Allium chinense is a perennial species native to China, cultivated and naturalized in the Himalayas. Regarding the habitat, it thrives primarily in the Tropical and Sub-tropical areas of Japan, China and widely cultured in many other parts of eastern Asia. A. Chinese is an immunity-boosting food rich in fructans and its essential oil can be used as fumigant against pest control programs. The leaves and the bulb of this crop can be eaten raw or cooked. Geographically it is a vital, yet underutilized, medicinal, and culinary plant, traditionally used by ethnic communities in Karbi Anglong, Assam. Known for its bulbs and leaves, it serves as a nutritious ingredient rich in sulfur compounds and antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and blood-pressure-regulating benefits. Despite its potential, it remains largely underexploited commercially in the region. Though this crop is economically significant throughout eastern Asia as a valuable, yet sometimes considered as a threatened species due to its reliance on localized traditional cultivation and wild harvesting in the region. Through this paper it is attempted to create awareness on the importance of this crop and popularise for large scale commercial cultivation among the farmers of Hill regions of Assam.

Coupled effects of seed-discharge parameters and seedbed geometry on Allium chinense seeds–soil bounce

Background: Fructans are fructose-based polysaccharides with diverse biological activities; however, their direct activity on skin cells remains unresolved. This study investigated the biological activity of fructan extracted from rakkyo (Allium chinense) (RF) and examined its effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism, particularly collagen and hyaluronan synthesis, in human dermal fibroblasts. Methods: RF was prepared from fresh rakkyo bulbs by aqueous extraction, alkaline clarification, and membrane filtration. The average molecular weight and structural characteristics of RF were analyzed using size-exclusion chromatography and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were treated with RF by culturing cells in RF-supplemented medium (0.1-1.0 mg/mL). Cell viability and viable cell number were evaluated using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue exclusion assays, respectively. Expression of ECM-related genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR, and collagen and hyaluronan production were quantified by Sirius Red staining and ELISA. Results: RF had an average molecular weight of approximately 11,500 Da and consisted of nearly equal proportions of inulin- and levan-type fructans. RF (≤1 mg/mL) increased the number of viable cells and markedly upregulated collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) and hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) expression while downregulating Hyal1 expression. After 9 days of treatment, the cumulative production of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid increased by 3.8- and 1.3-fold, respectively, as compared with controls. Upregulation of lysyl oxidase (LOX) mRNA suggested enhanced collagen cross-linking, whereas MMP-1 showed only modest induction. Conclusions: Rakkyo-derived fructan directly stimulates collagen and hyaluronan synthesis in dermal fibroblasts, likely through regulation of ECM-related genes. These results suggest that rakkyo-derived fructan modulates ECM-related readouts in NHDFs under controlled in vitro conditions. Further validation in more complex skin models and in vivo studies is necessary.

The genus Allium L. includes economically significant crops such as Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.) and onions (Allium cepa L.), and is utilized in diverse agricultural applications, with numerous cultivars developed to date. However, these cultivars are facing a reduction in genetic diversity, raising concerns regarding their long-term sustainability. Crop wild relatives (CWRs), which possess a wide range of genetic traits, have recently gained attention as important genetic resources and priorities for conservation. In this study, the taxonomy of Allium species distributed in Korea is assessed using morphological characteristics. Two types of morphological analyses were conducted: macro-morphological traits were examined using stereomicroscopy and multi-spectral image analyses, while micro-morphological traits were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. We detected significant interspecific and intraspecific variation in macro-morphological traits. Among the micro-morphological features, the seed outline on the x-axis and structural patterns of the testa and periclinal walls were identified as reliable diagnostic characters for subgenus classification. Moreover, micro-morphological evidence contributed to inferences about evolutionary trends within the genus Allium. Based on phylogenetic relationships between wild and cultivated taxa, we propose an updated framework for the CWR inventory of Allium.

