<div>Background: Dairy sector has highly fragmented supply base and unique ecosystem of delivery resulting that a chain of value addition actors involved in its production and distribution. Value chain financing approach provides opportunities to develop equitable business models that better link all actors in the value chain. Accordingly, this study has carried out to assess the diversity of financial arrangements and the actors involved in dairy value chain in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The study also brings about the relatively prominent components/actors of the dairy value chain that could be emphasised while financing dairy value chain.&nbsp; 
 
Method: The value chain actors including milk producers have identified purposively and interviewed with well-constructed scheduled. The study has analysed on the data collected from 64 milk producers in 8 villages, 3 inputs suppliers, 8 milk collectors/assemblers, 4 milk transporters, 1 milk processor and 12 distributers for the year 2019-20.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The study observed that there is vast network of financing institutions have engaged in the financing of dairy value chain in the study area. Financing agencies have identified the set of activities associated with milk value chain and determine the structure of finance accordingly, in order to minimize costs, to maximize efficiency and to reduce risk. However, there are several informal mechanism of value chain financings also existed parallel to institutional finance due to informal sources are willing to lend money more easily without collateral. Relationships between actors in the value chain facilitate informal financial flows directly to his client actors is also observed in the study. The study has further inferred that among all the actors involved in milk value chains, the processor, producer and distributer have added greater value addition in comparison to other actors in the value chain.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Value Chain Finance to Dairy Sector-A Case Study of Eastern Uttar Pradesh</div>

Background: This paper investigates the horticulture crop value chain in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It focuses on the different approaches to marketing used in Vidarbha and makes note of the fact that just 1 out of 10 farmers choose the farm-to-table model. 
 
Methods: A survey was conducted in order to gather the primary data employing a simple random sampling method. The survey was undertaken in four districts viz., Nagpur, Amravati, Bhandara and Wardha. The crops under investigation were banana, mango, lemon, orange/mandarin, tomato, potato and onion.&nbsp; 
 
Result: It was recorded that the projected amount of produce wasted was the highest at the retail level for tomato, potato, banana and mango crops, at the farm level for lemon and orange and at the wholesale level for onion. Moreover, the harvested crops are not properly stored until delivered due to lack of storage facilities. Farmers received less price due to low quality of produce and exploitation by the middlemen. At the farm level, it was recorded that 15-36% of the yield is lost due to pests/predators, unprecedented weather conditions and improper management. The supply chain faces several issues, including the scarcity of high-quality seeds, a lack of irrigation resources, unfavourable weather that ruins the produce, post-harvest losses, lack of storage facilities, price seasonality and market volatility. Numerous vertical coordination problems in the value chain could be resolved by the adoption of horticulture cooperatives and the creation of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations).

Value Chain Assessment of Horticultural Crops in the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra

<div>Background: Maize also known as Zea mays L. is a popular crop in most of the developing countries and cultivated across the world because of its nutritional benefits and its multiple use. Bihar is one of the major maize growing states in India. An analysis of production and its value chain will help the state in providing the further direction for policy making. 
 
Methods: The current study explores the status of maize production in Bihar in terms of growth rate and instability index based on the available secondary data for maize production in Bihar from 2000-2021. It also develops a framework of its value chain in the state based on the available secondary related to its inputs and production.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The study identifies that the production and yield of maize crop in Bihar have a positive growth trend with a instability ranging between low to medium in case of rabi and summer maize which shows that it is a promising crop in Bihar for improving the income of the farmers. The analysis of the maize value chain reveals that the cost of cultivation of maize in Bihar is ₹56047.96 per hectare whereas the cost of production is ₹1412.98, the major actors in the value chain includes small and marginal farmers, private agro dealers, Krishi Vikash Kendra (KVKs), ATMA, state and central agricultural universities and BRLPS along with Farmer Producing organisation.</div>

