Volume 44 (2A) 2026
Babu Lal, Vishal Mehta, K. K. Pandey, K. K. Mourya, Amit Kumar Yadav
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 427—431, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/HUOL2630
How to cite this paper:
Lal, B., Mehta, V., Pandey, K. K., Mourya, K. K., & Yadav, A. K. (2026). Principal Component Analysis in Developing Statistical Models for Rice Yield Forecasting Using Weather Variables in Varanasi District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 427—431. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/HUOL2630
In this study, the statistical models for forecasting rice yield using principal component analysis of weather variables were developed. Time series data on rice yield along with weekly meteorological variables, namely maximum temperature (°C), minimum temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), rainfall (mm), wind velocity (km h⁻¹), evaporation (mm) and sunshine hours (hours). for the period 1986–87 to 2022–23 in Varanasi in district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh were used. Four forecasting models were developed using principal component analysis (PCA) as regressors along with time trend (T) and yield as dependent variable. The performance of the models was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted R² and root mean square error (RMSE). The results indicated that Model-2 performed better among all the models with the lowest RMSE and satisfactory explanatory power. The study shows that PCA-based regression models are useful for rice yield forecasting and can be effectively applied for similar studies in other regions.
Adjusted R², Forecasting, Principal component analysis, Rice crop, RMSE.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 
Yogesh Kumar, N. R. Meena, R. K. Doharey, Smita Singh, Yash Pateriya, Prateek kumar
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 432—438, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JCZI8342
How to cite this paper:
Kumar, Y., Meena, N. R., Doharey, R. K., Singh, S., Pateriya, Y., & Kumar, P. (2026). Constraints and Farmers’ Suggestions for Natural Farming Adoption in Tarai Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 432—438. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JCZI8342
Despite increasing policy support for natural farming in Uttar Pradesh, limited empirical evidence is available on the constraints affecting its adoption in the Tarai zone. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to identify and analyze the major constraints faced by the respondents and to elicit suitable suggestions to improve adoption of natural farming. This study followed an ex-post facto research design, and a total of 450 respondents were selected through proportionate random sampling from four purposively selected districts. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured interview schedule. The constraints were analyzed using the Garrett Ranking Technique, while suggestions were prioritized using Mean Per- cent Score (MPS). The findings revealed that inadequate technical knowledge about natural farming practices, Lack of premium price for natural produce, Low yield in initial years and limited market opportunities were the major constraints hindering the adoption of natural farming. The results of the study also identified key suggestions such as the need for organized training programs and demonstrations; assured premium pricing, and establishment of dedicated markets for natural farming products. The study highlights the importance of integrated efforts involving capacity building, institutional support, and market development to enhance the adoption of natural farming. The findings provide useful insights for policymakers, extension agencies, and stakeholders for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Natural farming, Constraints, Farmers’ suggestions, Sustainable agriculture, Garret ranking technique, Mean per cent score (MPS), Tarai zone of Uttar Pradesh.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Faunal Assemblages and Ecological Attributes of the Ushanar Cave, Bandora, Goa, India
Shalma Mascarenhas, Om Kurpaskar, Manoj Ramakant Borkar
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 439—448, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVHG3769
How to cite this paper:
Mascarenhas, S., Kurpaskar, O., & Borkar, M. R. (2026). Faunal Assemblages and Ecological Attributes of the Ushanar Cave, Bandora, Goa, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 439—448. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/OVHG3769
Cave ecosystems, characterized by isolation and extreme environmental conditions, offer refuge to highly specialized fauna exhibiting distinct morphological and behavioral adaptations. Despite their ecological importance, Speleofaunal diversity in India remains inadequately documented. This study presents a preliminary assessment of the faunal assemblage of Ushanar Cave at Bandora village, in Ponda; a densely forested Taluka of Goa. A total of 12 faunal species were recorded through direct observations, with indirect evidences indicating the use of this cave by porcupine and leopard. Further examination of the bat guano deposits on the cave floor revealed lepidopteran wings, elytra of jewel beetle and bird skeletal remains; suggesting trophic inputs into the subterranean system from outside. Installation of snares at the cave entrance suggests anthropogenic disturbance and potential hunting activity. These findings contribute baseline data on the cave’s biodiversity and highlight the need for further systematic and conservation-oriented investigations.
