Volume 44 (3A) 2026
P. Ahila devi, K. Subhramaniyan, K. Rajappan, M. Rajesh, M. Gnanachithra, R. Renuka, M. Shanmugapriya, L. Subha, S. Malathi
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 711—716, July —September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XAJV5790
How to cite this paper:
Devi, P. A., Subhramaniyan, K., Rajappan, K., Rajesh, M., Gnanachithra, M., Renuka, R., Shanmugapriya, M., Subha, L., & Malathi, S. (2026). Artificial Screening of Yellow Mosaic Virus Causing YMV Disease in Blackgram and Green Gram During Kharif Season of Pudukottai District in Tamil Nadu, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 711–716. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/XAJV5790
Green gram (Vigna radiata) and black gram (Vigna mungo) are prominent pulse crops crucial for global food security and agricultural sustainability. However, these pulse crops face substantial yield losses due to YMV. Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD), caused by the Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), is a major biotic constraint affecting blackgram and greengram production. Field screening for YMD resistance is often unreliable, as plants may escape infection even under high inoculation pressure, making it challenging to accurately identify resistant lines. In this case, artificial Screening of Yellow Mosaic Virus Causing YMV Disease in Blackgram and Green Gram during Kharif Season was carried out to screen the YMV diseases in the glass house condition. The study was performed under glass house condition by following Completely randomized design with three replication. The aim of the study is to screen the entries for yellow mosaic virus disease under artificial condition. Among the forty-six entries tested, six entries—namely KUP 21-1, KUP 21-3, KUP 21-4, KUP 21-17, KUP 21-20, and KUP 21-21—were found to be highly resistant to MYMV. Additionally, one entry, KMP 21-1, was completely free from MYMV among the seventy-five entries screened. These resistant entries the potential to use these genotypes as donor sources for YMV resistance, facilitating indicate the development of high-yielding, MYMV-resistant varieties through backcross or marker-assisted backcross selection by introgressing resistance genes into agronomically superior but MYMVsusceptible genotypes.
Artificial screening, Blackgram, Greengram, YMV.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Veeramani S, Ramesh Babu M, Alby J Mattathil, Saju PU, Lekshmi R
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 717—729, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NOQH9062
How to cite this paper:
Veeramani, S., Ramesh, B. M., Mattathil, A. J., Saju, P., & Lekshmi, R. (2026). Predicting Potential Habitats of Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) in Periyar Tiger Reserve under Current Landscape Conditions Using MSTrIPES and GIS. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 717–729. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NOQH9062
The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats of India, is a flagship species of the montane ecosystems, yet its habitat preferences and spatial ecology remain insufficiently explored. This study employed Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) to predict the potential distribution of Nilgiri Tahr in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), Kerala. Presence data were obtained from MSTrIPES field surveys (April 2024 to September 2025) and correlated with 24 environmental variables, including elevation, slope, aspect, NDVI, rainfall, temperature, land cover, and distance to water sources. Model performance was evaluated using the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (training AUC = 0.923, test AUC = 0.922) and jackknife tests to determine the relative contribution of predictor variables. Habitat suitability was classified into three probability categories: Unsuitable, moderately Suitable and Highly Suitable. The model revealed that highly suitable habitats covered approximately 134.97 km², moderately suitable habitats spanned 249.52 km², and unsuitable areas accounted for 540.51 km². The most suitable habitats were concentrated along Ponnambalamedu, Mangaladevi, Palkachimala, Medhakanam, Pachamudi, Kumarikulam, Vaikolpadappu, and Manamuttymala, extending towards Circle Road, Uppupara, Zero Point, Venkalapara, Ottamaram, and Churulipara. These zones are characterized by steep grassland-Shola mosaics and rugged high elevation cliffs, providing ideal foraging, resting, and breeding environments for the species. Conservation management should emphasize the maintenance of high-altitude grassland connectivity, protection of Shola grassland ecotones, and integration of Nilgiri Tahr habitats into PTR’s conservation and monitoring framework to ensure long-term population persistence under changing climatic conditions.
