Locations In India Research Articles

Comparative assessment of different grades of coal for methanol production: Simulation, optimization, environmental and economic analysis

The present study reports the modeling and simulation of methanol production through the gasification of freshly mined three coal samples having different wt.% of ash, viz., low-ash coal (LAC), medium-ash coal (MAC), and high-ash coal (HAC), collected from three different locations in India. The effect of the input parameters such as steam-to-coal mass ratio and gasification temperature on process performance parameters such as stoichiometric number, syngas yield, green house gas emissions from the process stream or net stream carbon dioxide equivalent, and methanol yield was studied through process sensitivity analysis and input parameters are optimized for the maximum methanol yield and minimum green house gas emission. Primary economic investigation at optimized conditions revealed that an internal rate of return of 5.93% is achieved for HAC at minimum plant scale and setting the methanol selling price of 400 USD/ton whereas IRR obtained as 3.20% and 5.87% for LAC and MAC, respectively, at this condition. The coal sample, HAC, performed better due to a high internal rate of return (i.e., 7.53% at base case) and subsequently low production cost. The present study's findings can be decisive for the countries with substantial low-grade high-ash coal reserves concerning coal diversification for its sustainable consumption in methanol production.

Chemical kinetics of near-surface ozone at a suburban location in India

The spatial gradient in near-surface ozone (O3) is controlled by its production, sink, and net transport (advection/convection and diffusive) in the atmosphere. In this work, we used continuous long-term measurements of O3, oxides of nitrogen (NOx = NO + NO2), and meteorological data in the suburban location of Shadnagar, India. Data analyses were performed to investigate the governing processes that control O3 variability on diurnal and seasonal time scales. The role of chemistry in O3 variability, including both formation and destruction processes, was investigated using known chemical kinetics and a radiative transfer model. The residual between observations and chemical estimation was further analyzed to examine the role of transport and unresolved processes/uncertainty in the dataset. The O3 residual was duly validated using model reanalysis data of O3 and meteorological parameters to further estimate the O3 transport. Our analyses show that the average net production and net transport of near-surface O3 are 3.18 and 0.87 ppbv/h, respectively, while horizontal advection is 0.01 ppbv/h in the daytime. The production of ozone was found to be dominant, indicating the influx of ozone at the site. Overall, our results highlight that spatio-temporal variability in near-surface ozone is strongly controlled by net production in Shadnagar and may be applicable in similar environments globally.

Impact of Annular Solar Eclipse on the Trace Gases and Dynamics of the Lower and Middle Atmosphere: Results Inferred From an Integrated Campaign “Suryagrahan‐2019”

AbstractAn integrated campaign “Suryagrahan‐2019” with multi‐institutional support was conducted by launching a series of radiosondes/ozonesondes over 6‐different locations in India along with the operation of ST/MST radars and launching of RH‐200 rockets during the annular solar eclipse of 26 December 2019. We present the eclipse‐induced changes in the thermal structure, dynamics and trace gases in the lower and middle atmosphere. One of the novel findings is the formation of three step‐like isothermal structures in the lower stratosphere with a layer height of 1.4, 2.5, and 4 km, which is attributed to the adiabatic compression and expansion of the air parcel. These structures have both warming and cooling effect of the order of ±6 K. A significant increase of ozone by 20% in post‐eclipse scenario between 29 and 32 km is observed over Cochin. Strong downdrafts of ∼−0.25 m s−1 are observed between 12 and 16 km during the eclipse event, which is attributed to the atmospheric compression due to the sudden cooling during the eclipse event. Due to the changes in thermal structure, the atmospheric circulation changes are observed in the meridional wind. During the maximum obscuration, there is a sudden decrease in near‐surface and boundary layer ozone by 12–15 ppbv. The present study reiterates that the eclipse‐induced perturbations depend on the local time of the eclipse event and place of observations. It is envisaged that the results discussed in the study will improve our understanding of the eclipse induced perturbations in the Earth's atmosphere.

Gross Calorific Value of Indian Coals and its Correlation with Ash Content

The Indian coals are a sub-bituminous variety, high in ash content and low in calorific value. The high ash content in Indian coals makes Indian coals more heterogeneous. The moisture and the ash content have a direct impact on the calorific value of the coals. In the present work the moisture, ash content and GCV have been analyzed for the coals obtained from various locations in India and the relationship between ash content and GCV was established on a dry basis. The variation in GCV to ash content was statistically quantified for the coals from each mine and overall mines.

