Grain Products Research Articles

Betaine in Cereal Grains and Grain-Based Products.

Betaine is a non-essential nutrient which performs several important physiological functions in organisms. Abundant data exist to suggest that betaine has a potential for prevention of chronic diseases and that its dietary intake may contribute to overall health enhancement. Several studies have pointed out that the betaine status of the general population is inadequate and have suggested nutritional strategies to improve dietary intake of betaine. Cereal-based food has been implicated as the major source of betaine in the Western diet. This review summarizes the results on the betaine content in various cereals and related products. Attention has been given to the betaine content in gluten-free grains and products. It also discusses the stability of betaine during processing (cooking, baking, extrusion) and possibilities to increase betaine content by fortification.

Risk management of ochratoxigenic fungi and ochratoxin A in maize grains by bioactive EVOH films containing individual components of some essential oils

Aspergillus steynii and Aspergillus tubingensis are possibly the main ochratoxin A (OTA) producing species in Aspergillus section Circumdati and section Nigri, respectively. OTA is a potent nephrotoxic, teratogenic, embryotoxic, genotoxic, neurotoxic, carcinogenic and immunosuppressive compound being cereals the first source of OTA in the diet. In this study bioactive ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) films containing cinnamaldehyde (CINHO), linalool (LIN), isoeugenol (IEG) or citral (CIT) which are major components of some plant essential oils (EOs) were produced and tested against A. steynii and A. tubingensis growth and OTA production in partly milled maize grains. Due to the favourable safety profile, these bioactive compounds are considered in the category “GRAS”. The study was carried out under different water activity (0.96 and 0.99 aw), and temperature (24 and 32 °C) conditions. ANOVA showed that class of film, fungal species, aw and temperature and their interactions significantly affected growth rates (GR), ED50 and ED90 and the doses for total fungal growth inhibition and OTA production. The most effective EVOH films against both species were those containing CINHO. ED50, ED90 and doses for total growth and OTA inhibition were 165–405, 297–614, 333–666 μg of EVOH-CINHO/plate (25 g of maize grains), respectively, depending on environmental conditions. The least efficient were EVOH-LIN films. ED50, ED90 and doses for total growth and OTA inhibition were 2800–>3330, >3330 and >3330 μg of EVOH-LIN/plate (25 g of maize grains), respectively. The effectiveness of the bioactive films increased with increasing doses. Overall, A. tubingensis was less sensitive to treatments than A. steynii. Depending on the species, aw and temperature affected GR and OTA production in a different way. In A. steynii cultures, optimal growth occurred at 0.96 aw and 32 °C while optimal OTA production happened at 0.99 aw and 32 °C. In A. tubingensis cultures optimal growth happened at 0.99 aw and 32 °C, although the best conditions for OTA production were 0.99 aw and 24 °C. Thus, these species can be very competitive in warm climates and storage conditions. The EVOH-CINHO films followed by EVOH-IEG and EVOH-CIT films, designed in this study and applied in vapour phase, can be potent antifungal agents against A. steynii and A. tubingensis and strong inhibitors of OTA biosynthesis in maize grains at very low doses. This is the first study on the impact that interacting environmental conditions and bioactive films containing individual components of EOs have on the growth of these ochratoxigenic fungi and on OTA production in maize grains.

