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Potato is a globally significant crop, crucial for food security and nutrition. Assessing vital nutritional traits is pivotal for enhancing nutritional value. However, traditional wet lab methods for the screening of large germplasms are time- and resource-intensive. To address this challenge, we used near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid trait estimation in diverse potato germplasms. It employs molecular absorption principles that use near-infrared sections of the electromagnetic spectrum for the precise and rapid determination of biochemical parameters and is non-destructive, enabling trait monitoring without sample compromise. We focused on modified partial least squares (MPLS)-based NIRS prediction models to assess eight key nutritional traits. Various mathematical treatments were executed by permutation and combinations for model calibration. The external validation prediction accuracy was based on the coefficient of determination (RSQexternal), the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD), and the low standard error of performance (SEP). Higher RSQexternal values of 0.937, 0.892, and 0.759 were obtained for protein, dry matter, and total phenols, respectively. Higher RPD values were found for protein (3.982), followed by dry matter (3.041) and total phenolics (2.000), which indicates the excellent predictability of the models. A paired t-test confirmed that the differences between laboratory and predicted values are non-significant. This study presents the first multi-trait NIRS prediction model for Indian potato germplasm. The developed NIRS model effectively predicted the remaining genotypes in this study, demonstrating its broad applicability. This work highlights the rapid screening potential of NIRS for potato germplasm, a valuable tool for identifying trait variations and refining breeding strategies, to ensure sustainable potato production in the face of climate change.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) is a multipurpose legume, which has good nutritional properties. Nutritional parameters assessed conventionally can be labour intensive, costly and time taking for germplasm screening. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid and nondestructive method, which can facilitate high-throughput germplasm screening. In our study, estimation of amylose and sugars has been done using NIRS. Two preprocessing methods, that is, SNV-DT (standard normal variate with detrending) and MSC (multiplicative scatter correction), were performed for optimization of the original spectra. Subsequently, MPLS (modified partial least square) regression method was employed to construct the prediction models. In amylose, the best RSQexternal (coefficient of determination) (0.962) was found in SNV-DT with mathematical treatment 3,8,8,2. The same result was shown in sugar where the best RSQexternal (0.914) was found in SNV-DT with mathematical treatment 3,4,4,1. Overall, in the case of amylose and sugars, SNV-DT was found to be a good preprocessing treatment than MSC. Paired t-test values in all the treatments for both the preprocessing methods were > 0.05 indicating their reliability. High RSQexternal values for both the traits imply the applicability of the prediction models. Thus, these models can facilitate high-throughput germplasm screening in different national and international crop improvement programmes focusing on quality traits.

Introduction: Crop diversification is a promising practice to improve the sustainability of agricultural production systems, contributing to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functions, and food security without compromising productivity. Although diverse cropping systems may be more labour-intensive and require good knowledge of the specific cropping system in the local context, they have high potential in managing many of the problems faced in current cotton production in India. However, the adoption of crop diversification is still moderate, with an overall crop diversification index (CDI) of 0.65 for all of India and state-wise CDI between 0.43 and 0.83. Methods: Therefore, a four-phased study was conducted to identify the main barriers to crop diversification in cotton-based farming systems in India and highlight levers that can foster their wide adoption to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study was carried out between January to October 2020 and consisted of i) a literature review of regional and national policy and planning, ii) situational analysis with a problem tree approach, iii) individual stakeholder interviews with stakeholders from the broader Indian cotton sector, and iv) a participatory feedback workshop with said stakeholders. A total of 51 stakeholders from 24 different organizations were interviewed, 37 of them on technical aspects of crop diversification and 21 stakeholders on market and policy aspects. The same stakeholders were invited to the participatory feedback workshop, where 26 participated in the session on different benefits of crop diversification practices, and the session on market and policy challenges counted 24 participants. The study focused on the main organic cotton producing states in India: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Results and discussion: In our study, it became evident that many policies and governmental schemes exist to promote national food security