Phosphine estimation in fumigated food grains using gas chromatography equipped with FPD detector.

Phosphine, as per several reports, is considered to be an ideal and effective alternative to methyl bromide (MB) fumigant, phased out globally honouring 'Montreal Protocol'. The food grains fumigated with phosphine are perceived to be residue-free; however, estimation of its residues is imperative. In the present study, the phosphine residues were estimated in grains of wheat, rice, green gram, chickpea and yellow pea fumigated with different formulations of phosphine under 7 and 10days exposure periods at various locations in India. For efficacy studies, the conventional aluminium phosphide (AlP) tablet (56% @2 and 3 tablet/MT) and granular AlP (77.5% @1.0 and 1.5g phosphine/m3) formulations were applied. Each treatment including untreated control was replicated thrice. The concentration was monitored every 24h until the end of exposure periods. Food grain samples were drawn before and post fumigation following a certain waiting period for estimation of phosphine residues using gas chromatography equipped with FPD detector. Residues in fumigated food grains were observed in traces in all the experimental stacks, but below the MRL (0.1ppm), fixed by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Phosphine can be considered safe for use as an alternate fumigant in quarantine and long-term storage of food grains leaving residues below MRL.

Assessing the Performance and Adaptability of International Provenances of Casuarina equisetifolia Grown in India

A special concern in tree improvement and genetic testing relates to genotype x environment interaction which means that the relative performance of clones, families, provenances or species differs when they are grown in different environments. In tree improvement, superior performing genotypes in a range of environments are highly desired. Though stability analyses have widely been conducted in agricultural crops, only limited studies have been reported in tree species. An experiment through multi-location field testing was conducted at the ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India to study the stability of select international provenances of Casuarina equisetifolia L. Seedlings raised from 23 international provenances infused from CSIRO, Australia formed the basic experimental materials and multilocational provenance trials were established in five locations in India. All the provenance trials were established in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications and with 10 tree plots. Stability analysis was performed using the data on tree height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and volume index (d2h) recorded at 3 years of age. The analysis was carried out following the method suggested by Eberhart and Russel. Provenances, 18144 Kenya, 18160 Malaysia, 18298 Thailand, 18355 Benin, 18268 China, Palacherla A India and Mixed Seedlot India 5 were included in group I when stability parameters for tree height was considered and hence are the most stable clones with respect to tree height. 18298 Thailand and 18586 China though recorded high mean values, were found unpredictable over growth periods due to the significant deviation from regression. Four provenances namely, 18160 Malaysia, 18357 Philippines, 18268 China and Palacherla A India exhibited stability for DBH. Five provenances, 18144 Kenya, 18160 Malaysia, 18355 Benin, 18268 China and Palacherla A proved to be stable across the five locations with respect to volume index. No provenances were found suitable for planting in sites with stress or favourable conditions.

An integrated approach to rank prospective sites for wind-powered Pumped Storage Hydroelectric plants to meet rising demand in the Indian subcontinent

With a paradigm shift towards renewable energy in the power sector, different sustainable energy-extracting mechanisms have sprung up. Among these, wind-powered Pumped Storage Hydroelectric (PSH) plants make use of the virtues of both wind and hydro energy. Being a hybrid system, it has found prominence across the world, making significant contributions to energy reliability and sustainability. However, in the Indian subcontinent, a region that is rapidly transitioning its energy dependence on fossil fuels to cleaner, greener sources, the presence of PSH power is still constrained. This work studies different locations in India under seven criteria from technical, geological, and socioeconomic perspectives that affect the construction of wind-powered PSH plants in India. Seven different water bodies from the country are selected and weighed against these criteria. A Fuzzy-Complex Proportional Assessment (Fuzzy-COPRAS) approach is then used for their comparison. The selected water bodies are ranked according to their suitability for constructing a wind-powered PSH plant. The authors conclude that the Tehri Dam Reservoir in the state of Uttarakhand and the Bhakhra Nangal Dam Reservoir in Himachal Pradesh are the top two optimal choices for profitable wind-powered PSH plant construction in India. The presented methodology aims to provide a guideline for policymakers and investors in their goal of promoting wind-powered PSH generation in India and can be replicated for different regions and other forms of renewable energy as well.