The study compared the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and scavenging capacity (IC50) of leaves and stalks/bulbs of lokio (Allium chinense G. Don), an underutilised allium species, and compared them with two commercially popular onions, i.e., spring onion (Allium fistulosum L.) and green onion (Allium ascalonicum L.). Extracts of the three alliums exhibited distinct antioxidant capacity, and significant differences existed in TPC, TFC, and IC50 among the three species. The allium stalk/bulb contained significantly higher TPC, TFC, and IC50 than its green leaf counterparts, with a strong correlation (r = 0.9064). It was observed that the TPC of the bulb/stalk of A. chinense (20.20 mg/g GAE FW) was higher as compared to A. fistulosum (19.97 mg/g GAE FW) and A. ascalonicum (19.62 mg/g GAE FW). Meanwhile, in terms of TFC, the bulb of A. ascalonicum contained the highest (5.06 mg/g QE FW), followed by A. chinense (3.63 mg/g QE FW) and A. fistulosum (1.70 mg/g QE FW). Among the three alliums, A. chinense had the highest antioxidant capacity, as indicated by a lower IC50 in the white stalks (97.40 ppm), followed by A. ascalonicum (98.21 ppm) and A. fistulosum (100.80 ppm). This study also revealed strong correlations (r > 0.90) between TPC, TFC, and the antioxidant capacity of tested allium. The results of the current assessment would be useful for future studies and applications of lokio (Allium chinense G. Don) as an alternative to popular spring onion and green onion in food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic product development.

This field experiment research, conducted in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, from August 26, 2022 to December 10, 2022, attempted to assess the impact of different fertilizer interventions on sakurab (Allium chinense G. Don) yield. Having a Split Plot Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) set-up, the experiment had treatment factors such as organic fertilizers (Control, Vermicast, Chicken dung, Vermicast + Chicken dung) and inorganic fertilizers (Control, Complete Fertilizer 14-14-14, Ammonium phosphate 16-20-0, Urea 46-0-0). The objectives were to determine the growth and yield of sakurab with different organic and inorganic fertilizers and to assess the combined impact of such fertilizers on sakurab yield. The study indicated outstanding variations in plant height, which is a reflection of the synergistic benefit of the organic blend of vermicast and chicken dung. Inorganic fertilizers, in the form of Urea (46-0-0), had comparable effects to the use of no fertilizers. On leaf number, inorganic fertilizers significantly affected leaf number, whereas organic fertilizers were shown to guarantee balanced nutrition supply and soil fertility improvement. The study emphasized sakurab’s plasticity to fertilization treatment, with emphasis on resistance to synthetic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers greatly outperformed inorganic fertilizers in vegetative yield, and the vermicast and chicken dung blend had the greatest value. In summary, the research provides useful information to improve sakurab yield by using targeted fertilization techniques, highlighting the use of organic fertilization advantages and judicious inorganic fertilizer choice. The research advises farmers to implement a two-way chicken manure and vermicast system, look for alternatives of other inorganic fertilizers with optimal nutrient content, and build tolerance to adjusting fertilization techniques. Promotion of local and organic practices and ongoing research into synergistic fertilizer blends and economics is essential to sustainable sakurab cultivation.

Spring onion (Allium chinense) is an important condiment crop in Nagaland known for its diverse landraces.The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability and interrelationships among yield and yield-contributing traits.Significant differences were recorded among 20 genotypes in all studied characters except for pseudostem length and pseudostem diameter.The GCV and PCV for yield per plot, bulb size, weight of whole cluster, number of cluster and bulb diameter were high indicating presence of sufficient variation for these traits.In the present investigation, high values of heritability and genetic advance were obtained for bulb size followed by weight of whole cluster and number of cluster.Correlation analysis revealed that the degree of genotypic correlation was higher than phenotypic correlation.The path analysis showed that the traits like number of leaves, number of cluster, weight of the whole cluster and dry matter content could serve as selection criteria in future breeding programs for improving yield potential in Allium chinense.The 20 genotypes of Allium chinense were grouped into 4 different clusters.ClusterI &III showed maximum inter cluster distance followed by cluster I & IV.Among different characters studied, contribution of days to 80% maturity was maximum towards divergence followed by bulb size.

