Madhya Pradesh Research Articles (Page 1)

ABSTRACT India’s literacy journey has seen substantial improvements—from roughly 12 % in 1947 to 80.9 % among individuals aged seven and above in 2023–24—but stark disparities persist across states, genders, and urban–rural divides. Data from PLFS 2023–24 show national male literacy at 87.2 % and female literacy at 74.6 %, resulting in a persistent gender gap of 12.6 percentage points. The analysis underscores urban literacy of 88.9 % versus rural literacy of 77.5 %, highlighting an 11–14 point rural–urban divide in key states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. State-level findings reveal substantial heterogeneity: northeastern and smaller states like Mizoram (98.2 %), Lakshadweep (97.3 %), Kerala (95.3 %), Tripura (93.7 %), and Goa (93.6 %) lead literacy rankings, while populous states such as Bihar (74.3 %), Madhya Pradesh (75.2 %), and Rajasthan (75.8 %) continue to lag. Gender gaps exceed 20 points in laggard regions, while high-performing states record gaps of under 3–4 points. This study systematically analyzes long-term trends in literacy from 1951 to 2023–24—disaggregating by state, gender, and region and explores the role of major initiatives like ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme). Programmatic efforts such as ULLAS have been instrumental in achieving full literacy status in Mizoram, Tripura, and Goa, through a volunteer-driven, life-skills–based approach.

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) is a nutritionally rich and climate-resilient fruit crop with considerable potential for commercial cultivation in semi-tropical regions. Despite its high nutraceutical value, systematic evaluation of jamun cultivars for growth, yield, and quality traits under central Indian conditions is limited. The present study aimed to assess the performance of four cultivars—CISH-J-37, CISH-J-42, Goma Priyanka, and AJG-85—under the agro-climatic conditions of the Satpura Hills–Kymore Plateau region of Madhya Pradesh. A field trial was conducted during 2022–23 at the AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with five replications and single-plant plots (8 × 8 m). Observations on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit physicochemical attributes were recorded and analyzed using standard procedures. Significant variations were observed among cultivars for all growth and fruit quality parameters. Goma Priyanka exhibited maximum vegetative vigour (tree height 6.64 m; canopy spread 5.93 m; tree volume 116.27 m³) and recorded the highest yield (17.17 kg plant⁻¹) with the largest fruit size (16 g). AJG-85 produced fruits with the highest total soluble solids (18.67 °Brix), while CISH-J-42 recorded the highest pulp proportion (91%) and lowest acidity (1.11%). Based on the combined evaluation of growth, yield, and quality traits, Goma Priyanka was identified as the most promising cultivar for commercial cultivation under the semi-tropical conditions of central India. The study emphasizes the importance of cultivar evaluation for region-specific adaptability and provides a foundation for future jamun improvement and utilization programs.

Background: The consumption of tobacco in low-income countries is linked to poverty and malnutrition, particularly in India, where 14% of the population suffers from undernourishment. This study aims to assess the opportunity costs of tobacco expenditure by quantifying nutritional losses and potential enhancements in household-level food energy status if funds allocated for tobacco were redirected towards food consumption in all Indian states. Database and Methodology: This study is based on secondary data obtained from NSSO 68th Round, 2011-12. The analysis involves the calculation of the costs of tobacco products along with essential cereals and proteins in order to assess the nutritional deficiencies experienced by households in different states. The National Institute of Nutrition's recommended "My Plate" per day food requirements in 2020, and calorie requirements for males and females as recommended by Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), 2020 were considered to calculate the opportunity cost of tobacco expenses. Results: Tobacco accounts for 3.6% of food expenditure in rural India and 2.9% in Urban India. Highest tobacco expenditure as proportion of food expenditure in rural India was found in Rajasthan (7.5%), Maharashtra (5.4%), North-eastern states (4.9%) and Haryana (4.8%) while Madhya Pradesh (3.5%), Maharashtra (3.4%), Rajasthan and North-east (3.3%) have the highest proportion in urban India. Conclusion: The findings suggest that reduction of tobacco expenses and proper re-allocation of resources will facilitate improvement and optimization of tobacco prevention and control strategies.