Desalination by batch reverse osmosis (RO) of brackish groundwater containing sparingly soluble salts

Batch RO desalination is a new approach to high-recovery, energy-efficient desalination. So far, however, batch RO has been tested mostly with pure sodium chloride solutions. An important application of batch RO is desalination of brackish groundwater which, besides sodium chloride, contains sparingly soluble salts. In this experimental study of a batch RO system, we used simulated groundwater (with total dissolved solids ranging from 1180 to 3637 mg/L) following compositions of samples taken from a location in Egypt and a location in India. The groundwater contained high levels of salts which could be expected to cause scaling on the RO membrane surface. For example, the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) for calcite reached 2.6 in the brine. Nonetheless, the system resisted scaling throughout >100 h of operation. Membrane permeability remained almost unchanged, as demonstrated by tests conducted before and after the experiments. Induction time calculations showed that salinity cycling did not fully explain the scaling inhibition. Other anti-scaling mechanisms – such as periodic flushing, osmotic backwash, and feed flow reversal – were also likely contributors. At recovery of 0.8, hydraulic specific energy consumption (SEC) was <0.5 kWh/m3 and close to that obtained with sodium chloride solution at equivalent osmotic pressure.

Characterization of uropathogenic E. coli from various geographical locations in India

ObjectivesUropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common causative agent of urinary tract infection, accounting for more than 80% of cases worldwide. This study presents data on prevalent serotypes, resistance profiles, and colonization-aiding virulence characteristics of UPEC from different geographical regions in India. MethodsUPEC were serotyped through microtiter plate agglutination. Standard techniques were used to detect various virulence characteristics, i.e., biofilm formation (tissue culture plate method), siderophore production (screened on Chrome Azurol S agar and categorized with Csaky's and Arnow's methods), colicin release (agar overlay technique), gelatin hydrolysis (on gelatinase agar), and cell surface hydrophobicity (salt aggregation method). Antibiotic resistance profiles (against 20 antimicrobial agents) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were evaluated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. ResultsUPEC strains exhibited very high drug resistance rates to most of the commonly used antimicrobial agents; the highest resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (63.4%), nalidixic acid (63.4%), and cefotaxime (62.1%). High rates of multi-drug resistance (63.36%), ESBL-production (34.1%), and carbapenem-resistance (25.0%) were detected in UPEC strains from all geographical regions of India. Hydrophobicity (61.2%), biofilm production (62.5%), and siderophore production (67.7%) were the most common virulence characteristics of UPEC isolates. Co-expression of virulence characteristics was common (69.8%) in UPEC strains. ConclusionUPEC strains with very high antimicrobial-resistance are in circulation in India, and have diverse serotypes and virulence characteristics.

A study on source dependent batch to batch variations in silk fibroin films for potential applications in corneal tissue engineering

AbstractThe demand‐to‐supply gap, rejection rates, and the chances of infection associated with organ/tissue transplantation prompted researchers to find alternative solutions such as tissue engineering. Here, healthy cells are cultured over a biomaterial framework supplemented with growth factors to create bioartificial tissues. As a scaffolding biomaterial, silk fibroin (SF), a biopolymer obtained from Bombyx mori silk cocoons, offers unique properties. However, natural polymers, including SF, were criticized for preconceived source‐dependent batch‐to‐batch variations. Therefore, this study aims to prepare B. mori SF‐based films and investigate source‐dependent variations, if any. For this purpose, we have sourced silk cocoons from three geographical locations in India and processed them into films with a solvent‐casting approach. As a whole, our results indicate that there were slight variations in the morphological features in the raw cocoon stage; however, once processed, there were no significant differences in their topological, physical, chemical, optical, mechanical, or degradable properties with respect to the source. Further, all the films were found to be noncytotoxic and cytocompatible with corneal cells in vitro. Therefore, the study indicates no source‐dependent variations in biopolymers and suggested that SF from any source can be processed into biomaterials for potential biomedical applications.

