Bioremediation represents a promising approach for addressing environmental pollution by leveraging natural processes to degrade or convert toxic pollutants into more benign forms. This method utilizes biological agents like algae, fungi, bacteria, and viruses to break down pollutants, ideally to undetectable or non-toxic levels, or even mineralize them to harmless compounds like CO2. By doing so, bioremediation not only cleans up contaminated sites but also restores them and prevents future pollution, all without the need for chemical reagents. Environmental pollution, fueled by rapid industrial growth, continues to pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Harmful pollutants like BPA, PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceutical wastes accumulate in the environment, causing ecological damage and endangering various organisms.

In the current landscape, addressing the nutritional needs of our rapidly expanding global populace is imperative. Traditional farming methods face challenges, with approximately one-third of crops succumbing to pests, diseases, natural calamities, soil degradation, and nutrient deficiencies. Nanotechnology have been made in harnessing nanoparticulate systems to enhance quality, act as sensors, combat pests, and bolster fertilisation efforts. Nanotechnology has emerged as a crucial ally in boosting agricultural sustainability by amplifying crop yields and revitalising soil health. Over the past decade, nanotechnology has permeated various sectors, prominently in agro-industrial realms. A profound comprehension of plant-nanomaterial interactions unveils promising avenues for fortifying farming practices, fostering disease resilience, augmenting yields, and optimising nutrient absorption.

Phytoremediation, a green remediation, presents an eco-friendly approach to combatting environmental pollution by harnessing the natural detoxification properties of plants. This method utilises various plant species to absorb, accumulate, and transform pollutants, offering a subtle yet effective means of cleansing contaminated soil and water. This highlights the significance of phytoremediation in addressing heavy metal pollution, which poses enduring threats to ecological systems and human health. It explores the diverse applications of phytoremediation, including its effectiveness against heavy metals, radioactive substances, and organic pollutants. The review also discusses the challenges and prospects of phytoremediation, emphasising the importance of identifying suitable plant species and enhancing their resistance to metallic toxins. Overall, phytoremediation emerges as a promising strategy for sustainable environmental remediation, offering long-term benefits for both ecosystems and human well-being.

The study was conducted in five villages of Milkipur block in Ayodhya district, selected purposively based on proximity to the researcher and accessibility. A complete list of all paddy growers in each selected village was prepared. From this list, a total of 120 farmers were selected using a proportionate random sampling technique. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents exhibited various socio-economic characteristics, such as being in the age category of 39-62 years (61.67%), being literate (84.16%), belonging to the general caste (39.17%), living in nuclear families (85.83%), having a family size of 4-8 members (62.50%), being marginal farmers with land holdings below one hectare (43.33%), and having agriculture as their main occupation with subsidiary agricultural labor occupations (90.83% and 21.66%, respectively). A mixed housing pattern was observed in 56.66% of the respondents. In terms of material possessions, diesel engines (53.33%) and chaff cutters (85.83%) were the main farm power and agricultural implements, respectively. For transportation, bicycles (98.33%) were predominant. In terms of communication media, household materials such as coats (100%) and mobile phones (100%) were reported as main possessions. Additionally, 57.50% of respondents had no participation in any organizations. The majority of respondents (52.50%) reported an annual family income of up to 50,000. Gram pradhan (05.57%), family members (06.00%), and mobile phones (06.00%) were identified as the main formal, informal, and communicational sources of extension contact, respectively.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of wheat growers regarding improved wheat production technologies in Jamui district of Bihar. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 120 respondents from 12 villages across two blocks. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule. The results revealed that 56.66% of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge, while 25% had low knowledge, and 18.34% had high knowledge. Farmers exhibited the highest knowledge regarding sowing time (90.56%), irrigation management (88%), and harvesting (75.34%). Practices like plant growth regulators (45.37%) and intercropping (56.76%) had relatively lower knowledge levels. Correlation analysis showed that variables like age, caste, education, risk orientation, scientific orientation, and extension contact had a significant positive correlation with knowledge level. Annual income, marital status, land holding, family type, and family size exhibited a positive but statistically insignificant correlation, while economic motivation showed a negative correlation with knowledge level. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services, educational programs, and promoting scientific orientation and risk-taking ability among farmers to enhance their knowledge and facilitate the adoption of improved wheat production technologies, ultimately leading to increased productivity in the region.

Entrepreneurial behaviour is a vital factor influencing the growth and sustainability of agribusiness ventures. This study aimed to develop and validate a standardized scale to assess the entrepreneurial behaviour of makhana (foxnut) growers. A structured approach based on Likert’s summated rating scale was used, delineating six key dimensions viz., innovativeness, risk-bearing ability, decision-making ability, achievement motivation, self-confidence and management orientation. Initially, 70 statements were formulated and refined through expert validation, narrowing them down to 42 relevant statements. Item analysis was conducted using a t-test on a sample of 60 makhana growers, leading to the selection of 25 statements based on a minimum t-value of 2.05. Reliability was assessed using the split-half method, yielding Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.909 and 0.910 for the two halves with an overall Guttman split-half coefficient of 0.945, demonstrating high internal consistency. Content validity was established through expert judgment, while a correlation matrix analysis confirmed moderate inter-item correlations, ensuring construct validity. The developed scale provides a reliable tool for assessing entrepreneurial traits among makhana growers and can guide policy interventions, capacity-building initiatives and further research in agricultural entrepreneurship.