Agricultural Sciences Research Articles

GRU–Transformer: A Novel Hybrid Model for Predicting Soil Moisture Content in Root Zones

The accurate measurement of soil moisture content emerges as a critical parameter within the ambit of agricultural irrigation management, wherein the precise prediction of this variable plays an instrumental role in enhancing the efficiency and conservation of agricultural water resources. This study introduces an innovative, cutting-edge hybrid model that ingeniously integrates Gated Recirculation Unit (GRU) and Transformer technologies, meticulously crafted to amplify the precision and reliability of soil moisture content forecasts. Leveraging meteorological and soil moisture datasets amassed from eight monitoring stations in Hebei Province, China, over the period from 2011 to 2018, this investigation thoroughly assesses the model’s efficacy against a diverse array of input variables and forecast durations. This assessment is concurrently contrasted with a range of conventional machine learning and deep learning frameworks. The results demonstrate that (1) the GRU–Transformer model exhibits remarkable superiority across various aspects, particularly in short-term projections (1- to 2-day latency). The model’s mean square error (MSE) for a 1-day forecast is notably low at 5.22%, reducing further to a significant 2.71%, while the mean coefficient of determination (R2) reaches a high of 89.92%. Despite a gradual increase in predictive error over extended forecast periods, the model consistently maintains robust performance. Moreover, the model shows exceptional versatility in managing different soil depths, notably excelling in predicting moisture levels at greater depths, thereby surpassing its performance in shallower soils. (2) The model’s predictive error inversely correlates with the reduction in parameters. Remarkably, with a streamlined set of just six soil moisture content parameters, the model predicts an average MSE of 0.59% and an R2 of 98.86% for a three-day forecast, highlighting its resilience to varied parameter configurations. (3) In juxtaposition with prevalent models such as Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), XGBoost, Random Forest, and deep learning models like Deep Neural Network (DNN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and standalone GRU-branch and Transformer-branch models, the GRU–Transformer framework demonstrates a significant advantage in predicting soil moisture content with enhanced precision for a five-day forecast. This underscores its exceptional capacity to navigate the intricacies of soil moisture data. This research not only provides a potent decision-support tool for agricultural irrigation planning but also makes a substantial contribution to the field of water resource conservation and optimization in agriculture, while concurrently imparting novel insights into the application of deep learning techniques in the spheres of agricultural and environmental sciences.

Foliar application of nettle and Japanese knotweed extracts on Vitis vinifera: impact on phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and antioxidant activity during veraison and harvest of cv. Touriga Franca.

Plant-based extracts have been recently used as sustainable tools to improve biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and increase grape (Vitis vinifera L.) quality. However, knowledge about the effect of these extracts on secondary metabolism compounds, that are fundamental for grape and wine quality, is still scarce. In this study, a trial was installed in an experimental vineyard with the variety Touriga Franca located at University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Baixo Corgo sub-region of the Douro Demarcated Region, Portugal in two growing seasons: 2019 and 2020. The aim was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nettle (Urtica spp.) extract (NE) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) extract (JKE) on grapevines leaves and berries bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant activity, at veraison and harvest. The application of NE increased the total carotenoids in leaves and the total phenolics content and the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) in berries while JKE increased flavonoids content in leaves and the antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) in berries. These extracts seem to have a stimulatory effect on grapevine, enhancing bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant capacity and, consequently, the physiological performance of the plant and the quality of the berries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Studies on Chemical Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)]

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during kharif 2021-22 entitled studies on chemical weed management practices on growth and yield of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)].  The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications. Among all the treatments, hand weeing at 25-30 DAS, recorded significantly lower weed density, higher weed control efficiency that favoured higher growth and yield parameters. Whereas, among the chemical weed management practices, application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS as post emergent recorded significantly lower weed population (2.71/0.25 m2), lower weed dry weight (1.53/0.25 m2) and higher weed control efficiency (90.31 %) compared to other chemical weed management treatments. The treatment sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS as post emergent also recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (40.18 CM), number of branches (9.18),  and dry matter production at harvest (23.50 g plant-1)  and  yield components viz., number of pods plant-1 (46.69 ), number of seeds pod-1 (7.89), 100 seed weight (4.7 g), seed yield (1059 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments. Significantly higher net returns (Rs.48,406) were recorded in hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS, which was on par with application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25  DAS (Rs.45,066 ha-1). The higher benefit cost ratio was recorded with application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (3.08) followed by hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS.

Economic microbiology: exploring microbes as agents in economic systems.