Forecasting COVID-19 Outbreak Through Fusion of Internet Search, Social Media, and Air Quality Data: A Retrospective Study in Indian Context

This article proposes a machine learning augmented technique to predict the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in India by combining Internet search trends along with social media data retrieved from Twitter. A comprehensive list of suitable search words has been used to select a large collection of Tweets, and the Internet search trends of the same keywords have been fetched. First, a lag correlation analysis is conducted to find the number of days, ahead of the current time, required to make an accurate prediction of COVID-19 cases. Second, both shallow and deep learning methods are engaged to predict the number of COVID-19 cases in a specific geospatial location in India. Thereafter, statewise air pollution data collected from the Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India, are amalgamated to understand the effect of air pollution in spreading of COVID-19 disease. The air pollution monitoring parameters have been combined to understand their effects in the prediction of COVID-19 cases in the Indian context. Experimental results reveal that accurate predictions can be made 85 days ahead of the current time using the proposed method (r > 0.85), thereby establishing its ingenuity in the prediction of COVID-19 spread in advance.

Fractal behaviour of benzene concentration near refinery, traffic junctions and residential locations in India

Due to its carcinogenicity, benzene, a hazardous chemical created both naturally and via human activity, poses a major threat to human health. Even at low concentrations, short-term exposure can cause severe health issues. The study of temporal variations in the time series of benzene concentration can be useful to policymakers in air quality assessment and management. Fractal behaviour in benzene concentration at various locations with different land-use characteristics and prevalent sources is studied using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). The temporal characteristics of benzene concentration have not been studied earlier and it is of interest to assess the influence of land-use characteristics and dominant sources on the temporal intrinsic properties of the time series. 24 h benzene concentration time series during 2019–2021 at 10 locations is therefore selected for the study. Preliminary analysis using autocorrelation function, power spectral analysis and DFA suggested the existence of long-range correlations in benzene time series. Multifractal analysis pointed towards the dominance of small fluctuations that frequently occur in the benzene concentration time series at most of the locations. The analysis of the origin of multifractality revealed that removing the linear temporal correlations weakens the multifractality and broad probability density function also partly explains the multifractality in benzene time series. The knowledge of the fractality of the time series is useful in developing the prediction model which can account for the linear temporal correlations along with the multifractality to predict the APCs. The results can aid in improving air quality evaluations and the perceptive of the mechanisms regulating the evolution of air pollution time series.

Three-dimensional view of CO2 variability in the atmosphere over the Indian region

The study reports diurnal and seasonal variations of atmospheric CO2 across multiple locations in India using the dedicated ground-based observations, satellite observations and model simulations. Data from seven sites collected during different time periods are analysed to understand the role of biospheric, fossil fuel fluxes on diurnal and seasonal variations of atmospheric CO2. The study also examines the impact of land use/land cover on the variability of atmospheric CO2 concentration. Results show that CO2 mixing ratios are highest during night and lowest in the afternoon. Ponmudi station shows homogeneous daily CO2 mixing ratios because of an active ecosystem and free of boundary layer influence. A high altitude site Ooty exhibits higher diurnal and seasonal variations, possibly due to entrapped emissions from tourism and settlements, while Nagpur's (an urban site), CO2 mixing ratios remain moderate throughout the year due to active plantations. The observed CO2 is further compared with the simulations from atmospheric chemistry-transport model. The model is able to capture the observed seasonal cycle all over the study locations.

Hydrologic regionalization of non-stationary intensity–duration–frequency relationships for Indian mainland

Abstract Intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curve is one of the important hydrologic tools used for the design of hydraulic infrastructure. The static return period assumption of precipitation extremes is invalid in a changing climate environment, and the underestimation of rainfall intensity may lead to the failure of infrastructure in extreme events. This study first developed the non-stationary (NS) IDF curves for six selected locations in India based on sub-daily station data based on time-dependent estimates of five combinations of Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution parameters. Then, in order to identify the critical regions of rainfall non-stationarity, the IDF curves were developed for 357 grid points over India using the daily gridded data for the period 1951–2016 at 1° × 1° resolution. The comparison of spatial patterns of rainfall intensity estimates under stationary and non-stationary showed that about 23% of grids showed an overestimation of NS rainfall over their stationary counterparts by at least 15%. About 32 grid locations which showed at least 15% overestimation of rainfall under an NS case displayed a significantly increasing rainfall trend. The majority of the grids with larger deviation of non-stationary rainfall estimates over stationary values are located in India's eastern regions and coastal belts.