CONCEPTUAL BASES OF STATE REGULATION OF VALUE ADDED IN THE GRAIN PRODUCT SUBCOMPLEX OF UKRAINE

The purpose of the article is to analyse the dynamics of the development of the grain product subcomplex and to determine the conceptual foundations of state regulation of value added in this subcomplex of Ukraine. Methodology. In the process of research, the following methods were used, such as theoretical generalization, statistical analysis, and system approach. The method of theoretical generalization contributed to the definition of conceptual foundations of state regulation of value added in the grain product subcomplex. Using the method of statistical analysis, the dynamics of production in the subcomplex was determined. The system approach allowed formulating directions for the development of the grain product subcomplex and improvement of the state regulation of value added. The results of the study showed that grain production in Ukraine tends to increase. A similar situation is observed with the export of grain, but raw materials are products with low value added. The production and export of most products of processing grain and finished grain products with high added value in Ukraine decrease each year. Getting the maximum of value added in the grain product subcomplex can only be achieved provided the complex development of the subcomplex within the agro-industrial complex of our country and its interaction with other sectors of the economy. A particular attention should be paid to the strengthening of vertical and horizontal integration, development of cooperation in the grain product subcomplex in the state regulation of the process of creation of value added. Also, we believe it is necessary to improve the legislative framework for the creation of clusters, approval of programs for their development at the national and regional levels. Practical implications. Improvement of state regulation of value added in grain product subcomplex of Ukraine will ensure its intensive development. The consequence of such regulation will be the transformation of production of raw materials into high value-added production. Value/originality. The research will help to understand, which directions of state regulation are most effective in maximizing the value added in Ukraine’s grain product subcomplex.

Influence of Temperature and Water Activity on Deleterious Fungi and Mycotoxin Production during Grain Storage

Cereal grains are the most important food source for humans. As the global population continues to grow exponentially, the need for the enhanced yield and minimal loss of agricultural crops, mainly cereal grains, is increasing. In general, harvested grains are stored for specific time periods to guarantee their continuous supply throughout the year. During storage, economic losses due to reduction in quality and quantity of grains can become very significant. Grain loss is usually the result of its deterioration due to fungal contamination that can occur from preharvest to postharvest stages. The deleterious fungi can be classified based on predominance at different stages of crop growth and harvest that are affected by environmental factors such as water activity (aw) and eco-physiological requirements. These fungi include species such as those belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium that can produce mycotoxins harmful to animals and humans. The grain type and condition, environment, and biological factors can also influence the occurrence and predominance of mycotoxigenic fungi in stored grains. The main environmental factors influencing grain fungi and mycotoxins are temperature and aw. This review discusses the effects of temperature and aw on fungal growth and mycotoxin production in stored grains. The focus is on the occurrence and optimum and minimum growth requirements for grain fungi and mycotoxin production. The environmental influence on aflatoxin production and hypothesized mechanisms of its molecular suppression in response to environmental changes are also discussed. In addition, the use of controlled or modified atmosphere as an environmentally safe alternative to harmful agricultural chemicals is discussed and recommended future research issues are highlighted.

Biocontrol Activity of Volatile-Producing Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas protegens against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Production on Stored Rice Grains

In our previous study, three bacterial strains, Bacillus megaterium KU143, Microbacterium testaceum KU313, and Pseudomonas protegens AS15, were selected as effective biocontrol agents against Aspergillus flavus on stored rice grains. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of the volatiles produced by the strains on A. flavus growth and aflatoxin production on stored rice grains. The three strains significantly reduced mycelial growth of A. flavus in dual-culture assays compared with the negative control strain, Sphingomonas aquatilis KU408, and an untreated control. Of these tested strains, volatiles produced by B. megaterium KU143 and P. protegens AS15 markedly inhibited mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidial germination of A. flavus on agar medium and suppressed the fungal populations in rice grains. Moreover, volatiles produced by these two strains significantly reduced aflatoxin production in the rice grains by A. flavus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the suppression of A. flavus aflatoxin production in rice grains using B. megaterium and P. protegens volatiles.

The Study on Consumers' Preference and Purchasing Property of Processed Grain Products

The Study on Consumers' Preference and Purchasing Property of Processed Grain Products

Impact of bioactive packaging systems based on EVOH films and essential oils in the control of aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin production in maize

Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are the most common fungal species associated with aflatoxin (AF) contamination of cereals, especially maize, and other agricultural commodities. AFB1, the most frequent and toxic metabolite, is a powerful hepatotoxic, teratogenic and mutagenic compound. Effective strategies to control these fungal species and AFs in food and feed are required. Active packaging film containing essential oils (EO) is one of the most innovative food packaging concepts. In this study, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer films incorporating EO from Origanum vulgare (ORE), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CIN) or their major active constituents, carvacrol (CAR) and cinnamaldehyde (CINHO), respectively, were developed and assayed to control growth of A. flavus and A. parasiticus and AF production in maize grains under different aw and temperature regimens. EO doses assayed in cultures were in the range 0.25–4.0mg/Petri dish. The factors aw, temperature, type of EVOH-EO film and fungal species significantly influenced the ED50 values of all assayed films. Growth rate (GR) of both species was usually higher at 0.99 than at 0.96 aw and at 37°C than at 25°C. However, the contrary was found with regard to AF production. The order of efficacy of EVOH-EO films to control growth of both species and AF production was EVOH-CINHO>EVOH-CAR>EVOH-ORE>EVOH-CIN. The effective dose (ED50) (mg EO/plate) for EVOH-CINHO and EVOH-CIN films against A. flavus were in the ranges of 0.125 and 2.475–3.500 and against A. parasiticus in the ranges of 0.121–0.133 and 2.275–3.625, respectively. Under the assayed conditions, the ED90 for EVOH-CINHO film were 0.22–0.23mg/plate for both species. It was the most effective bioactive film to control fungal growth (vapour phase) and AF production, regardless of aw and temperature. This is the first study about the impact that interacting environmental conditions and bioactive EVOH-CINHO, EVOH-ORE, EVOH-CIN EVOH-CAR films have on the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi and on AF production in maize grains.

Evaluation of anti-fatigue property of the extruded product of cereal grains mixed with Cordyceps militaris on mice

BackgroundFatigue is a biological phenomenon that involves a feeling of extreme physical or mental tiredness that could potentially cause some severe chronic diseases. Recently, diet therapy has provided a new alternative to alleviate physical fatigue. In our previous study, addition of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) into an extruded product was shown to provide high nutrition and unique flavors; however, little is known whether this product has some scientific evidence regarding anti-fatigue property. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of extruded products of cereal grains (EC) and EC mixed with C. militaris (ECC).MethodsThe mice were divided into seven groups: one group received distilled water (Control group, n = 20), and the other groups received different dosages of EC (5, 10 and 20 g/kg body weight, n = 20 per group) or of ECC (5, 10 and 20 g/kg body weight, n = 20 per group) solution in water. All of the mice were administered with distilled water, EC or ECC continuously for 30 days by gavage and the anti-fatigue activity was evaluated using a weight-loaded swimming test, along with assessments of fatigue-related indicators. The mode of fighting fatigue was investigated by determining changes in exercise endurance and biochemical markers, including exhaustive swimming time, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood lactic acid (BLA), creatine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and hepatic and muscle glycogen levels.ResultsEC and ECC prolonged the swimming endurance time of mice compared to the control. The content of BLA at high dose of ECC group (20 g/kg) was significantly lower than that in the negative control group. CK, BUN and MDA levels were significantly reduced by treatment with EC and ECC compared to the negative control, while the low and middle dose of EC had no significant effect on MDA levels. Additionally, only the middle and high dose of EC (10, 20 g/kg) could significantly decrease the BUN level. EC and ECC treatments increased glycogen, LDH, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels. Low and middle dose of EC had no significant effects on muscle glycogen. Moreover, low dose of EC could increase the level of SOD but it was not statistically significant. Compared to the EC treatment groups, ECC demonstrated the efficacy of anti-fatigue potential, particularly at a high dose of ECC, the best performance in relieving fatigue.ConclusionsThese results suggest that EC and ECC could prevent exercise-induced fatigue in mice and ECC provided a better effect. In addition, C. militaris in ECC might play a crucial role in the anti-fatigue activity of ECC.

Sickle Cell Sperm Selection with Hb-S Mab: A Future Application for Intracytoplasmic Genotypically Selected Sperm Injection (IGSI)

The Current study revealed the natural occurrence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins production in grains in Saudi Arabia. Samples of yellow corn, white rice and red corn grains were collected from different local markets. Three fungal isolates were isolated from the examined corn grains using PDA media. Alternaria sp were the most prominent fungi in yellow corn grains, white rice and red corn grains. Three Alternaria sp isolated were identified using molecular characterization of Actts gene. DNA genome of the three Alternaria sp isolates (namely AWR; AYC and ARC which corresponds to isolates from white rice, yellow corn, red corn) was used as a template for PCR to amplify Actts gene. Partially sequenced Actts gene was amplified using a specific primer set to confirm its identity, phylogenetic relationships between the three isolates as well as determination of the corresponding antigenic determinants. The epitope prediction analysis demonstrated that there were 5, 6 and 5 epitopes whose score were above 0.90 in AWR, AYC and ARC, respectively. Interestingly, there were great variations in the epitope sequences among the three isolates except for the epitope, VYGASTATGTLAVQ. This work led to molecular identification of three Alternaria sp. using Actts toxin gene and the unique antigenic determinants that could be used for design of a broad spectrum antibody for rapid detection of Alternaria sp. in foods.