Species distribution modelling, MaxEnt, GIS, Nilgiri tahr, Habitat suitability, Western ghats, Periyar tiger reserve, Conservation planning.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Sunaina Malik, Sonu Kumari, Amit Dhankar, O. P. Mehla
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 730—733, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JEKD3710
How to cite this paper:
Malik, S., Kumari, S., Dhankar, A., & Mehla, O. P. (2026). Evaluation of Novel Insecticides and Bio-Pesticides Against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 730–733. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JEKD3710
The field experiment was conducted to study the comparative performance of various insecticides and biopesticides against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 0.4ml/l showed the most effective control on H. armigera and S. frugiperda, with pooled mean larval population of 0.42 and 1.16 larvae/plant followed by emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 0.4g/l (0.52 and 1.24 larvae/plant), spinaosad 45 SC @0.3 ml/l (0.62 and 1.32 larvae/plant), indoxacarb 14.5 SC@ 1ml/l (0.73 and 1.42 larvae/plant) and novaluron 10 EC @0.1ml/l (0.83 and 1.52 larvae/plant). The least effective treatment was agniastra @1000ml / 50 l (1.19 and 1.81 larvae/plant) after control (2.08 and 2.82 larvae/plant) followed by nimbicidine 0.03 EC @5ml/l (1.03 and 1.75 larvae/plant) and Bacillus thuringenesis @ 2g/l (0.92 and 1.62 larvae/plant). The results concluded that chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb and novaluron consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in larval population and the longest residual. Whereas, Bt and nimbicidine provided moderate control and the shortest residual capacity, which is favorable to the environment.
Efficacy, Larval population, Cob borer, Fall armyworm, Spring, Chloroantraniliprole.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Mayank Mani Tripathi, A. K. Singh, Utkarsh Singh, Ashish Kumar, Deepak Verma, Abhinav Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Sandeep Singh, Brijesh Kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 734—739, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DHTC5424
How to cite this paper:
Tripathi, M. M., Singh, A. K., Singh, U., Kumar, A., Verma, D., Kumar, A., Singh, A., Singh, S., & Kumar, B. (2026). Effect of Sowing Methods and Weed Management Practices on Crop Nutrient Uptake and Weed Nutrient Removal in Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 734–739. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/DHTC5424
Field Experiments were conducted at Agronomy Research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh, India), during Kharif season of 2024 and 2025.The study was carried in a split plot design with 3 replications. In main plot 3 rice establishment methods and in sub plot 5 weed management practices were included. The results revealed that transplanting methods of sowing registered the highest nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptake by rice crop and lowest nutrient removal through weeds. Among weed management practices, maximum uptake by rice with respect to nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and minimum removal by weed regarding N, P and K was recorded in treatment hand weeding at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS/DAT which was observed statistically at par with pre application of pendimethalin @ 1000 g a.i. ha-1 f/b brown manuring by bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 at 25 DAS/DAT. Among different weed management practices, combined application of pendimethalin @ 1000 g a.i. ha-1 f/b brown manuring by bispyribac sodium @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 or hand weeding 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS/DAT was found effective in controlling weeds and increase in the quality and quantity of rice. Among the establishment method transplanting was found effective in increase in the yield, nutrient content of the crop and substantially reduction of nutrients removed by weed in rice field.
Brown manuring, Nutrient uptake, Nutrient removal, Rice and Weed.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Utilization of Banana Peel Waste for Sustainable Production of Fortified Yogurt
Chhavi Verma, Anisha Verma, Sadhna Singh, Vishal Mehta, Suhani Verma
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 740—747, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/LRIN9672
How to cite this paper:
Verma, C., Verma, A., Singh, S., Mehta, V., & Verma, S. (2026). Utilization of Banana Peel Waste for Sustainable Production of Fortified Yogurt. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 740–747. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/LRIN9672
The present study investigated the utilization of banana peel waste for the sustainable production of fortified yogurt. Banana peel powder was incorporated into yogurt at three different levels T1 (5 g), T2 (8 g), and T3 (10 g) along with a control T0, and evaluated for sensory characteristics and proximate composition. Sensory evaluation was conducted by a panel of ten semi-trained members using a 9-point hedonic scale. All sensory parameters taste, texture, appearance, flavor, color, and overall acceptability showed statistically significant differences (F = S at 5% level of significance) among treatments. T2 emerged as the most acceptable formulation with an overall acceptability score of 8.4, followed by T1 (7.9) and T3 (7.7). Proximate analysis revealed that the enriched yogurt contained moisture (72.21 ± 0.24%), ash (1.53 ± 0.05%), protein (5.06 ± 0.08 g), dietary fiber (1.33 ± 0.11 g), fat (4.87 ± 0.05 g), carbohydrate (14.9 ± 0.40 g), and energy (125 ± 1 kcal per 100 g), reflecting a nutritionally superior profile over conventional plain yogurt. The findings confirm that banana peel typically discarded as agro-industrial waste can be effectively valorized as a functional ingredient in yogurt fortification, supporting the goals of sustainable food production, waste reduction, and development of health-promoting dairy products.