Microbial communities exhibit striking parallels with economic markets, resembling intricate ecosystems where microorganisms engage in resource exchange akin to human market transactions. This dynamic network of resource swapping mirrors economic trade in human markets, with microbes specializing in metabolic functions much like businesses specializing in goods and services. Cooperation and competition are central dynamics in microbial communities, with alliances forming for mutual benefit and species vying for dominance, similar to businesses seeking market share. The human microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms within and on our bodies, is not only a marker of socioeconomic status but also a critical factor contributing to persistent health inequalities. Social and economic factors shape the composition of the gut microbiota, impacting healthcare access and quality of life. Moreover, these microbes exert indirect influence over human decisions by affecting neurotransmitter production, influencing mood, behavior, and choices related to diet and emotions. Human activities significantly impact microbial communities, from dietary choices and antibiotic use to environmental changes, disrupting these ecosystems. Beyond their natural roles, humans harness microbial communities for various applications, manipulating their interactions and resource exchanges to achieve specific goals in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. In conclusion, the concept of microbial communities as biological markets offers valuable insights into their intricate functioning and adaptability. It underscores the profound interplay between microbial ecosystems and human health and behavior, with far-reaching implications for multiple disciplines. To paraphrase Alfred Marshall, "the Mecca of the economist lies in economic microbiology."

Touches on the history of agrarian science in Siberia

A review of the origin, development, current state and scientific achievements of agrarian science in Siberia is given. Historical information about the development of agriculture during the period of resettlement of millions of peasants from the European part of the Russian Empire is given. The beginning of the first systematic scientific research in Siberia is described. The history of the creation of the Siberian Branch of the V.I. Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VASKhNIL), to coordinate and strengthen scientific research on agricultural topics in the vast eastern part of the country is presented. The research institutes that were part of the Siberian Branch are given. The stages of reforming the SB VASKhNIL are described: Siberian Branch of Rosselkhozakademy (the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences), Federal Agency of Scientific Organizations (FASO), Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SFSCA RAS). Information is given about the scientific achievements of Siberian scientists: more than one and a half thousand new varieties have been created and widely developed, hundreds of highly effective agro-technologies of cultivation of grain, fodder, fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops have been developed, dozens of productive breeds, types and lines of animals have been obtained, new agricultural machines and tools, preparations, test-systems and vaccines have been developed. Agricultural scientists who have made outstanding achievements in the development of agriculture are named.

EFFECT OF INSTANTANEOUS LIGHT INTENSITY AFTER MAGNESIUM SUPPRESSION IN TOMATO AND BELL PEPPER CULTIVATION

Plants dynamically respond to varying light intensities, which may further interact with their nutrient status to affect gas exchange parameters. This study investigated the combined effect of instantaneous light intensity and magnesium suppression on tomato and bell pepper cultivation. Two independent experiments were conducted in September 2022 using the tomato variety Mariana (Sakata®) and bell pepper variety Magali R (Sakata®) at the Faculty of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil. A completely randomized 2x5 factorial design was employed, with the first factor being the presence/absence of magnesium in the nutrient solution and the second factor being four light intensities: 0 (control), 600, 1200, and 1800 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) applied instantaneously using an IRGA device. Magnesium deficiency was confirmed to be a limiting factor for gas exchange responses in both tomato and pepper crops. Notably, the light intensity of 1200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ PAR elicited the most optimal gas exchange performance in both plant species.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Benzyl Adenine (BA) on Vegetative Growth and Flower Induction in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras)

The present study was carried out during 2021 -2022 at the experimental farm of Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir. The trial was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty-one treatment combinations. The treatment comprised of three gladiolus varieties viz., American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty and two growth regulators with their three levels of each viz., BA (50, 75 and 100 ppm) and GA3 (100, 150 and 200 ppm), and compared with control. The influence of foliar application of plant growth regulator on vegetative growth and flower induction of three gladiolus varieties namely American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty. Growth regulators, viz., gibberellic acid (100, 150 and 200 ppm) and benzyl adenine (50, 75 and 100 ppm) were sprayed at 3 leaves and 6 leaves stage after planting of corms. The results revealed that foliar application of GA3 @ 200ppm on cv. ‘White Prosperity’ recorded maximum plant height (134.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.53), leaf area (74.41 cm2), minimum days to 50% spike emergence (95.00) and 50% basal floret showing colour (107.00 days). It can be concluded from the present investigation that gladiolus variety ‘White Prosperity’ performed better than other varieties in respect of all the vegetative and flowering parameters. Among interactions, foliar application of GA3 @200 ppm concentration significantly increased vegetative parameters and induced early flowering in variety White Prosperity.