Air-conditioning cost savings, CO2 emission benefits and return on investment by using waste in porotherm bricks in hot-arid and warm-temperate climates

Building energy consumption has dramatically increased globally during the last few decades. This energy is primarily utilized to keep air-conditioned buildings at a comfortable temperature. As the worldwide demand for energy increases, net-zero or green buildings will undoubtedly become more and more crucial to address challenges related to climate change. It is well-known in this regard that the use of thermal insulation materials inside the building can contribute with temperature management and thermal comfort by preventing heat transmission. The present study examines the thermo-economic aspects of porotherm blocks filled with discarded insulations. Six different types of insulation were therefore investigated, and each was inserted into the porotherm brick cavities, including plastic powder, tire powder, cloth powder, leather powder, rockwool, and coconut pith. The effects of these newly developed brick configurations on air-conditioning costs, carbon dioxide emissions and payback time are compared to those of conventional porotherm blocks and burnt clay bricks. Thermo-physical properties of the aforementioned insulating materials, as well as porotherm brick and burnt clay brick, were established by experimental analysis. The thermo-economic analysis was carried out based on the number of degree-hours of heating and cooling to determine the building's annual energy usage. The thermo-economic performance of insulation-stuffed porotherm bricks was evaluated in two locations in India with distinct climatic characteristics: (28.57° N 75.12° E) New Delhi (warm-temperate climate) and (28.00° N 73.30° E) Bikaner (hot-arid climate). The rockwool porotherm brick wall demonstrated the best results in terms of lower unsteady transmittance, greater air conditioning cost-savings, appropriate payback spans, and improved yearly carbon mitigation values of 0.29 W/m2K, 0.83 $/m2, 0.95 years, and 15.65 kg/kWh, respectively, in hot-dry climates.

Probing the lower ionospheric electron density modulation by the 2019 solar eclipse with VLF phase studies and ion-chemistry model

During a solar eclipse, the temporary blockage of daytime solar illumination resembles a nighttime situation up to a certain degree. This effectively modulates the lower ionosphere by reducing the ionization rate and hence electron–ion density and the VLF signal responds accordingly. This study investigates the lower ionospheric response to the Annular Solar Eclipse of December 26, 2019 (ASE19) by analyzing VLF phase modulation as observed from four different locations in India during the campaign organized by the Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP), Kolkata. The eclipse path crossed the four signal paths between NWC (19.8 kHz) transmitter and the receivers from time to time and produced significant deviations in the detected signal amplitudes and phases. We adopt the analysis of the phase delay mechanism to obtain the perturbed electron density fluctuations over the paths and compute changes in VLF reflection heights during the eclipse. The electron density modulation during the eclipse with an in situ theoretical chemical model using the solar obscuration at five different points over all the signal paths are also calculated and compared with the results from VLF. Both the temporal VLF responses at the receiving points and the changes in derived electron densities are found to exactly follow the obscuration profile at the point of maximum obscuration for all the paths. This article, for the first time successfully compares two distinct independent models related to lower ionosphere during a solar eclipse and demonstrates that though we lack the necessary means to directly explore the lower ionospheric dynamics, our theories are more than adequate and roughly reflect the actual scenario.

Microplastic contamination in salted and sun dried fish and implications for food security – A study on the effect of location, style and constituents of dried fish on microplastics load

The presence of microplastics in 21 different species of marine dried fish products from four locations in India is reported in this study. All samples have microplastics, and majority of the MPs were found to be fragments (56 %) and are of <100 μm size (47 %). Eviscerated fish found to have significantly higher MPs than whole fish. Micro FTIR spectroscopy was used to recognize the polymer of identified MPs, which included polypropylene (21 %), low density polyethylene (17.5 %), polystyrene (15.5 %), and others. Anguilla bengalensis from station 1 had the greatest concentration of microplastics (99 ± 18.91 MPs/g) among all the samples. High value of microplastics polymer induced risk index (H) of different stations, suggesting a significant level of threat to consumer safety. Additional research is required to determine the potential effects on human health caused by consuming dried fish that contains variety of microplastics and their associated compounds.

Genomic features, antimicrobial susceptibility, and epidemiological insights into Burkholderia cenocepacia clonal complex 31 isolates from bloodstream infections in India.