Introduction: Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a sustainable agricultural enterprise with significant nutritional, medicinal, and economic potential. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is particularly valued due to its adaptability to a wide range of lignocellulosic substrates and its relatively rapid growth cycle Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selected botanicals on the growth performance of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), focusing on the time required for complete spawn run, primordial initiation, and formation of mature fruiting bodies. The objective was to identify effective bio-additives capable of shortening the crop cycle and improving cultivation efficiency so that multiple harvests ensuring high profitability per year can be achieved. Study Design: A completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used across two consecutive trials. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted at the Mushroom Research Laboratory and Mushroom Crop Room, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj from 2021 to 2023, covering two cropping seasons: 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. Methodology: Wheat straw substrate was enriched with 2.5% powdered botanicals. Treatments included Allium chinense, Allium sativum, Allium hookeri, Azadirachta indica, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum, Mentha sp., Solanum aethiopicum and Curcuma longa, along with an untreated control. Data on spawn run, primordial initiation and fruiting body formation were collected and analyzed using the critical difference (CD) test at 5% significance. Results: Allium chinense consistently showed the best performance with the shortest spawn run (14.20 days), earliest primordia initiation (15.90 days) and fruiting body formation (19.90 days). Azadirachta indica (15.90, 18.05, and 22.75 days) and Allium sativum (16.70, 19.00, and 24.80 days) also performed well. Allium hookeri showed moderate benefits, while Zingiber officinale and Mentha sp. produced intermediate results. Solanum aethiopicum, Ocimum sanctum and Curcuma longa were less effective, but all performed better than the control, which recorded the longest durations (24.45, 27.15, and 32.95 days). Conclusion: The findings confirm that botanicals, particularly Allium chinense, Azadirachta indica, and Allium sativum, enhance Pleurotus ostreatus growth by reducing crop duration and improving substrate conditions. For farmers, this means faster harvests, lower production costs, reduced crop losses and higher profitability through eco-friendly methods. Future research should focus on optimizing botanical concentrations, testing across mushroom species and exploring their role in improving nutritional quality and sustainable cultivation practices.

Ethylene glycol is a chemical compound that when entered into the body can cause damage to kidney cells/tissue. Batak onion is an ethnomedical plant that acts as a natural antioxidant that is very necessary for the body. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Batak onion ethanol extract on the score of kidney histopathology damage and glomerular diameter of white rats induced by ethylene glycol. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 25 white rats consisting of 5 treatment groups, namely the negative control group given food and water, the positive control group 0.75% ethylene glycol, treatment group 1 0.75% ethylene glycol and ethanol extract of Batak onion 250 mg/kg BW, treatment group 2 0.75% ethylene glycol and ethanol extract of Batak onion 500 mg/kg BW, treatment group 3 0.75% ethylene glycol and ethanol extract of Batak onion 750 mg/kg BW. The research data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's further test. The results of the study showed that the administration of Batak onion ethanol extract had an effect on the histopathological damage score of the kidneys of white rats (p<0.05) with the most optimal extract dose of 500 mg/kg BW and 750 mg/kg BW and had an effect on the glomerular diameter of the kidneys of white rats (p<0.05) with the most optimal extract dose of 500 mg/kg BW and 750 mg/kg BW. These results indicate that the administration of Batak onion ethanol extract had an effect on the histopathological damage score of the kidneys and the glomerular diameter of white rats induced by ethylene glycol.

The cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) offers a sustainable avenue for nutritional, medicinal and economic development. Enhancing its morphological and yield parameters through natural substrate enrichment is a promising approach to improve both quality and productivity. The present study evaluated the effects of selected botanicals Allium sativum, Solanum aethiopicum, Azadirachta indica, Allium chinense, Zingiber officinale, Allium hookeri, Ocimum sanctum, Mentha sp., and Curcuma longa on the growth and yield of P. ostreatus. The experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2021–2023) at the Mushroom Crop Room and Research Laboratory, SHUATS, Prayagraj, using a completely randomized design with ten replications. Morphological traits, including pileus width and stipe length and yield attributes such as number of fruiting bodies, total yield and biological efficiency, were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results revealed that Allium chinense consistently produced the widest pileus (7.46 cm), longest stipe (8.05 cm), highest number of fruiting bodies (120.30), maximum yield (204.50 g) and biological efficiency (87.37%), followed by Azadirachta indica and Allium sativum. The observed improvement in growth and yield attributes may be attributed to the bioactive metabolites in these botanicals, which enhance enzymatic activity and suppress microbial competition within the substrate. The study concludes that botanical enrichment, particularly with A. chinense, can serve as an effective and eco-friendly strategy for improving the morphology, yield and biological efficiency of oyster mushrooms, thereby supporting sustainable and profitable mushroom cultivation practices