Growth, Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) as Affected by Different Varieties and Spacing

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Narayan Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Jamuhar, Sasaram, Rohtas, (Bihar) during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to access the effect of different varieties and spacing on growth and yield of mustard. Treatment consisted of three varieties RH- 404, DRMR-1165-40 and NRCM-101 and three spacing viz. 30×10 cm, 40×10 cm and 50×10 cm. Present Experiment was conducted under randomized block design with three replications. The result of experiment showed that growth viz, plant height and dry weight and yield attributes viz., number of seeds/siliqua, biological yield (Kg/ha) and economics viz., cost of cultivation (Rs/ha), gross return (Rs/ha), net return (Rs/ha) and B:C ratio and yield were significantly affected due to different varieties and spacing. The maximum plant height (165.72 cm), dry weight (35.32 g/plant), number of seeds/siliqua (15.97), gross return (124623.3 Rs/ha), net return (74004.5 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio of (1.48) was found in treatment combination of NRCM-101 + 40 cm × 10 cm. However treatment combination of DRMR-1165-40 + 30 cm × 10 cm recorded maximum biological yield (6665.37 kg/ha).

Evaluation of Okra Varieties under Sub-humid Plains of South-East Rajasthan for Morphological and Phenological Traits

Vegetable crop okra is well known for its Indian vegetable export and household consumption, contribution and thus should be explored for cultivation under various agro climatic zones. Enhanced production of this crop is only possible via improved and high yielding cultivars in comparison to other cultivars grown at same time or under same condition. Hadoti region of South-East Rajasthan, can serve a okra production in better way if the productive varieties can be screened for this region, which is lacking till date. Hence an experiment is made to recommend a variety, which performs better under South-East climatic conditions of Rajasthan. The present study was conducted in the summer season during 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan. 12 varieties of okra viz. Parbhani Kranti, Parbhani Bhindi, Arka Anamika, Shahiba, Shan, No. 55, Harita, Jhilmil, No. 64, Sonal, Shakti, and Punjab Selection were evaluated in Randomized Block Design, with three replication. Analysis of variance revealed that all varieties differed significantly for all the traits. The results concluded that, variation for earliness, growth, yield and quality parameters as well. These results showed presence of significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Arka Anamika over other varieties in terms of maximum mean plant height (89.07 cm), number of leaves per plant (25.64), number of branches per plant (13.88), leaf length (19.03 cm), leaf width (25.32 cm) and leaf area (250.04 cm2) while minimum mean days taken to flowering opening to fruit picking (5.51 DAS) and days taken to first picking (47.16 DAS) was recorded in variety Punjab Selection under soil and climatic condition of Hadoti region of Rajasthan.

IPM Essentials: Combining Biology, Ecology, and Agriculture for Sustainable Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represents a paradigm shift in pest control, moving away from heavy reliance on chemical pesticides to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach. This article explores IPM, an ecosystem based strategy that integrates biological, ecological, and agricultural sciences to achieve longterm pest control in agriculture. IPM emphasizes understanding pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment, utilizing a combination of techniques including biological control, cultural practices, mechanical and physical barriers, and targeted chemical interventions. Regular monitoring and informed decision making form the crux of this approach, focusing on economically viable and environmentally responsible pest control methods. The article highlights various success stories, the challenges faced in implementing IPM, and future directions including the incorporation of precision agriculture technologies and genetic advancements. Overall, IPM emerges as a crucial element in sustainable agriculture, promising to maintain ecological balance while ensuring effective pest management and provides an in depth examination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a multifaceted approach to sustainable pest control that synergizes biology, ecology, and agricultural science. IPM represents a paradigm shift from traditional, chemically intensive pest control methods to a more holistic, environmentally conscious framework. The core of IPM lies in understanding the life cycles and ecological interactions of pests, employing a diverse array of strategies including biological control through natural predators, cultural practices like crop rotation, mechanical and physical barriers, and judicious use of chemical pesticides. The article underscores the importance of regular monitoring and decision making based on established thresholds to maintain an effective, economically viable, and ecologically responsible pest management system. Case studies highlighting the successful implementation of IPM in various agricultural settings are discussed, alongside the challenges and prospects of IPM, particularly in the context of climate change and technological advancements. The article concludes that IPM is not only essential for sustainable pest control but also pivotal in ensuring long term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Response of various carbon sources for in vitro culture establishment and shoot proliferation of banana cv. Chinichampa (AAB) through shoot tip 