Banana peel, Fortified yogurt, Sensory evaluation, Proximate composition, Waste valorization, Functional food, Sustainable production.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Jharna Khatun, Sudipta Gorai, Lopamudra M. Chakraborty, Pinaki Acharyya
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 748—754, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/UKLG7167
How to cite this paper:
Khatun, J., Gorai, S., Chakraborty, L. M., & Acharyya, P. (2026). Analysis of Genetic Diversity among a Collection of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata duch. Ex. Poir) Genotypes. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 748–754. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/UKLG7167
In the summer of 2023, twenty-two pumpkin genotypes were evaluated for nineteen qualitative and morphological characters. Statistically significant differences were recorded for all traits studied, pointing to the presence of rich genetic variability. In most cases, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), reflecting environmental influence along with genetic control. The highest PCV and GCV values were obtained for number of fruits per vine, vine length, average fruit weight and vitamin-C. These traits also expressed high heritability coupled with genetic advance, suggesting their reliability for effective selection. Correlation studies indicated that fruit yield was positively and significantly related to average fruit weight and number of fruits per vine. Results of path analysis further confirmed the direct significant influence of vine length, fruit weight and fruit number on yield. Based on cluster analysis, the genotypes were grouped into three distinct clusters, Cluster I having twelve accessions, Cluster II nine, while Cluster III was represented by a single genotype. The largest intra-cluster distance was in Cluster II, whereas the maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters II and III. Cultivar VNR 14 among the assembled genotypes stood out for its early flowering and fruit set, higher fruit yield and superior TSS. This genotype can be utilized as a promising parent in future breeding programs to exploit heterotic potential and develop improved cultivars.
Heritability, Genetic advance, Correlation analysis, Cluster diversity, Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata).
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Zumroshan Jami, Jonathan Laltlanmawia, Hijam Meronbala Devi, Narola Pongener, Bireswar Sinha
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 755—759, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WZXQ9431
How to cite this paper:
Jami, Z., Laltlanmawia, J., Devi, H. M., Pongener, N., & Sinha, B. (2026). First Report of Rigidoporus Vinctus, a Fungal Pathogen Causing Wilt Disease of Dragon Fruit in Nagaland, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 755–759. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WZXQ9431
As dragon fruit is one of the ornamental fruits and it is of immense important now a days because of highly nutritious and medicinal values. Dragon fruit are sensitive to disease infection but the crop has gained less attention in disease management practices which causes high yield reduction. So, knowledge on the causal organisms associated with the diseases of dragon fruit is the foremost priority to develop disease management practices. This research study aims to investigated the characteristics of fungal wilt disease of dragon fruit in three major dragon fruit growing districts of Nagaland, India. A systematic survey was conducted in Chumoukedima, Niuland and Dimapur districts for the symptomatologic study and disease sample collections. The wilt dis-ease symptoms were characterised by yellowing of stems, stem rot, vascular discolouration, wilting and shrivelling and death of the plant. Fungal pathogens were isolated from the disease samples and pathogenicity studies confirmed the causal agent of the wilt disease of dragon fruit plants. The isolate was identified as Rigidoporous vinctus through morphological studies and molecular characterization. This study provides an information on the causal organism of wilt disease of dragon fruit which helps in developing effective disease management strategies and future research on the causal pathogen.
