Boost Crop Yields Research Articles

Challenges, Developments, and Perspectives of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in Modern Agricultural System

One of the long-term solutions for agriculture’s depletion of natural resources and degradation of the environment has been identified as conservation agriculture systems with proper crop and soil management. With the progress of the era, great changes have taken place in the field of agriculture. At present, it is possible to produce sufficient crops through conservation agriculture, along with economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits. Conservation techniques greatly lower the danger to food safety on a farm. CA is a farming method used to boost crop yield and sustainability that depends on three principles: minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and surface crop residue retention. This paper summarizes the importance, benefits, and challenges of conservation agriculture in a precise manner. In this study, we also discuss the way to increase the practice of conservation agricultureas well as the present research scenario of Bangladesh. At last, some research gaps are highlighted. Through this review, students and researchers will know the current development status of CA clearly and briefly.

Biomass Waste Conversion Technologies and Its Application for Sustainable Environmental Development—A Review

With the global population continuing to increase, the demand for food and energy has escalated, resulting in severe environmental pressures. Traditional methods of food and energy production have left a significant footprint on the environment, primarily due to the emission of greenhouse gases and a notable surge in waste production. Nevertheless, scientists have recently focused on developing sustainable solutions by managing biomass waste and converting it into useful products. Various biomass conversion technologies, including pyrolysis, gasification, and fermentation, have emerged to transform waste materials into valuable commodities like biofuels, fertilizers, and chemicals. These technologies present an alternative to conventional energy production methods and decrease reliance on non-renewable resources. Furthermore, the by-products generated through biomass conversion, such as biochar, possess utility as valuable soil amendments. This review emphasizes the potential of biomass conversion technologies in providing sustainable solutions for waste management, food and energy production, and reducing negative environmental impacts while providing valuable by-products for agricultural use. The focus is on Lebanon, which is facing a waste and energy crisis, with an aim to encourage and promote sustainable practices by highlighting different green waste management technologies. Focusing on the application of biochar in soil, our goal is to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions to various agricultural and environmental challenges in Lebanon. This includes using biochar from biomass waste as a soil amendment to boost crop yields, remediate soil pollution, reduce soil drought stress, and address other related issues.

Deciphering the mechanisms, hormonal signaling, and potential applications of endophytic microbes to mediate stress tolerance in medicinal plants.

The global healthcare market in the post-pandemic era emphasizes a constant pursuit of therapeutic, adaptogenic, and immune booster drugs. Medicinal plants are the only natural resource to meet this by supplying an array of bioactive secondary metabolites in an economic, greener and sustainable manner. Driven by the thrust in demand for natural immunity imparting nutraceutical and life-saving plant-derived drugs, the acreage for commercial cultivation of medicinal plants has dramatically increased in recent years. Limited resources of land and water, low productivity, poor soil fertility coupled with climate change, and biotic (bacteria, fungi, insects, viruses, nematodes) and abiotic (temperature, drought, salinity, waterlogging, and metal toxicity) stress necessitate medicinal plant productivity enhancement through sustainable strategies. Plants evolved intricate physiological (membrane integrity, organelle structural changes, osmotic adjustments, cell and tissue survival, reclamation, increased root-shoot ratio, antibiosis, hypersensitivity, etc.), biochemical (phytohormones synthesis, proline, protein levels, antioxidant enzymes accumulation, ion exclusion, generation of heat-shock proteins, synthesis of allelochemicals. etc.), and cellular (sensing of stress signals, signaling pathways, modulating expression of stress-responsive genes and proteins, etc.) mechanisms to combat stresses. Endophytes, colonizing in different plant tissues, synthesize novel bioactive compounds that medicinal plants can harness to mitigate environmental cues, thus making the agroecosystems self-sufficient toward green and sustainable approaches. Medicinal plants with a host set of metabolites and endophytes with another set of secondary metabolites interact in a highly complex manner involving adaptive mechanisms, including appropriate cellular responses triggered by stimuli received from the sensors situated on the cytoplasm and transmitting signals to the transcriptional machinery in the nucleus to withstand a stressful environment effectively. Signaling pathways serve as a crucial nexus for sensing stress and establishing plants' proper molecular and cellular responses. However, the underlying mechanisms and critical signaling pathways triggered by endophytic microbes are meager. This review comprehends the diversity of endophytes in medicinal plants and endophyte-mediated plant-microbe interactions for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in medicinal plants by understanding complex adaptive physiological mechanisms and signaling cascades involving defined molecular and cellular responses. Leveraging this knowledge, researchers can design specific microbial formulations that optimize plant health, increase nutrient uptake, boost crop yields, and support a resilient, sustainable agricultural system.

