Chandrayaan-3, Agriculture, Environment, and Climate

 Chandrayaan-3, Agriculture, Environment, and Climate

Introduction:

Chandrayaan-3, the lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to achieve a successful landing on the moon's surface and deploy a rover to conduct experiments. While the primary focus of the mission is lunar research and space exploration, Chandrayaan-3 indirectly contributes to agriculture, environment, and climate studies through various means. (Chandrayaan-3 module views from the official website of ISRO  can be seen in the image below).

A.    Remote Sensing and Agricultural Monitoring:

The Potential and Applications of Biochar: A Versatile Carbon-Rich Material (By: Rashmi Suryavanshi)

 The Potential and Applications of Biochar: A Versatile Carbon-Rich Material

Author: Rashmi Suryavanshi (M.Sc. Biotechnology)

Introduction:

Biochar, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous carbon-rich material produced through the process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves heating organic biomass, such as wood or agricultural waste, in the absence of oxygen. This carbonization process creates a stable and durable form of charcoal that has a wide range of applications in various fields. Biochar is recognized for its unique properties, including its high surface area, porosity, and ability to retain and release nutrients, making it valuable in biological experiments, medicine, and agricultural applications. Various forms of biochar viz., pelletized, granular, and powdered can be visualized in the image below. 

Applications of Biochar:

Curcumin in Turmeric: Importance, Factors and Geographical Differences (By: Dr. Prashant and Dr. Ravindra)

 Curcumin in Turmeric: Importance, Factors and Geographical Differences

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.), Dr. Ravindra Satbhai (Ph.D.)

Introduction:

Turmeric, a popular Indian medicinal plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has gained recognition for its numerous health benefits. The rhizome of turmeric, known as Curcuma longa L., is widely used in South East Asian countries for its flavor, color, and spicing properties in food preparations. It is an integral part of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Turmeric and its active component, curcumin, have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. This article explores the variation in curcumin content in turmeric, the factors influencing it, and the geographical differences observed.

1. Importance of Curcumin: Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is a linear diarylheptanoid known for its excellent medicinal properties. It is a small molecular weight polyphenolic compound and one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders. Curcumin has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological, microbial, and medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Millet: A Powerhouse and Versatile Grain in a Healthy Diet (By: Prachi S. Mahajan)

Millet: A Powerhouse and Versatile Grain in a Healthy Diet

Author: Prachi S. Mahajan (M.Sc.  Agriculture)

Introduction: In recent years, millet has gained recognition as a nutritional powerhouse and a versatile grain. With its numerous health benefits and diverse culinary applications, millet has become an important component of a balanced diet. Since India is the richest source of biodiversity in millets the Indian Government proposed to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Therefore Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations have recognized 2023 as an International Year of Millets or IYM2023. This is to greater efforts in producing millets given their nutritional properties and resilience in adapting to climate change.

             IYM2023 is a significant global initiative that shines a spotlight on the crucial role of millet in addressing food security challenges around the world. By promoting millet as a sustainable and nutritious food source, this initiative aims to raise awareness about its health benefits, versatility, and potential to combat hunger and malnutrition. The efforts serve as a platform for fostering research, innovation, and policy development to enhance millet production, consumption, and trade globally, contributing to the overall well-being of communities and the achievement of sustainable development goals. Specifically, the importance of millets can be elaborated with the following points:

1. Nutritional Content: Millet is packed with essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins (such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin), minerals (like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus), and antioxidants. This grain provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, ensuring that your body receives a wide spectrum of essential nutrients. From its rich nutrient content to its gluten-free nature, millet offers a range of advantages that make it worth incorporating into our daily meals.