Genetic dissection of sorghum grain quality traits using diverse and segregating populations

Key messageCoordinated association and linkage mapping identified 25 grain quality QTLs in multiple environments, and fine mapping of theWxlocus supports the use of high-density genetic markers in linkage mapping.There is a wide range of end-use products made from cereal grains, and these products often demand different grain characteristics. Fortunately, cereal crop species including sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] contain high phenotypic variation for traits influencing grain quality. Identifying genetic variants underlying this phenotypic variation allows plant breeders to develop genotypes with grain attributes optimized for their intended usage. Multiple sorghum mapping populations were rigorously phenotyped across two environments (SC Coastal Plain and Central TX) in 2 years for five major grain quality traits: amylose, starch, crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy. Coordinated association and linkage mapping revealed several robust QTLs that make prime targets to improve grain quality for food, feed, and fuel products. Although the amylose QTL interval spanned many megabases, the marker with greatest significance was located just 12 kb from waxy (Wx), the primary gene regulating amylose production in cereal grains. This suggests higher resolution mapping in recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations can be obtained when genotyped at a high marker density. The major QTL for crude fat content, identified in both a RIL population and grain sorghum diversity panel, encompassed the DGAT1 locus, a critical gene involved in maize lipid biosynthesis. Another QTL on chromosome 1 was consistently mapped in both RIL populations for multiple grain quality traits including starch, crude protein, and gross energy. Collectively, these genetic regions offer excellent opportunities to manipulate grain composition and set up future studies for gene validation.

Inhibition of Fusarium Growth and Mycotoxin Production in Culture Medium and in Maize Kernels by Natural Phenolic Acids

The possible role of natural phenolic compounds in inhibiting fungal growth and toxin production has been of recent interest as an alternative strategy to the use of chemical fungicides for the maintenance of food safety. Fusarium is a worldwide fungal genus mainly associated with cereal crops. The most important Fusarium mycotoxins are trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of four natural phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic) for the control of mycelial growth and mycotoxin production by six toxigenic species of Fusarium . The addition of phenolic acids to corn meal agar had a marked inhibitory effect on the radial growth of all Fusarium species at levels of 2.5 to 10 mM in a dose-response pattern, causing total inhibition (100%) in all species except F. sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae . However, the effects of phenolic acids on mycotoxin production in maize kernels were less evident than the effects on growth. The fungal species differed in their responses to the phenolic acid treatments, and significant reductions in toxin concentrations were observed only for T-2 and HT-2 (90% reduction) and zearalenone (48 to 77% reduction). These results provide data that could be used for developing pre- and postharvest strategies for controlling Fusarium infection and subsequent toxin production in cereal grains.

Manganese-induced regulations in growth, yield formation, quality characters, rice aroma and enzyme involved in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline biosynthesis in fragrant rice