Speleofauna, Crepuscular, Cave ecology, Cavernicoles, Sub-troglophile.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Debasmita Purkayastha, Eliza Basumatary, Sandeep Das, Jatin Sarmah, Hilloljyoti Singha
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 449—457, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/EMUR2487
How to cite this paper:
Purkayastha, D., Basumatary, E., Das, S., Sarmah, J., & Singha, H. (2026). Population and Distribution of House Crow (Corvus splendens Vielliot, 1817) and Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827) across Urban Gradients in the Barak Valley, Assam, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 449—457. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/EMUR2487
House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) are ecologically ideal models for understanding urban adaptation and habitat use. We studied population density and seasonal dynamics of both the bird species across three district headquarters (Silchar, Karimganj and Hailakandi) in the Barak Valley, Assam, representing different levels of urbanisation. A 500 m × 500 m grid-based sampling design was employed, with one randomly selected point per grid, and population data were collected using the point count method (30 m radius, 5-minute duration) from March 2022 to March 2025. Population densities were estimated across commercial, residential and semi-urban habitats. A highly significant difference in densities between House Crow (16.23 ± 15.28 ind/ha) and Jungle Crow (2.73 ± 4.67 ind/ha) was observed (Z = 25.33, p < 0.001), indicating strong dominance of House Crow across the study area. House Crow densities were the highest in commercial zones of Silchar during the non-breeding season (36 ± 22 ind/ha) and the lowest in semi-urban areas of Hailakandi (6 ± 5 ind/ha). In contrast, Jungle Crow was more abundant in less disturbed habitats, with the highest densities recorded in residential areas of Hailakandi during the non-breeding season (9 ± 3.5 ind/ha) and the lowest in Silchar during the breeding season (0.31 ± 1.0 ind/ha). Seasonal variation revealed significantly higher House Crow densities during the non-breeding season (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the role of urbanisation and habitat complexity in shaping corvid community structure in the Barak Valley.
Urbanisation, House crow, Jungle crow, Population density, Seasonal variation.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Preetam Kumar Senapati, Pabitra Mohan Behera
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 458—469, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JEDB4689
How to cite this paper:
Senapati, P. K., & Behera, P. M. (2026). Traditional Rice as a Source of Gene Pool for Stress Resilience and Development of Climate-Smart Genotypes for Future Food Security. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 458—469. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/JEDB4689
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major staple crop supporting global food security, particularly in Asia and Africa. However, climate change induced abiotic stresses such as drought, flooding, salinity, heat, and enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation increasingly threaten sustainable rice production. Modern high-yielding rice cultivars possess a narrow genetic base, limiting their adaptability to fluctuating environmental conditions. In contrast, traditional rice landraces represent a rich reservoir of genetic diversity developed through long-term natural and farmer-mediated selection under diverse agro-ecological environments. This review highlights the significance of traditional rice varieties as valuable genetic resources for developing stress-resilient and climate-smart rice genotypes. Traditional cultivars possess unique adaptive traits, including deep root systems for drought tolerance, sodium ion exclusion mechanisms for salinity tolerance, carbohydrate conservation during submergence, maintenance of spikelet fertility under heat stress, and enhanced antioxidant and flavonoid accumulation for UV-B protection. Important stress-tolerance genes from traditional germplasm, such as the SUB1 locus from the flood-tolerant landrace FR13A, have significantly contributed to modern rice improvement programs. The review concludes that traditional rice varieties constitute an indispensable genetic resource for broadening the genetic base of rice breeding programs and developing climate-smart rice cultivars capable of sustaining productivity and ensuring long-term food security under changing climatic conditions.