Systematic studies on the economic competitiveness of organic farming systemscompared to conventional farming systems are particularly lacking in tropicalenvironments. In tropical regions, the evaluation of organic production systemstypically concentrates on main cash crops earmarked for export markets.Consequently, crops grown in rotation or in association with these main crops havebeen largely overlooked, with their contribution to farm profitability is oftenconsidered negligible due to perceived challenges in securing premium organicprices. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an analysis of twelve years ofeconomic data from four long-term farming system comparison trials in tropicalregions. Our objective was to delve into the economic competitiveness of bothorganic and conventional production systems at the system level, considering notonly the main cash crops but also the associated and rotational crops. The outcomesof our analysis revealed that in three out of four systems, the gross margins oforganic and conventional systems were comparable. In the fourth system, the grossmargins of the organic system were 13.13% lower, equivalent to $169.8 per hectareper year compared to the conventional system. Furthermore, the contribution ofcrops grown in rotation with these main crops remains similar even when premiumprices are not obtained. In instances where premium prices for non-cash crops aresecured, their profitability can even surpass that of cash crops. Additionally, in thecase of agroforestry, companion plantings serve as valuable additions for both dietaryand income diversity. Thesefindings suggest that the profitability of an agriculturalsystem is not solely dependent on whether it is organic or conventional but isinstead influenced by various system components. The emphasis should shift from asingular focus on main cash crops to a more comprehensive understanding thatconsiders the entire spectrum of crops within a farming system.

The demand for organic cotton is primarily driven by manufacturers and brands with a corporate focus on environmental and social responsibility. These entities strive to be responsible stewards by seeking organic cotton, which not only offers environmental benefits but also provides softer, more durable, and longer-lasting clothing. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is processed without the use of harsh chemicals, making it more comfortable for individuals with sensitive skin. A study was conducted at the Center of Organic Agriculture Research and Training Center, Department of Agronomy, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India to evaluate 22 cotton genotypes, including control samples, using a randomized block design with three replications during the kharif (June–October) season in the years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, under complete organic conditions. During the initial year of the study (2019–2020), visual observations were made to assess the incidence of sucking pests on the cotton genotypes’ leaves, including the top, middle, and bottom portions. The observations indicated promising results, leading to a more detailed study in the subsequent year (2020–2021). This extended study identified several tolerant genotypes to sucking pests, such as AV-G11, PA-255, GA-8004, AV-C14, and AV-G13 from the arboreum species, as well as AKH-09-5, a hirsutum cultivar. Among the recorded data, it was found that the lowest mean aphid population occurred at 90 days after sowing (DAS), with only 1.53 aphids per leaf. Similarly, the lowest mean populations of Cicadellidae, thrips, and whitefly were recorded at 0.75, 0.97, and 0.63 per leaf, respectively, all at 30 DAS. Microscopic analysis of trichome density and gossypol glands revealed a negative and significant correlation with Aphis gossypi (aphids), Cicadellidae sp. (Cicadellidae), and Thrips tabaci (thrips). However, a positive and significant correlation was found with Bemesia tabaci (whitefly). Furthermore, the estimatio

Socio-ecological resilience (SeR) is an integral aspect in enhancing farm system sustainability and this integration is being widely adopted in recent years in development projects. Multiple indicators are used to assess socio ecological resilience of suggested solutions in farming systems or, to design projects with an aim to ultimately enhance SeR. However, the indicators or the suggested solutions remain largely technical; often overlooking the role that social solutions or power relations play in the long term in farming systems sustainability. There is growing evidence indeed that unequal power relations in agriculture are a threat to food security worldwide. Hence, there is a need to focus on equity when determining indicator or when developing solutions for sustainable food systems. We set up a long-term farming systems programme in 2007 in three tropical countries (India, Kenya and Bolivia) to compare organic and conventional management systems across multiple parameters. In all the countries we have been working with small-scale farmers on specific cropping systems (cotton, cacao and maize). The approaches of our programme have been interdisciplinary fo- cusing on all the way from fundamental agronomic questions to participatory farmer research. Over the years multiple studies and analysis have been conducted within our programme to understand the socio-ecological dimensions of sustainable farming practices in our study areas. We will present compiled learnings of these studies with a focus on two of our study regions, India and Bolivia. We will particularly summarise the role that factors such as farmer networks, farmer cooperatives, caste and identity, motivation and extension services play (a) in understanding farming systems and, (b) in adoption of suggested solutions. Using these results, we will discuss additional parameters that need to be considered when assessing social-ecological resilience of farming systems, with a particular focus on power rela