Micro-nutrient application is essential for normal plant growth while a little is known about manganese (Mn)-induced regulations in morpho-physiological attributes, aroma formation and enzyme involved in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis in aromatic rice. Present study aimed to examine the influence of four levels of Mn i.e., Mn1 (100 mg MnSO4 pot−1), Mn2 (150 mg MnSO4 pot−1), Mn3 (200 mg MnSO4 pot−1), and Mn4 (250 mg MnSO4 pot−1) on the growth, yield formation, quality characters, rice aroma and enzyme involved in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline biosynthesis in two fragrant rice cultivars i.e., Meixiangzhan and Nongxiang 18. Pots without Mn application were served as control (Ck). Each pot contained 15 kg of soil. Effects on agronomic characters, quality attributes, 2-AP contents and enzymes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis have been studied in early and late season rice. Results depicted that Mn improved rice growth, yield and related characters, and some quality attributes significantly. It further up-regulated proline, pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) (precursors of 2-AP), soluble proteins and activities of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), Δ1 pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid synthetase (P5CS) ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) that led to enhanced 2-AP production in rice grains. Moreover, higher Mn levels resulted in increased grain Mn contents in both rice cultivars. Along with growth and yield improvement, Mn application significantly improved rice aromatic contents. Overall, Nongxiang 18 accumulated more 2-AP contents than Meixiangzhan in both seasons under Mn application. This study further explored the importance of Mn in rice aroma formation and signifies that micro-nutrients can play significant roles in rice aroma synthesis; however, intensive studies at molecular levels are still needed to understand the exact mechanisms of Mn to improve rice aroma formation.

A non-linear model for temperature-dependent sporulation and T-2 and HT-2 production of Fusarium langsethiae and Fusarium sporotrichioides

This research has produced new quantitative data on the sporulation and T-2+HT-2 toxin production that could be further integrated to develop a comprehensive disease or toxin prediction model for Fusarium langsethiae and Fusarium sporotrichioides. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of temperature or incubation time on sporulation and the effect of temperature on T-2+HT-2 toxin production of strains of the two species. F. sporotrichioides demonstrated a preference for higher temperatures than F. langsethiae during sporulation; the optimum temperature was 24.5 ± 0.7 °C for F. langsethiae and 32.3 ± 2.1 °C for F. sporotrichioides, according to the Beta equation fitted to the data. The dynamics of sporulation over different incubation times were fitted by a Gompertz function. The maximum spore production was estimated to be after 18 and 8 d incubation at optimum temperatures for F. langsethiae and F. sporotrichioides, respectively. F. sporotrichioides produced more T-2+HT-2 than F. langsethiae. The best fit of the effect of temperature on T-2+HT-2 production in wheat grains was obtained with a Beta equation showing an optimum temperature of 14.7 ± 0.8 °C for F. langsethiae and 12.1 ± 0.2 °C for F. sporotrichioides. The optimum temperature for mycotoxin production was lower than for sporulation.

Preparation and application of a monoclonal antibody against T-2 toxin in Grain and oil products

Preparation and application of a monoclonal antibody against T-2 toxin in Grain and oil products

Does Quantity of Gluten Intake During Infancy Influence Risk for Celiac Disease

Whether changes in grain products (resulting from hybridization, etc.), timing of introduction of gluten, or the amount of gluten ingested by infants

Metabolomics study of cereal grains reveals the discriminative metabolic markers associated with anatomical compartments

This study used NMR-based metabolomics to compare the metabolic profile of different anatomical compartments of cereal grains i.e. bran and endosperm in order to gain further insights into their possible role in the beneficial health effects of whole grain products (WG). Polar water-soluble metabolites in 64 bran and endosperm, samples from rye and wheat were observed using 600 MHz NMR. Bran samples had higher contents of 12 metabolites than endosperm samples. A comparative approach revealed higher contents of azelaic acid and sebacic acid in bran than in endosperm. In a pilot study, the consumption of WG rye bread (485 g) caused NMR signals in 24h urine corresponding to azelaic acid. The relatively high abundance, anatomical specificity, pattern of metabolism, urinary excretion in human, antibacterial, and anticancer activities suggest further studying of azelaic acid when exposure to WG or beneficial effects of WG are investigated.

Monitoring Technology for Gamma-Aminobutyric acid Production in Polished Mochi Barley Grains using a Carbon Dioxide Sensor.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has many biological functions, including the inhibition of blood pressure increases and acceleration of growth hormone secretion. In this study, we discovered the utility of measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) dissolved in the reaction solution, for development of a real-time and convenient technique to estimate GABA production. In addition to mochi barley bran, we examined the polished grains of three species: mochi barley (a variant of hulless barley), barley, and Japanese millet, all soaked in l-glutamic acid (l-Glu) solution at pH 4.5. We found a positive correlation between GABA and CO2 concentrations, and the production of CO2 was suppressed in the absence of l-Glu at pH 4.5. These results suggest that GABA content can be easily predicted by measuring the aqueous CO2 content using a CO2 sensor, during the process of GABA production in polished mochi barley grains and bran.