Traditional rice, Genetic diversity, Abiotic stress tolerance, Climate-smart breeding, Food security.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Davane Hrushita, Khobragade Kshama
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 470—478, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QZMF6424
How to cite this paper:
Hrushita, D., & Kshama, K. (2026). Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) Treatment Techniques: A Case Study of Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 470—478. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/QZMF6424
Municipal solid waste management possess significant environmental challenges worldwide, and improper management can lead to public health hazards. The pattern and composition of waste generated vary by lifestyle and urbanization rates. Effective solid waste management can enhance living standards in developing urban areas by improving health and sanitation. Studies indicate that 90% of municipal solid waste issues stem from the poor management of open dumps and landfills. However, as a result of modernization and population growth, the municipal solid waste increased tremendously—one of the cities with the fastest rate of development, Chh. Sambhajinagar produces between 450 to 500 metric tons of waste every day. The city’s population has grown from 1,177,330 in 2011 to over 1,683,000, with projections indicating it will exceed 1.8 million by 2026. This growth has led to significant waste accumulation and an urgent need for efficient waste management. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, solid waste management employs an integrated strategy starting with source segregation and mechanical sorting. Biodegradable waste is processed through composting and bio-methanation, yielding manure and biogas; non-biodegradable waste is transformed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). Recyclables like plastics, metals, and paper are redirected to recycling streams. The article reviews advancements in municipal solid waste management technologies and evaluates the city’s current practices, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management for sustainable urban development.
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM), Landfill, Treatment technologies, Sustainable urban development.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Smita Singh, R.K. Doharey, N.R. Meena, Yogesh Kumar, Yash Pateriya, Prateek Kumar, Ritesh Singh
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 479—486, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/PWDG2721
How to cite this paper:
Singh, S., Doharey, R. K., Meena, N. R., Kumar, Y., Pateriya, Y., Kumar, P., & Singh, R. (2026). Assessing the Impact of Socio-Personal and Psychological Factors on ICT Knowledge among KVK Personnel. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 479—486. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/PWDG2721
The present study was conducted during 2025–2026 in order to explore the effect of socio-personal and psychological factors on the knowledge about information and communication technology tools among KVK staff in Uttar Pradesh. Ex-post facto research methodology was used in this study, which was conducted among 25 KVKs of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Ayodhya. For this purpose, 142 respondents were randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling method. Personal interviews were held with all the selected respondents for data collection with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, mean, knowledge index, and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. The results showed that most of the respondents were from the middle age group, had high educational status, had medium experience, technological skill, and achievement motivation, while many respondents had high scientific orientation and mass media exposure. Overall knowledge index of the respondents is 85.03%, which signifies a high level of knowledge. High knowledge is associated with the use of basic ICT tools like mobile phone, smartphone, and WhatsApp, while relatively low knowledge is associated with advanced ICT tools including DSS, GIS, GPS, and remote sensing. Correlation analysis indicated that education and experience had strong and significant relationships with knowledge, while other variables showed moderate to low but significant associations. The study highlights the need for strengthening advanced ICT training programmes to enhance the digital competencies of KVK personnel.
ICT tools, KVK personnel, Knowledge level, Socio-personal factors, Psychological factors, Agricultural extension.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Monmath Gopal, R. R. Kushwaha, Supriya, Anil Kumar, Vishal Mehta, Km. Deepshikha
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 487—491, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NJOZ4312
How to cite this paper:
Gopal, M., Kushwaha, R. R., Supriya, Kumar, A., Mehta, V., & Deepshikha, Km. (2026). An Analytical Study of Production and Marketing Constraints among Marigold and Rose Farmers in Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 487—491. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/NJOZ4312
The present study was conducted in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh to identify the constraints in the Production and Marketing of vegetable growers. Multistage purposive sampling technique was used to select district, blocks and villages. Whereas proportionate random sampling technique is applied for selection of farmers. A sample of 200 farmers were selected consisting of 160 marigold growers and 40 rose growers. The primary data were collected through a survey on schedule with the help of personal interviews. Data acquired for the study covering the years 2024-25. The main production constraints reported by Marigold and rose growers were incidence of insect pests (75.40 Garrett Score), diseases infestation (70.76 Garrett Score), non-availability of quality water for irrigation (66.42 Garrett Score), high cost of inputs, unawareness about Government schemes, etc. Furthermore, the major constraints associated with marketing were found to be price fluctuations and seasonal demand (78.63 Garrett Score), high bargaining power (70.45 Garrett Score), more Transportation cost (61.74 Garrett Score), lack of availability about market information, higher commission charges and delay in payment ranked IX with mean score 22.35.