Community radio stations serve as vital intermediaries, bridging the knowledge gap between agricultural research institutions and rural farming communities by translating scientific findings into accessible, locally relevant information. The study was conducted to understand the characteristics and preferences of the local audience who listen to community radio stations. The study involved interviewing 320 respondents from Madhya Pradesh state of India and Frequency, Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation etc. statistical tools were used to analysis the data. The insights gained can help in improving community radio programming to better serve the needs of the farming community and other local audiences. The study indicated that a considerable proportion of respondents (65.31%) were middle-aged, with males forming the majority (74.69%), and most being married (90.63%). About 41.56% of the participants belonged to nuclear families, while 48.75% were members of medium-sized households. Educational attainment up to the secondary level was observed among 23.44% of farmers, and 18.44% were primarily engaged in farming. In terms of behavioral characteristics, 48.33% exhibited a moderate level of information-seeking behavior, whereas 61.56% showed a medium degree of exposure to mass media. Likewise, 66.88% demonstrated a medium level of social participation, 48.44% displayed moderate openness to change, and 40.68% reflected a medium degree of achievement motivation. Furthermore, 57.19% of respondents expressed a moderate level of creativity, 54.06% possessed medium communication skills, and 56.25% exhibited a medium level of perception about Community Radio stations.

Methane emissions from cattle manure in India: A scenario-based comprehensive study.

Radon and Thoron exhalation rates in soil near coal mines in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.

Sacred groves in India represent a unique convergence of cultural heritage, ecological sustainability, and traditional healthcare practices. These community-managed forest patches safeguard plant species that hold both religious and therapeutic significance. However, these are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. The study highlights the ethnomedicinal values of these sacred groves through documentation, phytochemical profiling, and quantitative estimation of total phenols and flavonoids. Sacred groves from Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar were surveyed between 2023-2024, documenting 12 sacred medicinal plants from 11 different families. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative assays showed that Emblica officinalis exhibited the highest total phenolic content at 4.86 mg/100 g, while Ocimum sanctum had the highest flavonoid concentration at 2.18 mg/100 g. These findings emphasise the dual ecological and pharmacological importance of sacred plants, underscoring the need for sustainable conservation efforts and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern healthcare systems.

Constraints and their suggestions in agricultural decision-making among women farmers in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh

The Net House experiment was conducted in the Experimental Area. ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station (ICAR-CPRI-RS), Maharajpura, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, during two Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25. The aim was to evaluate the effect of sowing time, variety, and propagation method on the storage behavior of potato tubers under ambient conditions. A split-plot design was used in this experiment with three replications. Parameters evaluated included initial tuber number and weight, physiological loss in weight (PLW), rottage, sprouting percentage, dormancy breaking, and number of sprouts per tuber. Results indicated that sowing time and variety significantly affected initial tuber number, while propagation method had minimal impact. PLW increased progressively with storage duration, with the highest losses observed in late sowing (3rd sowing) and aeroponics minituber propagation. No sprouting or dormancy breaking occurred up to 60 days, and tubers remained rot-free for 45 days. Interaction effects showed slightly higher rottage in late-sown Kufri Sangam propagated via aeroponics, though differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that tubers can maintain dormancy and health for at least two months under ambient storage, providing valuable insights for potato postharvest management.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a key component of Ayurvedic medicine and is seeing rising demand in India and internationally. This paper reviews agronomic practices, agro-climatic suitability, crop management, economic viability, and post-harvest handling in Madhya Pradesh. Drawing on local agro-ecological conditions, it offers practical recommendations for farmers and policymakers to improve yield, quality, and profitability while supporting sustainable agriculture.

The study was conducted to economic assessment and profitability analysis of wheat cultivation across various farm sizes in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Using data collected from sample farmers through random sampling, the average total cost of cultivation (Cost C3) was estimated at ₹43,541.69/ha. Small and marginal farms incurred higher costs due to land leasing, while large farms achieved lower production costs and higher profitability. Operational cost (Cost A1) accounted for 63.28% of total cost, mainly from fertilizers, manure, and seeds. The cost of production ranged from ₹987.12/qtl on small farms to ₹847.62/qtl on large farms. Large farms also realized the highest yield (36 qtl/ha), gross income (₹80,960/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (1:1.88). The results highlight that larger farm benefit from economies of scale, better input management, and improved profitability in wheat cultivation.