Bananas are one of the most important tropical fruits in the world market, a significant staple food and a major export commodity. In vitro propagated banana plants are steadily becoming the planting material of choice because of disease free, uniformity and the possibility of rapid multiplication. The present investigation was carried out at the tissue culture laboratory, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus during the year 2019-2022. Data recorded for different parameters viz. days to greening, days required for multiple buds’ initiation, number of multiple buds produced per explant and length of multiple buds after 30 days were subjected to completely randomized design (CRD). The present study revealed the importance of various carbon sources and its role in micropropagation of banana through shoot tip culture. The minimum day to greening, multiple buds initiation and maximum length of multiple buds was observed in shoot proliferation medium supplemented (SPM S) with 30g sucrose. The highest number of multiple buds was recorded in shoot proliferation medium supplemented with 30g table sugar. The results indicate the significance of sucrose as carbon sources in micropropagation of banana. They improved plant regeneration and facilitated rapid multiplication of disease and virus free banana plantlets.

Influence of Solarization on Seed Quality of Bruchid Infested and Fresh Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Seeds during Storage.

During July 2018 and April 2019, the laboratory study was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology and National Seed Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, to investigate the influence of solarization on the seed quality of both bruchid-infested and fresh cowpea seeds (cv. IT38956-1). The findings indicated that subjecting fresh seeds to solarization in clear polyethylene packets (700 gauge) for 3 hours daily over 6 days resulted in the lowest seed moisture content (11.03%), highest germination rate (70.67%), longest mean seedling length (21.80 cm), highest mean seedling dry weight (46.10 mg), enhanced seedling vigour indices I and II (1541 and 3258), improved field emergence (68.33%), elevated TDH activity (1.43), higher protein content (19.73%), and reduced electrical conductivity of leachate (927 µS cm-1) after nine months of storage, compared to the control.

Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Influenced by Different Varieties and Spacing

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Narayan Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Jamuhar, Sasaram, Rohtas, (Bihar) during the rabi (winter) season of 2022-2023 to access the effect of different varieties and spacing on growth and yield of mustard. Treatment consisted of three varieties RH- 404, DRMR-1165-40 and NRCM-101 and three spacing viz. 30×10 cm, 40×10 cm and 50×10 cm. Experiment was conducted under randomized block design with three replications. The result showed that growth viz. plant height, dry weight and yield attributes viz, number of siliqua/plant, length of siliqua (cm), test weight, grain yield (kg/ha) and harvest index (%) and yield were significantly affected due to different treatment combination. The maximum plant height (179.60 cm), dry weight (38.49 g/plant) at harvest, number of siliqua (395.33/plant), length of siliqua (6.54 cm), test weight (6.50 g), grain yield (2286.67 Kg/ha) and harvest index (34.80 %) was recorded in treatment combination of NRCM-101 + 40 cm × 10 cm.

Response of carbon sources and their various concentrations on in vitro rooting of banana cv. Chinichampa (AAB) through shoot tip ​

In vitro propagated banana plants are steadily becoming the planting material of choice because of disease free, uniformity and the possibility of rapid multiplication. The present investigation was carried out at the tissue culture laboratory, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus during the year 2019-2022. Data recorded for different parameters viz. days to greening, days required for multiple buds’ initiation, number of multiple buds produced per explant and length of multiple buds after 30 days were subjected to completely randomized design (CRD). The present study revealed the importance of various carbon sources and their role in micropropagation of banana through shoot tip culture. The minimum days required for root initiation were observed in root induction media (RIM) supplemented with 30g glucose. Rooting percentage (%), number of roots per shoot and length of longest roots (cm) after 30 days was seen in RIM supplemented with table sugar at 40g, 30g and 20g respectively. Meanwhile maximum average length of shoot (cm) after 30 days was observed in RIM supplemented with 40g glucose and highest number of leaves per plantlets was recorded in RIM supplemented with 30g sucrose. The results indicate the significance of carbon sources in micropropagation of banana. They improved plant regeneration and facilitated rapid multiplication of disease and virus free banana plantlets.

Differentiated Analysis of the Occupational Integration of Young Agricultural Bachelor Degree Holders in Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Case Study from the University of Abomey-Calavi in the Republic of Benin

At a time when agricultural entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a crucial alternative to unemployment and underemployment, particularly in developing countries, it is becoming imperative to have baseline or reference information on entry into the agricultural entrepreneurship sector. This article gives an overview of the integration of 1,305 agricultural bachelor degree holders into agricultural entrepreneurship in Benin. These bachelors studied and graduated in the bachelor-master-doctorate program (labeled LMD program) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi (FSA/UAC) between 2011 and 2020. Data related to the occupational integration of this target population were collected with the help of online surveys. These data were statistically analyzed using Excel v.2019 and STATA v.15. Results reveal an overall integration rate of 16.17%, with significant variations ranging from 6% to 27% from one year to the next. Gender disparities are also notable, with only 29.52% of target bachelors entering agricultural entrepreneurship as women.