A Review on the Impact of Pesticide Toxicity on the Physiological and Behavioral Condition of Fish

Pesticides are an essential component of contemporary agriculture because they help keep unwanted insects and animals under control and boost crop yields. However, the widespread usage of pesticides has led to worries over the unexpected consequences that these chemicals have on non-target animals and ecosystems, particularly those that are aquatic. Fish, which play an essential role in aquatic food webs, are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of pesticides as a result of their direct contact with contaminated water bodies. The review covers acute and chronic pesticide effects on fish, including physiological and behavioral responses. It discusses population-level effects and biodiversity loss on fish reproduction, growth, development, immunological function, and locomotor activity. It also highlights pesticide toxicity’s long-term effects on fish populations. Pesticide exposure may also alter foraging behavior, competitive aptitude, and predation vulnerability, according to the review. Pesticides harm fish health by accumulating toxins, causing genetic defects, and upsetting the aquatic ecology. These effects put biodiversity in jeopardy and upset the food chain’s delicate balance, raising major environmental issues. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand fish pesticide toxicity and guide environmental regulatory measures. Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to ensure sustainable pesticide use in the environment. Use of non-chemical strategies such as crop rotation, natural predators, and resistant varieties. limit pesticide application to specific pests, thereby minimizing ecological damage and preserving ecosystem equilibrium. We can improve agriculture-aquatic biodiversity coexistence by supporting holistic pesticide management.

Mapping crop yield spatial variability using Sentinel-2 vegetation indices in Ethiopia

Crop yield prediction before harvest is a key issue in managing agricultural policies and making the best decisions for the future. Using remote sensing techniques in yield estimation studies is one of the important steps for many countries to reach their agricultural targets. However, crop yield estimates rely on labor-intensive surveys in Ethiopia. To solve this, we used Sentinel-2, crop canopy analyzer, and ground-truthing data to estimate grain yield (GY) and aboveground biomass (AGB) of two major crops, teff and finger millet, in 2020 and 2021 in Ethiopia’s Aba Gerima catchment. We performed a supervised classification of October Sentinel-2 images at the tillering stage. Among vegetation indices and leaf area index (LAI) used to predict teff and finger millet GY and AGB, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and normalized-difference VI (NDVI) provided the best fit to the data. NDVI and EVI most influenced teff AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.50 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.84; RMSE = 0.14 ton/ha), and NDVI most influenced finger millet AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.98 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.22 ton/ha). We found a close association between GY and AGB and the satellite EVI and NDVI. This demonstrates that satellite images can be employed in yield prediction studies. Our results show that satellite and crop canopy analyzer-based monitoring can facilitate the management of teff and finger millet to achieve high yields and more sustainable food production and environmental quality in the area. The results could be reproducible under similar study catchment conditions and boost crop yield. Extrapolation of the models to other areas requires local validation. To improve crop monitoring for farmers and reduce expenses, we suggest integrating time series Sentinel-2 images along with LAI obtained from crop canopy analyzers collected during the cropping season.