The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) aimed to strengthen public sector primary care for hypertension treatment and control. Our study describes changes in health-seeking behaviour, prescription practices, and key predictors influencing treatment adoption in the public sector using data from IHCI repeat cross-sectional surveys. We conducted baseline (2018-19) and follow-up (2023-24) surveys in nine districts across five Phase I states in India - two districts each from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, and one from Maharashtra. We conducted the survey among 3,900 adults (18–69 years) per district at two time points. We computed frequencies and proportions for socio-demographic variables, healthcare utilisation, blood pressure (BP) control, drug availability, medication costs, and prescription practices. We used a log-binomial model to estimate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs, APRs) with 95% confidence intervals for factors influencing care-seeking for hypertension in government facilities. Among 2,873 baseline and 3,276 follow-up respondents, the proportion seeking treatment at government facilities increased from 20% to 32%. Individuals on treatment were 1.5 times more likely to use government facilities in 2023-24 than in 2018-19 (aPR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.4–1.7). BP control improved in government (37% to 48%) and non-government (35% to 47%) facilities. Drug availability (always available) in government facilities rose from 72% (425/588) to 81% (844/1041), with Amlodipine 5 mg remaining the most prescribed drug (18%). The proportion of individuals paying for medications dropped from 47% to 9%. There was increased public sector use, improved BP control, enhanced drug availability, and reduced costs, possibly due to IHCI interventions. We recommend using representative surveys for NCD surveillance to monitor healthcare utilisation patterns and assess the impact of interventions on hypertension outcomes. KeywordsBlood Pressure; Hypertension; Public Sector; Primary Health Care; Drug Prescriptions; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; IndiaSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24898-0.

Evaluating Geosites for Geotourism: A Study of the Bagh Region in Madhya Pradesh State, India Using Brilha’s Framework

This study was conducted with the objective of comparing the status of farm mechanization in the major wheat producing states of India. The states considered in the study included Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. For the study secondary data on cost of human, animal and machine labour was collected from the official website of directorate of economics and farm management for the period from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The study revealed that in Madhya Pradesh, the share of machine labour declined from 43.36 percent in the base year to 39.40 percent in the current period, indicating a relatively slower pace of mechanization adoption. The share of animal labour showed a consistent decrease in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, reflecting the near phase-out of draught animal use in wheat cultivation. In contrast, machine labour costs exhibited a positive and statistically significant increase across all four states, highlighting the rising role of mechanized operations. Similarly, total labour costs recorded significant and positive growth in every state during the study period, driven by both higher wage rates and increased use of machines. These patterns underline the ongoing structural transformation in labour use, with mechanization emerging as a key driver of productivity changes in wheat farming. These further highlight the uneven pace of mechanization in India’s wheat sector and underscore the need for differentiated policy support particularly in credit access, machinery rental services, and skill development to promote inclusive and efficient agricultural transformation.

The paper discussed the financial performance and trade scenario of the coal industry in India. It has been found that India is traditionally a coal-producing country. India is a leading coal-producing and consuming country. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh are the leading coal-producing states. Production of non-coking and coking coal has increased in the last ten years. Coil India Limited is the leading coal-producing company. Import and value of coking coal, non-coking coal, and coke & coal products are increasing continuously. India imports large quantities of coal due to the rising coal demand in the steel and power industries. Exports of non-coking and coking coal from India are not stable and declined in certain periods due to external factors. India exports coal to South Asian countries. Telangana, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are the highest royalty-receiving states from coal mining. The import quantity of non-coking and coking coal in India is higher than the export quantity. Therefore, the government should implement suitable policies for increasing the production of coal and reducing the dependence on imports of coal from other countries. It will increase the sustainability as well as the financial performance of coal-producing Indian companies.

Amidst escalating environmental challenges and growing resource constraints, sustainable consumption has become a pivotal focus of contemporary policy discourse. Recognizing its importance, governments globally, including in India, have introduced a spectrum of policy interventions to cultivate environmentally conscious consumer behaviour. This study offers a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of government policies in advancing sustainable consumption within the state of Madhya Pradesh, an Indian region marked by socio-economic and geographic diversity. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research draws upon empirical data collected through structured questionnaires, complemented by an in-depth review of relevant policy frameworks and official documents. The findings indicate a moderate level of public awareness regarding sustainability initiatives; however, they also reveal significant deficiencies in policy execution, stakeholder inclusion, and behavioural transformation. Particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, limited outreach and infrastructural gaps continue to undermine policy impact. The study underscores the necessity for more adaptive, decentralized, and culturally attuned strategies that align with local contexts. In doing so, it contributes valuable insights into policy refinement aimed at fostering sustainable consumption practices in emerging economies.