Fungal wilt, Morphological, Molecular, Rigidoporous vinctus, Symptomatologic.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Trend Modelling and Forecasting of Mustard & Rapeseed in India Using Time Series Analysis
Amit Kumar Yadav, Vishal Mehta, Abhishek Pal, Sandeep Kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 760—768, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TIZB6590
How to cite this paper:
Yadav, A. K., Mehta, V., Pal, A., & Kumar, S. (2026). Trend Modelling and Forecasting of Mustard & Rapeseed in India Using Time Series Analysis. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 760–768. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TIZB6590
Mustard & Rapeseed are among India’s most important rabi oilseed crops, contributing substantially to domestic edible oil supply. This study analyzes long-term trends and forecasts area, production and yield of mustard and rapeseed in India using time-series data from 1950-51 to 2021-22. Compound growth rate, the Cuddy–Della Valle instability index and additive decomposition analysis were used to assess growth patterns and sources of change in production, while linear, logarithmic, quadratic and cubic trend models were compared using R², RMSE and MAPE to identify the best-fitting model for forecasting. The results show that compound growth rate was found highest for production (3.82% per year), followed by yield (2.09% per year) and area (1.69% per year), while decomposition analysis revealed that yield effect (59.45%) was the major contributor to the growth in production. On the basis of the cubic model, area is likely to decline from 6.41 to 5.74 million hectares, while production and yield are likely to increase from 9.75 to 11.43 million tonnes and from 1457.77 to 1673.62 kg/ha, respectively, during 2023-2032. These findings indicate that future growth in mustard and rapeseed production in India will depend largely on continued yield improvement through better varieties and farm management, rather than area expansion.
Mustard and rapeseed crop, Compound growth rate, Instability index, Decomposition analysis, Trend modelling, Forecasting.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Gaurav K. Srivastava, Shiraz. A. Wajih, Nivedita Mani, Ajay. K. Singh
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 769—783, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KWGG1990
How to cite this paper:
Srivastava, G. K., Wajih, Shiraz. A., Mani, N., & Singh, Ajay. K. (2026). Community-Driven Wetland Rejuvenation and its Impacts on Hydrology, Biodiversity and Livelihoods in a Flood-Prone Region of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 769–783. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/KWGG1990
Floodplain wetlands play an important role in hydrological regulation, biodiversity conservation and livelihood support in monsoon-dominated river basins. They are also increasingly recognized as critical Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that contribute to climate adaptation, flood moderation, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and livelihood resilience, particularly for vulnerable rural communities in climate-sensitive landscapes. However, increasing climate variability and anthropogenic disturbances are adversely affecting the ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by these wetlands. The present study evaluates the hydrological, ecological and livelihood impacts of a community-driven wetland rejuvenation intervention implemented at the Mirhiriya wetland in the Rapti River basin of Gorakhpur, eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Major restoration activities included selective de-siltation, restoration of hydrological connectivity, removal of invasive aquatic vegetation and conservation of a vegetated Natural Filtration System (NFS). Pre- and post-intervention assessments conducted during January 2024 and January 2026 indicated substantial improvement in wetland functioning following restoration. Water depth in the central wetland increased by 54.55%, while the spatial extent of waterlogging decreased by 48.62%. Water quality improved considerably, and aquatic macrophyte richness increased from 4 to 10 species, while fish species richness increased from 4 to 8 species following rejuvenation. Wetland rejuvenation also enhanced livelihood opportunities through improved fisheries and wetland resource utilization among local communities. The findings demonstrate that community-driven wetland rejuvenation can function as an effective nature-based solution for improving ecological resilience and livelihood security in flood-prone agricultural landscapes.
Floodplain wetland, Wetland rejuvenation, Nature-based solutions, Hydrological restoration, Biodiversity recovery, Community participation, Climate resilience.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Deepika Rani, Anjali Dutt
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 784—796, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TYES1340
How to cite this paper:
Rani, D., & Dutt, A. (2026). A Morpho-Biochemical Approach to Evaluate the Tolerance Index of Psidium Guajava L. in The Coal Fly Ash Affected Area, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 784–796. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/TYES1340
The plant species which are grown in close surroundings of Thermal power plants are worst affected by the higher emission rate of air borne fly ash & gradually becomes static Eco-sinks for harmful thermal emissions. So, the present study used Air pollution tolerance Index (APTI) to assess the response of commonly grown fruit tree Psidium guajava L. towards fly ash emissions in Rattanpur village situated in close vicinity of thermal power plant in Yamuna Nagar city. Leaf samples of selected plant individuals of fly ash affected area and control area were analyzed for the assessment of foliage dust load, macro-morphological leaf traits and biochemical attributes, including Leaf extract pH, Relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content and Ascorbic acid content. The APTI results of the selected plant species were found to be in sensitive category due to the declined level of ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content with respect to fly ash emission. However, results indicates that P. guajava L. can be considered as bioindicator plant in affected area but should not be solely recommended for the development of “Green belt” in fly ash affected village.