Thermochemical degradation of agricultural mulch films for potential organic fertilizer precursors: Low-temperature pyrolysis in nitric acid

Polyethylene mulch films (PEMFs) are widely used in agriculture to boost crop yields but pose significant environmental challenges due to their non-degradable nature. This study investigated the pyrolysis of PEMFs in nitric acid (HNO3) using micro-glass reactors under mild conditions for the production of thermochemical degradation products (TDP) as potential organic fertilizer precursors. The effects of HNO3 concentration (10–60 %), HNO3:PEMF ratio (0.5–2), pyrolysis temperature (150–250 °C), and reaction time (1 – 45 min) on the yield of TDP, tetrahydrofuran-soluble fraction (THF-S), tetrahydrofuran-insoluble fraction (THF-IS), and HNO3 consumption were studied. SEM, elemental analysis, GPC, and FTIR were employed to assess product characteristics and degradability potential. Optimal conditions were HNO3 concentration of 36 %, HNO3:PEMF ratio of 0.5, pyrolysis temperature of 200 °C, and reaction time of 10 min. Higher temperatures or longer time would lead to TDP condensation to carbonaceous residues. The introduction of N and O-containing functional groups in TDP suggested its potential as an organic soil fertilizer. This study presents a novel, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to address the waste PEMF disposal problem.

ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD SECURITY: A REVIEW

One of the most serious issues confronting the global food system is the wastage of approximately one-third of food at various points throughout the supply chain due to environmental and economic factors. Declines in production and food quality deterioration are concerns due to less awareness of the farming community and end users about the advanced technologies. Therefore, scientists face to develop cutting-edge technology to solve these problems and feed the bulging population to prevent starvation. Genetic engineering (GE) techniques can aid in several contexts to boost crop yields and quality. Biotechnology, genetic modification, and recombinant (r) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technologies are significantly beneficial in pursuing chief progress in food production and supply. This latest literature review illustrates the recent advances in GE, their sources, current trends, and future. GE foods from animals, microbes, and crop plants have altered DNA and introduced modified genetic characteristics. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are vital parts of the industrial food system, and most packaged foods contain GMO ingredients that received engineering for resistance to pesticides and herbicides. Several issues raise red flags concerning GMOs, including safety, effects on the environment, and ineffective usage of pesticides. Many people are anxious about GMOs; however, most do not understand the problems.

NUTRIENT TRANSFORMATION THROUGH NANOFERTILIZERS IN SOIL

Global population growth during the past ten years has compelled the agricultural industry to boost crop yield to meet the requirements of billions of emerging nations. Widespread nutrient shortage in soil has caused a major nutritional value decline and substantial financial losses for farmers. Agriculture can only grow by using modern innovations wisely to raise output. The application of nanotechnology to plant science and agriculture has increased recently. The development of nanotechnology has made it easier to produce physiologically significant metal nanoparticles on a large scale. These nanoparticles are currently utilized to enhance fertilizers formulation for greater plant cell absorption and reducing nutrient loss. Ongoing study provides a fresh impression of nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesis, their use as nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides, their application in agriculture, and their contribution to improving the performance of bio factors. An overview of NPs-plant interactions, the destiny and fate of nanomaterials in plants, and the role of NPs in reducing the negative impacts of toxicity and stress has been provided. The information in the current review paper is essential for identifying the restrictions and potential uses of nano-fertilizers as a replacement for traditional fertilizers in the future.

Controlled Plant Growth in Vertical Farming Systems

The traditional methods of growing crops, such as in greenhouses and open fields, have lately been put to the test by a contemporary invention called vertical farming. According to the amount of the output, the crops are usually stacked shelves and stacked vertically using this method. In order for crops to develop well without any agronomic restrictions, vertical farming integrates a number of technologies, including big data analytics, robotics, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, etc. Structures for vertical farming depend on complete solutions to support the integration of various hardware, data collection, data analysis, and automatic control of the installed devices. Future vertical urban farms will not only boost crop yields or lower production costs, but also vastly enhance the quality of the agricultural goods offered to city inhabitants, minimizing the unfavourable effects of urbanization on the environment. Due to their independence from climatic factors and reduced water requirements, vertical farms can serve the same purposes wherever they are, and locals can gain comparable advantages. The paper presents vertical farm systems as a whole and also a minimum and ideal setting for a vertical farm as a means of increasing food availability and yields, all while ensuring sustainability and environmental protection.

Aluminium-resistant bacteria boost crop yield in acidic soils.

Aluminium-resistant bacteria boost crop yield in acidic soils.