A saponin fraction from Allium chinense G. Don. bulbs has previously been reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against melanoma and carcinoma cell lines; however, the active compounds responsible for this cytotoxicity have not been identified. A phytochemical investigation was conducted on A. chinense bulbs to identify novel anticancer seeds from natural products. Seven steroidal glycosides (1-7), comprising three spirostan-type (1-3) and four furostan-type (4-7), were obtained. This is the first report of the isolation of 6 and 7 from A. chinese. The cytotoxicity of 1-7 was evaluated in SBC-3 human small-cell lung cancer cells using the MTT assay. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against SBC-3 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 15 to 42μM dose-dependently. Compound 3, (25R)-3β-[(O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5α-spirostan-6-one, which exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity among the isolated compounds, induced caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death via both mitochondrial dysfunction leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by ROS. Furthermore, since calreticulin exposure on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and extracellular ATP release were observed in SBC-3 cells treated with 3, it may elicit immunogenic cell death in SBC-3 cells.

Allium chinense G. Don is valued for its edible and medicinal qualities. It has been reported that Allium chinense has the potential to inhibit platelet activation, but its mechanism of action is unknown, which needs to be further explored. This study investigates the anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury potential of Allium chinense from the perspective of platelet activation, focusing on its chemical composition and underlying mechanisms of action. A combination of transcriptome sequencing, molecular docking, and experimental validation was employed in our study. The antiplatelet active fraction MT-95ET of Allium chinense was screened by the ADP-induced platelet aggregation model in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that MT-95ET can reduce the myocardial injury of I/R rats and inhibit I/R-induced platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS was used to identify 13 compounds from MT-95ET. Transcriptome sequencing and molecular docking identified aerobic glycolysis key checkpoints PDK1 and PKM2 as key targets, with Sarsasapogenin and Hecogenin exhibiting strong binding affinities to these proteins. Western blot analysis further validated that MT-95ET downregulated PKM2 and PDK1, indicating a possible mechanism for its antiplatelet effects and anti-myocardial I/R injury.

Geographical origin authentication of onions has become significant owing to origin labelling fraud in South Korea. Various analytical techniques based on stable isotope ratios, organic and inorganic constituents, or their combinations, can distinguish agricultural products geographically. However, studies on the geographical classification of South Korean and Chinese onions using stable isotopes and minerals remain scarce. This study aimed to discriminate geographically between South Korean and Chinese onions using stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) and mineral contents (K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Sr) combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Fifty-eight onion samples cultivated in South Korea and China were collected in 2023. The two stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ34S) and six minerals (K, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, and Sr) significantly differed between these onions. These variables were applied in orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis to classify the onion samples regionally. The predictive ability and goodness-of-fit parameters (R 2 X and R 2 Y) were 0.671, 0.383, and 0.677, respectively. K, Sr, δ34S, and Na served as potential markers contributing to the classification. Therefore, stable isotopes and mineral elements may serve as effective indicators for the geographical discrimination of South Korean and Chinese onion samples using multivariate analyses.