Dietary proteins: from evolution to engineering.

Because of the indispensable amino acids dietary proteins are the most important macronutrients. Proper growth and body maintenance depends on the quantity and quality of protein intake and proteins have thus been most crucial throughout evolution with hominins living in quite diverse food ecosystems. Developments in agriculture and food science have increased availability and diversity of food including protein for a rapidly growing world population while nutrient deficiencies resulting in stunting in children for example have been reduced. Nevertheless, the developing world and growing population needs more protein of high quality - with around 400 million tons per annum estimated for 2050. In contrary, protein consumption in all developed countries exceeds meanwhile the recommended intakes considerably with consequences for health and the environment. There is a growing interest in dietary proteins driven by the quest for more sustainable diets and the increasing food demand for a growing world population. This brings new and novel sources such as algae, yeast, insects or bacteria into play in delivering the biomass but also new technologies such as precision fermentation or in vitro meat/fish or dairy. What needs to be considered when such new protein sources are explored is that proteins need to provide not only the required amino acids but also functionality in the food produced thereof. This review considers human physiology and metabolism in the context of protein intake from an evolutionary perspective and prospects on future protein production.

Editorial: Application of artificial intelligence in environmental, agriculture and earth sciences

Editorial: Application of artificial intelligence in environmental, agriculture and earth sciences

Influence of Different Culture Media on Growth and Sporulation of Colletotrichum capsici

Aim: To know the best culture media for growth and development of Colletotrichum capsici causing chilli anthracnose.
 Study Design: Twelve different culture media were selected and three replications were maintained.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnatka, which was carried out in the year 2021-2023.
 Methodology: The laboratory study was conducted to know the best nutrient media for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen. The pathogen was isolated from infected chilli fruit using tissue isolation technique and pure culture was maintained. Twelve different nutrient media were selected and tested for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen in three replications.
 Results: Among twelve media tested, Red chilli dextrose agar have promoted the maximum growth of C. capsici (90.0 mm), which was followed by carrot dextrose agar and potato carrot agar (89.50 mm). Green chilli extract agar significantly promoted minimum growth of C. capsici (33.50 mm), which was followed by red chilli extract agar (48.00 mm) and Sarbouraud’s agar (48.50 mm). The cultural characters were varied among the media.
 Conclusion: Potato dextrose agar and carrot dextrose agar media were proved to be best media for growth and sporulation of Colletotrichum capsica.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 3

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 16, No. 3, 2024.

Bi-cropping of castor bean and nutri-millets optimizes system productivity, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint in rainfed alfisols of semi-arid tropics

Intercropping enhances diversity, productivity, resilience, and soil health. To achieve these benefits of the intercropping system, drilling patterns and species mixture play a key role. Therefore, to optimize the productivity, profitability, energetics, and carbon footprint of the castor-based millet intercropping system, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive kharif seasons (2020 − 2021 and 2021 − 2022) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka (India). The results revealed that all the crops under monoculture outperformed their intercropping system for seed and stalk/stover yield. Among the different cropping systems, castor + finger millet (2:4) showed highest castor equivalent yield (CEY; 1911 kg ha−1) due to excellent land utilization efficiency (LUE; 106%), land equivalent ratio (LER; 1.13), land equivalent co-efficient (LEC; 0.32) compared to other cropping systems. Castor + finger millet (2:4) was even found superior in terms of monetary returns. Finger millet monoculture showed the highest energy consumption (10,770 MJ ha−1), energy output (96,507 MJ ha−1), and also net energy gain (85,737 MJ ha−1) compared to other cropping systems. However, it was comparable with castor + finger millet (2:4) despite its modest energy consumption (10,530 MJ ha−1). Castor monoculture showed the highest carbon (C) emission (2045 kg CO2-eq. ha−1) and also C output (1760 kg CE ha−1). While, net C gain (1210 kg CE ha−1), C efficiency (3.39 kg kg−1 CE), and C stability index (2.39) were highest in the castor + finger millet intercropping system. Consequently, the adoption of a castor + finger millet (2:4) intercropping system will be a viable alternative for achieving enhanced system productivity, and energy efficiency with lower C-footprints under semi-arid regions.