SysCom was initiated to provide evidence for the performance and viability of organic agricultural cropping systems in the tropics. While case studies and long term studies were available for temperate zones, little scientifically backed-up evidence was available to assess the potential of organic agriculture in sustainable development in countries within the tropical climate. Thus in 2007 long term trials in India, Bolivia and Kenya were established, comparing in each country two organic systems with two conventional systems based on locally relevant cropping systems and main crops (cotton, cocoa, maize). Combining the existing practical examples and recommendations from local agricultural institutions organic and conventional treatment were designed, putting high emphasis on the local relevancy and prevalent practices. After the systems established it became clear that organic systems in our long-term experiments (LTEs) were lacking behind in profitability and productivity, not offering a valuable approach for local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. In our analysis we had to realise that often a mere copy of conventional practices, substituting conventional with organic inputs would not suffice to provide solid evidence on the potential of organic agriculture in the tropics. Using the example of the SysCom program, we want to discuss the challenges and opportunities of adapting LTEs, confronting questions on how to adapt the three LTEs implemented in different countries to still be in nexus to each other, how to balance systems approaches to optimise the different compared treatments while still being comparable to each other and finally how to meet the golden mean of innovative and optimised farming approaches while being realistic and relevant to local contexts. The adaptations realised in the annual cropping system LTEs, such as changing input levels and seed material, introducing more complex intercropping patterns and crop rotations are proving to be valu

Integrating agroecological practices into farming systems can improve farming systems’ resilience, but reported effects vary across geographies and production systems. Enhancing the resilience of farming systems by introducing new agroecological practices comes with positive and negative tradeoffs. Farmers’ decision to adopt new agroecological practices or additional agroecological practices is driven by factors such as other resource availability and/ or return on investment. In addition, farmer decisions are sometimes driven by motivational factors rather than return on investment. We hypothesise that farmers’ awareness about their ability to cope with climate change is correlated with the number of agroecological practices followed by farmers. To assess the farmers’ perception of their ability to cope with climate change and which agroecological practices they followed, we surveyed 3038 farmers in rural regions of Chad, India, Niger, and Tanzania. Survey questions were standardised in preliminary focused group discussions with farmers and other stakeholders. Individual interviews were conducted with the respondents chosen through systematic sampling, irrespective of their farming practices or other demographic factors. Correlations between agroecological practices, gender, and the farmers’ perspectives on climate change were investigated using the FactoMineR package in R. The share of female farmers’ participation in the survey was 50.0 %. Prevalent production systems in the regions are rainfed and organic by default. Thus, most farmers mentioned a change in rainfall patterns as the most challenging adverse climate change in past years, followed by more disease incidences, increased temperatures, and droughts. Crop rotation, Intercropping, mulching, and crop diversification are the leading agroecological practices for farmers in the regions. About 70 % of farmers in the regions perceive that they cannot cope with climate change. Farmers’ perception of their abili

Selecting qualitatively high cotton cultivars is a critical aspect of cotton breeding programs. However, choosing cultivars is not straightforward. Genotype × environment (G×E) interactions have to be considered when choosing varieties for cultivation. This holds especially true in organic farming where natural stress resistance is crucial in the absence of genetic modifications. For on-station trials, GGE biplots have become a popular tool for selecting cultivars. We applied the method to data from our on-station trials conducted at five sites in India and for 29 cotton cultivars. The sites included different farming conditions and the cultivars were a mix of hybrids and non-hybrids from the Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium arboreum species. Using the PPBstats package in R, we identified suitable varieties for each site. Cultivar performance varied greatly between sites. Varieties bred at a site performed particularly well, showing the importance of environment-specific breeding. On-farm trials are a participatory breeding approach that enables farmers to participate directly in the decision-making. However, estimating G×E effects is difficult due to the trial design. To analyse our on-farm trials conducted on 102 farms in India, testing 32 G. hirsutum and G. arboreum varieties, we applied a hierarchical Bayesian G×E model. The analysis was done using the PPBstats package in R. Farm clusters in which the tested cultivars performed similarly were identified. Well-performing varieties for each cluster were found through mean comparisons within each farm. Furthermore, a GGE biplot analysis was performed by pooling farms along agroclimatic zones to identify suitable cultivars on an agroclimatic level. The preliminary results from the GGE biplots have lower precision for the individual farmers that participated in the trials than the hierarchical Bayesian method but can be used for giving recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders for selecting cultivars based on