The investigation focused on Tl, Hg, As, and Sb as the targeted contaminants in the soil surrounding a thallium mining region in southwestern China. Potential sources of toxic elements were identified using correlation analysis and principal component analysis. By interpreting the results of correlation and principal component analysis, the potential sources of Tl, Hg, As, and Sb were identified to include the mining and smelting industry. Additionally, Tl, Hg, and As are influenced by agricultural activities, while Sb is also associated with the soil parent material. Various analytical methods including the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, Hakanson potential ecological risk index and hazard quotient assessment were employed to evaluate the sources of heavy metal pollution and associated health risks to crops. Results indicated elevated exceedance rates of Tl, Hg, and Sb in the farmland soil. Approximately 37.9% and 16.7% of the sampling locations were classified as highly and moderately polluted, respectively. Furthermore, toxic elements posed significant ecological risks to the soil, particularly with substantial contributions from Hg and Tl toward the overall risk index. Crop samples collected showed elevated levels of Tl, Hg, and As, particularly in leafy vegetables compared to cereals. Notably, the hazard quotient (HQ) values for Tl in cabbage and Lotus were 1.462 and 5.511, respectively, whereas the HQ value for Hg in Allium chinense was 1.773, posing a significant threat to human health. These findings offer valuable data and theoretical foundation for further investigations into the sources and risks associated with toxic elements in farmland near thallium mining sites.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharide from Allium chinense G. Don epidermal waste: Evaluation of extraction mechanism, physicochemical properties, and bioactivities.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and enzyme inhibitory activityof Allium chinense extracts from North Sumatra, Indonesia. The bulbs were extracted using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol, and their bioactive compounds were analyzed. Ethanol extraction yielded the highest concentrations of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics, correlating with strong biological activity. Theantioxidant activity, assessed through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, showed the ethanolic extract exhibiting the highest inhibition at 78.10 ± 0.65% (DPPH) and 86.45 ± 2.65% (ABTS) at 500 µg/mL. Additionally, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the strongest inhibition of α-amylase (80.96 ± 0.71%) and α-glucosidase (84.51±1.49%) at 600 µg/mL, indicating its potential as a natural antidiabetic agent. Statistical analysis using two-wayANOVA confirmed significant effects of extract type and concentration on enzyme inhibition (p < 0.05), while nosignificant interaction was observed. Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed significant differences between solvent extractions, emphasizing the role of polar solvents in extracting enzyme-inhibiting bioactives. The findings support SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being) and suggest that A. chinense could be utilized as a functional food ingredient or phytopharmaceutical for diabetes management. Further research is needed to isolate key active compounds, assess their mechanisms of action, and validate their efficacy in vivo.

Chicken nuggets are processed products that are easily contaminated if the processing and storage of the product are not good. Batak onions contain antioxidant compounds that can prevent oxidative damage to chicken nuggets. This study aims to determine the effect of using Batak onion juice on the physical quality and organoleptic quality of chicken nuggets. The study was conducted at the Technology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture and the Animal Production Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra in November 2023. The research design used was RAL (Completely Randomized Design) with 4 treatments, namely P0 = 0%, P1 = 5%, P2 = 10%, P3 = 15% and 5 replications. The parameters of this study were physical quality tests, namely pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity, and organoleptic tests of color, taste, aroma and texture. The results of this study indicate that Batak onion juice with a concentration of 5%, 10%, 15% has a significant effect (P <0.05) on the physical quality and organoleptic quality of taste and aroma in chicken nuggets but does not affect the color and texture