Internet of things driven multilinear regression technique for fertilizer recommendation for precision agriculture

Food instability has been linked to infertility, health issues, accelerated aging, incorrect insulin regulation, and more. Innovative approaches increased food availability and quality. Agriculture environment monitoring systems need IoT and machine learning. IoT sensors provide all necessary data for agriculture production forecast, fertilizer management, smart irrigation, crop monitoring, crop disease diagnosis, and pest control. Precision agriculture may boost crop yields by prescribing the right water-fertilizer-paste ratio. This article presents IOT based fertilizer recommendation system for Smart agriculture. This framework uses IoT devices and sensors to acquire agriculture-related data, and then machine learning is applied to suggest fertilizer in the correct quantity and at the appropriate time. The data acquisition phase collects input data, including soil temperature, moisture, humidity, regions' weather data, and crop details. Features are selected using the Sequential Forward Floating Selection algorithm. Multilinear Regression performs data classification. The performance of SFSS-MLR is compared to Random Forest, C4.5, Naïve Bayes algorithm. SFSS MLR is better in accuracy, precision, recall and F1. The accuracy of SFSS MLR is 99.3 percent.

The input reduction principle of agroecology is wrong when it comes to mineral fertilizer use in sub-Saharan Africa

Can farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) boost crop yields and improve food availability without using more mineral fertilizer? This question has been at the center of lively debates among the civil society, policy-makers, and in academic editorials. Proponents of the “yes” answer have put forward the “input reduction” principle of agroecology, i.e. by relying on agrobiodiversity, recycling and better efficiency, agroecological practices such as the use of legumes and manure can increase crop productivity without the need for more mineral fertilizer. We reviewed decades of scientific literature on nutrient balances in SSA, biological nitrogen fixation of tropical legumes, manure production and use in smallholder farming systems, and the environmental impact of mineral fertilizer. Our analyses show that more mineral fertilizer is needed in SSA for five reasons: (i) the starting point in SSA is that agricultural production is “agroecological” by default, that is, very low mineral fertilizer use, widespread mixed crop-livestock systems and large crop diversity including legumes, but leading to poor soil fertility as a result of widespread soil nutrient mining, (ii) the nitrogen needs of crops cannot be adequately met solely through biological nitrogen fixation by legumes and recycling of animal manure, (iii) other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium need to be replaced continuously, (iv) mineral fertilizers, if used appropriately, cause little harm to the environment, and (v) reducing the use of mineral fertilizers would hamper productivity gains and contribute indirectly to agricultural expansion and to deforestation. Yet, the agroecological principles directly related to soil fertility—recycling, efficiency, diversity—remain key in improving soil health and nutrient-use efficiency, and are critical to sustaining crop productivity in the long run. We argue for a nuanced position that acknowledges the critical need for more mineral fertilizers in SSA, in combination with the use of agroecological practices and adequate policy support.

Exploring the efficacy of 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACCA) as a natural compound in strengthening maize resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors: an empirical computational study.

This study aims to understand plant-bacteria interactions that enhance plant resistance to environmental stressors, with a focus on maize (Zea mays L.) and its vulnerability to various pathogenic organisms. We examine the potential of 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACCA) as a compound to boost maize's resilience against stressors and pathogens. With the growing global population and increased food demand, the study of endophytes, comprising bacteria and fungi, becomes crucial. They reside within plant tissues, affecting their hosts either beneficially or detrimentally. Agrobacteria are of specific interest due to their potential to contribute to developing strategies for plant resistance enhancement. We conducted exhaustive research on the defense-related proteins and mechanisms involved in maize-pathogen interactions. The efficacy of ACCA as a natural-compound that could enhance maize's resistance was examined. Our research indicates that ACCA, having a binding energy of -9.98 kcal/mol, successfully strengthens maize resistance against pathogenic assaults and drought stress. It plays a crucial protective role in maize plants as they mature, outperforming other ligands in its effectiveness to improve productivity and increase yield. Applying ACCA to maize plants has considerable potential in enhancing their resilience and tolerance to stress, proving to be an effective strategy to boost crop yield and productivity. This could help address the increasing global food demand. However, more research is needed to optimize ACCA application methods and to gain a comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects on maize cultivations and the environment.

