residues as mulch, fodder, or biofuel instead of burning them to minimize air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Establish vegetation strips along water bodies to safeguard water quality, preserve biodiversity, and prevent soil erosion. Financial incentives for sustainable practices ensure farmers&rsquo; profitability and food security. Implement district-level advisory bodies to educate farmers about sustainable methods. These recommendations align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda, benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Reevaluating the Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Agriculture in Telangana: A Review

<div>Background: Rice is a major cereal crop and a staple food for more than half of the world&rsquo;s population. Frontline demonstrations on rice with improved rice varieties, production and protection technologies were organized to increase crop productivity and profitability of farmers. 
 
Methods: Frontline demonstrations (FLD) on rice with recently released short-duration varieties, RNR 15048 and KNM 118 and proven technologies in crop production and crop protection were conducted on farmer&rsquo;s fields by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kampasagar, PJTSAU, Nalgonda, Telangana during the kharif seasons of 2017-2019. 
 
Result: Higher mean yield (6314.0 kg ha-1) was obtained in improved varieties RNR 15048 and KNM 118 with the latest agro-technologies such as seed treatment with carbendazim @ 1g lt-1 of water, seed rate @ 62.5 kg ha-1, application of carbofuran 3G in rice nursery, recommended dose of fertilizers in the main field, need-based plant protection practices such as formation of alleyways, installation of pheromone traps at 25 DAT, application of carbofuran 3G @ 25 kg ha-1, spraying of Pymetrozine @ 250 g ha-1 to control brown plant hopper in rice against the local check MTU 1010 (5823.0 kg ha-1) in the farmers&rsquo; practice and on an average 8.3% superiority was observed over the farmer&rsquo;s practice. Yield contributing traits like plant height (85.3 cm), number of tillers m-2 (343.3), effective tillers m-2 (319.0), panicle length (21.0 cm) and straw yield (4904.3 kg ha-1) were maximum in improved practice against the farmers&rsquo; practice, except&nbsp; test weight (24.7 g). Improved practices resulted in higher gross returns (Rs. 1, 10, 890 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 61,675 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1:2.3) than the farmer&rsquo;s practice.</div>