The present study aimed to evaluate the interactive effect of seed priming and foliar application with different concentrations of micronutrients on economics of coriander var JD-1. The experiment was conducted at Vegetable Research Centre, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during Rabi season of 2020- 2021 with 18 treatments (seed priming with copper and manganese separately @ 150, 300 and 450 ppm each along with foliar spray @ 0.1% Copper and 0.1 % Manganese separately at 45 and 75 DAS). The results highlighted that treatment, T11 seed priming with Mn @ 150 ppm and foliar spray of 0.1% Mn at 45 DAS) and T17 (seed priming with Mn @ 450 ppm and foliar spray of 0.1% Mn at 45 DAS) recorded the maximum B:C ratio. It can be concluded from the findings of present study that the seed priming and foliar application of copper and manganese had significantly influenced the seed yield hence, increased the economic profitability i.e., net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio of coriander.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum is a major constraint in soybean production, affecting leaves, stems, pods, and seeds. In the present study, ten isolates of C. truncatum were collected from ten locations across nine districts and seven agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh. Their cultural and morphological characteristics were evaluated on five different media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Oatmeal Agar (OMA), Corn Meal Agar (CMA), Czapek’s Dox Agar (CDA) and Richard’s Agar (RA). Colony morphology, mycelial density, sporulation, and radial growth were recorded at 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th days post-inoculation. Significant variability was observed among isolates and media in terms of colony texture, colour, mycelial density, and sporulation. PDA supported the fastest early growth and maximum final radial expansion, while OMA and CDA promoted vigorous sporulation. Corn Meal Agar also supported good growth and sporulation for most isolates. Richard’s Agar consistently exhibited the lowest radial growth and sparse sporulation. These findings indicate that PDA, OMA, and CMA are the most suitable media for studying growth and reproductive potential of C. truncatum, and the observed isolate-specific differences highlight considerable intraspecific variability, which may have implications for disease management and inoculum production.

ABSTRACT Forest fires play a critical role in determining the ecological and vegetation dynamics of Central India’s deciduous forests. This study evaluates the impact of forest fire on plant diversity in a forest of Central India. Forest fire frequency was assessed using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (Landsat 5, 7, and 8) and validated with MODIS active fire products (MOD14/MYD14). The Phytosociological data were collected through field surveys in the Hoshangabad Forest Division, Madhya Pradesh, India. The results indicate that low fire frequency zones (LFZ) exhibit the highest species diversity and evenness, whereas high fire frequency zones (HFZ) show the lowest, suggesting fire plays a significant role in influencing forest composition. The moderate fire frequency zone (MFZ) shows an intermediate diversity pattern, supporting the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Frequent fires in HFZ reduce species richness by favoring fire-resistant species such as Diospyros melanoxylon, which dominates across all fire zones, with the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) in HFZ (62.18). Tree density trends reveal that while HFZ has a slightly higher average density than non-fire zones, the reduced diversity suggests a shift toward homogeneous structure. The findings highlight the need for adaptive fire management strategies to balance biodiversity conservation in fire-prone landscapes. Focusing on the tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India, this study underscores the importance of region-specific and forest type-specific assessments, which are essential for developing fire management and biodiversity conservation strategies. This regional perspective not only adds significant value to India’s forest management discourse but also provides critical insights for forest policy and ecological restoration in dry deciduous landscapes, where recurrent fires strongly influence species diversity, forest structure, and regeneration patterns.

Psychological distress and risk of burnout among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries represent a serious global public health concern and threat to efficient health system functioning and resilience. This mixed methods study aimed to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a digital adaptation of the WHO's evidence-based Self-Help Plus (SH+) psychological intervention among community health workers, called Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), in rural India. A total of 40 ASHAs, all women, were recruited from Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, from October 2022 to March 2023. The intervention, a culturally adapted, digitized version of the WHO's evidence-based SH+ intervention, called SAMBHAV, was delivered via smartphone app. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler-10 at baseline, six-week and 12-week follow up. The System Usability Scale and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 were used to assess usability and satisfaction with the digital intervention, respectively. Focus group discussions were used to assess acceptability. From baseline to 12-week follow-up, psychological distress levels significantly reduced (mean decrease of 2.5 points, p=0.043), indicating improved psychological health and psychological distress management capacity. The intervention demonstrated favorable acceptability (mean=20.45) and usability (mean=69.31), though challenges related to user interface and app navigation were identified. Qualitative feedback supported these findings, with ASHAs describing the intervention as practical, easy to learn, and effective in reducing their psychological distress while empowering them to assist others in managing tension. These findings highlight that the WHO's SH+ intervention can be adapted for different low resource contexts and tailored to meet the needs of specific target groups, specifically for alleviating psychological distress among frontline community health workers. Future research is needed to determine the benefits of scalable brief digital self-help interventions in promoting the well-being of frontline health workers and its resulting impacts on service delivery and health system functioning.