An Assessment of Maize and its Value Chain in Bihar

Background: A negative impact on livestock productivity and the environment due to accumulation of greenhouse gases, might be mitigated by using secondary metabolic compounds from plants in the form of tannins which potentially proven in reducing the methane production of ruminants. This study aims to explore the Fodder Trees Species (FTS) in terms of nutritional value, energy metabolism content and its potential as an inhibitor of methane gas produced in rumen fermentation.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This research was carried out in two stages. Phase I, evaluation of the nutritional value of the FTS which includes a proximate analysis and analysis of the NDF and ADF fiber fractions components. Phase II, the evaluation of FTS with in vitro gas methods.&nbsp;The study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 6 species of FTS as treatment and 4 replications. Profil GP and metan&nbsp; production are measured at incubation time of 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. DM digestibility, OM digestibility, N-amonia and energy metabolism were measured at the end of in vitro gas study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Species of FTS has varied chemical composition, potential nutritional value and not only provides protein but also a source of energy for ruminant animal. At incubation times of 12 to 24 hours, the production of methane gas from M. oleifera, S. grandiflora and L. leucocephala is greater than that from G. sepium and C. calothyrsus. However, at incubation times exceeding 24 hours, C. calothyrsus produces more methane gas than P. falcataria and G. sepium. The highest levels of N-ammonia are produced by M. oleifera, L. leucocephala, S. grandiflora and C. calothyrsus, while the lowest levels are observed in P. falcataria and G. sepium. P. falcataria and G. sepium found as the potential low methane-producing feeds and have protein characteristic which are resistant to rumen microbe digestion.

Nutritive Value, Energy Metabolism, Organic Matter Digestibility of Some Fodder Tree Species and its Potential as Methane Inhibitor

<div>Background: This study was carried out to evaluate the quality of bread produced from wheat flour (Triticum aevistivum) fortified with date flour (Phoenix dactylifera L.).&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Bread samples were produced from blends of wheat flour and date flour at varying proportions of (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) respectively. Proximate composition, physical, functional and pasting properties and sensory response were carried out on the bread samples.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results showed that the moisture, protein, fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrate content were in the range of 8.54-16.81%, 12.71-14.59%, 1.00-1.90%, 0.98-1.39%, 3.83-4.62% and 61.59-72.32% respectively. The lightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) ranged 24.41-52.26%, 5.59-51.51% and 23.28-55.76%, respectively. The value for peak, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, setback, peak time and pasting temperature ranged from 1090.50-1690.50 RVU, 622.00-1158.50 RVU, 251.50-651.00 RVU, 1494.50-1816.50 RVU, 343.00-985.00 RVU, 4.29-5.68 min and 80.06-90.39&deg;C respectively. The values of taste, aroma, texture, appearance and overall acceptability ranged from 4.37-6.40, 4.47-6.33, 4.07-6.33, 4.20-6.30 and 4.23-7.37 respectively. Supplementation of 40% date flour into wheat flour gave bread with highest sensory value of 7.37 for overall acceptability. The bread sample produced with 60% wheat flour/40% date flour is recommended to consumers due to its high sensory scores.</div>

Quality Evaluation of Bread Produced from Wheat Flour (Triticum aevistivum) Fortified with Date Flour (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

<div>Developing agricultural value chains for local and international markets might alleviate poverty and food insecurity in northeast India. This is particularly true in north-east India, where farmers may produce agricultural commodities with higher value-added potential if processing, marketing and distribution are available, therefore boosting the value of the end product. This article addresses the need for shared knowledge and awareness of modern agricultural value chain improvements to aid decision-making. This study addressed agricultural value chain challenges holistically. Agribusiness expansion and value chain management in northeast India are also explored. A brief literature overview highlights real-world applications and ongoing research. Secondary data from value chain and related literature was utilised. The study highlighted key agricultural value chain concerns and recommended their establishment and growth in North Eastern India. This study enhances agricultural value chain management.</div>

Agricultural Value Chain in the North-East Region of India: Present Scenario and Future Prospects&nbsp;

<div>Background: This study investigates the socio-demographic characteristics of dairy farmers and evaluates the economic viability, gender dynamics and marketing efficiency of milk production in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Dairy farming is a critical livelihood source, yet it faces challenges like high production costs, inefficiencies in marketing and gender disparities. Previous studies have emphasized production trends but less attention has been paid to value distribution, a gap this study addresses. 
 
Methods: Primary data were collected in 2023 from 150 dairy farming households in Kathmandu Valley through structured surveys and focus group discussions. The study applied cost analysis to estimate fixed and variable costs, gross and net returns and cost per liter of milk. Value chain performance was assessed using marketing cost, marketing margin, marketing efficiency and producer&rsquo;s share in consumer price. Garrett&rsquo;s ranking technique was employed to identify production and marketing constraints faced by farmers. 
 