SysCom was initiated to provide evidence for the performance and viability of organic agricultural cropping systems in the tropics. While case studies and long term studies were available for temperate zones, little scientifically backed-up evidence was available to assess the potential of organic agriculture in sustainable development in countries within the tropical climate. Thus in 2007 long term trials in India, Bolivia and Kenya were established, comparing in each country two organic systems with two conventional systems based on locally relevant cropping systems and main crops (cotton, cocoa, maize). Combining the existing practical examples and recommendations from local agricultural institutions organic and conventional treatment were designed, putting high emphasis on the local relevancy and prevalent practices. After the systems established it became clear that organic systems in our long-term experiments (LTEs) were lacking behind in profitability and productivity, not offering a valuable approach for local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. In our analysis we had to realise that often a mere copy of conventional practices, substituting conventional with organic inputs would not suffice to provide solid evidence on the potential of organic agriculture in the tropics. Using the example of the SysCom program, we want to discuss the challenges and opportunities of adapting LTEs, confronting questions on how to adapt the three LTEs implemented in different countries to still be in nexus to each other, how to balance systems approaches to optimise the different compared treatments while still being comparable to each other and finally how to meet the golden mean of innovative and optimised farming approaches while being realistic and relevant to local contexts. The adaptations realised in the annual cropping system LTEs, such as changing input levels and seed material, introducing more complex intercropping patterns and crop rotations are proving to be valu

Improved agroecological practices tend to lead to production diversity but often fall short of achieving optimal dietary diversity in rural contexts. Thus, multi-prong interventions involving knowledge and skill development for production and consumption are needed. This study assesses nutrition and production-related interventions implemented in the East African Highlands, Pamir-Tian Shan, Hindukush and the Andes. Overall, 601 rural service providers were trained and supported to implement various nutrition-sensitive agroecological interventions. Study results show that these interventions significantly increased the intake of flesh food, eggs, vitamin A-rich leafy greens, and vitamin-A-rich vegetables and fruits. The increase in production diversity was correlated with the increase in dietary diversity. Thus this study highlights the crucial role of rural service providers in catalyzing nutrition-related changes in mountain contexts.

Cotton plants are a primary sources of worlds’ industrial textile and it is estimated that globally approx. 2.78 % of arable land is under cotton plant cultivation. Conventional cultivation of cotton is a highly input-intensive process, requiring large quantities of pesticides, fertilisers and water resources. Growing cotton organically can significantly reduce negative environmental impacts of cotton. However, yield of organic cotton is often recorded to be lower than the yield of conventional cotton. There is a need to develop system-based approaches that increase productivity of the cotton systems. Our study is based on a long-term trial that has been comparing organic and conventional cotton systems since the year 2007, in central India. In our study region cotton is grown in a two-year crop rotation with wheat and soybean. For better adaption of organic cotton production, it is crucial to increase overall economic returns from all crops involved in the cotton rotation system. In the initial phases of our study we recorded a yield gap of up to 25 % between organic and conventional cotton production. To mitigate this yield gap, we adopted multiple best practice approaches using agroecological principles. Our recent results show that such approaches can not only reduce the yield gap but also increase soil organic carbon in the organic cotton systems; resulting in systems that are potentially more resilient to climatic changes. We will discuss our results and highlight the need to invest in agroecological and socio-economic research to eliminate yield gaps between organic and conventional agriculture and to identify barriers to adoption of sustainable techniques.