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) clonal complex (CC) 31, the predominant lineage causing devastating outbreaks globally, has been a growing concern of infections in non-cystic fibrosis (NCF) patients in India. B. cenocepacia is very challenging to treat owing to its virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance. Improving the management of these infections requires a better knowledge of their resistance patterns and mechanisms. Whole-genome sequences of 35 CC31 isolates obtained from patient samples, were analyzed against available 210 CC31 genomes in the NCBI database to glean details of resistance, virulence, mobile elements, and phylogenetic markers to study genomic diversity and evolution of CC31 lineage in India. Genomic analysis revealed that 35 isolates belonging to CC31 were categorized into 11 sequence types (ST), of which five STs were reported exclusively from India. Phylogenetic analysis classified 245 CC31 isolates into eight distinct clades (I-VIII) and unveiled that NCF isolates are evolving independently from the global cystic fibrosis (CF) isolates forming a distinct clade. The detection rate of seven classes of antibiotic-related genes in 35 isolates was 35 (100%) for tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones; 26 (74.2%) for sulphonamides and phenicols; 7 (20%) for beta-lactamases; and 1 (2.8%) for trimethoprim resistance genes. Additionally, 3 (8.5%) NCF isolates were resistant to disinfecting agents and antiseptics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that majority of NCF isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol (77%) and levofloxacin (34%). NCF isolates have a comparable number of virulence genes to CF isolates. A well-studied pathogenicity island of B. cenocepacia, GI11 is present in ST628 and ST709 isolates from the Indian Bcc population. In contrast, genomic island GI15 (highly similar to the island found in B. pseudomallei strain EY1) is exclusively reported in ST839 and ST824 isolates from two different locations in India. Horizontal acquisition of lytic phage ST79 of pathogenic B. pseudomallei is demonstrated in ST628 isolates Bcc1463, Bcc29163, and BccR4654 amongst CC31 lineage. The study reveals a high diversity of CC31 lineages among B. cenocepacia isolates from India. The extensive information from this study will facilitate the development of rapid diagnostic and novel therapeutic approaches to manage B. cenocepacia infections.

Discovering stories from Punjab on the streets of Saint-Tropez, Cote D’Azur, France

This paper presents stories associated with artefacts and episodes from the Kingdom of Lahore in Punjab, told through the author's research visit and fieldwork on the streets of Saint-Tropez located on the Cote D'Azur in the South of France. Episodes in the early 19th century that shaped the establishment of the Kingdom of Lahore, ruled by Maharajah Ranjit Singh, are outlined, and the author introduces Europeans employed in the armies of Punjab. The author describes how the actions of the Maharajah in the 1830s opened up highly profitable trading routes for some of his European generals between Lahore and Europe, dealing in arts, armour and textiles. The establishment of these Indo-French trading routes included the export of luxurious shawls from Kashmir and Amritsar (ruled at the time by Ranjit Singh) to Europe. One prominent individual, Jean-Francois Allard, who rose to become a general in Punjab, is chronicled, and the paper focuses on Allard and his wife, Bannou Pan Dei, and their life in Saint-Tropez. The paper ends by highlighting the recent work by officials in Saint-Tropez to articulate these stories and shared histories to develop interest, relations and promote tourism between the locations of India, especially Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and France.

Insect Pest Incidence with the System of Rice Intensification: Results of a Multi-Location Study and a Meta-Analysis

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar has spread to many parts of the world, including India. This study assessing insect pest prevalence on rice grown with SRI vs. conventional methods at multiple locations in India was prompted by reports that SRI-managed rice plants are healthier and more resistant to pest and disease damage. Field experiments were conducted under the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project over a 5-year period. The split-plot design assessed both cultivation methods and different cultivars, hybrids and improved varieties. Across the eight locations, SRI methods of cultivation showed a lower incidence of stem borer, planthoppers, and gall midge compared to conventional methods. Whorl maggots and thrips, on the other hand, were observed to be higher. Grain yield was significantly higher with SRI management across all locations. Higher ash, cellulose, hemicellulose, as well as silica content in rice plants under SRI management could explain at least in part the SRI plants’ resistance to pest damage. Analysis of guild composition revealed that in SRI plots, there were more natural enemies (insect predators and parasitoids) present and fewer crop pests (phytophages). A meta-analysis that considered other published research on this subject revealed a lower incidence of dead hearts, white ear-heads, and leaf folders, along with higher grain yield, in SRI plots.