Result: The findings reveal that 60.67% of households are male-headed, with nuclear families (79.33%) averaging 5.44 members. The literacy rate (79.33%) surpasses the national average, with 68% of household income derived from agriculture. The average number of milking animals per household is 2.01, with Lalitpur recording the highest milk yield of 14.45 liters per cow per day. The cost of milk production averages NRs. 74.25 per liter, with Kathmandu having the highest cost (NRs. 76.78). Women predominantly handle production tasks, while men dominate marketing activities. Bhaktapur households reported the highest net revenue, though profitability is constrained by high feed and veterinary costs. Marketing efficiency is highest in direct sales channels (Channel I), where farmers capture a 99.32% share, while intermediary-dependent channels significantly reduce margins. The study concludes that while milk production is profitable, systemic inefficiencies and gender disparities limit sustainability. Policy interventions should focus on reducing input costs, strengthening cooperatives and ensuring fair value distribution across the chain.</div>

Value Chain Analysis of Milk in Kathmandu Valley-Nepal

<div style="text-align: justify;">Pulses are a major constitutent along with rice or wheat in the Indian diet of the middle and lower class. Slight reduction in the production results in drastic increase in the price of pulses due to the deficit unfulfillment in the short duration as India is the only largest and important producer along with the major consumer. Survey is done in the Bundhelkhand (Pulse producing hub of India) and adjoining areas to understand the Pulses producers and producing region economic and livelihood pattern. Trade and &nbsp;transport infrastructure, supply chain management, Price transmission behavior and margins earned by different value participants have been studied through nine mandis selected &nbsp;within pulses hub and adjoining areas. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The rules of trade and investment in pulses production are governed by processing and distribution rather than production. Lacking low-interest credit, commodity boards for producers, subsidized inputs, quality seeds availability and distribution with respect to time, place and quantity and access of market information engraves the problem with the individual pulses farmers. The strong policy intervention by government is needed to stabilize the price of Pulses through maintaining the buffer stock and price subsidizing to favor the consumers. Both producer and consumer remains culprit at the hands of few traders and processors.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A study on problems of major pulses producers and their solutions in India</div>

Present study was conducted at Central Research Station of BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan, Pune during 2013 to 2015 with an objective to determining the nutritive values and keeping quality of legume blocks. Leaf meals were prepared from sun dried leaves and chaffed twigs of subabul (Leucaena&nbsp;leucocephala), desmanthus (Desmanthus vergatus), sesbania (Sesbania sesban) and lucerne (Medicago sativa). Five blocks were prepared by adding molasses, corn flour, mineral mixture and salt. Chemical composition such as dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), ash and silica content were determined according to standard analytical procedures. The chemical composition was more or less similar in fresh and stored legume blocks in all the recipes and did not vary much during storage. Further, no deterioration in colour, odour or texture was observed in storage, or any apparent contamination with mould. Among the five leguminous blocks, highest nutritive values in terms of CP, CF, EE, ash and silica were observed in sesbania legume block (22.17, 12.14, 3.52, 10.71 and 0.52%) followed by blocks of subabul (20.52, 10.61, 3.42, 10.72 and 0.81%) respectively. The cost of per kg production of leguminous block of subabul and sesbania was low as compared to lucerne blocks, which were Rs. 20, 21 and 29 correspondingly. All the goats offered legume blocks accepted them readily. All the blocks were offered to difeerent five goats for feeding and their acceptance and the intake was 100 per cent. &nbsp;Hence, the leguminous blocks prepared from sesbania and subabul leaf meal were selected as the best leguminous blocks as goat feed. 
&nbsp;

Leguminous blocks: Nutritional values and economics

<div>Pulses assume special significance in the cropping systems and daily diets in India. Traditionally pulses are used for human consumption as dehusked seed splits after minimal processing. They are also the important ingredient of popular Indian snacks. The present paper reviews the research studies done on various components of value chain of pulses and draws upon the learnings. The value chains of pulses in India are long and complexed with a number of actors performing specific roles. The input providers, farmers, aggregators, wholesaler, commission agents, retailers, processors, millers, consumers, financial institutions, ware houses, researchers and policy makers together work to build the pulses value chains in India.</div>