The Green Cotton/Seeding the Green Future project began in 2013 and works to close gaps in India’s organic cotton value chain. Local traders hardly offer GMO-free cotton seeds anymore, which endangers smallholder farmers' income security and seed sovereignty. Therefore, the project aims to expand the supply of robust, genetically unmodified seed. Eight varieties are already being grown on an experimental basis.

Forty years of research in the DOK trial resulted in more than 120 peer-reviewed publications investigating effects of farming systems on a wide range of scientific disciplines within agronomic and environmental research. It is the oldest still existing system comparison trial comparing organic and conventional agricultural practice worldwide. The field trial has been subject to applied and fundamental research but the presentation of findings from the DOK trial is beyond the scope of this chapter. Instead, we give detailed insights into the history of implementation of the DOK trial and show how the evolution of agricultural practices influenced the management practices applied in the experiment. From a scientific point of view, changing experimental treatments in the course of an experiment is a challenging task. Yet, following a system approach and the development of organic and conventional farming necessitate a periodical reevaluation of practices implemented within the treatments to mirror changes in large-scale farming. To reflect on these developments and to present in-depth insight on the history of management of the DOK trial, we review and discuss changes implemented in management practice during the course of the last 40 years.

There is a need to investigate and identify locally available organic substrates with acidifying potential, which can be used as an additive in rock phosphate (RP)-organic material composting mixtures. This paper reviews attempts to increase P availability in the context of smallholder, low-input and organic farming, and presents a case study from Central India that used a participatory approach to address P deficiency issues in cotton-based organic systems. Study was conducted from 2010 to 2014 through 61 on-farm trials and investigated the agronomic effectiveness of buttermilk-acidulated RP compost. The application of buttermilk-acidulated RP manure resulted in higher yields of cotton in all field trials and higher yields of soybean in all but one field trials. While on majority of the farms (18 out of 28), wheat yields increased with the application of buttermilk-acidulated RP compost, a quarter of the field trials (7 out of 28) exhibited yields lower than farmers’ practices. The study showed that it was possible to develop a locally adoptable solution to an agronomic constraint using locally available resources including the indigenous knowhow. Buttermilk proved to be an effective acidulating agent that can be added to RP-amended compost.

Cotton is essentially a smallholder crop across tropical countries. Being a major cash crop, it plays a decisive role in the livelihoods of cotton-producing farmers. Both conventional and organic production systems offer alternative yet interesting propositions to cotton farmers. This study was conducted in Nimar valley, a prominent cotton-producing region of central India, with the aim of categorically evaluating the contribution of management and fixed factors to productivity on conventional and organic cotton farms. A study framework was developed considering the fixed factors, which cannot be altered within reasonable limits of time, capacity and resources, e.g., landholding or years of age and/or practice; and management factors, which can be altered/influenced within a reasonable time by training, practice and implementation. Using this framework, a structured survey of conventional and organic farms operating under comparable circumstances was conducted. Landholding and soil types were significant contributors/predictors of yield on organic farms. In contrast, landholding was not the main factor related to yields on conventional farms, which produced the highest yields when led by farmers with more than five years of formal education and living in a joint family. Nitrogen application, the source of irrigation (related to timely and adequate supply), crop rotation and variables related to adequate plant population (seed source, germination rate and plant thinning) were the main management factors limiting cotton yields among conventional and organic farms. Both organic and conventional farms in the Nimar valley exhibited a similar pattern of variation in cotton yields and technical efficiency. This study highlights the enormous scope for improving cotton productivity in the region by improving technical efficiency, strengthening extension services and making appropriate policy interventions.

Long-Term Farming Systems Research: Ensuring Food Security in Changing Scenarios presents the legacy and heritage of Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) in Agriculture while also addressing the challenges and potential solutions. The book discusses how LTEs form an important asset in understanding agriculture’s significant influence on life on earth. As global governments and development agencies try to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, this book’s content is of unprecedented importance, providing insights into the interactions of agricultural production with ecological, economic and societal aspects. In this regard, this book offers a thorough resource of information based on experiences from various ongoing LTEs in different parts of the world. The contextual variety and geographic diversity presented in this book makes it useful for agricultural and environmental scientists, as well as students and educators in such fields.