Pulses (Pisum sativum L.) are important grain legume crops that contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s nutritional security as inexpensive, high-protein food sources. This research assessed the agronomic performance and environmental adaptability of four pea varieties (Pea Nator Local, Pea Jikorgacha Local, BARI Khesari-2, and BARI Motorshuti-3) at the experimental field of Sylhet Agricultural
University during the 2019-2020 Rabi season. The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed significant variation among varieties for plant population, leaves plant⁻¹, branches plant⁻¹, plant height, fresh weight of plant, pods plant⁻¹, pod length, seeds pod⁻¹, 100 seeds weight, and seed yield. The results revealed that the highest seed yield was obtained from Natore local (1572.37 kg ha⁻¹) and it was similar to Jhikorgacha local (1440 kg ha⁻¹). The lowest seed yield was obtained from BARI motorshuti-3 (961.87 kg ha⁻¹). Environmental suitability analysis showed that Pea Nator local had perfect adaptation with 5.5% yield loss while BARI motorshuti-3 suffered 38.8% yield loss due to environmental stress. Above all Pea Nator local and Jikorgacha local may be suggested to farmers to cultivate in Sylhet.

Keywords: Pulse cultivation, Environmental adaptation, Varietal performance, Agro-ecological Zone, Northeastern Bangladesh

Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), often referred to as future smart foods, hold immense potential for enhancing food security, nutritional diversity, and climate resilience in marginal environments. This study investigated the diversity, cultivation status, and adoption constraints of NUPS in homestead agroforestry systems at Zakiganj Upazila of Sylhet District in Bangladesh a subtropical, flood-prone region characterized by high rainfall (2,540–3,810 mm annually) and acidic soils. Using a survey-based design, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 120 randomly selected respondents across nine unions from January to June 2025 at Zakiganj Upazila. Though the NUPS are in the verse of extinction, results revealed that still 58.3% of households cultivating them primarily due to their climate tolerance (31.7%), low input requirements (28.3%), and local availability (25.0%). Key information sources of neighbors (29.2%) and extension workers (25.0%) showed major constraints comprised of lack of knowledge (38.3%), limited seed availability (25.0%), and perceived low yields (21.7%). Only 45.8% of respondents had received relevant training. Biodiversity analysis of the seven dominant NUPS (betel nut, mulberry, bonkochu, toikor, lukluki, shaplagota, and jaralebu) showed exceptionally high diversity, with a Shannon-Weaver Index (H′) of 1.9360 (near maximum 1.9459), evenness of 0.9949, and Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1–D) of 0.8544, indicating balanced species distribution. These findings highlighted the critical and important role of traditional homegardens in conserving resilient, nutrient-dense NUPS amid a lot of climate stresses. Improving knowledge gaps, seed systems, and extension services are essential to mainstream these orphan crops, which in turn, will support dietary diversification, hidden hunger mitigation, and sustainable agriculture in the vulnerable regions of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), future smart food, homestead agroforestry, biodiversity indices, climate resilience, food security, Zakiganj, Bangladesh

Shrimp farming is a fast-growing industry, considered one of the best export-carning products in the coastal communities of Bangladesh. In this study, we observed the seasonal variation of water quality parameters in shrimp farms, as well as assessed the uses and effectiveness of aqua medicines. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 42 shrimp farmers and 30 drug and chemical seller (he temperature varied from ~30 °C (during summer) to 15 °C (during winter), respectively. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels recorded ranged from 3.5 mg/L to 6.0 mg/L in the study period. The pH remained stable from autumn to the rainy season, within 6.5 to 8 in all sites. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations were higher during the winter season. However, these values were lower before and after the winter. Seven categories of aqua medicines from 38 pharmaceutical companies were found to be used by the farmers. The effectiveness of the drugs and chemicals used by farmers to prepare ponds for increased growth rate and as a disinfectant ranged from 60 to 80% on average. Farmers used these aqua drugs and chemicals haphazardly and appeared to have little knowledge, awareness, and concern about their proper use and effectiveness. To overcome these problems, an effective and functional regulatory framework is required to monitor shrimp farms from the existing government institutions or authorities.

Keywords: Water quality parameters, aqua medicines, effectiveness, coastal region, Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of duck diseases in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Total 2235 ducks were examined during 2 years (June i2016- May 2018). Among infectious diseases, highest prevalent was Mycoplasma Colibacillosis Complex (MC Complex) (17.72%) followed by Duck plague/duck virus enteritis (15.48%), Salmonellosis (13.83%), Tape worm infestation (11.90%), Tracheal fluke (5.77%), Mycotoxicosis (5.46%), Duck cholera (3.80%), Duck virus hepatitis (3.62%) and Coccidiosis (2.51%). Nutritional deficiency diseases encounter 19.91% prevalence. According to the age, highest prevalence was recorded in the age group of > 16 weeks old (52.13%) followed by 8-16 weeks (25.06%) and 0-8 weeks old age group (22.82%) of duck. The distribution and proportionate occurrence of diseases in duck of Sylhet indicated that, the diseases frequently occurred in winter season (67.11%) followed by rainy (17.45%) and summer season (15.12%).

Keywords: Disease prevalence, Duck, Bangladesh.

Beef cattle fattening is a potential income generating enterprise for the small scale farmers’ in haor areas. Thus, the experiment was conducted with the aim to observe the effect of urea molasses straw for fattening bull and contribution to the income generation for small scale farmers in haor areas. The experiment was conducted at the Noagaon village under South Sunamganj Upazila of Sunamganj district from January to April 2017. Ten farmers were selected for rearing and each farmer reared one bull (2-3 years old) for fattening. Two groups of animals, treatment group treated with Urea Molasses Straw (UMS) in diet and control group without UMS supplementation, were laid out with five replications in each group. Data on body weight gain and profitability data were collected and analyzed as Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feeding of urea molasses straw with the dietary feed had shown a positive effect on weight gain. After the end of the experimental period, mean body weight gain (g day-1animal-1) for the treatment and control group were measured as 496.41 and 236.62 g, respectively. The body weight gains of these both feeding groups were insignificant during the first fifteenth days of the experimental period, however, the difference was significant (p<0.05) for the rest of the experimental period. Moreover, higher gross margin was found in the treatment group (Tk. 14,310) than the control group (Tk. 3,810). Therefore, a significant growth performance with a profitable income for the small scale farmers’ of haor areas might be promising from beef cattle fattening by dietary urea molasses straw treatment.

Keywords: Bangladesh, body weight, profitability, dietary, farmers