Constraints, Garrett ranking, Marigold, Marketing, Production and rose.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Km. Deepshikha, R. R. Kushwaha, Supriya, Anil Kumar, Manish Kumar, Monmath Gopal
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 492—495, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WXNY5796
How to cite this paper:
Deepshikha, Km., Kushwaha, R. R., Supriya, Kumar, A., Kumar, M., & Gopal, M. (2026). Production and Marketing Constraints Faced by Vegetable Growers in Ayodhya District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 492—495. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WXNY5796
The present study was conducted in the Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh to identify the constraints in the Production and Marketing of vegetable. The Garrett ranking technique was employed to analzsed the data. A multistage stratified purposive cum random sampling technique was applied for the selection of the district, blocks, villages, and respondents. The primary data were collected through a survey on schedule with the help of personal interviews. A list of all the blocks falling under the selected Maya Bajar, Bikapur, Tarun, and Milkipur was prepared, and 20 villages were randomly selected. A total of 200 respondents were selected to conduct the detailed survey. Data acquired for the study covering the years 2025-26. The main production constraints reported by vegetable growers were high cost of inputs (71.75), Lack of improved varieties (64.55), and production loss due to unexpected animal activity (60.14). The major marketing constraints noticed were lack of market infrastructure (69.61), perishable nature of the vegetable (62.87), menace of middleman (58.20) and high cost of transportation (55.09).
Constraints, Garrett, Marketing, Production, Vegetables.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Avinash Pratap, Anil Kumar, R. R. Kushwaha, Supriya, Vishal Mehta, Bal Krishna Maurya
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 496—501, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WMVO9821
How to cite this paper:
Pratap, A., Kumar, A., Kushwaha, R. R., Supriya, Mehta, V., & Maurya, B. K. (2026). Socio-Economic Analysis of Different Size Groups of Fish Farmers under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in Ayodhya division of Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 496—501. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WMVO9821
This study examines the socio-economic characteristics of fish farmers under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in Ayodhya Division of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar two districts. Ninety responders from each district thus total 180 fish farmers were chosen. To study farmers were categorized based on pond size into marginal (0–0.5 ha) and small (0.5–1 ha) groups. It was observed category 40% of farmers have marginal holdings, while the majority (60%) fall into the category. the age composition shows that the majority of respondents (63.33%) were middle-aged (40–60 years) with an average age of 48.80 years, indicating a population that is active and economically productive. Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes predominate category in the division (44.44%), followed by Other Backward Classes (38.33%), the contribution of fishing to the well-being of socially disadvantaged people. It was also found terms of employment, 40% of farmers work in the private sector in addition to farming, while others rely on agriculture in conjunction with government or other private jobs. A substantial percentage of farmers have completed high school and intermediate education, according to educational analysis, behavers 15.56% of them were illiterate. With an average annual income of ₹6.91 lakh, the income distribution shows that most farmers were in the ₹6–8 lakh income range. While female involvement (34.44%) is gender participation reveals male (65.56%). Overall, the study shows how important fish farming is for raising socio-economic status, revenue and livelihoods in the area.
Socio economics farm size, Influences income, Livelihood security, Access to resources, Overall economic beneficiaries.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Priyadarshini, Hina Kousar
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 502—508, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/VYPF1001
How to cite this paper:
Priyadarshini, & Kousar, H. (2026). Adsorption Dynamics and Mechanistic Insights into Chloride Removal from Distillery Effluent Using Sawdust Adsorbent. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 502—508. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/VYPF1001
The present study investigates the potential of sawdust as an inexpensive and eco-friendly adsorbent for the reduction of chloride from distillery effluent. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to estimate the effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial chloride concentration, and temperature on chloride removal efficiency. The surface characteristics and functional groups of sawdust were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, confirming the involvement of surface functional groups and the amorphous nature of the adsorbent in the adsorption process. Equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, where the Langmuir model showed an excellent fit with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.996 and a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) of 49.72 mg/g, indicating monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. The Freundlich model also showed reasonable agreement (R² =0.9138), suggesting surface heterogeneity. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with a higher correlation coefficient (R² = 0.988) compared to the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters showed negative values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°), indicating that the adsorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and accompanied by decreased randomness at the solid–solution interface. Overall, the results reveal that sawdust is an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for chloride removal from distillery wastewater.