Effect of Cellulase-Producing Bacteria on Enzyme Activity and Ester Production in Fermented Grains of Chinese Liquor

To study the function of cellulase-producing bacteria in Chinese liquor fermentation, we analyzed the effect of these bacteria on enzyme activity and ester production in fermented grains. A strain of cellulase-producing bacteria was screened from the fermented grains of Chinese liquor and cultivated for 24 h, and then bacteria at 104 and 108/g were added to fermented grains. Enzyme activity, especially that of amylase and cellulase, was increased, as was the ester content, especially ethyl acetate and ethyl caproate, which increased in tandem with the amounts of bacteria used. The correlation between enzyme activity and ester production also increased as the amount of cellulase-producing bacteria increased.

Source and distribution of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater from Alberta’s Southern Oil Sands Regions

Arsenic (As) concentrations as high as 179μg/L have been observed in shallow groundwater in the Alberta’s Southern Oil Sand Regions. The geology of this area of Alberta includes a thick cover (up to 200m) of unconsolidated glacial deposits, with a number of regional interglacial sand and gravel aquifers, underlain by marine shale. Arsenic concentrations observed in 216 unconsolidated sediment samples ranged from 1 and 17ppm. A survey of over 800 water wells sampled for As in the area found that 50% of the wells contained As concentrations exceeding drinking water guidelines of 10μg/L. Higher As concentrations in groundwater were associated with reducing conditions. Measurements of As speciation from 175 groundwater samples indicate that As(III) was the dominant species in 74% of the wells. Speciation model calculations showed that the majority of groundwater samples were undersaturated with respect to ferrihydrite, suggesting that reductive dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides may be the source of some As in groundwater. Detailed mineralogical characterization of sediment samples collected from two formations revealed the presence of fresh framboidal pyrite in the deeper unoxidized sediments. Electron microprobe analysis employing wavelength dispersive spectrometry indicated that the framboidal pyrite had variable As content with an average As concentration of 530ppm, reaching up to 1840ppm. In contrast, the oxidized sediments did not contain framboidal pyrite, but exhibited spheroidal Fe-oxyhydroxide grains with elevated As concentrations. The habit and composition suggest that these Fe-oxyhydroxide grains in the oxidized sediment were an alteration product of former framboidal pyrite grains. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) indicated that the oxidized sediments are dominated by As(V) species having spectral features similar to those of goethite or ferrihydrite with adsorbed As, suggesting that Fe-oxyhydroxides are the dominant As carriers. XANES spectra collected on unoxidized sediment samples, in contrast, indicated the presence of a reduced As species (As(−I)) characteristic of arsenopyrite and arsenian pyrite. The results of the mineralogical analyses indicate that the oxidation of framboidal pyrite during weathering may be the source of As released to shallow aquifers in this region.

Commercialization to Specialization: A Scenario of Punjab Agriculture

The present study was carried out to examine the changes in cropping pattern and the contribution of food grains to central pool over the years by Punjab. The study revealed that the area under wheat and paddy crops, which was 40.50 and 6.90 per cent of gross cropped area (GCA) during 1970–71, has increased to 44.65 and 35.66 per cent during 2011–12, respectively. However, the area under pulses, maize, bajra, oilseeds and sugarcane has declined by 7.18, 3.47, 9.75, 3.61 and 0.69 per cent, respectively. Thus, paddy-wheat crop rotation became predominant at the cost of maize, other cereals, oilseeds and pulses in the state. Food grain production in the state has grown from 20.00 million tonne in 1992–93 to 23.49 million tonne in 2002–03 and further increased to 27.22 million tonne in 2011–12. The share of Punjab state in food grain production has decreased over the years, and came down to 10.57 per cent in 2011–12 from 11.14 per cent in 1992–93. The study revealed that the production in food grains and cropping pattern in Punjab has almost stagnant, and there is a need for diversification of agriculture at this stage. Emphasis must be given on cultivation of water saving crops as well as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides may be minimized to enhance the sustainable agriculture in Punjab.