Coal fly ash, Psidium guajava L., Bioindicator, APTI, Green belt.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Land Use Change Alters Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Manipur, Northeast India
Hungyo Wungshap, Basanta Moirangthem, Salam Suresh Singh, Koko Karbia, Shri Kant Tripathi
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 797—810, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/IUQP1642
How to cite this paper:
Wungshap, H., Moirangthem, B., Singh, S. S., Karbia, K., & Tripathi, S. K. (2026). Land Use Change Alters Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Manipur, Northeast India. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 797–810. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/IUQP1642
Land-use change is a major driver of soil degradation in tropical ecosystems, influencing soil organic carbon (SOC), nutrients and ecosystem productivity. This study evaluated the effects of five contrasting land-use systems, namely natural forest (NF), degraded forest (DF), fallow land (FL), pine plantation (PP), and paddy field (PF), on soil physico chemical properties in Manipur, Northeast India. Soil samples were collected from all land use types to a depth of 1 m and divided into four layers (0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm). Soil samples were analyszd for soil bulk density, moisture content, texture, texture, pH, SOC, available nitrogen (Navail), phosphorus (Pavail), and exchangeable potassium (K+), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of land-use type, soil depth, and their interaction on most soil properties (p < 0.001). Natural forest soils maintained the highest SOC, Navail, and moisture content. Fallow land exhibited soil properties comparable to those of NF, indicating substantial recovery of soil fertility during secondary succession. In contrast, pine plantation soils showed the lowest SOC and available P, associated with acidic conditions and slow decomposition of conifer litter. Paddy fields were characterised by higher pH, K+, Ca, and Mg due to prolonged flooding and management practices. Soil nutrient concentrations and moisture content declined significantly with increasing depth, whereas bulk density increased. Principal Component Analysis explained 73.28% of the total variance and clearly distinguished land-use systems based on their soil properties. The findings demonstrate that land-use conversion substantially alters soil physicochemical properties and highlight the importance of maintaining natural forests and promoting fallow-based restoration strategies to sustain soil fertility and ecosystem functioning in tropical landscapes.
Land use change, Soil properties, Soil organic carbon, Available nitrogen, Available phosphorus, Exchangeable potassium, Soil moisture, Soil pH.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Anjali, Anisha Verma, Sadhna Singh, Pragya Pandey, Vishal Mehta, V. K. Singh
Environment and Ecology 44 (3A) : 811—821, July—September 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MWPF4809
How to cite this paper:
Anjali, Verma, A., Singh, S., Pandey, P., Mehta, V., & Singh, V. K. (2026). Development of Climate-Resilient Finger Millet-Based Beverage Premix for Sustainable Nutrition and Food Security. Environment and Ecology, 44(3A), 811–821. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/MWPF4809
This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a climate-resilient finger millet-based premix as a nutritionally rich and functionally efficient food product. The research was conducted in the Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The premix was formulated using roasted finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour blended with roasted gram flour in different proportions (70:30, 80:20, 90:10 and 100:0), represented as T1, T2, T3, and T4, with wheat flour-based formulation serving as control (T0). Among all formulations, T3 (90:10) showed the most desirable physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics. This optimized sample recorded moisture content of 10.5%, water absorption capacity of 135 g/100 g, bulk density of 0.69 g/ml, swelling capacity of 150%, and pH of 6.40, indicating good functional and processing properties. Nutritional analysis revealed an energy value of 340 kcal/100 g, with 73 g carbohydrates, 11.5 g dietary fiber, 12.5 g protein, 1.4 g fat, 340 mg calcium, and 4.9 mg iron. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale indicated high consumer acceptability, with an overall acceptability score of 8.75, categorized as “like very much.” The study confirms that incorporation of finger millet and roasted gram flour significantly enhances nutritional and functional quality without compromising sensory attributes. Furthermore, the use of finger millet, a climate-resilient and low-input crop, highlights its potential in promoting sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and ecological stability. Overall, the developed premix represents a nutrient-dense, consumer-acceptable, and environmentally sustainable food product with strong potential to improve dietary quality and support food and nutritional security.
Finger millet, Climate-resilient crop, Sustainable agriculture, Functional food, Nutrient-dense premix, Food security.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International