Distillery waste water, Sawdust, Batch adsorption, Adsorption isotherm, Adsorption kinetics, Thermodynamics.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Wetlands of Punjab: A Review on Current Status of Biodiversity, Threats and Management Strategies
Manpreet Kaur Saini, Jatinderpal Singh, Anju Puri, Manbeer Kaur
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 509—518, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WUTZ4065
How to cite this paper:
Saini, M. K., Singh, J., Puri, A., & Kaur, M. (2026). Wetlands of Punjab: A Review on Current Status of Biodiversity, Threats and Management Strategies. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 509—518. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WUTZ4065
Wetland ecosystems are dispersed across a wide range of climate and topographic conditions, and they provide a home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. They are extremely productive systems in their natural state, and they play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle. Wetlands are important because of the benefits they provide, such as irrigation, domestic supply, fishing, recharging aquifers, absorbing carbon emissions, preventing flooding and reducing pollution. In spite of its contribution, the water sector agenda hasn’t paid nearly enough attention to the management of wetlands. The impact of urbanization industrialization and agricultural operations on wetlands results in substantial and significant problems, such as the reduction of wetland areas and ecological imbalance, among others. Several institutions, organizations, and Governmental authorities on the national and international levels have presented provisions for the conservation of wetland areas in an effort to comprehend and evaluate the threat and severity of wetland regions. Agriculture expansion, industrialization, and urbanization pose serious challenges to the wetland ecosystems of Punjab. As a result, wetland ecosystems need to be managed and conserved in order to be used in the present and the future in a sustainable manner. The purpose of this review is to highlight the distribution, status and ecological importance of wetlands in Punjab with particular attention to Ramsar sites and major wetland ecosystems of Punjab. The study evaluates the main anthropogenic drivers threatening these wetlands (urbanization, industrialization, agricultural expansion) and reviews existing conservation/management strategies with a view to promoting their sustainable use and long-term protection.
Importance, Threats, Management, Punjab, Sustainability and wetlands.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Utkarsh Pandey, Kritanjay Kumar Mourya, Krishna Kumar Pandey, Abhishek Yadav, Amit Kumar Yadav
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) : 519—525, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WPRA2974
How to cite this paper:
Pandey, U., Mourya, K. K., Pandey, K. K., Yadav, A., & Yadav, A. K. (2026). Trend and Growth Patterns of Pearl Millet: A Regional Study in Major Districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 519—525. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/WPRA2974
This study evaluates the trends and growth patterns in area, production, and productivity of pearl millet across eight major districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (1993–94 to 2022–23) using smoothening techniques like three-year moving average (MA), LOESS (span = 0.50) and for growth pattern estimation using Linear Growth Rate (LGR), and Compound Growth Rate (CGR). The results reveal that the total cultivated area declined from 65.55 to 43.33 thousand hectares, while production also declined from 799.26 to 639.03 thousand quintals, although with moderate fluctuations over time. Meanwhile, productivity showed a steady and significant increase from 12.19 to 14.75 quintals per hectare, indicating consistent improvement in yield. At the district level, Ghazipur and Jaunpur showed positive growth trends, whereas Ayodhya and Mau experienced sharp declines in area and production. The findings suggest that the growth of pearl millet in the region is increasingly driven by improvements in productivity rather than expansion in cultivated area. The study highlights the need for district-specific strategies focusing on yield enhancement, improved farming practices, and better market support to sustain pearl millet cultivation in the region.
