Browsing by Author "Lal, SP"

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    A Brief Overview of Technologies in Automated Agriculture: Shaping the Farms of Tomorrow
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-07) Raj, R; Kumar, S; Lal, SP; Singh, H; Pradhan, J; Bhardwaj, Y.
    As global population continues to grow, there is an increasing need for innovative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. To meet increasing population demand, agricultural production must be doubled. The global population is projected to rise by almost two billion individuals within the next three decades. With global challenges such as population growth, climate change, and resource formation, automation in farming practices is one of the key driving forces behind this revolution. Robotics, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics, are transformative solutions for precision farming and smart farming technologies. These technologies enable continuous and efficient farming operations and provide detailed monitoring at a plant-by-pant level, optimizing resource use and reducing the environmental footprint. Technological advancements have led to the development of various robotic systems, including agricultural grippers and autonomous machinery, which are integral to the automation of farming tasks, from sowing to harvesting. However, the adoption of such technologies is not without challenges. High initial investment costs, connectivity issues, and data security are some of the barriers that need to be addressed. The potential benefits of reduced operational costs, improved crop quality, and enhanced farm output make it a promising solution for the future of farming. In this article, we discuss the multifaceted role of robotics in modern agriculture by exploring both technological advancements and challenges to widespread adoption.
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    Determinants of Food Insecurity in the Sundarbans: Multinomial Logit Approach Apropos the Food Insecurity Experience Scale
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2025-04) Samadder, S; Lal, SP; Prakash, S; Singh, KM.
    Aims: This study examines socio-economic and demographic determinants of food insecurity in the Sundarbans region using a multinomial logistic regression model, aiming to identify key determinants of food insecurity levels. Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study employing multinomial logistic regression to assess categorical predictors of food insecurity. Place and Duration of Study: Data were collected over six months (January 2024–December 2024 at regular intervals) across 11 blocks in South and North 24 Parganas, such as Gosaba, Basanti, Kakdwip, and Sagar. Methodology: Structured interviews with 300 randomly selected respondents representing diverse livelihood groups provided socio-economic and environmental data, including household income, cultivated land, indebtedness, and extension services participation. Food insecurity was categorized into food secure, moderately food insecure, and food insecure, and analyzed via multinomial logistic regression. Results: The model demonstrated 80.9% overall predictive accuracy, correctly classifying 78.9% of food-secure households, 91.7% of moderately food-insecure households, and 39.5% of severely food-insecure households. Protective factors like cultivated land access, household education, and social capital mitigated food insecurity, while indebtedness and skipped meals increased food vulnerability. Agricultural extension services and in-kind transfers were effective interventions for food insecurity. Pseudo R-squared values (Nagelkerke: 0.663) confirmed explanatory strength. A one-unit increase in cultivated land reduced food insecurity odds by 91.3% (OR, 0.087; 95% CI 0.020–0.384, p<0.001). Policy Implications: The findings offer actionable policy insights to enhance food security in vulnerable regions. Conclusion: Combating food insecurity in the Sundarbans requires integrated strategies improving land access, debt alleviation, education, and social networks, alongside sustainable practices, ensuring equitable food systems.
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    Gender Perspectives on Climate Change: A Perceptual Analysis of Agricultural Activities among Farmers in India
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, Ph.D., 2025-04) Pandey, N; Singh, SR; D K, K; Lal, SP; Singh, DR.
    This paper includes a household survey of 240 households from purposively selected 4 districts of Bihar to understand the region and gender specific adaptation strategies of farmers. The result suggests that majority of the men farmers agreed to the statement that climate change is affecting the crop yield, whereas to the same statements, women farmers were undecided. This result can be interpreted as comparatively low level of awareness of women farmers, less extension contacts and also less exposure to digital gadgets like mobile phone, radio from where they can get the weather updates. The findings further shows that the short-term strategies which involved major decision making like early sowing, increased seed rate, bunding, drought tolerant variety, use of farm implements, deep rooted crop, application of urea and long term strategies like tube wells, late harvesting were adopted by men farmers which also tells about the level of awareness and decision making in the household. Therefore, this study put light on the fact that adaptation fund is more utilized if the policy makers make plans more inclusive.
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    Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Revolution in Bihar: A Critical and Systematic Review
    (Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-12) Lal, SP; De, S.
    The mushroom farming revolution in Bihar represents a landmark in the state’s agricultural and socio-economic transformation. Over the years, the adoption of mushroom cultivation has not only provided a viable livelihood alternative to small-scale farmers but also demonstrated the potential of sustainable agriculture. The movement’s success stems from a combination of factors, including optimal climate conditions, technological interventions, and robust community engagement. Initiatives such as low-cost storage facilities, value-added products like mushroom pickles and powders, and awareness programs have amplified the scope of this agricultural shift. Mushroom farming has not only offered economic benefits but also addressesed environmental challenges by recycling agricultural waste and promoting sustainable practices. There has been phenomenal growth in its mushroom production during the last two years. At a production level of 28,000 tonnes for 2021-22, it grew to 41,310 tonnes during 2023-24, having achieved a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 21.46%. The high rate of growth was due to an increase in the adaptation of mushroom cultivation practices amongst growers, advancement in the techniques of cultivation, and also due to increased demand for mushrooms in the state. Such a high CAGR, though, really spells out Bihar's potential to play an important role in India's mushroom production landscape, thereby contributing to agricultural diversification and rural income generation. This underscores the importance of education, training, and local leadership in driving large-scale socio-economic changes. Bihar’s remarkable growth in mushroom production, from negligible production to becoming India’s top most mushroom producing state, showcases the transformative power of innovation and community-driven approaches in agriculture. This success serves as a model for other regions aiming to achieve agricultural sustainability and rural empowerment in the field of mushroom cultivation.