Phosphorus Sources and Sheep Manure Fertilization for Soil Properties Enhancement and Sugar Beet Yield

Inorganic fertilizers abundant used cause hazardous environmental effects and unsafe food. Contrarily, organic fertilizers are usually utilized as soil amendments and they boost crop yield quantity and quality. A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of some phosphorus (P) sources, such as rock phosphate (RP), superphosphate (SP), and sheep manure (SM), on some soil chemical properties, growth and yield in sugar beet plants. The field experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replicates for two growing seasons (2020/21and 2021/22). Results showed significant increases in yield and physiological parameters in all treatments. Co-applying of RP with SP caused a significant increase in the SOM, N, P, and K by 70.45, 31.52, 128.35, and 24.85% respectively compared to T1. All applications to the soil significantly increased the fresh weights of sugar beet roots were significantly increased by 24.71, 17.92 and 25.72% for T2, T3, and T4 respectively over the control. Also co-application of SM and SP (T3) lead to the highest sucrose content which increased by 5.09% than the control. Therefore, we concluded that integrated fertilizer management improves soil properties and yield so these results can be used to employ to reduce the detrimental consequences of using chemical fertilizers.

Influence of Spraying Some Biostimulants on Yield, Fruit Quality, Oil Fruit Content and Nutritional Status of Olive (Olea europaea L.) under Salinity

Salinity currently affects more than 20% of agricultural land and is expected to pose potential challenges to land degradation and agricultural production in the future. It is a leading global abiotic stress that affects general plants and cultivated crops adversely. The utilization of biostimulants can enhance the efficiency of plant nutrition, facilitate the uptake of nutrients, boost crop yield, improve the quality characteristics of fruits and enhance plants’ ability to withstand abiotic stresses. Biostimulants serve as a vital reservoir of macro- and microelements and plant hormones, such as auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins. Therefore, the current study was conducted to examine the effect of the foliar application of some biostimulants on relieving the side effects of salinity on olive trees (Olea europaea) cv. Kalamata. The olive trees were sprayed three times with moringa leaf aqueous extract (MLE) at 2, 4 and 6%, seaweed extract (SWE) at 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm and their combinations: 2% MLE + 1000 ppm SWE (combination 1), 4% MLE + 2000 ppm SWE (combination 2) and 6% MLE + 3000 ppm SWE (combination 3). The results revealed that the application of biostimulants had a beneficial effect on the overall growth and development of olive trees, surpassing the performance of untreated trees. Spraying MLE and SWE, particularly at concentrations of 6% and 3000 ppm, respectively, significantly enhanced various aspects of olive tree performance. Notably, there were significant increases in leaf chlorophyll content, flower number, fruit set percentages, fruit yields, fruit oil content, fruit firmness, total soluble solid (TSS) percentage and leaf macro- and micronutrients. Furthermore, the combined application of MLE and SWE resulted in a greater effect when compared to using each one individually. In both seasons, combination 3 outperformed the other treatments that were applied.

Effect of continuous sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar application on rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, yield and lint quality in the humid Mississippi delta

Optimizing soil health through soil amendments is a promising strategy for enhancing rainwater efficiency for stabilizing crop production. Biochar, obtained by torrefaction of sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct from sugar mills, has a high potential for its use as a soil amendment, which can boost crop yields, but needs further field trials for its adoption in farming systems. A field study was conducted during 2019–2021 at Stoneville, Mississippi, to assess rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production under four biochar levels (0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha−1) on Dundee silt loam soil. The effects of biochar on cotton growth and lint yield and quality were examined. Biochar levels had no significant impact on cotton lint and seed yield for the first two years. Still, in the third year, a significant increase in lint yield by 13 and 21.7% was recorded at 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar levels, respectively. In the third year, lint yields were 1523, 1586, 1721, and 1854 kg ha−1 at 0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar levels, respectively. Similarly, cotton seed yield increased by 10.8% and 13.4% in 20 and 40 t ha−1 biochar plots. This study demonstrated that successive biochar applications at 20 or 40 t ha−1 can enhance cotton lint and seed yields under rainfed conditions. These improved yields with biochar did not produce increased net returns due to the increased production costs. Many lint quality parameters were unaffected except for micronaire, fiber strength and fiber length. However, potential long-term benefits of enhanced cotton production from biochar application beyond the length of the study merit further investigation. Additionally, biochar application is more relevant when accrued carbon credits through carbon sequestration outweigh the increased production costs due to biochar application.