Jiaotou (Allium chinense G. Don) is a culinary and aromatic herb belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to China and cultivated for its culinary uses in many other countries, which also possess high medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine (Rhetso et al. 2020). In March 2023, a disease resembling anthracnose was detected in the fields of Changde city, Hunan Province, China. The symptoms manifested as yellow to brown necrotic spots located at the tip or middle of the blade. The lesions tended to wrinkle, leading to leaf distortion, thinning, and wilting. This disease has a high incidence rate of approximately 50% in an area of nearly 20 hectares. Ten symptomatic plants were collected for pathogen isolation. The leaf tissues were surface sterilized using 70% ethyl alcohol and 2% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile distilled water, and then transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 26°C in the dark. Ten colonies with similar cultural morphology were selected from the 10 affected plant samples. The fungal strains produced densely aerial mycelium on PDA, displaying off-white to gray-brown coloration. Conidia were hyaline, curved or slightly curved, aseptate, with a rounded apex and truncate base, contained oil globules, and measuring 21.0 to 29.0 × 4.1 to 5.3 μm (n = 50. Appressoria were dark brown, irregular in shape, partially lobed, and measured 6.5 to 15.5 µm long × 5.0 to 10.5 µm wide. Setae were straight, dark brown, with two- to three-septate, 78.5 to 155.4 μm long (n = 50). These morphological characteristics were similar to Colletotrichum spaethianum (Damm et al. 2009). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS-1) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes of three representative strains, JT-1, JT-2 and JT-3, were amplified and sequenced as described in Weir et al. (2012). These sequences were 99 to 100% identical to corresponding sequences of C. spaethianum strains (565/569 bp, MN396364.1 for ITS; 565/569 bp, MN433299.1 for ACT; 262/263 bp, MN433298.1 for GAPDH; 272/272 bp, MH020773 for CHS-1, respectively) (Zhong et al. 2020; Liu et al. 2020; Sun et al. 2020). A concatenated phylogenetic tree showed that all three strains were clustered within the C. spaethianum clade. The sequences of isolate JT-1 were deposited in GenBank (accession nos. PP911453, PP911607, PP911605, and PP911606 for ITS, ACT, GAPDH and CHS-1, respectively). For pathogenicity assays, 1-month-old seedings of A. chinense in plots were inoculated by spraying with a conidial suspension (1 × 105 conidia/ml) until runoff. Control plants were sprayed with sterilized water. All the inoculated plants were kept in a greenhouse at 25°C with a 12-h/12-h light/dark cycle. The experiment was conducted twice with three replications each. After 7 days, symptoms similar to those observed in the field developed on leaves of the inoculated plants, whereas the control plants remained asymptomatic C. spaethianum was specifically reisolated and identified from the symptomatic leaves, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Colletotrichum spaethianum has been recorded as a pathogen fungus on many medicinal plants, such as Peucedanum praeruptorum (Guo et al. 2013), Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Okorley et al. 2019), and Paris polyphylla (Zhong et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. spaethianum causing anthracnose on Jiaotou in China. Effective control measures should be implemented to mitigate potential further damage to Jiaotou cultivation.

Crop price forecasting is difficult in that supply is not as elastic as demand, therefore, supply and demand should be stabilized through long-term forecasting and pre-response to the price. In this study, we propose a Parametric Seasonal-Trend Autoregressive Neural Network (PaSTANet), which is a hybrid model that includes both a multi-kernel residual convolution neural network model and a Gaussian seasonality-trend model. To compare the performance of the PaSTANet, we used daily data from the Garak market for four crops: onion, radish, Chinese cabbage, and green onion, and performed long-term price forecasts for one year in 2023. The PaSTANet shows good performance on all four crops compared to other conventional statistical and deep learning-based models. In particular, for onion, the (mean absolute error (MAE) for the long-term forecast of 2023 is 107, outperforming the second-best Prophet (152) by 29.6%. Chinese cabbage, radish, and green onion all outperform the existing models with MAE of 2008, 3703, and 557, respectively. Moreover, using the confidence interval, the predicted price was categorized into three intervals: probability, caution, and warning. Comparing the percentage of classified intervals about the true prices in our test set, we found that they accurately detect the large price volatility.

The present study was conducted to examine the in-depth information of the socio-economic and constraints faced by the respondents during the production and marketing of Chinese onion in the concerned place of study. The data were collected through personal interview schedule by the researcher by adopting the purposive simple random technique from one district and two blocks were purposely selected and three villages from each block were selected by random method, which has make a total of 90 respondents selected from the six numbers of selected villages. The study revealed that majority of the farmers (62.00%) belonged to the middle age group (40 to 61 years). The study revealed that majority of the respondents had small sized field (0.008 to 0.024 ha). Among the various constraints in technology adoption to production, problems due to pest and diseases, lack of irrigation facility, lack of proper market, were the major challenges. Lack of all weather roads, no support prices and no reliable sources of distant market information were the major constraint faced in the marketing of Chinese onion.