Moving average, Linear growth rate (LGR), Compound growth rate (CGR), LOESS smoothing.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Exploring Genetic Variability and Selection Parameters for Yield Improvement in Aromatic Rice
Albin Sunny, Nihar Ranjan Chakraborty
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 526—535, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/YLFB3479
How to cite this paper:
Sunny, A., & Chakraborty, N. R. (2026). Exploring Genetic Variability and Selection Parameters for Yield Improvement in Aromatic Rice. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 526—535. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/YLFB3479
Understanding genetic variability and the association among yield-related traits is essential for developing improved rice varieties. The present study evaluated 33 non-Basmati aromatic rice genotypes over two seasons to assess genetic variability, heritability, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence for ten quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for exsertion length, test weight, filled grains per panicle, grain yield per plant and total grains per panicle, suggesting considerable scope for effective selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, exsertion length, spikelet number per panicle, filled grains per panicle, fertility percentage and test weight, indicating the predominance of additive gene action. Grain yield per plant showed significant positive association with plant height, leaf area, fertility percentage and test weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis identified fertility percentage, spikelet number per panicle, test weight and leaf area as major contributors to grain yield through strong positive direct effects. Mahalanobis’ D² analysis grouped the genotypes into three clusters, demonstrating considerable genetic divergence. Test weight contributed most towards total divergence, followed by spikelet number per panicle. The findings highlight the potential of these traits for selection and hybridization in aromatic rice improvement programmes.
Aromatic rice, Genetic variability, Heritability, Path analysis, Correlation, Genetic divergence, D² statistics, Yield traits.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Nesting Ecology of Hornbill Species: A Review of Behavioral, Environmental, and Conservation Aspects
Ruchira Nigam, Ruby Yadav, Monowar Alam Khalid, Chitra Singh
Environment and Ecology 44 (2A) 536—548, April—June 2026
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RWFG8582
How to cite this paper:
Nigam, R., Yadav, R., Khalid, M. A., & Singh, C. (2026). Nesting Ecology of Hornbill Species: A Review of Behavioral, Environmental, and Conservation Aspects. Environment and Ecology, 44(2A), 536—548. https://doi.org/10.60151/envec/RWFG8582
Hornbills (family, Bucerotidae) are one of the most ecologically important bird families in tropical and subtropical forests in Asia and Africa, playing a key role as long-distance seed dispersers, “farmers of the forest” and contributing significantly to forest regeneration, ecological connectivity and maintenance of biodiversity. India has nine species of hornbills in its forests, spread across different biogeographic regions, such as the Western Ghats, North-East forests, Himalayan foothills, Central Indian forests and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They are well correlated with the availability of mature forests, fruiting tree phenology, breeding seasonality and climatic conditions at both spatial and temporal levels. This review brings together existing information on hornbill nesting ecology with a particular focus on behavioral adaptations, nest-site selection, cavity characteristics, breeding biology, chick development, diet and nesting ecology, and conservation issues. Hornbills have a highly specialized nesting mode where the female incubates and broods the chicks within the nest and is the sole provider of food and protection to the nestlings, while the male provides only food. Cavity size, tree species composition, canopy cover, food availability and microclimatic conditions all play a part in nest site selection. The review also notes that hornbills play an important role in promoting forest dynamics through their seed dispersal for larger size-seeded tree species, which contribute to natural forest succession and ecosystem resiliency. But habitat fragmentation, destruction of cavity bearing trees, poaching, climate change and growing human activities are really impacting hornbill breeding success and population persistence. Conservation measures such as habitat restoration, provision of artificial nest boxes, nesting tree protections, geo-tagging roosts, the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program, and community-based efforts have yielded positive results. The integrated habitat management, long-term ecological monitoring and community participation are crucial to sustain hornbills populations and conservation of tropical forest ecosystems in India, the review says.
Habitat fragmentation, Cavity-bearing trees, Forest regeneration, Nest-ecology, Ecosystem resilience, Habitat management, Community based conservation, Hornbills.
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – Interdisciplinary International Science Journal by MKK Publication is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International