Role of IoT in Agriculture in India in Water Irrigation

Abstract: The Indian agricultural sector could be drastically changed by the Internet of Things (IoT), a rapidly developing technology. IoT can be quite useful in maximizing water usage in agricultural activities. Water irrigation is one of the most important parts of agriculture. In this study, we explore the current irrigation situation in Indian agriculture, the difficulties farmers confront, and the possible advantages of implementing IoT-based irrigation system solutions. We look at the several Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and applications that may be utilized in agriculture, such as sensors, drones, and machine learning algorithms, in order tomaximize water use, cut down on waste, and boost crop yields. Finally, we propose suggestions after discussing the obstacles and prospects for the mainstream use of IoT in Indian agriculture.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria’s (PGPR) effects on Medicago sativa growth, arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation, and soil enzyme activities

ABSTRACT Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can ameliorate soil fertility and boost crop yields. This paper reports a study of the effect of PGPR inoculation on Medicago sativa plants. Sixteen indigenous PGPR were isolated and screened for PGP traits. Their influence was assessed on the growth of M. sativa plants, root colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and soil enzyme activities (SEA). The bacterial isolates showed interesting PGP traits. They increased the plant’s shoot and root dry weights, AM colonisation, and SEA. Two bacteria assigned to Pseudomonas koreensis and Alcaligenes faecalis were selected as effective inoculants for M. sativa plants. These PGPR may represent suitable candidates as bio-enhancers and biofertilizers in sustainable agricultural systems.

Biofertilizer and Consortium Development: An Updated Review

To boost crop yield on arable land, fertilizers have been extensively utilized. A country may become food-self-sufficient by using more chemical fertilizers in agriculture, yet chemicals are harmful to the environment and living things. Biofertilizers are organic substances that make use of microorganisms to increase the fertility of soil, which helps safeguard the soil's health and also the quality of crop products. Biofertilizers provide nutrients through natural processes like nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and plant growth-inducing chemical synthesis. There are some important microorganisms that are used in biofertilizer production: Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphobacter, and Rhizobacter. There is a significant growth result when the biofertilizers are inoculated with two or three microorganisms rather than a single one, i.e., a consortium. On co-inoculation of the microorganisms show to stimulate plant growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Other microorganisms, like Pseudomonas and Bacillus, act as an effective biocontrol system. Some microorganisms are able to survive in a vast range of environments, expecting synergistic modes of action. They are also environment-friendly and responsible for the continuous availability of nutrients from natural sources. This review describes the importance of biofertilizers, widely used strains, and their potential significance in crop production.

Mutualistic Effect of Macronutrients Availing Microbes on the Plant Growth Promotion of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Globally, man-made agrochemicals plays crucial role in plant growth promotion and boost crop yield. The agrochemicals overuse leaves the detrimental damage on the environment and humans. Biostimulants developed from single or multiple microbes (archaea, bacteria, and fungi) could be the appropriate alternative of agrochemical which sustains the agriculture as well as environment. In the present investigation, 93 beneficial bacteria associated with rhizospheric and endophytic region were isolated using diverse growth media. The isolated bacteria were screened for macronutrients availing traits including dinitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization. The bacterial consortium was developed using selected bacteria with multifunctional attributes and evaluated for the growth promotion of finger millet crop. Three potent NPK strains were identified as Erwinia rhapontici EU-FMEN-9 (N-fixer), Paenibacillus tylopili EU-FMRP-14 (P-solubilizer) and Serratia marcescens EU-FMRK-41 (K-solubilizer) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and BLAST analysis. The developed bacterial consortium inoculation on finger millet resulted in the improvement of growth and physiological parameters with respect to chemical fertilizer and control. The compatible mixture of bacteria was found to have more ability to increase the growth of finger millet and it might be utilized as biostimulants for nutri-cereal crops growing in hilly regions.